The shallow, sunlit waters surrounding the islands of Langkawi provide optimum conditions to explore the vibrant coral reefs and wide array of exotic marine life that lie below. There are plenty of shops where you can buy or rent snorkeling gear to discover this exciting underwater world. Book a snorkel tour to the coral reefs or simply swim from the beach.
Langkawi’s main island has several beaches, such as Datai Bay, which offer beach snorkeling opportunities. However, some of the smaller islands boast better visibility. Take a short boat ride from Tanjung Rhu Beach to nearby Pulau Chabang or Pulau Dangli, both small islands with excellent visibility and a wide variety of fish. Pulau Beras Basah is another island with fantastic snorkeling, which is included in island hopping tours. For more options head to Pulau Timun or Bumbon Besar.
Located 30KM south of the main island, Pulau Payar Marine Park is deemed the best place to snorkel in Langkawi, as it is home to a diverse range of colourful marine life. The marine park compromises four islands, from which beach snorkeling is possible, with some fish in the shallow waters. However, the further you venture from the shore, the more you will see. Look out for butterflyfish, rabbitfish, pink anemonefish, and black-tipped baby sharks, to name just a few of the species that live here. Tours can also take you to reef sites with larger species of fish including barracuda, groupers, snapper, moray eels, as well as plenty of beautiful corals.
