Koh Lanta diving and snorkelling: best things to do

From beautiful beaches to island hopping, there are many fun and special things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand. But Koh Lanta diving and snorkelling are two of the most memorable!

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This stunning island is not only a beautiful destination for water-based experiences, but there are truly many activities to enjoy on your itinerary – so I’ve included those in this post too!

Personally, I had a wonderful experience diving and snorkelling in Koh Lanta. Wow, my four days on Koh Lanta were simply dreamy, with endless things to do for chilled beach bums and avid explorers alike. Perfectly romantic for couples or a lazy retreat for friends in need of a break, I also felt incredibly comfortable there as a solo traveller. I couldn’t rate Koh Lanta enough and highly recommend it to anyone wanting a relaxing, less touristy alternative to some of the other Thai islands.

With that said, let’s talk about all the best things to do in Koh Lanta, including snorkelling and diving in Koh Lanta!

All diving photo credits go to Matt Pearson. (Edited by myself for the blog post.) You can see more of his underwater photography here: https://www.instagram.com/sub_motion/

Koh Lanta diving

Although the cost of diving in Koh Lanta is much pricier than in other locations in Thailand, the general consensus among experienced divers is that it’s worth it.

Popular Koh Lanta diving spots for all divers: Koh Ha (which was recommended to me as, though very popular from Koh Lanta, the tourists from Koh Phi Phi do not visit this one), Koh Rok and Koh Bida

Popular Koh Lanta diving spots for experienced divers only: Hin Deang/ Hin Muang and Kled Keow Wreck

You can also take your PADI Open Water Course or Advanced Open Water Course with one of the top-rated PADI-accredited diving schools who make their home on the island.

My experience diving in Koh Lanta

I dived with Andaman Dive Adventure who could not have been more professional with high-quality scuba gear. They are a 5* dive school with glowing reviews all around, but I actually chose them because their boat looked the most comfortable hahaa.

Once you board your boat at Koh Lanta, it’s quite a long way to the dive sites and it was great to relax on the cushioned upper deck with the other divers.

First of all, my Koh Lanta scuba diving trip went to Koh Ha. While whale sharks, rays and turtles had been recently spotted there, on my trip we largely saw many varieties of individual and huge schools of fish. Which didn’t bother me at all – I loveee fish. 🙂 On the second dive, we swam inside ‘the cathedral’, a large cavern on the side of the reef.

There was also a professional photographer on board, eco-friendly refillable water cups and electrolytes which was a nice touch. The service (including the many snacks) was highly appreciated.

My pick-up was 7:10am and I arrived back at my guesthouse around 4pm. This was so much fun and definitely one of the best Koh Lanta things to do.

http://andamandiveadventure.com/

Diving with Andaman Dive Adventure is one of the best things to do on Koh Lanta

Cost of diving in Koh Lanta

Most dive schools charge around 3500 baht for 1-day fun diving (2 dives) plus 600 baht for the parking fee. Discounts usually apply for multiple days of diving.

This should include a transfer to and from your accommodation, divemaster, all rental dive gear, breakfast, lunch (including a vegan option), water, sodas and fruits.

Most schools require you to do a refresher course if you’ve not dived for some time, but policies vary regarding how recently you must have dived. Dive & Relax require less experienced divers  – such as myself (11 dives before Koh Lanta with an advanced PADI eight months prior) – to take a refresher course if they’ve not dived in six months. This costs 900 baht. I was thankfully not required to take a refresher with Andaman Dive Adventure. Ask any dive school for this if you’re not sure you’ll be comfortable in the water again. 🙂

Best snorkelling Koh Lanta

Four Islands Koh Lanta day trip

The 4 Islands snorkelling Koh Lanta is one of the best day trips from Koh Lanta and a great way to experience the varied spots around the region.

Island hopping in Koh Lanta usually takes visitors to Marokat Cave, Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, and Koh Ngai. However, you can also see these places independently, giving yourself longer to spend at each place.

Marokat Cave

After jumping off the boat on my snorkelling day trip, we swam through an 80-metre-long dark tunnel, pitch black inside aside from the guide’s distant torch.

The guide led us through the cave tunnel to a pristine and secluded cove on the other side. Paradise jungle vibes aside, there’s not much to do as it’s a smallish hidden beach in the shadow of towering limestone cliffs, but it’s very cool to witness.

Marakot Cave is also known as Emerald Cave, which makes sense when you see the colour of the water, and is actually part of Koh Mook (which we’ll visit below).

Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan is definitely one of the most beautiful things to see in Koh Lanta Thailand.

Like the other regional islands, Koh Kradan is a dreamy beach paradise nestled in the Andaman Sea. But this island is unique due to its tiny size – it’s only 2.5 square kilometres in size! So you won’t find any human settlements here, just untouched jungle and secluded coves.

While at Koh Kradan, why not go snorkelling off the radiant 1.5km Paradise Beach, sunbathe at Sunset Beach, or get some shade on the short jungle trail?

On the island hopping tour, we had two hours to snorkel off the side of the island and also eat the buffet lunch organised by our tour guides.

Koh Mook

The second Koh Lanta snorkelling trip of the day was off Koh Mook.

Unfortunately, the day I visited, there was a huge jellyfish explosion and we couldn’t get in the water. Hahaha, seriously, it was so funny. There were thousands of jellyfish EVERYWHERE! Thankfully, everyone was very understanding about this (as we should be since it’s a freaky thing totally out of the tour guide’s control). Instead, we simply had longer to enjoy Koh Ngai.

When it’s not inhabited by jellyfish, you can even stay in Koh Mook and travel to other islands from here.

Koh Mook is another spot to enjoy endless sandy beaches or catching some shade between palm trees.

I forgot to take a photo of Koh Mook. This is how it looks from the boat hahaa.

Koh Ngai

Another of Koh Lanta’s island neighbours is the tiny Koh Ngai. The pristine paradise is just 5 square kilometres big and a great spot to relax, snorkel, or even stay overnight.

What a perfect place from which to see the view. I met the NICEST couple at the beginning of the day who chatted with me the whole time and sat with me at lunch the whole day… and at the Koh Ngai beach bar bought me a pina colada. Beyond sweet. Though I do spend the majority of my solo travels alone, it’s funny how occasionally I will forever associate beautiful places with the superbly kind strangers I met there.

My pick-up was 8:20 am and I arrived back at my guesthouse around 4 pm.

Costs: The cost seems to range from around 900K (for long boat trips) to 1400K baht (for speed boats). Tip: My tour with Tin Adventure Sea Tour was MUCH cheaper booking through my guesthouse than some of the options to pre-book online.

The speed boat trips will leave you with longer to enjoy the activities as they get you to each island quicker. The cost should include drinks (water and soda), lunch (including a vegan option), snacks, rental snorkelling gear and transfers to and from your accommodation.

Book your 4 Islands Day Trip here

Things to do in Koh Lanta on a day trip: enjoy the serene views from Koh Ngai!

Other places for Koh Lanta snorkelling:

While some amount of snorkelling is included in most island-hopping day trips from Koh Lanta – including the 4 islands one above – KOH ROK is largely recommended as being the best in Koh Lanta.

The highly reviewed Koh Rok snorkelling tour is said to have gorgeous coral reefs, turquoise waters and many varieties of tropical fish. You will also stop off at an idyllic island for a buffet lunch. The host at my guesthouse said this is her personal favourite day trip from Koh Lanta.

Since Koh Rok also has great diving, it’s recommended for groups with both divers and snorkelling enthusiasts, since you can all go together.

Book your Koh Rok Snorkelling Tour here

ECO TIP: Remember not to touch the coral or underwater world when you snorkel or you will damage this already frail ecosystem. Wear reef-safe sunscreen before getting in the sea! If you MUST wear regular sunscreen, at least don’t top it up right before you snorkel, meaning it is no use to you and simply washes off in the water, damaging the coral.

Cost: Again, I’ve seen this tour quoted at anything from 800K to 1500K, depending on whether it’s long tail or speed boats and the quality of the tour company.

Sunset at Long Beach, Koh Lanta

More things to do in Koh Lanta

Besides exploring the underwater world that invites us to leave Koh Lanta’s sandy shores, it’s still well worth spending an extra one or two days in Koh Lanta to explore on land! Here are a few of the top activities:

Enjoy the beautiful Beaches And Koh Lanta Sunsets

If you’re wondering what to do in Koh Lanta, you can’t go wrong with the stunning stretches of sandy beaches.

Whilst the majority of tourists stay at Klong Dao (popular with families) or Pra Ae Beach, better known as Long Beach, which stretches for 4km of white sand. I stayed here at Long Beach – purely due to the cheap accommodation options – and loved it.

The beaches are said to get quieter and more relaxing the further South you go. Next up of the main beaches is Klong Khong beach and finally Klong Nin beach. My friends stayed at Klong Nin Beach which sounds dreamy.

I described the four main beaches above but with a scooter, you can go further South and find your own deserted beach too.

Unsurprisingly, relaxing on the beach is one of the number one things to do in Koh Lanta

There are many chilled-out beach bars and restaurants along the coast, particularly along Long Beach, that will leave you in peace to enjoy their seating even if you only buy one drink. There are usually no sun loungers along the beaches in Koh Lanta (which many prefer to the more touristy Phuket) unless they’re provided by beachside accommodation, so be sure to bring a towel.

Costs: Free, of course. 20 baht for a soda while you sit back and enjoy the view from an oceanside cafe.

The water is warm and the sand is soft. Enjoy. 🙂

You can also head to the hidden gem Kantiang Beach, which many people have listed as their favourite in Koh Lanta. The photo below is of my friend Karen at a local bar overlooking the beach.

Explore Koh Lanta by Scooter

You can explore the South of the island and Mu Koh National Park by scooter but beware I was warned the roads are pretty bad – wide but bumpy with potholes.

The national park is known for breathtaking views, a unique nature trail and intriguingly, a lighthouse. Mind the monkeys though, they might look cute but it’s advised you keep your distance and don’t open food around them.

Avoid midday if you want to hike as this area can get very hot.

Cost: 200 baht per day to rent a scooter (bargaining down is possible). 200 entrance fee to the National Park. 20 baht scooter parking fee.

Other transport options for exploring Koh Lanta attractions:

• My friend’s friend took a tuk-tuk instead of a scooter but noted she worried a couple of times when they were going up a hill she thought they weren’t going to make it hahaha
  
• The culture-filled Koh Lanta Old Town is often listed as one of the top things to do in Koh Lanta, with various tours available. However, I was advised it is a bit of a tourist trap (for example, mostly souvenir shops that did not feel authentic). So juries out on whether you should add this one to your Koh Lanta to do list.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

• BUDGET at Long Beach:

I stayed at Guesthouse Grand House with the nicest host ever. This is a great budget option for solos or couples in need of a cheap but comfortable private room which includes a private bathroom.

Overall the reviews are very high. You can book tours and transport directly here. I chose the cheapest option with a fan and a ‘cold’ shower. The water was NOT that cold and the host brought me a second fan to make sure I wasn’t ever too hot.

Best of all, staying near Long Beach meant I had close access to many Koh Lanta dive schools

I also asked my friends who’ve visited Koh Lanta if they’d recommend their accommodation and fortunately they did.

• BUDGET at Klong Nin:

One friend stayed at Andawa Lanta House, a budget option by Klong Nin Beach. ‘The family were really nice.’ She also recommended the Majestic Bar calling it ‘fantastic, it’s one of those bars that always gets a mention online and has amazing cocktails.’

• LUXURY (‘the number 1 hotel in Thailand’):

The Pimali Resort overlooking the stunning Kantiang Beach is often rated the best in Thailand so definitely worth visiting if you’re going to Thailand for a special occasion!

Where to get a massage in Koh Lanta

Whilst the cheapest options are the open massage platforms along the beach and the priciest options at resorts, Dreamy Spa is a good mid-range option. It’s, of course, more expensive than the mainland (in Chiang Mai you can get an hourlong Thai massage for 200 baht and which is 395 baht here) but reasonable for an island.

You will get a private room with a proper massage table (with a hole for the head) and are able to choose an essential oil. This is another addition to your Koh Lanta to do list if you want to relax!

http://www.dreamyspa.com/en/Treatments

Vegan Food on Koh Lanta

It’s easy to find vegan food in Koh Lanta as all restaurants will sell a variety of vegan options, though the quality will be mixed and the food may be a little plain. The local restaurants are cheaper but I wasn’t really enjoying the food so went out seeking delicious flavours and vegan proteins…

• Potato Cafe and Kitchen

100% vegan and vegetarian options, including vegan pancakes, great spaghetti bolognese, pizzas and Asian options. I enjoyed their tofu balls and dips for lunch one day too. It was helpfully 30-seconds from my guesthouse too.

Tofu balls, vegan pancakes and cute cats at Potato Cafe (near Long Beach, Koh Lanta)

• Happy Veggie 

100% vegan and vegetarian options, this highly-rated restaurant is definitely worth checking out. I enjoyed the veggie burger.

• Galapagos

Various veggie and vegan options, mostly Asian. The woman who works here is really really nice and I enjoyed the curries I ate here. I also noticed they sell avo toast and a healthy vegetarian bagel at lunchtime.

Veggie red curry at Galapagos (near Long Beach, Koh Lanta Thailand)

Ethical Travel in Koh Lanta Thailand

If you’re looking for ethical things to do in Ko Lanta, there are some great opportunities to give back on the island.

Trash Hero organises weekly beach cleans in Koh Lanta. Find out how to participate here: https://trashhero.org/ It’s great fun, educational for kids and helps give back to Koh Lanta’s awesome local community

Lanta Animal Welfare provides care for stray cats and dogs on the island. You can have a tour of the centre and donate on-site. Please remember, animal welfare comes first, and listen to the advice of your host before approaching animals. https://lantaanimalwelfare.com/

To avoid using plastic bottles in Southeast Asia, I used a Water To Go bottle. The filters used in their BPA-free water bottles are created based on technology originally developed for the NASA space programme. These provide safe water from any non-salt water source in the world.

Get Your Reusable Water Bottle here and use the code HAG15 if you like what you see to get 15% off. 

Say no to plastic straws, otherwise, beach cafes will automatically put one in your drink

Diving is one of the best things to do in Koh Lanta and my personal highlight

How to get to Koh Lanta

Many people visit Koh Lanta from Koh Phi Phi, Phuket or the Krabi beaches. At Krabi, you will be able to visit the famous Railay Beach.

How to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi airport:

This could not be easier, with regular flights from elsewhere in Thailand, depending on if you’re continuing from Chiang Mai or if it’s your first island stop after a 4 day Bangkok itinerary.

Krabi airport is tiny – when you leave the baggage collection and enter the ‘arrivals’ hall, you will see the tour desks in the left-hand corner. From here, you can ask for a seat on a shared minibus to Koh Lanta. All operators charge 400K baht for this service. The bus goes via the car ferry and will drop you at directly outside your accommodation.

Similarly, when you leave Koh Lanta, you can ask them to arrange a pick up from your accommodation to Krabi airport. It cost me 300K baht on the way back and the minibuses go around once an hour.

You can also choose a private taxi. Just as easy to organise but around 10x the cost at 3000 baht.

Getting to Koh Lanta from Krabi or Aonang:

You can also join the minibus to Koh Lanta from Krabi or Aonang, which I’ve also seen quoted at around 400 baht.

Getting to Koh Lanta from Phuket or Koh Phi Phi:

There are a couple of ways to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta.

Firstly, the ferry to and from Phuket goes via Koh Phi Phi.

It takes around 70 minutes to Koh Phi Phi and four hours to Phuket. This costs 450 baht and 850 baht, respectively. You can arrange a pickup with your accommodation or head directly to the pier.

There is also a more expensive speedboat option from around 1000 baht to Phuket.

Summary: Koh Lanta diving and snorkelling.

I hope this post has inspired you to check out this beautiful island and enjoy a Koh Lanta diving or snorkelling experience of your own! There are so many wonderful things to do at this beautiful Thailand retreat and I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time exploring the sparkling waters of Koh Lanta as much as I did!

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