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FAQ about Snorkeling

The snorkeling FAQ is the section where our team answers the most frequently asked questions about snorkeling activities.

Important: We base some of the answers on the information needed to join our snorkeling and scuba diving tours in Thailand.

Snorkeling FAQ: Questions with Answers

Is Snorkeling Safe?

Our snorkel tours focus on a day of relaxation and stress free fun in the water. It includes a boat excursion and time floating above the tropical fishes and corals.

Moreover, we provide value for money excursions with a professional and attentive service.

It is important to note that organised snorkeling trips at the Pattaya islands are safer and more relaxing than some of the other water sports available.

We include a snorkeler guide on board, who is also an expert on the diverse ocean life found in the area. The professional advice you get will help you find the best snorkeling spots.

Furthermore, we steer you away from potential hazards, such as strong currents, jet skis, and powered speed boats.

Snorkeling vs. Scuba Diving?

Our customers want to know the answer to one of the most common questions about snorkeling. Many of them ask us to explain the key differences between snorkeling and scuba diving.

First, you need less training to join in the snorkeling adventures. But, you will get constant in-water supervision for all scuba activities.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel. Even so, you should be comfortable in water more than a few metres in depth. This is the best way to experience snorkeling or scuba diving in a safe manner.

Snorkeling is a process of swimming on the surface of the water using a snorkeler set of mask, fins, and snorkel. Part of the enjoyment is looking down with your face in the water and floating around the reef. It should be a relaxing experience and free from overexertion.

Whereas, scuba divers will use a compressed air tank and other diving equipment. They descend from the surface and breathe underwater using an aqualung device.

PADI is the 'Professional Association of Diving Instructors'. Our team includes PADI instructors who are expert scuba trainers (including the shop manager 'Scuba Steve'. Hence, we teach and certify students through the full range of PADI scuba diving certification courses.

Snorkeling FAQ: Popular Questions with Expert Answers.Can Non-swimmers Go Snorkeling?

Absolutely yes! We welcome non-swimmers and guests who enjoy being on the boat for a day out at sea.

Even so, not all snorkelers are proficient swimmers. So, we also offer more intensive supervision for those who are not (e.g. non-swimmers).

In most cases, snorkeling does not have any age barriers – like some other water sports. Even if you are not a strong swimmer you can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a lazy day in the sun.

For example, there are many health benefits gained from floating on the warm blue water off the beaches and around the coral islands in Thailand.

When you are ready to enter the water, we will fit you up in a safety flotation vest that provides you with extra buoyancy. There are several advantages to wearing a life jacket in the water. Whether you can swim or not, wearing one will NOT allow you to descend underwater.

Do You Have a Snorkeling Blog?

Yes, we have an active snorkeling blog – especially for beginners. Check out our snorkel blogging questions and comments. The topics cover the latest tips, news, information, and expert advice for all snorkelers.

Snorkeling FAQ: Thailand Topics

What Kind of Fishes Will We See?

Great question! We do not list every single type of fish and coral formation that exists in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The most popular fish species that you should see around the coral islands, include:

Note: In the simplest terms, a coral island is one formed from coral waste or debris (also called 'detritus'). You will see coral organic material like this if you join one of our Thailand snorkeling tours.

Can I Buy a Personal Snorkel Set?

We recommend buying your own snorkeling gear for many reasons. The basic snorkel sets that we sell are very 'competitively' priced. Every month we have special offers on equipment, with snorkeling kits and equipment on sale from 999 THB.

How Do I Book a Snorkeling Tour?

Booking a snorkeling tour in Thailand is quick and simple. Please use the contact us form to send an enquiry. The boat usually leaves the marina around 09:00 a.m. so our pickup times start about an hour earlier.

The return times vary according to the snorkeling and scuba diving activities. When the weather conditions are good, the usual time to get back to the mainland is around 16:00.

Note: We ask for at least 24 hours of advance confirmation and 50% deposit per person to book a snorkel tour. This is the only way to guarantee your reservation on the boat.

What is the Sea Temperature?

The average water temperature in Thailand is 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). Even in the ‘winter time’, we rarely experience water temperature below 27 Celsius. We will often see a ‘balmy’ 33°C during the hot and humid season around May to August.

Can We Rent a Private Speed Boat?

Speed boat charter provides you with luxurious privacy, convenience, and self-indulgence. Do you prefer a little decadence and appreciate a distinct lack of noisy tourists? If so, the extra cost of speed boat hire may be the solution.

Can We Try Scuba Diving?

Most definitely! We have qualified and experienced PADI Scuba Instructors in our team. They would be delighted to take you on the PADI one-day scuba diving program for beginners.

SPECIAL OFFER: Resort Package

We also offer a single day combination package of one (1) scuba try dive and one (1) island snorkeling tour. Enjoy both activities for around 3,000 ฿ per participant.

What Food is Available on the Boat?

We have never had a serious complaint about the food that we offer on the boat. Most of our snorkeler guests comment on the high quality and quantity available all day.

We serve lunch on board usually around mid-day. We provide you with hot food and soft drinks free of charge during the day. We also cater for vegetarians.

Will there be Strong Currents?

In fact, fast moving currents are prone at certain times of the month (new moon and full moon). The captain will try to anchor the boat in the leeward side of a shallow bay. Doing so offers the most shelter from strong wind and current.

Which are the Best and Worst Months for Snorkeling?

The best months for snorkeling in Thailand peak from November until April. These winter months tend to be very dry and sunny – though quite windy.

The rainy months usually start around June. They get wetter each month until October, which is when the worst of the monsoon rains arrive.

Are there Taxi Services from Bangkok to Pattaya?

Most of our customers travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by private taxi service. We strongly recommend using a professional and reliable company such as Pattaya Taxi 24/7. You can send email for more information or contact them directly.

What is the Refund Policy?

We would not usually cancel a snorkeling trip because of rainy weather. But, if we cancel the tour for any other reason we will issue a full refund (including any deposits made). Even so, all deposits are usually non-refundable for no-shows.

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