Southeast Asia is one of the best regions in the world for exploring life under the sea. The landscapes are beautiful, the activities are endless, and the underwater experiences are unforgettable. During my time traveling through this part of the world, I got to snorkel and dive in some of the most amazing places I’ve ever seen. From the south of Thailand to the beaches of the Philippines, the islands of Indonesia, and the coastline of Vietnam, there were so many spots that completely blew me away.
Whether you love scuba diving, free diving, or just enjoy snorkeling in shallow water, Southeast Asia has something for you. The water is warm, the marine life is full of color and movement, and the coral reefs are like underwater cities just waiting to be explored. You don’t need to be an expert or have fancy gear—many places are easy to access and perfect for beginners too.
In this article, I’ll share some of the best places to snorkel and dive in Southeast Asia—places that left me full of wonder and made me even more curious about what else is out there beneath the surface.
Gili Air
Let’s start with an iconic spot in Indonesia that stole my heart—Gili Air. Out of the three Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air), this one felt like the perfect balance of chill island life and access to incredible underwater adventures. The Gilis are well-known for being a hub for scuba diving, free diving, and snorkeling, and you can find great spots around all three islands. But for me, Gili Air was the perfect match. It’s laid-back, peaceful, and surrounded by warm, clear waters full of life.
What makes Gili Air so great for snorkeling and diving is the abundance of coral reefs and, most famously, the sea turtles. You don’t have to swim far to spot one—just head to the eastern beaches, put on your mask and snorkel, and you’ll likely find a turtle cruising by within minutes. It’s honestly magical.
The island also has several dive schools and free diving centers, so whether you’re looking to get certified or just try something new, it’s a great place to start. If you’re more into snorkeling, you’ll find plenty of places to rent gear or join a snorkel tour by boat. These tours take you to different sites around the Gilis, including some excellent dive spots with colorful coral and tons of fish.
One of the highlights for many travelers is the underwater statue off the coast of Gili Meno. It’s a unique and artistic spot that has attracted marine life over the years, and it’s become a popular place for both divers and snorkelers to explore and snap a few photos. I did a snorkel tour that stopped there, and it was such a fun experience—I highly recommend it if you’re in the area.
Komodo Islands
Next up are the Komodo Islands—one of the most unforgettable places I’ve ever explored underwater. If you’re looking for adventure, this is the place to go. One of the best ways to experience the area is by joining a multi-day boat tour from Lombok to Flores, which gives you access to some of the most stunning and remote snorkeling and diving spots in the region.
During the trip, we had so many chances to jump in the water—sometimes right off the boat, other times at planned stops like the famous Pink Beach, where the sand has a soft blush color and the reef just offshore is packed with marine life. One morning, we had the chance to dive with whale sharks, which was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. Throughout the journey, we also saw sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and more varieties of colorful fish and coral than I could count.
The marine protection efforts in the Komodo area are really impressive. The coral reefs are well-preserved, healthy, and full of life, which makes every dive or snorkel session feel like you’re exploring a thriving underwater world. The visibility is usually great, and the water is warm, making it accessible even if you’re not super experienced.
There are also companies that offer dedicated scuba diving trips throughout the Komodo National Park, so whether you’re just into snorkeling or want to dive deep into the experience, there’s something for every kind of traveler here. The Komodo Islands are truly a dream destination for ocean lovers, and I can’t recommend them enough.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a peaceful island located in the south of Thailand, and it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty both above and below the water. Compared to some of the more crowded Thai islands, Koh Lanta has a calm, laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for anyone looking to relax, explore, and connect with the ocean.
While I was there, I joined a full-day snorkeling tour and was absolutely blown away by what I saw. We swam with blacktip reef sharks, glided over colorful coral reefs, and were surrounded by schools of tropical fish in every direction. The water was warm and clear, making it easy to spend hours just floating and watching the marine life go by. Every stop on the tour felt like a hidden gem.
For those who want to go deeper, there are several scuba dive shops on the island that offer courses, fun dives, and trips to some of the best dive spots in the region. Whether you’re new to diving or already certified, Koh Lanta is a great base for underwater adventures.
What I loved most was how peaceful everything felt. The island isn’t overrun with tourists, and the vibe is friendly, quiet, and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your days swimming in the sea, soaking up the sun, and ending it all with a beachside dinner while watching the sunset.
If you’re looking for beautiful snorkeling, a relaxed atmosphere, and the chance to explore Thailand’s marine life without the crowds, Koh Lanta is a must.
Koh Tao
Next is the well-known island of Koh Tao, one of the top places in Southeast Asia—and the world—for scuba diving. It’s especially popular because it’s one of the cheapest places to get your Open Water certification. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to dive, this is the place to do it.
There are tons of dive schools on the island, and they offer everything from beginner lessons to advanced and even professional-level training. Whether you want to try diving for the first time or become a certified dive instructor, you’ll find a school that fits your needs. You can also pick a school that teaches in your native language or choose between ones that use PADI or RAID certifications.
The dive sites around Koh Tao are amazing. You’ll find beautiful coral reefs, big schools of fish, and sometimes even whale sharks if you’re lucky. There are spots for all levels, from shallow easy dives to deeper and more challenging ones like Chumphon Pinnacle or Sail Rock.
What makes Koh Tao even more fun is the island vibe. It’s got a big dive community, so it’s easy to meet people and make friends while learning or diving. There are lots of cool cafes, beach bars, and places to hang out after a day in the water.
If you’re into diving—or want to be—Koh Tao is one of the best places you can go.
El Nido
Just outside the main town of El Nido, a stunning beach destination on the island of Palawan, lies some of the most beautiful snorkeling in the Philippines — and possibly the world. You can easily hop on a day tour from town to explore nearby lagoons, reefs, and islands. But if you really want to immerse yourself in the magic of this region, consider joining a multi-day boat expedition from El Nido to Coron.
These longer trips offer the chance to snorkel in remote, untouched spots surrounded by nothing but turquoise water and uninhabited islands. Along the way, you’ll discover well-protected reefs teeming with marine life — from sea turtles and starfish to vibrant corals and even pearl farms tucked away in the quieter coves. The water is incredibly clear, and the scenery above and below the surface is unforgettable.
We spent days cruising between islands, stopping to snorkel in hidden lagoons, explore sandbars, and camp under the stars. It was some of the most breathtaking marine life I’ve ever seen — and the kind of experience that makes you feel completely disconnected from the world, in the best way.
Siquijor
Next is the beautiful and peaceful island of Siquijor in the Philippines, known for its healing energy and relaxed vibe. It’s also an amazing place to snorkel and dive. There are a few great freediving and scuba schools around the island, and they offer all kinds of dives for different levels.
If you’re more into snorkeling, the marine sanctuary near Paliton Beach is the perfect spot. The reef is super well protected, so the coral is healthy and the fish life is really active. You might even spot a turtle or two!
Siquijor is a chill place to explore the underwater world. The water is clear, the marine life is beautiful, and everything feels calm and uncrowded. It’s the kind of island where you can spend the day swimming, relaxing, and just soaking up the magic.
Port Barton
Port Barton is a peaceful paradise tucked away in Palawan, Philippines. Much quieter and more laid-back than its more famous neighbor El Nido, Port Barton offers the same stunning natural beauty without the crowds. It’s the kind of place where time slows down—perfect for beach lovers, nature seekers, and anyone craving a more relaxed vibe. One of the highlights here is the island-hopping snorkel tour. We visited a handful of remote islands, stopped at an untouched sandbar where dozens of bright orange starfish dotted the shallow waters, and swam alongside turtles in warm, crystal-clear seas. The color of the water is a dreamy shade of turquoise that practically glows under the sun, and the scenery all around is absolutely breathtaking. With its serene atmosphere and untouched charm, Port Barton is one of the most peaceful and beautiful snorkel spots I’ve ever experienced.
Nha Trang
Nha Trang is one of Vietnam’s most underrated coastal cities—and an unexpectedly great spot for snorkeling. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment I saw the coastline, I was blown away. The city itself is vibrant and modern, but step out on a boat and you’re surrounded by calm, clear blue waters and a coastline that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. I went on a snorkel tour here and was completely surprised by how vibrant and colorful the underwater life was. I found some of the most unique shells I’ve ever seen and spotted fish I’d never encountered anywhere else. The clarity of the water made everything feel magical. Beyond snorkeling, Nha Trang is also perfect for relaxed beach days—whether you’re sunbathing, sipping a coconut, or watching the sunset over the South China Sea. It’s a coastal gem that definitely deserves more attention.
Final Thoughts
Southeast Asia is an amazing place for anyone who loves the ocean. The water is warm, the reefs are full of life, and there’s something beautiful to see almost everywhere you go. Whether you’re diving deep or just snorkeling near the shore, it’s easy to feel connected to the sea here. These experiences made me fall even more in love with being in the water. If you’ve ever wanted to explore what’s under the surface, Southeast Asia is one of the best places to start.
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