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📌 Curious About What Lives Underwater?
If you’re joining one of the many Thailand snorkeling tours to the famous Phi Phi Islands or Similan Islands, you’ve probably asked: “What fish will I see?”
The answer: Plenty! Love Andaman has compiled a list of the Top 10 sea creatures you’re most likely to spot while snorkeling in the Andaman Sea.
🐟 1. Parrotfish
- Brightly colored, with a beak-like mouth
- Help clean reefs by scraping off algae
- ✅ Very common near Phi Phi, Bamboo Island, and Similan reef slopes
🐠 2. Butterflyfish
- Always seen in pairs — they mate for life!
- Have patterns like eye spots or yellow stripes
- ✅ Spotted throughout both regions; photogenic and friendly
🧩 3. Indian Sailfin Tang
- Wide, maze-patterned fins
- Swim slowly like underwater fans
- ✅ Best spotted around rocky slopes in Similan and Surin
🐙 4. Sea Cucumber
- Long, soft, dark sea creatures on the ocean floor
- Not harmful — but don’t touch
- ✅ Often found near sandy patches around reefs
🐡 5. Pufferfish
- Shy but curious; some species puff up
- Often hide in coral crevices
- ✅ Rare but unforgettable when spotted
🦁 6. Lionfish
- Gorgeous but venomous fins — keep your distance!
- Float gracefully in caves and shadows
- ✅ Found in deeper coral zones; don’t chase
🐟 7. Bannerfish
- Long trailing dorsal fins like “flags”
- Swim in small groups
- ✅ Seen often in Similan and Surin waters
🐠 8. Clownfish
- The “Nemo” star of the reef!
- Live among sea anemones
- ✅ Found in shallow areas of Similan and Surin
🐬 9. Grouper
- Big, speckled reef dwellers
- Often rest still under coral ledges
- ✅ Best seen on deeper snorkeling routes or quieter reefs
🧡 10. Yellowtail Fusilier
- Swim in massive schools, yellow and blue
- Create shimmering walls underwater
- ✅ Incredible sight at Similan’s Island 4–7 reefs
🌴 Best Snorkeling Spots with Love Andaman
| Location | Beginner-Friendly? | Highlights |
| Phi Phi + Bamboo Island | ✅ Yes | Shallow reef, clownfish, parrotfish |
| Similan Islands | ⛔ Deeper | Large reefs, diverse marine life |
| Surin Islands | ✅ Yes | Many clownfish, rich coral gardens |
🧴 Responsible Snorkeling Tips
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Never stand on or touch coral
- Swim slowly and avoid chasing fish
- Use zoom instead of swimming close for photos
📞 Want to Meet These Sea Creatures? Travel the Eco-Friendly Way
Love Andaman offers the most scenic and responsible Thailand snorkeling tours:
👉 Phi Phi + Bamboo Island Tour
👉 Similan Islands Tour from Khao Lak
👉 Surin Islands Tour + Moken Village
📲 Instagram: @loveandaman
📘 Facebook: Love Andaman
🍋 Lemon8: Love Andaman