Rainy Season Fish: What You’ll See Snorkeling in the Andaman Sea

🌧️ Why the Rainy Season is Surprisingly Great for Thailand Snorkeling Tours

If you’re planning Thailand snorkeling tours during the rainy season, you might think the marine life won’t be as active—but you’d be wrong! In fact, the Andaman Sea transforms with seasonal shifts that bring new fish species, clearer post-rain visibility, and less tourist traffic. You’re more likely to see trevally, groupers, milkfish, and even barracudas as water conditions change.

🐟 5 Fish That Love the Rain (More Than Tourists!)

1. Trevally (Bigeye & Giant Trevally)

Image by Dr. Dwayne Meadows

Rain stirs up nutrients and smaller fish, luring predatory trevally close to shorelines and reefs. They’re fast, sleek, and a favorite sight on Phi Phi Island snorkeling trips and Similan speedboat tours.

2. Milkfish (Chanos chanos)

Image by Bryan Harry (U.S. National Park Service)

With brackish water flowing from rivers and inlets, milkfish thrive in mangrove-fringed bays like those around Phang Nga Bay. These silver-bodied fish are usually seen near the surface.

3. Groupers

Panther grouper Image by Udo Schröter

Rain means more plankton → more baitfish → happy groupers. These reef dwellers emerge more during the wet season and are often spotted on Bamboo Island snorkeling or Surin Islands tours.

4. Anchovies & Sardines

Not the stars of the show, but the reason the predators are here! These schooling fish multiply in rain-rich conditions, attracting snapper, tuna, and trevally.

5. Barracuda

Image by Jens Petersen 

When the sea turns moody, barracudas get bold. They follow baitfish near snorkelers and are often spotted around Maiton Island and the reefs of Phi Phi.


🧭 Best Rainy Season Snorkeling Spots


🌊 Final Tip: Go With Eco-Conscious Operators

When choosing your Thailand snorkeling tours, go with operators who practice reef-safe tourism, use reef-safe sunscreen, and respect marine life. The rainy season is a great chance to connect with the sea—without the crowds.


📲 Follow Us for Daily Ocean Vibes

Facebook: Love Andaman
Instagram: @loveandaman
Lemon8: loveandaman_8844

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *