Phuket is famous not only for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, but also for its unique opportunity to observe large sea turtles in their natural habitat. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience, accessible to both certified divers and casual snorkelers. These graceful creatures are most often found in quiet bays with crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life.
We’ve put together a complete guide to the best places to see turtles in Phuket. In this article, you’ll learn how to plan the perfect trip to swim with turtles, the best season to spot them when they come closer to shore to feed or lay their eggs, and other practical tips to increase your chances of encountering these incredible marine animals.
The Best Places to See Sea Turtles in Phuket
While it’s possible to spot large sea turtles directly on Phuket’s beaches, such encounters are extremely rare and mostly a matter of luck. The island’s most popular and crowded beaches – such as Patong, Karon, and Kata – are generally not ideal for turtle sightings due to heavy tourism, limited feeding areas, and high boat traffic.
You can still try your luck at Mai Khao Beach, where turtles occasionally come ashore to lay their eggs. However, to significantly increase your chances of seeing sea turtles, it’s best to visit the nearby islands – the Similan Islands, Racha Islands, and Phi Phi Islands – all easily accessible through regular snorkeling and diving tours.
Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is the longest and one of the quietest beaches in Phuket. Located on the island’s northwest coast, it stretches for nearly 11 kilometers. As part of Sirinat National Park, it has retained much of its natural and untouched beauty. Tourist infrastructure is minimal here – no sunbeds, no umbrellas – just peace, wide open space, and pristine nature.
This beach is also famous for its low-flying airplanes, which pass right above the sand and have made Mai Khao a well-known spot for plane-watching. If you’d like to explore the area, hike through the forest, and visit an ancient temple, you can join an organized tour; the full program and current prices are available via the link.
Mai Khao is a calm, uncrowded beach, which explains the limited number of restaurants and cafés. Most dining options are located near major hotels such as JW Marriott Phuket Resort, Renaissance Phuket Resort, and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas. The beach is lined with pine trees, palm trees, and dense tropical vegetation, creating plenty of natural shade.
It is also one of the few beaches in Phuket where you can observe sea turtles. Every year, they come ashore to lay their eggs, usually between November and February. The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, located on the beach, is dedicated to protecting these marine animals, and visitors can even take part in releasing baby turtles into the sea.
The Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are considered one of the best places in Thailand to see and swim with large sea turtles. Located in the Andaman Sea, about 60 kilometers west of Phuket, they are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.
One of the main reasons these islands are so popular among snorkelers and divers is the exceptional clarity of the water. The Similan Islands are also renowned for their rich marine life: along with turtles, you can spot tropical fish, moray eels, rays, sharks, and vibrant coral reefs.
Sea turtles frequently come to feed near the shore, which significantly increases your chances of seeing them – especially when the sea is calm and you choose the right snorkeling spots. The most commonly observed species around the Similan Islands are green turtles and hawksbill turtles.
The easiest way to visit the Similan Islands from Phuket is by booking an organized tour. You can choose a full-day excursion through platforms such as GetYourGuide or Klook. The boat ride takes about an hour, and tours typically include round-trip transfer, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. While it is technically possible to get there independently, tour operators know exactly where turtle sightings are most common – making an organized trip the best option if you want to maximize your chances of encountering these amazing marine creatures.
When Can You See Turtles in the Similan Islands?
In the Similan Islands, sea turtles can be observed from October to May, the period during which the archipelago is open to visitors. Due to the monsoon season, the islands are closed to the public from mid-May to mid-October, and no tours operate during this time.
The best chances of seeing turtles are between November and April, when the weather is more stable and the sea is calmer, offering excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.
The Racha Islands
The Racha Islands (Racha Yai and Racha Noi) are a popular destination near Phuket for spotting sea turtles, as well as for diving and snorkeling. Located just 20–25 kilometers south of Phuket, they are easily accessible in about 30 minutes by boat. The most convenient way to visit is by joining an organized tour – either a snorkeling trip or a diving excursion. If you’re new to diving, you can book a beginner-friendly session with a certified instructor using the link provided.
Of the two islands, Racha Yai is the largest and most visited. It’s known for its picturesque bays, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters – perfect for both snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re traveling with a small group and want a more personalized experience, you can explore Racha Yai’s bays and nearby scenic spots on a sailing catamaran. The link will give you access to the full itinerary and pricing.
To increase your chances of spotting sea turtles, head to Siam Bay early in the morning, when turtles often come to feed in the shallow waters. Further south lies Racha Noi, a bit more remote from Phuket.
Racha Noi has no tourist infrastructure and mainly attracts experienced divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. One of the best dive sites on the island is its southern tip, where the chances of seeing turtles are significantly higher than on Racha Yai. In addition to turtles, you may encounter larger marine species such as tuna, barracuda, and even manta rays.
When Can You See Turtles Around the Racha Islands?
Sea turtles can be observed around the Racha Islands year-round, but the most favorable period is from November to April, when the sea is calm and underwater visibility is at its best.
The Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most iconic archipelagos in the Andaman Sea, located between Phuket and mainland Thailand. The archipelago is made up of several large and small islands that welcome countless tourist boats each day. The largest of them, Phi Phi Don, is the only inhabited island and offers hotels, restaurants, and all the essential tourist facilities.
You can spot and swim with large sea turtles here almost year-round. One of the most famous spots is Blacktip Reef Shark Point, located near the HIP Sea View Resort. During a snorkeling session, you may not only see turtles but also encounter blacktip reef sharks. If you’d like to spend more time exploring the underwater world around Phi Phi Don and Koh Rok, you can join a two-day diving or snorkeling tour. Click here to check all day tours to Phi Phi from Phuket.
On Phi Phi Leh, the world-famous Maya Bay also offers the possibility of spotting turtles, despite its popularity among tourists. Thanks to visibility of up to 30 meters and a ban on swimming inside the bay, it’s possible to observe turtles and other marine life directly from the boat in a protected environment.
When Can You See Turtles Around the Phi Phi Islands?
The Phi Phi Islands are open to visitors year-round, but the best time to see sea turtles – based on weather and sea conditions – is from November to April. During these months, the sea is calm and the water exceptionally clear, offering excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving.
Best Time to See Turtles in Phuket
The best season to spot sea turtles in Phuket also runs from November to April. This is the dry season, when the sea is typically calm and crystal clear, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and observing marine life up close.
As for the best time of day to see turtles, two periods stand out:
- Early morning, when turtles are more active and come into shallow waters to feed.
- Late afternoon, when tourist crowds thin out and turtles often swim closer to the shore.
