EN 
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FR It’s been a fantastic high season here in Krabi! With nearly every day fully booked, visitors have been making the most of the great weather and escaping the heat by getting out onto the water to explore our surrounding 4 islands.
December to April historically brings good sailing and tour conditions: minimal rain, calmer seas, and golden sunsets people never forget. And with great underwater visibility, it’s the perfect time to snorkel and discover the eclectic mix of marine life that calls Krabi’s waters and coral reefs home.
Last month, our guide and Owner Michael updated our on-board fish guide. If you’ve been on our tours before, you might remember our laminated fish ID packs? Well, he felt they needed an update. Michael, who knows all the best coral gardens, caves, and snorkel spots around Koh Ya Wa Koh Sam, Chicken Island, Koh Si, and Poda Island, has put together a more detailed identification guide. Our guests love learning more about what they’ve seen out in the water while snorkelling!
To give you a taste of what’s waiting beneath the surface during our morning and sunset tours, here’s a look at some of the colourful marine creatures you might spot on your adventure with us.
Clownfish (Anemonefish)
Made famous by Finding Nemo, these bright orange fish with their distinctive white stripes are a guest favourite. Clownfish live in symbiosis with sea anemones, using their protective tentacles as both a home and a defence against predators. There are two spots during our tour that are great for seeing this species, one being Poda Island’s shallower coral reefs. If you’re struggling to find their hiding spots, give one of our guides a wave and they’ll show you were to look.
(Not so) FUN FACE about clownfish: While it was supposed to be a tale to drive welfare awareness, the movie Finding Nemo actually increase the demand for aquarium anemonefish. Statements from experts following the movie’s release in 2003 claimed it caused a “dramatic population decline.” However, today, some argue that there is no direct evidence to support these past claims – though climate change and overfishing have been confirmed as contributors.
Parrotfish
Parrotfish are some of the most colourful fish you’ll see while snorkelling in Krabi. With their beak-like mouths, they nibble on coral, playing a crucial role in reef health by keeping algae levels in check.
FUN FACT about parrotfish: Their digestion process produces much of the white sand you see on tropical beaches!
Blacktip Reef Shark
When we tell people they can see sharks, we often get a mixed reaction. But don’t be alarmed! Blacktip reef sharks are completely harmless to humans (and they’re pretty small.) These sleek, fast swimmers prefer shallow coral areas and can sometimes be spotted gliding through the waters near Chicken Island. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a juvenile shark near the reefs.
Angelfish
These elegant fish, often sporting bright yellow, blue, or black patterns, are a common sight near Koh Si and most of the other islands (and some of them can grow to be pretty big!) They’re usually seen swimming in pairs and are easy to spot because of their flat, disk-like bodies.
Butterflyfish
It’s not uncommon for tour goers to confuse this species with angelfish, as their colourings arw sometimes similar. With their delicate, wing-like fins and intricate patterns, butterflyfish are one of the most beautiful fish in the waters around Krabi. They tend to travel in pairs and are often seen nibbling on coral polyps or darting between rocks near Koh Ya Wa Koh Sam.
Moray Eel
If you’re snorkelling near rocky crevices or coral caves, keep an eye out for the mysterious moray eel. These snake-like creatures spend most of their time hiding in holes with just their heads peeking out. Have you ever seen the little mermaid? They remind us of the two that help Ursula along as she tries to take advantage of Ariel’s trusting nature. They’re usually too still to spot, but Michael is a pro at finding them. Just remember, while they might look a little intimidating, they’re not aggressive, just curious!
Giant Clam
Rarely the first thing that people ask us about finding, but we find their story fascinating. Lying motionless on the seabed, giant clams are fascinating creatures with vibrant blue, green, or purple mantles. These massive molluscs can live for over 100 years and help filter the water around coral reefs. You’ll often find them nestled into reef structures around Poda Island.
Porcupinefish (Pufferfish)
These little guys are full of surprises! When threatened, porcupinefish inflate themselves into a spiky ball as a defence mechanism. While you won’t see them puffed up unless they feel stressed, their big, round eyes and spotted bodies make them easy to recognise. That be said, they’re not something guests spot on our tour as often as everything listed above so far.
Lionfish
One of the fish in Krabi that always causes A LOT of excitement. With their flowing fins and striking red, white, and brown stripes, lionfish are mesmerising to watch … but don’t touch! Their spines contain venom, though they aren’t interested in humans and pose no threat unless provoked. They tend to linger near coral outcrops.
Cuttlefish
Cuttlefish are the chameleons of the ocean, capable of changing colour and texture to blend into their surroundings. If you spot one, watch closely, they may flash different colours right in front of you!
Nudibranch (Sea Slugs)
Their name really doesn’t do them justice (the word slug brings about ideas of garden slugs slowly trailing around near our homes, right?) Nudibranchs, on the other hand, are some of the most vibrant sea creatures in Krabi. These tiny, soft-bodied molluscs come in neon blues, purples, and oranges, and can often be found crawling along rocks and corals.
Boxfish
The cutest of the fish around the 4 islands of Krabi? We think they’re a strong contender! These oddly-shaped fish are easy to recognise thanks to their boxy, almost cartoonish bodies. They’re slow swimmers but incredibly well-defended, secreting a toxin when threatened. While they can be can be dangerous to humans if eaten, you don’t need to worry about their poison while swimming past them.
Sea Urchin (Diadema Urchin)
With long, black spines, sea urchins are both striking and important reef inhabitants. They help keep algae under control but should be admired from a safe distance, those spines can be sharp! Krabi’s corals tend to play home to lots of sea urchins, and boat tour guests often comment on their size here.
Squid
If you see a small, torpedo-shaped creature zipping through the water, you might have spotted a squid! These intelligent cephalopods can change colour instantly and often swim in small groups.
FUN FACT: Have you ever seen the green lights out on the water at night from Railay or Aonang? They’re squid boats! The green lights are used to attract the squids and make for an easier catch.
Sergeant Major Fish
Named for their bold black-and-yellow stripes, sergeant major fish are commonly seen darting around snorkelers. They’re fast, playful, and often found in schools near the surface. We can almost guarantee a sighting on each snorkel trip around the islands.
Visit Krabi’s best snorkelling spots with a 4-island sunset tour or private morning trip!
Catch the sunset over Krabi’s islands or enjoy a peaceful morning on the water – whichever one you’d prefer; we’ve got the best boat trip in Krabi for you:
Sunset 4-Island Cruise – Come aboard for an unforgettable afternoon into evening on the water, snorkelling at prime locations before watching the sun dip below the horizon. Perfect for those who love a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Private Morning Cruise – For a more exclusive experience, set sail in the morning for calm waters, quieter snorkelling, and a more intimate tour of Krabi’s marine world. With a private cruise, you dictate where you stop around Krabi’s 4 islands, and how long you stay there (but our guides are always on hand to make recommendations too.)
Whichever tour you choose, you’ll have the chance to encounter these amazing sea creatures up close! Book your spot today.
