I Swam With Sea Turtles in Samui — And You Can Too

There are moments in travel—quiet, shimmering moments—when the world feels both impossibly vast and intimately close. One such morning found me in the gentle shallows of Koh Samui, off the eastern coast of Thailand, gliding alongside a pair of curious sea turtles. It was an encounter that etched itself into my memory like the salt on my skin, both humbling and quietly jubilant. If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with sea turtles, let me take your hand and show you how you can make this dream a reality on the enchanting island of Samui.

The Gentle Giants of Samui’s Waters

Koh Samui, with its coconut-fringed beaches and emerald jungles, is not just a haven for sunseekers and yogis. Beneath its turquoise waves, a secret world unfurls—one that teems with life, color, and, if you’re lucky, the slow, elegant ballet of the hawksbill and green sea turtles. I first caught sight of them near the coral gardens off Koh Taen, a small island just south of Samui. The turtles moved with a serenity that made even the clumsiest swimmer (yours truly) feel momentarily graceful.

Tip: To reach Koh Taen, you can join a guided snorkeling tour from Samui’s southern piers, such as Thong Krut Pier. Search for “Thong Krut Pier” on Google Maps to find the starting point for many local boat tours.

How to Swim With Sea Turtles on Koh Samui

1. Choose the Right Snorkeling Spot

While the main beaches like Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are famous for their soft sand and lively atmosphere, the waters around them are usually too busy for turtles to linger. Instead, aim for the quieter southern shorelines or the nearby islets.

• Koh Taen and Koh Mudsum are two of the best spots. These islands are accessible by longtail boat from Thong Krut. The coral reefs here remain relatively unspoiled, and the tranquil waters make for easy snorkeling—even for beginners.

Search for “Koh Taen” or “Koh Mudsum” on Google Maps for their locations.

2. Book a Responsible Tour

Choose a local tour operator that prioritizes marine conservation. Many tours provide mask, snorkel, and fins, along with a briefing on how to swim respectfully around marine life. Remember: No touching, no chasing—just quiet observation.

Personal tip: I sailed with the folks at Mr. Tu’s Samui Boat Tours (Search “Mr. Tu’s Samui Boat Tour” on Google Maps), whose gentle humor and deep respect for the sea made the experience even richer.

3. Time Your Visit

The sea is calmest from March to September, when the water turns crystal-clear and the visibility is ideal for spotting turtles. Early mornings are best—the dawn light dances on the water, painting everything gold and blue. It’s also when turtles are most active, gliding between coral and sunlight.

What It Feels Like to Meet a Turtle

There’s a certain hush beneath the waves, a sense that you’ve entered a cathedral of blue. The first time I saw a turtle, I was so startled I nearly forgot to breathe through my snorkel. Its shell was a patchwork of amber and olive, and as it surfaced beside me, I watched bubbles shiver from its beak. We floated together for a few heartbeats—me, clumsy and awestruck; it, ancient and unhurried.

If you’re lucky enough to share this space, let the moment linger. Watch the way the turtle moves, slow and deliberate, as if teaching you to savor the ocean’s quiet.

Beyond the Beach: Where to Eat, Wander, and Reflect

After your swim, there’s no better way to return to land than with a meal at a beachside restaurant. Hemingway’s on the Beach (search for “Hemingway’s on the Beach” on Google Maps) serves up fresh seafood with toes-in-the-sand views, and their spicy coconut soup is a fragrant homage to the island’s culinary soul.

For a change of pace, wander through Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple)—a serene spot where golden statues catch the afternoon sun and the air hums with the scent of incense. You can search for “Wat Phra Yai” on Google Maps.

A Few Gentle Reminders

• Protect the Reef: Use reef-safe sunscreen. Ordinary sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral and marine life.
• Leave Only Bubbles: Don’t take anything from the sea—no shells, no coral, not even a memory card full of flash photography.
• Go Slow: Turtles are easily startled. Move gently, breathe slowly, and let them come to you.

Final Thoughts

Koh Samui is more than postcard beaches and swaying palms; it’s a place where, for a fleeting moment, you can slip beneath the surface and swim with creatures that have glided through these waters for centuries. The turtles will not always appear, but the anticipation—the hope of their grace—makes every swim a small adventure.

So pack your sense of wonder, your sun hat, and your patience. The sea is waiting, and the turtles of Samui might just be, too.

Until your toes are in the sand and your heart is in the water,
Eustorgio