Snorkelling with Black Tip Sharks in Phi Phi Islands: What to Expect
When we were staying on the Phi Phi Islands, we knew we wanted to go snorkelling, but none of the group tours really appealed to us. We didn’t fancy spending the day packed onto a boat with lots of other people, stopping at the same busy spots as everyone else.
Instead, we decided to arrange our own private long-tail boat. We paid 1,500 baht for the boat to take us out to Shark Point, where we could snorkel with black tip reef sharks. Having the boat to ourselves meant we could enjoy the experience at our own pace without being tied to a group itinerary.
After spending some time snorkelling with the sharks, our boat took us to a quiet beach where we could relax and enjoy some time away from the crowds. We stayed there for a little while before making our way back to Phi Phi.
It ended up being one of our favourite experiences on the islands, and booking a private long-tail boat gave us exactly the kind of relaxed, flexible day we were looking for.
What Was It Like Snorkelling with Black Tip Sharks at Shark Point?
As we approached Shark Point, we were definitely excited but also a little nervous. Snorkelling with sharks is not something we get to do every day, so there was a bit of uncertainty about what the experience would actually be like.
Once we got into the water, though, it was much less intimidating than we had imagined. We could see black tip reef sharks moving through the water below us, and watching them swim around in their natural environment was incredible. They weren’t interested in us and simply carried on swimming around the reef.
As well as the black tip sharks, we were lucky enough to see loads of colourful parrotfish while we were snorkelling. They were swimming around the reef alongside plenty of other tropical fish, which made the whole experience even better. It wasn’t just about spotting the sharks — there was so much marine life to look at while we were in the water.
The sharks kept their distance, so we weren’t swimming right beside them or trying to get close. Instead, we floated above the water and watched them from a safe distance. Seeing their black-tipped fins moving through the clear water was such a memorable experience.
One of the best things about having our own private long-tail boat was that we weren’t rushed. We could spend time snorkelling at Shark Point and enjoy watching the sharks and fish without having to immediately move on because a larger tour group was ready to leave.
It was definitely one of those experiences that felt a little surreal. We had travelled to Phi Phi knowing we wanted to see the famous scenery and beaches, but being in the water watching black tip reef sharks swim below us, surrounded by colourful fish, was something we hadn’t expected to enjoy quite as much as we did.
Of course, sharks are wild animals, so we still treated them with respect and kept our distance. We didn’t attempt to touch or chase them, and we simply enjoyed watching them from the water. For us, that made the experience feel even more special.
How to Choose an Ethical Shark Snorkelling Tour
If you want to snorkel with black tip reef sharks in the Phi Phi Islands, it’s worth taking a little time to choose a responsible and ethical tour. Seeing sharks in their natural environment is an incredible experience, but the animals should always come first.
Choose a Tour That Doesn’t Feed the Sharks
One of the biggest things to look out for is whether a tour operator feeds sharks to attract them to a particular location. Feeding wildlife can change their natural behaviour and make animals associate boats and people with food.
A responsible tour should allow you to see the sharks naturally rather than guaranteeing an encounter by feeding them.
Don’t Choose Tours That Encourage Touching Sharks
You should never be encouraged to touch, chase or get too close to a shark. Black tip reef sharks are wild animals, and the best way to enjoy seeing them is to give them plenty of space.
A good guide should explain how to behave in the water and make it clear that the sharks should not be disturbed.
Look for Smaller Groups
Smaller groups can make the experience much more enjoyable, but they can also reduce the amount of pressure placed on a busy snorkelling site.
This was one of the reasons we chose to hire a private long-tail boat rather than joining one of the group tours. We could enjoy Shark Point without being part of a large crowd, and we weren’t rushed from one location to another.
Ask About the Tour’s Wildlife Policy
Don’t be afraid to ask the operator how they interact with the sharks before booking. Find out whether they feed wildlife, how they manage groups around the animals and what their rules are for getting close to sharks.
A responsible operator should be happy to explain their approach.
Respect the Sharks and Their Environment
Once you’re in the water, remember that you’re a visitor in the sharks’ environment. Avoid chasing them for photographs, touching them or trying to swim directly towards them.
It’s also important not to stand on or touch coral, and to avoid taking anything from the sea. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply float quietly and watch.
For us, being able to see black tip reef sharks swimming naturally, alongside loads of colourful parrotfish and other marine life, was what made the experience so special. We didn’t need to interact with the animals to have an incredible encounter.
What to Know Before Snorkelling with Sharks in Phi Phi
If you’re planning to snorkel with black tip sharks in the Phi Phi Islands, there are a few things worth knowing before you book. The experience is relatively simple, but a little preparation can make the day much more enjoyable.
We chose to hire a private long-tail boat rather than join a group tour, which cost us 1,500 baht. This gave us the flexibility to visit Shark Point, spend as long as we wanted snorkelling and then head to a quiet beach to relax before returning to Phi Phi.
I’d recommend taking your own snorkelling gear if you have it, although many boat trips will provide masks and snorkels. It’s also worth bringing plenty of water, sun protection and a towel. If you’re planning to take your phone or camera into the water, make sure you have a suitable waterproof case.
Most importantly, don’t go into the experience expecting to see dozens of sharks immediately. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, and the number of sharks you see can vary. We were lucky enough to see several black tip reef sharks as well as loads of colourful parrotfish, which made our snorkelling trip even more memorable.
I’d also recommend choosing a time when the water is relatively calm and checking the weather before setting off. Conditions can make a big difference to visibility, and clearer water will give you a much better chance of spotting marine life.
For us, the private boat worked perfectly. We got the shark snorkelling experience we wanted without spending the whole day on a busy organised tour, and we still had time to relax on a quiet beach afterwards.
Is Snorkelling with Black Tip Sharks in Phi Phi Worth It?
For us, absolutely. Snorkelling with black tip sharks was one of the highlights of our time in the Phi Phi Islands. We weren’t sure what to expect before getting into the water, but seeing the sharks swimming beneath us was an experience we’ll definitely remember.
What made it even better was choosing a private long-tail boat. Rather than spending the day on a busy group tour, we had the freedom to visit Shark Point, snorkel at our own pace and then spend some time relaxing on a quiet beach afterwards.
We were also lucky enough to see loads of colourful parrotfish and other marine life, so there was plenty to look at even when the sharks weren’t nearby.
If you’re visiting Phi Phi and enjoy snorkelling, we’d definitely recommend adding a shark snorkelling trip to your itinerary. Just make sure you choose a responsible operator that respects the wildlife and doesn’t encourage feeding or touching the sharks.
For us, the combination of seeing black tip reef sharks in their natural environment, exploring the underwater world and having some quiet beach time afterwards made it a fantastic day out.
