The marine life that you can encounter in Phuket or the Andaman Sea
A vibrant underwater world teeming with colourful coral, curious reef fish, sea turtles, and ocean giants

The Thaiger key takeaways
- Phuket’s coral reefs host vibrant fish species like clownfish and parrotfish, supporting marine health and beach formation.
- Sea turtles, manta rays, and whale sharks thrive in the Andaman Sea, offering unforgettable encounters for snorkelers and divers.
- Conservation efforts by local organisations protect marine life and restore reefs, ensuring sustainable tourism for future generations.
When it comes to marine life in Phuket, few places in the world can rival the dazzling biodiversity found beneath its turquoise waters. Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Phuket serves as a vibrant marine hub teeming with colourful coral reefs, gentle sea turtles, elusive sharks, and ocean giants like manta rays and whale sharks. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned diver, exploring the fish in Phuket’s waters feels like stepping into a living aquarium.
Marine life in Phuket and the Andaman Sea
Section (Click to jump) | Summary |
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Phuket’s underwater cities of coral reefs | Dive sites like Coral Island and Racha Yai host parrotfish, clownfish, and vibrant reef ecosystems crucial to beach formation and marine health. |
The sea turtles | Green and hawksbill turtles feed on seagrass and nest on beaches like Mai Khao, supported by conservation efforts releasing thousands of hatchlings. |
The sharks in Phuket | Shy and harmless species like blacktip reef and leopard sharks glide through dive sites, adding to ecosystem balance and diver appeal. |
The ocean’s gentle giants: manta rays and whale sharks | Manta rays and whale sharks are rare but awe-inspiring visitors, often seen from February to May at sites like Koh Racha Noi and Similan Islands. |
Macro marine life | Tiny neon nudibranchs, seahorses, ghost pipefish, and cleaner shrimp abound, revealing Phuket’s rich biodiversity for macro diving enthusiasts. |
Conservation and community efforts | Organisations like Phuket Marine Biological Centre and Oceans For All restore reefs, rehabilitate animals, and guide sustainable tourism with hands-on marine experiences. |
Phuket’s underwater cities of coral reefs

The coral reefs of Phuket are often compared to rainforests of the sea. Popular dive and snorkel sites like Coral Island, Racha Yai, and the Khai Islands play host to vibrant reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, and the ever-charming clownfish.
Clownfish, known for their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, are particularly fascinating. Born male, these fish can change sex if the dominant female of their group dies, a unique survival mechanism. Clownfish play a vital role in fending off parasites, providing oxygen, and removing waste for the anemones, which are crucial to the marine ecosystem.
Parrotfish, on the other hand, play a crucial role in reef health. They feed on algae covering the coral and excrete white sand in the process, which helps shape Phuket’s iconic beaches. In a way, you can say that a lot of the sand you see in Phuket (and subsequently the world) came from parrotfish poop.
The sea turtles

The Andaman Sea is also home to several species of sea turtles, most commonly the green and hawksbill turtles. They are frequently spotted at dive sites such as Racha Yai and Ao Sane Beach, feeding on seagrass or resting under coral ledges.
Phuket has also served as a historic nesting ground, especially on beaches like Mai Khao. Conservation efforts by groups like the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation have helped safeguard eggs and released thousands of hatchlings back into the sea.
The sharks in Phuket

Forget the fearsome image; the sharks of Phuket are shy, harmless, and vital to the marine ecosystem. Blacktip reef sharks and leopard (or zebra) sharks are commonly seen gliding through dive sites like Shark Point and Phi Phi Islands.
Bamboo sharks, though harder to spot, occasionally reveal themselves to patient divers. These nocturnal, bottom-dwelling sharks are small and harmless. Larger predatory sharks, like bull or tiger sharks, are virtually rare in these waters, adding to the appeal of Phuket for less-experienced divers.
The ocean’s gentle giants: manta rays and whale sharks

If you’re lucky, a dive in the Andaman Sea might reward you with a sighting of a manta ray or whale shark. Manta rays, with wingspans up to 7 metres, are often seen at sites like Koh Racha Noi and the Similan Islands, especially from February to May when plankton is abundant.
Even more awe-inspiring are the occasional visits from whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, and despite their size, they are gentle filter-feeders and pose no threat to humans. Encounters with these bus-sized giants are rare but unforgettable.
Macro marine life

Not all marine life is large and flashy. Phuket is also a paradise for macro enthusiasts. Nudibranchs, tiny sea slugs with neon colours, are commonly found at sites like Kata Reef and King Cruiser wreck. You might also spot seahorses, ghost pipefish, reef octopuses, and cuttlefish.
Even creatures like cleaner shrimp, harlequin shrimp, and garden eels contribute to the reef’s bustling community. Night dives often reveal even more surprises as these shy critters come out to play.
Conservation and community efforts

Phuket’s marine richness is not just a gift of nature; it’s also the result of dedicated conservation. The Phuket Marine Biological Centre, established in 1968, conducts research and rehabilitates injured marine animals.
Meanwhile, nonprofits like Oceans For All have pioneered shark breeding and rewilding programs. Since 2018, they’ve released hundreds of bamboo sharks and are now working on endangered leopard sharks as well.
Coral reef restoration projects, often supported by private businesses and local resorts, are also reviving damaged reefs by planting coral fragments. One resort that is contributing is the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, where they have their own marine biology centre that aims to conserve the coral reefs and the jellyfish population in their stretch of the Phuket sea.
The in-house marine biologist, Marat Khaidarov, and the head of recreation, Milos “Mickey” Zivkovic, will take guests and visitors scuba diving and snorkelling around the beachside of the resort and show off notable coral reef landmarks. The landmarks that can be seen during the scuba dive are affectionately named Stark Tower and Magic Mushroom.
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From clownfish to whale sharks, the marine life in Phuket offers a truly mesmerising experience. Whether you’re peering into coral crevices for shrimp or gazing in awe at a passing manta, every underwater moment here is a reminder of the ocean’s wonder.
With continued conservation and responsible tourism, Phuket’s underwater world will remain one of the crown jewels of the Andaman Sea, hopefully for the generations to come.
Sources:
Agoda. (2025). Dive into Phuket: Snorkeling & Marine Life Adventures. https://www.agoda.com/travel-guides/thailand/phuket/dive-into-phuket-snorkeling-marine-life-adventures/
Cape Panwa. (n.d.). The Ultimate Guide To Exploring Phuket’s Stunning Marine Life. https://www.capepanwa.com/blog/explore-phuket-marine-life/
GBIF. (n.d.). Phuket Marine Biological Centre. https://www.gbif.org/grscicoll/institution/1b06539a-f303-43fe-9519-d65673725899
Love Andaman. (n.d.). 7 Fun Facts About Parrotfish. https://www.loveandaman.com/marine-animal-en/7-fun-facts-about-parrotfish-the-sand-making-artist-of-the-sea
Mongabay. (2025, July). Conservationists Raise Sharks to Restore Reefs in Waters Around Thailand. https://news.mongabay.com/2025/07/conservationists-raise-sharks-to-restore-reefs-in-waters-around-thailand/
Snorkeling Thailand. (n.d.). Clown Fish Facts. https://snorkelingthailand.com/clown-fish-facts/
Turtle Village. (n.d.). Turtle and Shark Release Activity. https://www.turtlevillagephuket.com/event/lorem-ipsum-dolor-sit-amet-consectetur2-9/
VGA Vacation. (n.d.). Marine Life You’ll Encounter While Diving in Phuket. https://vgavacation.com/marine-life-youll-encounter-while-diving-in-phuket/
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