Protecting Coral Reefs in Thailand: Whats the Latest in 2025

Thailand’s rich marine biodiversity is one of its greatest treasures. To ensure long-term sustainability, the Thai Government has just introduced stricter national regulations for snorkelling and diving in order to Protecting Coral Reefs, effective 22 April 2025, under the “Measures for the Protection of Coral Reef Resources from Diving Tourism Activities, B.E. 2568 (2025)”.

At Phuket Dive Tours, we fully support these conservation-driven rules and are committed to helping our guests enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

Key Rules for Snorkelers to help protecting coral reefs

1. Minimum Water Depth: 2 Meters Above Coral

Snorkelling is only allowed where there is at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) of water above the reef. This helps prevent accidental contact and damage to fragile coral structures.

2. Life Jackets Are Mandatory

All snorkelers must wear life jackets in coral reef zones, regardless of swimming ability.

Exception: Certified freedivers may be exempt if they carry proof of certification and demonstrate control.

3. Fins Are Allowed—But please use them carefully

While fins are permitted, snorkelers must:

• Receive guidance on correct finning techniques
• Demonstrate control to avoid kicking coral or stirring sediment

Our instructors will teach techniques like the frog kick or modified flutter kick to minimize reef impact.

Activities Now Prohibited in Coral Reef Areas

To protect marine life, these actions are strictly banned:

• Touching or handling coral or marine animals
• Kicking or standing on coral
• Feeding fish or marine species
• Stirring up sediment near reefs
• Disposing of trash or plastic in the sea
• Taking underwater photos without certification

New Rules on Underwater Photography

Only divers with Advanced Certification or 40+ logged dives are allowed to use underwater cameras. This helps prevent damage caused by inexperienced divers focusing more on taking photos than diving safely and having good buoyancy.

Group Size Restrictions

• Snorkeling / Freediving: Maximum 20 participants per guide

Smaller groups enhance safety and reduce pressure on the reef.

Scuba Diving Training & Certification Requirements

All training dives and beginner courses must now take place over sandy seabeds, away from coral. This ensures new divers are not introduced to reef zones before they gain proper control and awareness.

Tips to improve your buoyancy as divers watch the video or take the SSI Perfect Buoyancy speciality course

Special Focus on Snorkelling Safety

These top snorkelling destinations now have enhanced protection:

• Life jackets required at all times
• Maintain 2-meter minimum distance from coral
• Visitor access is limited to reduce ecological strain

Freediving & Training & Certification Requirements

If you want to snorkel deeper then consider doing our SSI Basic free diving beginner courses, this ensures new snorkel divers gain proper control awareness of the marine environment, and impact bad techniques can have on aquatic life

Tips to improve your buoyancy as divers watch the video or take the

A Shared Responsibility: Divers & Snorkelers protecting coral reefs.

These new regulations are more than just rules—they are a commitment to preserving Thailand’s ocean ecosystems for future generations. At Phuket Dive Tours, we:

• Educate guests on proper snorkeling and diving techniques
• Support eco-conscious travel practices
• Strictly enforce reef-safe protocols

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the beauty. Respect the reef.

Your snorkelling trip in Phuket or the Similan Islands is a chance to connect with nature and become part of a global movement toward sustainable tourism. By following these simple guidelines, you help protect marine life and coral reefs—ensuring they thrive for generations to come.