Monkey Beach: Snorkeling Spots & Dealing with Local Primate Thefts

This crescent-shaped strip of sand on the western side of Phi Phi Don is famous for its namesake residents, the crab-eating macaques, but it is the turquoise clarity of the water that makes the trek worthwhile. While many visitors treat this as a quick photo-op stop, the real value lies in the vibrant fringing reef that starts just a few meters offshore. Expect a scene that is chaotic and raw; the monkeys are not pets but clever opportunists who have mastered the art of looting unattended bags for snacks. If you can ignore the high-pitched screeches and focusing on the marine life, you will find some of the best shallow-water snorkeling in the Andaman Sea. It is a place where nature and tourism collide in a messy, high-energy environment that rewards the early and the cautious. Accessing the beach is most flexible via a longtail boat from Ton Sai Pier, which allows you to set your own pace before the massive speedboats from Phuket arrive. Aim for a 7:30 AM arrival to claim a spot on the sand before the tide swallows the shoreline or the crowd density makes swimming difficult. Most visitors spend about an hour here, which is plenty of time to snorkel and watch the primate antics from a safe distance. If you are renting a kayak, ensure you pull it well above the high-tide line, as the currents can be deceptive. Skip the organized group lunch tours that park here for forty minutes; they rarely provide enough time to actually explore the underwater rock formations where the clownfish hide. Steer clear of the center of the beach where the monkeys congregate for handouts and instead trek toward the far limestone cliffs at either end. These rocky fringes offer better visibility for snorkeling and significantly less chance of having your sunglasses snatched. A common mistake is leaving your dry bag on the sand while you swim; the macaques are known to unzip zippers and drag bags into the jungle. Instead, bring a waterproof phone pouch you can wear in the water or keep your belongings on your boat. If the main beach feels too crowded, ask your boatman to head toward the nearby Nui Bay for a similar aesthetic with half the demographic density. Local regulations prohibit feeding the wildlife, a rule frequently ignored but vital for keeping the monkeys from becoming even more aggressive. During the monsoon season from May to October, the swell can make the beach inaccessible or the water too murky for snorkeling, so check the daily marine forecast before booking a trip. Bringing your own mask and fins from a shop in Ton Sai Village is highly recommended, as the gear provided on the cheaper tours is often leaky and poorly maintained. Even though it is a public beach, its beauty is entirely dependent on the light, so visiting when the sun is directly overhead provides those neon-blue water hues that look best in photos.