Not sure where this Freedom beach is. There's one on Ko Tao...bit of snorkelling there off the headland on the left but there's better elsewhere on Ko Tao... off Ao Tanote for example. I've a feeling the Merlin Resort is on Phuket though??? Not sure as I've never felt the urge to visit Phuket. There is a decent reef off the PPIV but watch out for the longtails in case you get decapitated by the propellers.

Other options....well hate to disagree with Rob but I think the Surins has far better snorkelling than anything around Ko Tao. Unfortunately the only accommodation there is camping or overpriced and none too luxurious NP bungalows.

Ko Ngai has several upmarket resorts now and decent snorkelling off the beach. Beautiful scenery too but the isn't a lot to do there apart from swimming and sunbathing. It's much smaller than Phi Phi and doesn't have an ATM or shops yet AFAIK.

Other islands with coral....Ko Lipe, Ko Kradan, Ko Bulon Le, Ko Eok. The latter is a NP camping only place too though so doubt if that's what you're looking for.

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