Ang Thong Islands: Small Group Speedboat Tour & Kayak

Summary

Kayak, snorkel and relax by the Emerald Lagoon in Ang Thong

You’ll ride a speedboat from Koh Samui with a small group and local guide, snorkel among colorful reefs at Koh Wao, paddle your kayak through quiet bays at Koh Mae Ko, then climb for views over the glowing Emerald Lagoon before sharing lunch on Koh Phaluai’s sand. Expect laughter, sea air, and moments you’ll want to remember.

What’s the experience like?

“No swimming in the lagoon,” our guide Lek said, waving his hands for emphasis. “It’s sacred water.” I liked him right away—he had this gentle way of making rules sound like invitations. The morning started early on Koh Samui, with that sticky warmth clinging to my arms as we shuffled onto the speedboat. There were only a dozen or so of us, which felt kind of lucky. You could actually hear the water slap against the hull and not just other people talking over it.

First stop was Koh Wao for snorkeling—honestly, I was nervous about fogging up my mask again (it always happens), but Lek handed me an extra one and grinned. Underwater, everything was quieter than I expected—just the pop of bubbles and flashes of yellow fish darting past coral that looked like old bones. Back on deck, someone passed around pineapple chunks; they tasted colder than they should have in that heat.

Kayaking at Koh Mae Ko felt less coordinated than it probably looked from shore. My friend kept splashing me by accident (at least I think it was accidental). Paddling under limestone cliffs, you could smell salt and something green—seaweed maybe? We climbed up to see the Emerald Lagoon after that. The stairs were steep and my legs complained, but when we reached the top… well, Lek was right about not swimming. It almost glowed from above. I still think about that view sometimes when I can’t sleep.

Lunch happened on Koh Phaluai—a simple Thai spread under a shady roof with sand stuck to my feet. Rice, curries, fruit, all laid out family-style while we traded stories with a couple from Chiang Mai who’d never seen the sea before. Afterward there was time to just flop down on the beach mat and listen to waves for a while before heading back to Samui. That part went too fast—you know how it is.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ang Thong Islands snorkeling and kayaking

• Pick up from Koh Samui
• Head to the pier
• Get fitted for masks and snorkels
• Snorkel at Koh Wao island
• Explore sheltered bay and coral reefs
• Kayak at Koh Mae Ko
• Hike to Emerald Lagoon viewpoint
• Lunch and relax at Koh Phaluai beach
• Return to Koh Samui

Top questions

How many people are on this Ang Thong Islands tour?

The tour is limited to 16 guests per speedboat for a small group experience.

Is hotel pickup included from Koh Samui?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers from Koh Samui are included in your booking.

Can you swim in the Emerald Lagoon?

No, swimming is not allowed in the Emerald Lagoon due to park regulations.

What activities are included during the day trip?

The tour includes snorkeling at Koh Wao, kayaking at Koh Mae Ko, a viewpoint hike over the Emerald Lagoon, and beach time with lunch on Koh Phaluai.

Are meals or drinks provided?

A Thai buffet lunch is served on Koh Phaluai along with fresh fruit, drinking water, and soft drinks throughout the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, masks, snorkels, and fins are all provided as part of your tour.

Is this Ang Thong Islands tour suitable for children or infants?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; however, travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers are not recommended to join.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Koh Samui by speedboat with no more than 16 guests onboard; all snorkeling gear; kayaking equipment; an English-speaking local guide; entry fees; Thai buffet lunch plus fresh fruit and soft drinks; travel insurance; and time to relax on quiet beaches before returning home in the afternoon.