Snorkeling Ang Thong Marine Park: kayak and limestone islands

Kayak past limestone cliffs, snorkel the coral reefs, hike to an emerald lagoon

This 8-hour guided tour departs Koh Samui by boat for Ang Thong Marine Park, a 102 km² archipelago of 42 limestone islands northwest of the island. You kayak through shallow waters, snorkel for 45 minutes among coral reefs, and either hike to a cliff-top emerald lagoon or swim and rest on the beach; lunch is a Thai buffet with fresh fruit. Hotel pickup, all snorkeling gear, a life jacket, bottled water and park entrance are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ang Thong Marine Park Adventure

• Pickup from hotel
• Board tour boat
• Explore Ang Thong Marine Park
• Snorkeling session (45 minutes)
• Kayaking in the park
• Admire viewpoint and emerald lake
• Enjoy Thai buffet lunch with fresh fruit
• Optional hike or relax and swim
• Return to Koh Samui

The Experience

The boat leaves your hotel in the morning and heads northwest to the marine park. Once you arrive, the day splits between water and land: you'll paddle a kayak through the shallow turquoise channels between islands, then enter the water for a 45-minute snorkeling session among the coral reefs. The guide leads both, and the equipment—mask, fins, snorkel and life jacket—comes with you. Between the two, you'll have time to swim or simply float and look at the limestone walls rising straight up from the sea.

After snorkeling, the group moves to one of the beaches. Those who want to hike climb inland to a viewpoint overlooking an emerald lagoon, ringed by cliffs and reachable only on foot. The walk is steep enough that the operator notes it's for travelers with moderate fitness; others can swim, wade or lie on the sand. A Thai buffet lunch and fresh fruit arrive mid-afternoon, and the boat returns you to Koh Samui by late afternoon. The air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel at the start and drops you back at the end.

Park entrance costs 300 baht per person and is paid on arrival. The guide speaks English and can accommodate dietary needs—vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if you note them when booking. Children from age 1 can join, though infants must sit on an adult's lap and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• kayak and life jacket.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• Thai buffet lunch with fresh fruit.
• bottled water.
• park entrance fee (300 baht per person, paid on arrival).
• insurance.
• English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by itc tours thailande

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to move through the water yourself—kayaking and snorkeling are the core of the day, not add-ons to a boat ride. The 8-hour commitment and moderate fitness requirement mean it suits travelers who are comfortable in the water and ready for a full morning and afternoon away from Koh Samui; those looking for a shorter outing or a more relaxed pace should look elsewhere.

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Top questions

What exactly happens during the 45-minute snorkeling session in Ang Thong Marine Park?

The snorkeling takes place among the coral reefs in the shallow waters surrounding the limestone islands. You enter the water with a guide, mask, fins and snorkel provided, and spend the time swimming and observing the reef life before returning to the boat.

Can I choose between kayaking and snorkeling, or do I do both on the same day?

You do both on the same day. The tour includes a kayaking session through the channels between islands and a separate 45-minute snorkeling session in the coral reefs—they are two different parts of the itinerary, not a choice between them.

Is the hike to the emerald lagoon viewpoint something everyone does, or can I skip it?

The hike is optional. Those who want to climb to the cliff-top emerald lagoon viewpoint can do so; others can swim, wade or rest on the beach while the hikers are gone. Both groups reconvene for lunch.

What's included in the lunch, and can you handle dietary restrictions?

Lunch is a Thai buffet with fresh fruit. The operator can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets if you note your requirements when you book.

How long is the full day, and what time does the boat return to Koh Samui?

The tour runs 8 hours total, including hotel pickup and the return journey. The boat departs in the morning and returns to Koh Samui by late afternoon, with the vehicle dropping you back at your hotel.

What equipment do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a towel. The tour provides snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel), a life jacket, a kayak, bottled water and all insurance. An air-conditioned vehicle handles transport to and from your hotel.