Snorkeling and Kayaking: Koh Tan and Koh Madsum from Koh Samui

Paddle into shallow reefs, then drift over deeper coral where barracudas hunt.

Snorkel and kayak the quiet islands of Koh Tan and Koh Madsum from Koh Samui, traveling by speedboat with a guide, lunch and hotel pickup. The morning departure leaves at 8:30am and returns by 2:45pm; the sunset option departs at 2pm and returns by 6:45pm. Both include snorkeling gear, a kayak, life jacket and accident insurance. A minimum of 10 people is required to run the tour; if cancelled, you'll be offered an alternative date, a different tour or a full refund.

Step-by-step itinerary

Koh Madsum and Koh Tan snorkeling trip

• Hotel pick up
• Speedboat to Koh Tan
• Snorkeling and kayaking at Koh Tan
• Travel to Koh Madsum
• Kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on beach
• Lunch at Koh Madsum
• Return to Koh Samui by speedboat
• Transfer back to hotel

The Experience

Koh Tan sits 15 minutes offshore by speedboat from Thong Krut Beach. The snorkeling happens in shallow water along a rocky coast where corals cluster and small colorful fish move through them — barracudas pass through on rare days. The reef here stays undisturbed because few boats come out this far, so the water stays clear and the coral intact. You get a snorkel mask, fins and a life jacket; the guide stays in the water with the group and points out what moves below.

After snorkeling, the boat carries you to Koh Madsum, where a small village of about 30 people sits inland and the beaches stay nearly empty. Here you trade the mask for a kayak and paddle into the shallows, or swim and walk the white sand if the water is enough. Lunch arrives at midday — Thai food prepared on the island, with soft drinks and fresh fruit. The sunset tour runs the same route but departs at 2pm and serves dinner instead, so you leave the islands as light fades and return to Koh Samui by 6:45pm.

Hotel pickup starts the morning at 8:30am from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon or Bangrak; the sunset tour picks up at 2pm. The driver brings you to the pier, the speedboat takes over from there, and a transfer back to your hotel closes the day. If your hotel sits outside these zones — Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi or Lipayai — an extra transfer charge of 700 baht per person applies. The tour runs with a minimum of 10 people; children from age 4 are welcome, though the operator notes this activity is not suited to guests arriving by cruise ship or large boat.

What’s included

• Snorkel mask and fins.
• kayak and life jacket.
• hotel transfer from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon or Bangrak.
• lunch or dinner with soft drinks and fresh fruit.
• accident insurance.
• English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?The morning departure at 8:30am and the five-hour pace suit travelers who want the reef and the beach without an early start or a full day away from the island. The sunset option works better if you prefer to sleep in or spend the morning elsewhere on Koh Samui.

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Top questions

What will I see when I snorkel at Koh Tan?

Koh Tan's rocky coast holds coral reefs with small colorful fish moving through them. The water stays clear because few boats visit the island, so the reef remains undisturbed. On rare days, small barracudas pass through the deeper sections.

Can I kayak at both islands or just one?

Kayaking happens at Koh Madsum after the snorkeling at Koh Tan. You paddle the shallows around Koh Madsum or swim and walk the beach instead if you prefer — both options are available during the time there.

What time does the morning snorkeling trip leave and return?

The morning tour picks up from your hotel between 8:30am and 9am, departs the pier at 9am, and returns to your hotel by 2:45pm. The sunset tour picks up at 2pm and returns by 6:45pm.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary needs?

Lunch is included on the morning tour and dinner on the sunset tour — both are Thai food prepared on Koh Madsum. Soft drinks, water and fresh fruit come with the meal. Dietary requests should be confirmed when you book.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the pier?

Hotel pickup is included from eight zones across Koh Samui: Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon and Bangrak. If your hotel is in Nathon, Taling Ngam, Pagka, Lipanoi or Lipayai, an extra transfer charge of 700 baht per person applies each way.

What's the minimum group size, and what happens if the tour doesn't run?

The tour requires a minimum of 10 people to depart. If cancellation becomes necessary, the operator will inform you in advance and offer an alternative date, a different tour or a full refund.