Snorkeling Koh Nang Yuan & Koh Tao: Sea Turtles & Coral

Koh Nang Yuan's coral gardens and Koh Tao's quiet bays hold the clearest snorkeling in the region.

This full-day snorkeling tour from Koh Samui visits Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao, two islands known for coral reefs, tropical fish and occasional sea turtles. You snorkel at multiple sites, hike to a viewpoint, and swim at Mango Bay and Tanote Bay. Hotel pickup from Lamai, Chaweng, Bophut and other areas is included, along with breakfast, Thai lunch, snorkeling gear and an English-speaking guide. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Island hopping and snorkeling tour

• Enjoy breakfast before departure
• Travel from hotel to pier
• Explore Koh Nang Yuan: snorkeling and sunbathing
• Walk up to the viewpoint
• Swim and snorkel at Koh Nang Yuan
• Have buffet Thai lunch at a restaurant
• Relax at Mango Bay beach
• Snorkel at Tanote Bay on Koh Tao
• Return to pier and hotel transfer

The experience

Koh Nang Yuan arrives first. The island is a cluster of three peaks connected by sandbars, and the snorkeling starts in the shallows around the coral gardens: colorful fish move through the reefs close enough to watch without diving. After time in the water, a walking trail leads up to the viewpoint, a short climb that opens onto the three bays below and the islands beyond. The pace lets you choose: snorkel longer, rest on the white sand of Mango Bay, or both.

Koh Tao is quieter. Tanote Bay, on the island's east side, is sheltered and holds some of the clearest water on the tour. The coral here is dense and the fish populations are stable. This is where sea turtles show up most often, though sightings are not guaranteed. The bay stays shallow enough for snorkeling from the surface, and the reef runs close to shore. Breakfast happens before departure and a buffet Thai lunch is served on the island, so the day holds together without stopping for food elsewhere.

The boat is shared with other travelers, and an English-speaking guide stays with the group throughout. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets and a first aid kit are provided. Hotel pickup covers the main beaches and towns (Lamai, Chaweng, Bophut, Bangpor, Maenam, Butterfly Garden, Cheongmon and Bangrak), and the return follows the same route. The National Park fee (250 baht per adult, 150 baht per child) is separate. Transfers from Nathon, Taling Ngam and other outlying areas cost an extra 700 baht per person each way.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer.
• breakfast before departure.
• buffet Thai lunch on the island.
• snorkeling equipment, life jacket and first aid kit.
• English-speaking guide.
• accident insurance.
• water, soft drinks and snacks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in central Koh Samui and want a full day of island-hopping with snorkeling at Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao: the shared boat format works best for solo travelers or pairs watching costs, while groups of four or more should consider a private charter.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like at Koh Nang Yuan compared to Koh Tao?

Koh Nang Yuan has coral gardens in shallow water with abundant tropical fish and colorful reefs close to the surface. Koh Tao's Tanote Bay is deeper, clearer and quieter, with denser coral and the best chance of spotting sea turtles, though they are rare.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment, life jackets and a first aid kit are all included in the tour price. You don't need to bring or rent gear separately.

How much time do I actually spend in the water versus traveling between islands?

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total. You snorkel at multiple sites on each island, hike to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint, and have time to swim and rest at Mango Bay and Tanote Bay. The boat travel between islands and back to Koh Samui fills the remaining time.

What if I want to see sea turtles? How likely is that?

Sea turtles appear occasionally at Tanote Bay on Koh Tao, but sightings are not guaranteed. The guide will take you to the best spots for a chance to see them, but they are increasingly rare in the area.

Does the tour pick up from my hotel?

Hotel pickup is included from Lamai, Chaweng, Bophut, Bangpor, Maenam, Butterfly Garden, Cheongmon and Bangrak. If your hotel is in Nathon, Taling Ngam or other areas outside these zones, an extra transfer charge of 700 baht per person each way applies.