Snorkeling & Kayaking at Koh Tan and Koh Madsum from Koh Samui

Snorkel coral reefs, then paddle a kayak around an island with few other visitors

Snorkeling and kayaking activity from Koh Samui that takes you by speedboat to two nearby islands—Koh Tan for reef snorkeling and Koh Madsum for kayaking, swimming and lunch on an uncrowded white sand beach. Hotel pickup is included, a guide leads the day in English, and the minimum group size is ten people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and kayaking at islands

• Hotel pick up
• Speedboat to Koh Tan
• Snorkel at Koh Tan
• Travel to Koh Madsum
• Kayak, swim, or relax on beach
• Lunch at Koh Madsum
• Return to Koh Samui
• Transfer back to hotel

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup between 8:30 and 9am, then a 15-minute speedboat ride to Koh Tan. You spend an hour snorkeling over tropical coral and colorful fish in shallow water—the reef sits close to shore and the island lies only a few hundred meters from Koh Samui's southwestern coast, so the crossing is short. Life jacket and snorkeling mask are provided.

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Koh Madsum, a smaller island next door that stays quieter than the bigger marine parks because only a few operators run trips there. You get a kayak and paddle around the island's edge, or swim and sunbathe on the white sand beach while lunch is being prepared. A small restaurant on the island serves a buffet, and soft drinks and fresh fruit come with it. Sunbed and towel are yours for the afternoon.

The return journey leaves Koh Madsum at 2:30pm, getting you back to your hotel by 2:45pm. Accident insurance is included in the price. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Children from age 4 are welcome on a child ticket.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.
• speedboat transport to both islands.
• snorkeling mask and life jacket.
• kayak rental at Koh Madsum.
• buffet lunch with soft drinks and fresh fruit.
• sunbed and towel.
• accident insurance.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.

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?You do the snorkeling and kayaking yourself with a guide leading the group—a shared activity, not a tour where you watch from a boat. Book this if you want to be in the water and moving under your own power, and if a morning departure that gets you back by mid-afternoon fits your schedule.

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Top questions

How long does the snorkeling last at Koh Tan?

Snorkeling at Koh Tan runs for about an hour, starting around 9:45am after the 15-minute speedboat ride from Koh Samui.

What's included in the lunch at Koh Madsum?

Lunch at Koh Madsum is a buffet served at a small restaurant on the island, with soft drinks (water and cola) and fresh fruit included.

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

No—hotel pickup is included from Lamai, Butterfly Garden, Chaweng, Bangpor, Maenam, Bophut, Cheongmon, and Bangrak. The pickup window is 8:30 to 9am, and the boat departs from Thong Krut Beach pier.

Can children join this activity?

Yes, children from age 4 are welcome on a child ticket. The activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or heart conditions.

What equipment do I get for snorkeling and kayaking?

Life jacket, snorkeling mask, and kayak are all provided. You also get a sunbed and towel for the beach time at Koh Madsum.

Is Koh Madsum crowded with other tourists?

No—Koh Madsum and Koh Tan stay less touristy than larger marine parks because only a few tour operators run trips there, so you'll find quieter beaches and fewer visitors.