Snorkeling Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Samui

Dive beneath the three-island sandbar to discover vibrant coral and marine life.

A full-day snorkeling tour from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan by speedboat, with English-speaking guide, professional equipment, Thai lunch and hotel pickup included. The boat leaves around 7:30 am and returns by late afternoon, stopping at two islands separated by clear water and coral reefs. A minimum of two people per booking is required, and the tour operates on a shared basis with other guests.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling at Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

• Travel to speedboat pier
• Speedboat trip to Koh Nang Yuan
• Explore Koh Nang Yuan and climb viewpoint
• Boat transfer to Koh Tao
• Enjoy Thai set lunch on Koh Tao
• Snorkel and swim at Koh Tao bay
• Return speedboat trip to Koh Samui
• Arrive back at hotel around 17:30

The Experience

The day starts with a pickup from your hotel and a drive to the speedboat pier, then a swift trip across open water to Koh Nang Yuan — three small islands joined by a sandbank. The water clarity here is what makes the snorkeling work: you can see the reef structure and the fish moving through it without fighting the visibility. If you want to climb one of the hills afterward, the views back toward Koh Tao and the mainland stretch across the water. Most of the morning is spent in and around the water at this first stop.

After snorkeling, the boat takes you to Koh Tao for a Thai set lunch at a local restaurant, eaten on the island. The afternoon is the second snorkeling session — you board again and head to one of the island's bays where you can swim or snorkel around the boat for hours. The speedboat brings you back to Koh Samui in the late afternoon, typically by 5:30 pm. The whole trip runs about nine and a half hours from pickup to drop-off.

You get professional snorkeling equipment for the day, an English-speaking guide, snacks and drinks during the tour, and lunch. The speedboat transfers, the car ride to and from the pier, and all taxes are included. One thing to know: Koh Tao charges an entrance fee of 300 Thai baht per person, paid in cash when you arrive — the operator does not collect it in advance. If you are staying outside Koh Samui's main beach areas, transfer supplements may apply, and you might be asked to meet the group at a nearby hotel instead of being picked up at your accommodation.

What’s included

• Return speedboat transfers to Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao.
• car or minivan pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• professional snorkeling equipment for the day.
• English-speaking guide.
• Thai set lunch at a local restaurant on Koh Tao.
• snacks and drinks during the tour.
• all taxes and service charges.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Asian Trails LTD

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you're visiting Koh Samui and want to snorkel two islands in a single day via speedboat, or book a private charter if you prefer your own guide and flexible timing.

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Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling at Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao?

Koh Nang Yuan has crystal-clear water with good visibility of the reef and marine life around the sandbank connecting the three islands. Koh Tao, known as Turtle Island, is known for colorful coral reefs and tropical fish; the afternoon snorkeling happens in one of the island's bays where you can see the underwater life from the boat.

What time does the tour start and when do I get back?

Your driver picks you up around 7:30 am from your hotel and takes you to the speedboat pier. The boat returns to Koh Samui by late afternoon, typically around 5:30 pm, for drop-off back at your accommodation.

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

Professional snorkeling equipment is included for the full day. You do not need to bring your own.

What's included in the lunch, and are dietary needs accommodated?

A Thai set lunch is served at a local restaurant on Koh Tao. The operator makes efforts to accommodate dietary requirements based on the restaurant's menu, though advance confirmation is not always possible given the choice of local venue.

Do I need to pay anything extra on the day of the tour?

Koh Tao charges an entrance fee of 300 Thai baht per person, paid in cash directly at the island — this is not included in the tour price. Bring sufficient cash, as ATM machines and card payment are not available on the islands.

Is this tour suitable if I'm traveling with young children?

Children are welcome from age two and can sit on an adult's lap. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it involves a full day on a speedboat and in the water, so consider your child's comfort with boat travel and snorkeling conditions.