Koh Tao snorkeling tour: 5 bays and sunset

Blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles share the shallow waters at Shark Bay.

A half-day snorkeling tour around Koh Tao visits five bays—Koh Nang Yuan, Aow Muang, Hin Wong, Aow Leuk and Shark Bay—with an English-speaking guide, all snorkeling gear, lunch and hotel transfers included. The itinerary is subject to change based on conditions and travel times between sites. Children aged 3–12 must be accompanied by an adult; pregnant travelers and those with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns are not able to join.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling tour at five Koh Tao spots

• Climb viewpoint at Koh Nang Yuan
• Snorkel at Japanese Gardens
• Lunch and swim at Aow Muang Bay
• Swim at Hin Wong Bay
• Snorkel at Aow Leuk Bay
• Explore Shark Bay with marine life

The Experience

What do you see when you drop below the surface at five different spots in a single afternoon? The tour starts at Koh Nang Yuan, where you climb to a viewpoint overlooking the trio of islands and their white sandbars before entering the water at the Japanese Gardens—a calm snorkeling zone filled with colorful coral and tropical fish. From there the boat moves to Aow Muang Bay, where you eat lunch on deck and swim in clear water among yellowtail barracuda, seahorses and coral reefs.

Hin Wong Bay brings you to underwater pinnacles where clownfish and butterflyfish move through the rocks, and the occasional stingray glides past. Aow Leuk Bay follows, known for its white sand, dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear water—ideal snorkeling conditions with abundant coral and marine life. The final stop is Shark Bay, where blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles inhabit the shallow waters. The tour wraps with a sunset viewed from the boat, and you return to your hotel as the light fades.

The boat is shared, and the guide speaks English. All equipment—mask, snorkel, life jacket—is provided, as is lunch, fresh fruit, cold water, coffee and tea on board. Free underwater photography is included, so you leave with images of what you saw. Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package. The whole experience runs about seven hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

English-speaking guide, round-trip hotel transfers, all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, life jacket), lunch buffet with fresh fruit, cold water and hot beverages on board, free underwater photography, and travel insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour with a set itinerary and schedule, which suits travelers who want the logistics arranged and the guide's knowledge of where to find marine life—you show up at your hotel and the day unfolds across five bays without you planning the route or managing the boat. If you prefer private access or a flexible schedule, look for a private charter instead.

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Top questions

What's the water like at Shark Bay where the sharks are?

Shark Bay has shallow waters where blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles move freely—calm enough that you can watch them without strong swimming ability, and clear enough to see the coral gardens below.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Mask, snorkel, life jacket and all other equipment are included with the tour, and the guide will fit them to you before you enter the water.

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

Lunch is a buffet served on the boat at Aow Muang Bay, along with fresh fruit, cold water, coffee and tea. Dietary restrictions are not mentioned in the tour details, so confirm any needs when you book.

How long does the whole tour take from hotel to hotel?

The tour runs approximately seven hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off. The remaining time is split between travel to each bay and time spent snorkeling at each site.

Can children join this tour?

Children aged 3–12 can join if accompanied by an adult at all times. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Pregnant travelers and those with spinal injuries or cardiovascular health concerns are not able to participate.

Is there an entrance fee for Koh Nang Yuan?

Yes, Koh Nang Yuan charges an entrance fee of 250 Thai baht per person, which is not included in the tour price and is paid separately when you arrive at the island.