Koh Tao: Full Day Snorkeling Tour & Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

Summary

Snorkeling Koh Tao’s reefs with boat slides lunch & island views

You’ll snorkel vibrant reefs around Koh Tao, float off the boat’s sun beds, and climb to Koh Nang Yuan’s famous viewpoint—all with friendly local guides who keep things easygoing. Lunch is included right on board, plus transfers and all your gear are sorted for you. Expect laughter, salt in your hair, maybe a new friend or two—and that view will stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto the snorkeling boat at Koh Tao’s pier a little after nine—already humid, but the sea breeze felt good on my face. Our guide, May, handed out gear and grinned when I fumbled with my mask (I always forget which way the straps go). The music on board was this soft Thai pop, not too loud. Shark Bay was our first stop. I didn’t see any sharks (maybe for the best?) but there were these electric blue parrotfish everywhere, crunching on coral. The saltwater stung my lips a bit—should’ve skipped that last sip of coffee before jumping in.

Between stops like Aow Leuk and Hin Wong Bay, some folks tried the climbing wall or slid straight into the water off the back of the boat. Honestly, I just sprawled out on one of those floating sun beds for a while—felt like drifting in a dream. Lunch came in little boxes: sandwiches and fruit, nothing fancy but somehow perfect after swimming so much. May pointed out Mango Bay as we cruised by; she said her uncle used to fish there before tourists started coming. She laughed when I tried to say “thank you” in Thai—probably butchered it.

The real surprise was hiking up to the viewpoint on Koh Nang Yuan. It’s not a long climb but it’s steep—my shirt stuck to my back by the top. But wow… that view over turquoise water and sandbars twisting between islands—I still think about that moment sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic at home. Going down was trickier than up (the rocks are smooth from so many feet), but one of the guides offered his hand without making a big deal of it. We got back to the boat sunburnt and salty and a little giddy from all of it. If you’re thinking about a day trip snorkeling around Koh Tao with local guides who actually live here—it’s worth it just for that last view alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day snorkeling around Koh Tao

• Depart at 9:30 am
• Snorkel at Shark Bay
• Snorkel at Aow Leuk
• Snorkel at Hin Wong Bay
• Snorkel at Mango Bay
• Snorkel at Koh Nang Yuan
• Hike to Nag Yuan viewpoint
• Enjoy lunch, drinks, and fruits
• Return at 5:00 pm

Top questions

What time does the full day snorkeling tour around Koh Tao start?

The tour departs at 9:30 am and returns at 5:00 pm.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip snorkeling Koh Tao?

Yes, free transfer is included for participants.

Are snorkeling equipment and lunch provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment and a lunch box with sandwich and fruits are provided.

Which spots does the tour visit?

The tour visits Shark Bay, Aow Leuk, Hin Wong Bay, Mango Bay, and Koh Nang Yuan.

Is there an English-speaking guide on board?

Yes, guides speak English, Chinese, and Thai.

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Does the boat have air conditioning?

Yes, there is an air-conditioned cabin on board.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel transfer to the pier in Koh Tao, use of all snorkeling equipment you’ll need (mask, fins), insurance coverage throughout the trip, lunch boxes with sandwiches plus fresh fruit served onboard along with snacks and drinks like water or coffee or tea—and friendly multilingual guides who make sure everyone feels welcome before returning you to your accommodation by evening.