Snorkeling Koh Tao: Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay & Shark Bay

Four bays, one boat, reef sharks and a sandbar you can walk across.

A full-day snorkeling tour around Koh Tao visits Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Lighthouse Bay, Ao Leuk and Shark Bay with a live English or Thai guide, hotel pickup, lunch and all equipment included. The boat carries a water slide and floating sunbeds, and the itinerary is built around calm, protected reefs where beginners and experienced snorkelers both find coral gardens and marine life. Children from age 4 are welcome; the tour runs 6 to 7 hours door-to-door.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling tour around Koh Tao

• Hotel pick-up
• Cruise to Koh Nang Yuan
• Swim and relax on Koh Nang Yuan beach
• Hike to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint
• Snorkel at Mango Bay
• Explore Lighthouse Bay snorkeling
• Snorkel at Ao Leuk Bay and Hin Ngam
• Visit Shark Bay for snorkeling
• Enjoy onboard water slide and sunbeds

The Experience

The boat picks you up at your resort and heads straight to Koh Nang Yuan, where three small islands connect by a natural sandbar you can walk across at low tide. The water here is shallow and clear—you snorkel the coral gardens around the sandbar, then climb the viewpoint trail for the panoramic view of all three islands from above before heading back down to the beach. From there the boat moves to Mango Bay on Koh Tao's north shore, a calm reef with turquoise water and tropical fish that works for any skill level.

Lighthouse Bay comes next, tucked away and uncrowded, with hard corals and a real chance to spot turtles or reef sharks in the shallows. Ao Leuk Bay offers unique underwater rock formations and experienced snorkelers can swim out to nearby Hin Ngam, where blacktip reef sharks use the shallow nursery waters—sightings are common but the sharks stay in the shallows and are not aggressive. The final stop is Shark Bay itself, known for the same calm, clear conditions and frequent blacktip sightings. Between stops you have time to rest on deck, use the water slide or floating sunbeds, and eat lunch with fresh fruit, coffee and tea. The guide stays with the group throughout and speaks English or Thai.

The boat includes life jackets and snorkeling gear, so you bring nothing but a towel and sunscreen. Hotel pickup covers most resorts on Koh Tao except Mango Bay and Lighthouse Beach areas, and the return is the same route. The itinerary can shift based on weather or sea conditions, and times between stops vary depending on where your resort is located.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return transfer (except Mango Bay and Lighthouse Beach areas).
• lunch with fresh fruit, cold water, coffee and tea served onboard.
• life jacket and full snorkeling equipment.
• accident insurance.
• professional guide speaking English or Thai.
• access to the water slide and floating sunbeds on deck.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Siam Scape Journeys

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to visit multiple snorkeling spots in one day without arranging your own boat or transport—the fixed schedule and included pickup mean the day is built for you. It suits families with children from age 4, couples, and groups equally well, and works for both first-time snorkelers and experienced ones, since the reefs range from shallow and calm to deeper coral gardens.

Top questions

What is Koh Nang Yuan like for snorkeling?

Koh Nang Yuan is three small islands joined by a natural sandbar, creating shallow, clear water perfect for snorkeling around the coral gardens. The sandbar itself is walkable at low tide, and the viewpoint hike above the islands gives you the full panoramic view of all three islands and the connecting sandbar—one of Thailand's most photographed spots.

Will I see sharks on this snorkeling tour?

Blacktip reef sharks are frequent at both Ao Leuk Bay and Shark Bay, especially in the shallow nursery waters. They are not aggressive and stay in the shallows; sightings are common but not guaranteed. Turtles are also possible at Lighthouse Bay.

What's included in the price, and do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

The tour includes hotel pickup and return, life jacket and snorkeling equipment, lunch with fresh fruit, cold water, coffee and tea onboard, accident insurance, and a professional guide in English or Thai. You bring only a towel and sunscreen.

How long is the full day, and what time does pickup happen?

The tour runs 6 to 7 hours total, door-to-door from your resort. Exact pickup time depends on your hotel location, as the boat collects guests from multiple resorts before heading out to the first stop.

Can children go on this snorkeling tour?

Children are welcome from age 4. The tour visits calm, protected reefs with shallow water suitable for beginners and families, and life jackets are provided for all swimmers.

What happens if the weather is bad or the sea is rough?

The itinerary can change based on weather and sea conditions. If the tour must be cancelled, you will be notified in advance and offered an alternative date, a different tour, or a full refund.