Koh Tao & Nangyuan: Vintage Boat Snorkeling, Sunset BBQ, Pickup

Snorkeling six Koh Tao bays by vintage boat with sunset dinner

You’ll ride a vintage wooden boat around Koh Tao & Nangyuan with a local guide, snorkel six different bays (gear included), try kayaking or paddleboarding if you want, then share a fresh buffet lunch and sunset BBQ dinner on deck before heading back as evening falls. It’s relaxed but full of small moments you’ll remember.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and island exploration

• Depart on vintage wooden boat
• Snorkel, kayak, paddleboard at six points
• Visit Koh Nangyuan and Japanese Gardens
• Enjoy buffet lunch onboard
• Snorkel at Mango Bay
• Snorkel at Hin Wong Bay
• Snorkel at Aow Leuk Beach
• Snorkel at Shark Bay
• Watch sunset with BBQ dinner onboard

The experience

We stepped barefoot onto this old wooden boat at Mae Haad Pier, salt still drying on the planks from the morning run. Our guide, Nok, grinned and handed out cold water bottles. She said we’d need them after Japanese Gardens, but I didn’t really believe her until later. The engine coughed to life and we glided out past tangled fishing lines and bobbing longtails, heading for Koh Nangyuan. It’s funny how the islands look so close but feel like another world once you’re out there: three little islets linked by a sandbar that’s probably in half your friends’ Thailand photos. I tried to say “Nangyuan” right. Nok laughed and told me I was closer than most.

The snorkeling at Japanese Gardens was honestly better than I expected. You just drop in and suddenly it’s all coral fans and these bright fish darting around your mask. The new mouthpiece (they give you one sealed in plastic) actually made me feel less weird about sharing gear. Lunch was served on deck while we drifted off Mango Bay: rice still steaming, grilled chicken with this sweet chili sauce that got everywhere (I’m not neat with food on boats). Some folks grabbed kayaks or paddleboards after, but I just sat back with iced tea and watched the hills turn from green to gold as the sun started dropping behind Hin Wong Bay.

Aow Leuk Beach was my favorite stop: maybe because the water felt warmer there or maybe because a local kid waved at us from shore and then dove under like he belonged to the sea. You could see schools of fish right up close, no need to go far from the sand. By Shake Bay, Nok pointed out blacktip reef sharks (“don’t worry, they’re shy!”) but I mostly floated and listened to the muffled sounds underwater mixed with laughter from the deck above. The day kind of blurred into sunset after that: smoky BBQ smells drifting across the water as we all piled plates high and watched the sky go pink-orange. Someone played music quietly near the bow. It felt like nobody wanted to talk too loudly or break whatever spell we’d landed in.

I still think about that last light over Koh Tao, not dramatic exactly, just soft enough that you wanted to stay a little longer. Maybe it’s something about being on an old boat with strangers who feel like friends by dinner. Or maybe it’s just how easy everything felt for once.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation in Koh Tao.
• all snorkeling gear (with a new personal mouthpiece).
• unlimited bottled water, soft drinks like Coke or Sprite.
• coffee and tea.
• underwater photography service.
• accident insurance.
• use of kayaks and paddleboards (just ask staff).
• restroom facilities onboard.
• plus both a freshly prepared buffet lunch overlooking Nangyuan Island and a BBQ set dinner served at sunset before returning in the evening.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (14 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 13 years) · Infant (under 3): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Royal Mariblue

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 13 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

Is hotel pickup included for this Koh Tao snorkeling tour?

Yes, accommodation pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

How many snorkeling spots are visited during this day trip?

You’ll visit six snorkeling spots around Koh Tao including Japanese Gardens, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk Beach, Shake Bay, and more.

Are meals provided on board?

Yes, both buffet lunch and a BBQ set dinner are freshly prepared onboard during the tour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided? Do I have to share?

Snorkeling equipment is provided with a new mouthpiece for each guest so you don’t have to share.

Can I kayak or paddleboard during this trip?

Yes, kayaks and paddleboards are available free of charge. Just let staff know when you want to use them for safety reasons.

Are drinks included throughout the day?

You get unlimited bottled water, soft drinks (Coke/Sprite), coffee, and tea during the trip.

What’s special about visiting Koh Nangyuan on this trip?

You’ll reach Koh Nangyuan by vintage boat. Its sandbar beach is iconic for photos and offers excellent snorkeling at Japanese Gardens bay.