Koh Tao Snorkel Tour: 5 Bays & Nangyuan Island with Lunch

Five snorkel stops in one morning, no crowds, back by lunchtime

You get hotel pickup, snorkel gear, and a professional English-speaking guide for five different bays and Nangyuan Island. Lunch and drinks are on the boat. The small group size means you're not fighting for space or visibility, and you're back on land by midday, which leaves your afternoon open for onward travel or rest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Morning snorkel tour around Koh Tao

• Hotel pickup on Koh Tao
• Meet boat crew and check in
• Depart Mae Haad Pier to Nangyuan Island
• Climb viewpoint and snorkel at Nangyuan Island
• Snorkel at Mango Bay or Lighthouse Bay
• Snorkel at Hin Wong Bay
• Snorkel at Aow Leuk Bay
• Pass Buddha Rock and relax at Shark Bay
• Enjoy sandwiches and panna cotta on boat
• Snorkel at Tao Thong Bay
• Return to Mae Haad Pier and hotel drop-off

The experience

You're wondering if a snorkel boat tour in Thailand will just be you packed shoulder-to-shoulder with fifty other people, all pointing at the same fish. The Oxygen boat caps at 25 people, which sounds like a small thing until you're actually in the water and can see more than three meters ahead. The morning starts with hotel pickup on Koh Tao, then a walk to Mae Haad Pier where the crew checks you in and hands over your gear: snorkel, mask, life jacket, the works.

The boat heads first to Nangyuan Island, where there's time to climb the viewpoint, swim, and snorkel the Japanese Reef Garden before anyone else arrives. After that it's a rhythm of stops: Mango Bay or Lighthouse Bay depending on conditions, then Hin Wong Bay where the fish are thick and colorful, then Aow Leuk Bay. The one with the deep, curved shape and white sand that looks almost unreal. The water changes color as you move between spots, and the reef on both sides of Aow Leuk means you're never far from something to look at, even at low tide. Buddha Rock comes next, a cluster of boulders that locals treat as spirit rocks, and then Shark Bay, which is quieter than you'd expect given the name. The blacktip reef sharks that gave it its name are there but not aggressive, and the beach is lined with coconut trees.

Around midday, between snorkel stops, the crew brings out vegan or chicken sandwiches and panna cotta, plus fresh fruit and water. It's not fancy, but it lands when you're tired and hungry. The last snorkel is Tao Thong Bay, where you can spot stocked horn corals, and then the boat heads back to Mae Haad Pier. Your driver meets you there and takes you back to your hotel, or you can catch the ferry to Samui or Chumphon the same afternoon. The timing is built around that possibility.

What’s included

Hotel round-trip transfer on Koh Tao, snorkeling equipment and life jacket, professional English-speaking guide, vegan or chicken sandwich with panna cotta, fresh fruit, drinking water, coffee and tea, basic accident insurance, and onboard toilet facilities.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (11 to 70 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (2 to 3 years): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Meet at Oxygen Tour Koh Tao (Head Office) at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure.”

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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trip Store Krabi

Is this one for you?Right for anyone staying on Koh Tao who wants to see multiple snorkel sites in one morning without arranging their own boat or fighting crowds: the small group and fixed timing are what make five bays fit into a half-day without rushing.

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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 (4 to 10 years); Infant (2 to 3 years): 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.

What's the difference between this tour and the crowded snorkel boats?

Maximum 25 people on the boat instead of 50+, which means shorter waits to get in the water and better visibility when you're snorkeling.

Is snorkel gear included?

Yes. Mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket are all provided. Bring your own if you prefer.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup in the morning, departure from Mae Haad Pier, and return by midday. Exact times depend on your hotel location.

Can I catch a ferry to another island the same day?

Yes. The tour is timed so you're back at the pier by midday, giving you time to catch afternoon ferries to Samui or Chumphon.

What if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Life jackets are provided and included. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Vegan or chicken sandwiches, panna cotta, fresh fruit, water, coffee and tea are all included on the boat.

What's the minimum group size?

Two people minimum to run the tour.

Are infants allowed?

Yes, but they must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride.