Snorkeling in Koh Tao: Five Reefs and Nang Yuan Island

Walk the sand bridge between three islands, then descend into five separate snorkeling zones.

This snorkeling tour from Koh Tao visits five reef sites and Nang Yuan Island, with hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, all snorkeling equipment, and an English-speaking guide. You'll spend the morning at Nang Yuan—walking the sand bridge that connects three islands and climbing to the viewpoint—then move through Mango Bay, Ao Hin Wong, Ao Leuk and Shark Bay in the afternoon, each with different fish and coral. The boat carries a water slide, climbing wall, diving board and air-con cabin; a minimum of 10 people is required to run the tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling tour around Koh Tao

• Pick up from accommodation
• Depart from Mae Haad pier
• Visit Nang Yuan Island viewpoint and Japanese Garden snorkeling
• Lunch on board
• Snorkel at Mango Bay (Ao Muang)
• Snorkel at Ao Hin Wong
• Snorkel at Ao Leuk
• Snorkel at Shark Bay
• Return to Mae Haad pier and drop off

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel between 9:00 and 9:45 a.m., then a boat ride to Nang Yuan Island. This is the centerpiece: you can walk across the sand bridge that links three islands together, or climb to the viewpoint for one of Thailand's most photographed vistas. The Japanese Garden snorkeling point sits right here, so you're in the water within the first couple of hours.

After returning to the boat, lunch arrives—a box meal with fresh fruit, cold water, coffee and tea included. Then the afternoon moves through four more snorkeling zones. Mango Bay (also called Ao Muang) has colorful corals and reef fish. Ao Hin Wong is known for schools of yellow-strip scad—millions of them moving together. Ao Leuk features larger corals and bigger fish. Shark Bay closes the day; green turtles are common there, and blacktip reef sharks appear on some trips. The boat returns to Mae Haad pier around 5:00 p.m. and drops you back at your accommodation.

The boat itself is built for comfort: an air-conditioned cabin, a water slide and climbing wall for breaks between snorkeling, floating sun beds on deck, and life jackets available for anyone who wants one. All snorkeling gear—mask, snorkel, fins—is provided. An English-speaking guide is on board throughout, and insurance is included in the price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Koh Tao accommodation.
• snorkeling mask, snorkel and fins.
• lunch box with fresh fruit.
• cold water, coffee and tea on board.
• life jackets.
• English-speaking guide.
• insurance.
• access to the air-conditioned cabin, water slide, climbing wall and floating sun beds.

Good to know

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

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?The tour runs a full day with five separate snorkeling stops plus the island hike, so it suits anyone comfortable spending six to seven hours on the water and moving between sites every hour or so. The boat has an air-con cabin and floating beds for rest between snorkeling, and the pace is set by the group rather than by individual swimmers, so you move on with the boat whether you're ready or not.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the snorkeling spots on this tour?

Each site has distinct marine life. Mango Bay and Ao Leuk are known for colorful reef fish and corals; Ao Hin Wong is famous for massive schools of yellow-strip scad fish; Shark Bay is where green turtles and occasionally blacktip reef sharks appear. The Japanese Garden at Nang Yuan is a separate snorkeling point within the island visit.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Mask, snorkel and fins are all included and provided on board. Life jackets are available if you want one.

What happens at Nang Yuan Island besides snorkeling?

You can walk the sand bridge that connects three islands together, or hike up to the viewpoint at the top for views across the island group. The Japanese Garden snorkeling point is also at Nang Yuan, so you'll spend time both above and below the water there.

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

Lunch is included as a box meal served on board after the morning snorkeling. The meal comes with fresh fruit, cold water, coffee and tea. Specific dietary requests should be confirmed when you book.

What time does the tour start and end?

Hotel pickup runs from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m., with departure from Mae Haad pier at 10:00 a.m. The boat returns to the pier around 5:00 p.m., and you'll be back at your hotel by early evening.

Is there a minimum group size for this tour?

Yes, a minimum of 10 people is required to run the tour. If the tour cannot operate, you'll be offered an alternative date, a different tour, or a full refund.