Snorkeling in Pattaya: Sunset yacht to Koh Phai and Koh Rin

Two islands, coral reefs and a sunset cruise back to shore

A full-day snorkeling trip from Pattaya visits Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) and Koh Rin, two uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Thailand, aboard a yacht with a live guide in English, Thai or Chinese. The day includes snorkeling equipment, paddle board and fishing gear; lunch and water are provided. Hotel pickup is included, and the boat returns at sunset.

Step-by-step itinerary

Island visits and sunset cruise

• Visit Bamboo Island
• Snorkel and explore Koh Rin
• Cruise back with sunset view

The Experience

Koh Phai, also called Bamboo Island, opens the day with crystal-clear water and white sand. Koh Rin follows, known for its underwater coral reefs and the chance to snorkel in a genuinely quiet spot. The yacht carries you between them over seven hours, and the pace is deliberate—no rushing through either island. You bring snorkeling gear into the water yourself, and the guide (in English, Thai or Chinese, depending on your group) is there to point out what lives below. Fishing gear and a paddle board sit ready if you want to try something else.

Lunch happens on board, and the boat stocks bottled water, coffee and tea throughout the day. A restroom is available on the yacht. The air-conditioned cabin gives you a break from the sun when you need one. On the return trip, you watch the sunset from the water instead of from a beach—the whole route back unfolds as the light changes.

Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the pier. The yacht is shared with other guests, and the group stays small enough that snorkeling spots don't feel crowded. If you've never snorkeled before or you're returning to it after years, the setup handles the logistics so you can focus on what's below the surface.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• paddle board.
• fishing gear.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• coffee and tea.
• air-conditioned yacht cabin with restroom.
• hotel pickup and return.
• live guide in English, Thai or Chinese.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ocean Yachting "The real yachting experiance"

Is this one for you?You operate the snorkeling gear yourself in the water, so this suits anyone comfortable putting on a mask and fins and exploring a reef on their own terms. The shared yacht and fixed schedule mean you're not chartering a private boat or building the day from scratch—the route, the timing and the stops are set, which is what makes a full two-island day fit inside seven hours without anyone scrambling.

Traveler reviews

4.82★★★★★★★★★★

79 verified traveler reviews

5 ★72

4 ★2

3 ★4

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the water like for snorkeling at Koh Phai and Koh Rin?

Koh Phai has crystal-clear water and white sand, while Koh Rin is known for its coral reefs and the underwater world beneath them. Both islands are uninhabited, so the water stays quiet and the reefs are intact.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the trip. The yacht supplies everything you need to get in the water; you don't have to pack or rent gear separately.

What else can I do besides snorkel?

Fishing gear and a paddle board are available on board, so you can fish or paddle between snorkeling sessions. The day is built to let you move between activities without pressure to stick to one.

How long is the full day, and when do we return?

The trip runs seven hours total. The yacht returns at sunset, so you watch the light change over the water on the way back to Pattaya instead of heading in during daylight.

Is hotel pickup included from my accommodation in Pattaya?

Yes, hotel pickup is included. You don't need to arrange your own transport to the pier; the driver collects you and brings you back after the sunset return.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English, Thai or Chinese, depending on which group you join. Let the operator know your preference when you book.