Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuan Snorkeling Day Trip from Koh Samui – Reefs, Viewpoint & Sandbar Beaches
A full-day shared speedboat trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, with at least two snorkeling sessions, free time on the Nang Yuan sandbar beach and a Thai lunch on Koh Tao. Hotel pickup, drinks on the boat and the Koh Nang Yuan entrance fee are included.
| Time | Person Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Adult | ฿2,100 per person |
| Child | ฿1,750 per person | |
| Infant | ฿0 per person |
Highlights
What to expect
Early start at the pier for check-in, light breakfast and safety briefing before boarding the speedboat. Around 90 minutes crossing time to the first island in normal sea conditions. Free time on Koh Nang Yuan to relax on the sandbar beach, swim in shallow water and, if you like, hike around 15 minutes up to the famous viewpoint (trail is steep in parts, with steps and rocks). Snorkeling sessions at Koh Tao's reef spots where, in good visibility, you can see coral gardens and plenty of tropical fish; occasionally turtles and bigger species are spotted. Lunch break on Koh Tao before or between snorkeling stops, followed by more time in the water or relaxing on the boat. Return ride to Koh Samui in the afternoon, with drop-off back at your accommodation in the early evening.
What's included
Not included
Pickup information
- Typical Pickup Window
- 07:30–08:30, depending on where you stay on Koh Samui
- Departure
- Speedboat usually departs around 09:00
- Return
- Back to Samui by approximately 16:30–17:00, with hotel drop-offs completed around 17:00–18:00
- Remote Locations
- Guests in remote villas or on steep hills may be asked to meet at a more accessible pickup point; a map pin is provided when needed
- Confirmation
- Exact pickup time and pier location confirmed on your voucher once booking and hotel details are final
- Extra 300 THB per person
- Hotels in Bang Po, Nathon, Lipa Noi, Lipa Yai, Butterfly Garden, Taling Ngam or Phang Ka are picked up for this extra charge.
What to bring
Important information before you book
- Who It Suits
- Great for confident swimmers and guests who love snorkeling and are comfortable on a speedboat; less ideal for very small children or anyone who dislikes choppy seas.
- Fitness Level
- Moderate. Expect walking on sand, climbing stairs/rocks to the Nang Yuan viewpoint and getting in and out of the boat via ladder.
- Health Restrictions
- Speedboat tours are not recommended for pregnant guests or people with serious back/neck problems due to possible bumps on the waves.
- Sea & Visibility
- Snorkeling conditions vary with season and weather; guides choose the best sites on the day for safety and clarity.
- Island rules
- Koh Nang Yuan has its own rules: no plastic bottles, limited smoking zones and set paths to the viewpoint. Follow the staff and signs.
- Ages
- Adults 12 and over. Children 4 to 11 pay the child price. Infants 0 to 3 ride free.
- Bad weather
- If the captain decides the sea or weather is unsafe, you can reschedule or take a full refund. Light rain or mild wind alone does not normally cancel the trip.
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation until 24 hours before the tour. Later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded. You can book as early as you like.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Koh Tao from Koh Samui?
The speedboat crossing takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on sea conditions.
Is Koh Nang Yuan included in this trip?
Yes. The tour visits both Koh Tao for snorkeling and Koh Nang Yuan for the famous sandbar beach and viewpoint.
Do I need snorkeling experience?
No. The snorkeling spots around Koh Tao are suitable for beginners. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are provided.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A Thai lunch is served at a restaurant on Koh Tao, along with drinking water and soft drinks.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Children are welcome. The snorkeling areas are calm and life jackets are provided for all ages.
Is there an entrance fee for Koh Nang Yuan?
No separate payment needed. The Koh Nang Yuan island entrance fee is included in your ticket price.
Is Shark Bay included in this Koh Tao tour?
Yes, Shark Bay is part of the itinerary. Whether you can get in the water there depends on the conditions at the site that day. If the conditions are not right, the crew changes the snorkeling spot, and any change to the swimming area is decided on site.
Where does this tour depart from?
Hotel pickup is included from all major areas on Koh Samui including Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Maenam, and Nathon. The exact departure pier is shared on your voucher after booking.
Is snorkeling at Koh Tao better than the reefs closer to Koh Samui?
They suit different days out, so it depends on what you want. Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan have the clearest water and the best coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand — but they are 1.5 to 2 hours by speedboat each way from Koh Samui, so this is a full-day trip. The reefs closer to home, around Koh Tan and Pig Island (Koh Madsum), are only 20–30 minutes away and sit in calm, shallow water of roughly 2–4 metres, which makes them easier for young children, nervous swimmers or a half-day plan: see the Koh Tan and Pig Island snorkeling day trip linked above, or book the reef to yourselves with the private half-day snorkeling speedboat charter to Koh Tan and Pig Island, which runs at 08:00 or 12:30. Choose Koh Tao for the best snorkeling of your trip; choose Koh Tan for the easiest. What will I see snorkeling at Koh Tao on this trip from Koh Samui? You snorkel at least two sessions around Koh Tao, one of Thailand’s top snorkeling destinations, over clear coral reefs full of colorful tropical fish, with a chance to spot turtles in the crystal-clear water. The itinerary takes in well-known snorkel sites such as Mango Bay and the Japanese Garden, plus the shallow, sheltered water around Koh Nang Yuan’s famous triple sandbar. Mask, snorkel and life jacket are provided for every stop, so it suits confident and first-time snorkelers alike. How hard is the climb to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint? The viewpoint hike is optional and takes around 15 minutes from the sandbar beach, but the trail is steep in parts, with steps and rocks along the way, so the tour is rated moderate fitness: expect walking on sand, climbing stairs and rocks, and getting in and out of the boat by ladder. Light shoes or sandals with grip for the viewpoint are on the what-to-bring list. Koh Nang Yuan has set paths to the viewpoint and its own island rules, so follow the signage and staff instructions. If you would rather skip the climb, you can stay on the three-sandbar beach and swim in the shallow water during the free time on the island. Hotel pickup Free hotel pickup is included from most areas. If your hotel is in Bang Po, Nathon, Lipa Noi, Lipa Yai, Butterfly Garden, Taling Ngam or Phang Ka, an extra transfer of ฿300 per person applies.
What does this tour include?
Koh Samui to Koh Tao day trip by speedboat, with Koh Nang Yuan. Snorkel coral reefs, iconic sandbar viewpoint, Thai lunch, hotel pickup & island admission fee included.
How much does it cost?
Hotel pickup and Koh Nang Yuan admission fee included, no hidden costs. See the price above for your date and group size; it is confirmed at checkout.
Is there a child price?
Yes — a discounted child ticket is available; the child price is shown above.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 7-8 hours.
Are the reviews real?
Yes. Every review on this page is from a real customer who booked this tour.
How do I book this tour?
Book directly on this page, or chat live with our booking team for help choosing dates or add-ons.
How long does the boat ride to Koh Tao take?
The speedboat crossing takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on sea conditions.
What time is hotel pickup and return?
Hotel pickup is between 07:30 and 08:30 AM; the speedboat departs around 09:00 and you're back at Koh Samui with hotel drop-off completed around 17:00-18:00.
How hard is the climb to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint?
The viewpoint hike is optional and takes around 15 minutes from the sandbar beach, but the trail is steep in parts with steps and rocks — rated moderate fitness. If you'd rather skip it, you can stay on the three-sandbar beach and swim in the shallow water.
Which snorkel spots does the tour visit?
At least two snorkeling sessions at well-known Koh Tao sites such as Mango Bay and the Japanese Garden, plus the shallow water around Koh Nang Yuan's sandbar.
My hotel is in a remote area — is there an extra charge?
Yes, an extra ฿300 per person applies if your hotel is in Bang Po, Nathon, Lipa Noi, Lipa Yai, Butterfly Garden, Taling Ngam or Phang Ka.
What happens if weather cancels my tour?
Our 100% Weather & Cancellation Guarantee: if the captain or guide cancels this tour for weather or sea-safety reasons, we offers an immediate alternative date or a 100% refund to your original payment method, zero penalty.
Free cancellation 24h
Cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
until 24 h beforeNo refund
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