Koh Tao: Snorkeling Trip to Nang Yuan Island & Hidden Bays

Planning a day on Koh Tao and eager to explore its underwater treasures? This snorkel trip with We Travel Snorkeling & Tour promises a fun-filled, well-organized adventure that covers the island’s best snorkeling spots, a scenic visit to Nang Yuan Island, and plenty of on-board entertainment. While it’s a fantastic way to see the marine life, the full-day format might be a bit long for some, especially if you’re not keen on being in the sun for hours.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of stunning underwater sights, the family-friendly atmosphere, and the value for money — especially with lunch, photos, and fun extras like a water slide included. We also appreciate the knowledgeable guides, who are both fluent in English and Thai, adding a personable touch.

However, keep in mind that the tour involves multiple snorkeling stops, which might be tiring for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness. If you’re looking for a relaxed, less packed day, this trip might feel a little intense. Still, it’s an excellent choice for anyone wanting an active, immersive day of marine discovery and island scenery.

This tour best suits travelers who enjoy snorkeling, are comfortable on boats, and want a comprehensive experience that combines adventure, scenic beauty, and delicious Thai-style lunch. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to make the most of Koh Tao’s marine life.

Good To Know

• Multiple Snorkeling Spots: Explore Okin, Ao Muang, Ao Hin Wong, and Shark Bay for a diverse underwater experience.
• Family Friendly: Guides are helpful and accommodating, with life jackets available for children.
• Fun Extras on Board: Water slide, climbing wall, and floating beds add a playful element to the trip.
• Nang Yuan Island: Visit the iconic three-island connected by a sandy strip, perfect for photos and relaxing.
• Good Value: For $23, the trip includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and even underwater photos.
• Wildlife Encounters: Chances to see turtles, baby sharks, and colorful tropical fish make each stop exciting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Koh Tao Snorkeling Trip

Starting the Day: Convenient Hotel Pickup and Transfer

One of the biggest perks of this tour is the hotel pickup and drop-off, which many reviews mention as smooth and hassle-free. You’ll be transported to Mae Haad pier, where the playful boat awaits. Just note that Mango Bay and Lighthouse Beach are not included in the pickup area, so plan accordingly if you’re staying elsewhere.

The Boat: Comfortable, Well-Equipped, and Fun

The boat itself is described as large and comfortable, with enough space for everyone to relax or engage in activities. Beyond the standard snorkeling equipment, the vessel features a water slide, a climbing wall, and floating beds. These extras are loved especially by families and those wanting a playful touch to their day out. As one reviewer put it, the slide and jumping platform make for some of the most fun moments, while others appreciated the ample space on the boat, so it never feels crowded.

Snorkeling Stops: A Day of Marine Marvels

The core of this trip is the series of snorkeling spots, each offering something unique:

• Ao Muang: Known for colorful fish and coral, this spot is a great starting point to see marine life in calmer waters. Reviewers mention it as a brilliant location for snorkeling.
• Ao Hin Wong: Here, you might see large groups of Yellow-Strip fish swimming in groups, adding to the lively underwater scene.
• Ao Leuk: Praised for its beautiful corals, this stop offers a quieter, more scenic snorkel.
• Shark Bay: The name hints at some excitement — many snorkelers hope to spot green turtles or blacktip reef sharks. Several reviews mention the thrill of seeing turtles swimming nearby, which makes the experience even more memorable.
• Japanese Garden: This is one of the most famous spots on Koh Tao, with vibrant coral formations and abundant fish. Reviewers note it’s a great place to take photos and appreciate the underwater beauty.

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Highlights from Reviewers

Many travelers mention that guides are especially helpful pointing out turtles and sharks, making sure everyone stays safe. One reviewer noted that the guides, such as Mr. K, Matthew, and Banana, “swam down to find a lost Apple Watch,” showing their dedication and attentiveness.

Nang Yuan Island: The Iconic Trip Highlight

The visit to Nang Yuan Island is often highlighted as a major highlight. The three small islands connected by a stunning white sandy beach are perfect for lounging, taking photos, or just soaking up the scenery. Some reviews mention that climbing to the viewpoint can be a bit challenging in flip-flops, but the view is well worth the effort.

Lunch and Refreshments: Thai-Style Goodness

A common praise point is the lunch, which includes options like chicken curry, vegetarian choices, fruit, cookies, and instant coffee. Reviewers say that the quality of the food exceeds expectations for this kind of boat trip, making it a real value-add. Water is freely available, and some mention the affordable drinks on board, making it easy to stay hydrated.

Relaxation and Fun Onboard

In between snorkeling and island visits, you can enjoy floating beds or jump from the boat’s diving platform. The water slide is a big hit, with many travelers saying it added a playful element to the day. The guides are praised for creating a relaxed atmosphere, fitting in fun activities while maintaining safety.

The End of the Day: Flexible Return Options

The trip concludes around 6:00 PM, with most guests being dropped back at their hotels. In some cases, due to high waves, the return route might switch from boat to land, which reviewers have appreciated for its flexibility.

The Value for Money

At just $23 per person, this experience offers a lot of bang for your buck. It includes round-trip hotel transfers (except Mango Bay & Lighthouse Beach), snorkeling gear, lunch, water, and photos taken by the guides, which they then email to you afterward. Many mention that the photos are a lovely bonus, allowing you to relive the underwater moments without extra cost.

The included insurance provides reassurance, especially for those new to snorkeling or concerned about safety. While there is an additional national park fee (THB 250 for adults, THB 150 for kids), it’s a small price for access to protected marine areas.

How Does It Compare?

Reviewers consistently say that this trip offers better value than other snorkeling excursions they’ve taken elsewhere. The combination of well-organized stops, friendly guides, and fun onboard extras makes it stand out.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This trip is perfect if you’re looking for an active day in the water with plenty of opportunities to see marine life. It’s especially suited for families with kids, as the guides are attentive, and there are life jackets for children. If you’re a snorkeling enthusiast or a first-timer, the guides will help you feel comfortable and point out the highlights.

However, it’s worth noting that it’s not ideal for non-swimmers, those prone to seasickness, or travelers with back problems. The full-day format, with multiple stops and activities, might be too exhausting for some, especially under the tropical sun.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is provided, but you might want to bring your own mask and fins if you prefer.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Thai-style lunch with options like chicken curry, vegetarian dishes, fruit, and cookies is included in the price.

Will I see sharks or turtles?
Many guests report seeing turtles and sometimes baby sharks at Shark Bay, thanks to the attentive guides pointing out wildlife.

Can I just snorkel from the boat instead of visiting Nang Yuan Island?
Certainly, some reviews suggest that snorkeling from the boat at spots like Japanese Garden is a great alternative, especially if hiking on Nang Yuan is too hot or difficult.

How long is the trip?
The trip runs until about 6:00 PM, with several snorkeling stops, island visits, and onboard activities throughout the day.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera to capture the underwater moments.

Is the trip suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many solo travelers join these trips and rave about the friendly guides and the opportunity to meet others.

Final Thoughts

This Koh Tao snorkeling trip offers a full day of aquatic adventure, scenic island visits, and onboard fun. The multiple snorkeling stops mean you’ll see a variety of marine life, from colorful fish to turtles and sharks. The friendly guides, with their helpful tips and underwater photos, add a personalized touch that makes the experience even more memorable.

The value for money is one of the strongest points, considering everything included—lunch, gear, photos, and entertainment. While the full-day format might feel demanding for some, the variety of activities and the relaxed atmosphere make it a highly recommended choice for those wanting to explore Koh Tao’s marine environments.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, this tour provides a well-rounded, fun, and authentic introduction to Koh Tao’s underwater world. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, a sense of adventure, and maybe some flip-flops for that hike to the viewpoint!

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby