Koh Taos Top Snorkeling Spots by Vintage Wooden Boat

Taking a tour around Koh Tao with a vintage wooden boat sounds like a scene from a travel magazine—except it’s real, and it’s as charming as it looks. This highly-rated experience offers an authentic way to explore the island’s most beautiful underwater and coastal sights.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the stunning stops at six different spots, each offering something unique. Second, the personalized vibe of the small group, which means more space, better service, and genuine interaction with guides. Third, the beautiful, classic wooden boat that adds a nostalgic touch to your day on the water.

One consideration? The tour’s itinerary can shift due to weather or safety conditions, which might slightly change your day—something to keep in mind if you’re planning around specific sights or times.

This tour is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-rounded day of snorkeling, relaxing, and exploring in Koh Tao. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply after scenic views and good food, this trip ticks many boxes.

• Authentic experience aboard a vintage wooden boat with a friendly guide.
• Six stunning stops, from Nang Yuan Island to Shark Bay, each offering different marine and coastal sights.
• Inclusive amenities like buffet lunch, sunset BBQ, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling gear.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Excellent reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and tasty food.
• Weather-dependent itinerary means flexibility but also unpredictability.

The Charm of the Vintage Wooden Boat

This isn’t your typical big-group motorized cruise. The boat itself is a beautifully preserved wooden vessel that exudes character and nostalgia. It’s small enough to foster a cozy atmosphere but well-equipped with restrooms, snorkel gear, and even underwater photography services. Reviews highlight the boat’s aesthetic appeal, with many mentioning how special it feels to cruise in such a classic vessel.

The boat’s design creates a relaxed vibe, making the journey as enjoyable as the stops. Plus, the open deck offers prime spots for sunbathing or snapping photos of Koh Tao’s coastline and stunning sea views.

The Itinerary Breakdown – What to Expect

Stop 1: Nang Yuan Island

Your day kicks off at the iconic Nang Yuan Island, famous for its three small islands connected by a pristine white sandbar. This spot is perfect for capturing those postcard-perfect moments—think crystal-clear waters and panoramic vistas. Reviewers love the breathtaking views here, with one describing it as a “unique gem.” You’ll have about an hour to explore or just relax on the sand, soaking in the scenery.

Stop 2: Japanese Gardens

Next, you’ll head to Japanese Gardens, where the real underwater magic begins. Snorkel among colorful coral reefs and spot marine creatures like eels, rays, and the Titan triggerfish. One reviewer pointed out how vibrant and teeming the reefs are, with plenty of fish and interesting formations. Expect about an hour here to enjoy the marine life and take photos.

Stop 3: Mango Bay (Lunch Stop)

While the boat cruises to Mango Bay, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with six options, including seasonal fruits. This is the perfect time to unwind, indulge, and take in stunning views of Nang Yuan Island from the deck. Many guests mention the freshness and quality of the food, with one reviewer highlighting the “fresh and yummy” chicken wings as a standout.

Stop 4: Hin Wong Bay

Post-lunch, the boat stops at Hin Wong Bay, famous for its granite rocks and coral. Here, snorkelers can see banana fish, rabbitfish, and parrotfish, often swimming among the rocks or through a small cave at the bay’s southern corner. The bay’s unique blend of granite and coral makes for interesting underwater scenery. Reviewers appreciate the calm waters and the opportunity to swim through caves.

Stop 5: Ao Leuk

The afternoon is spent at Aow Leuk, which is a favorite for its inviting, shallow waters and wide sandy sea floor. It’s ideal for snorkelers wanting to see diverse fish and even small harmless sharks. One guest described it as a “picturesque bay,” perfect for swimming, relaxing, or paddling around. The calm, clear waters and the beautiful scenery make this a highlight for many.

Stop 6: Shark Bay and Free Beach

The final stop is Shark Bay, where you can see blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles gliding peacefully in shallow waters. This stop gets rave reviews for the chance to see marine life in their natural habitat without the crowds. The bay’s tranquil, clear waters allow for excellent snorkeling and observing sea creatures up close. Many travelers mention how serene and awe-inspiring it is to see sharks and turtles swimming nearby.

The Extras that Make a Difference

The tour includes kayak and paddleboarding at selected spots, adding a fun, active element. Guests also benefit from unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, and a Virgin Mojito Mocktail dinner—perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun.

A real bonus? The professional guides are fluent in English and Thai, ensuring clear explanations and safety instructions. One reviewer praised a guide for being “so great,” emphasizing how knowledgeable and friendly guides enhance the experience.

You’ll also enjoy underwater photography services to capture your marine moments, a thoughtful touch that many travelers appreciate.

The Practical Aspects

• Price: At around $74.35 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the inclusions—lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and multiple stops.
• Duration: Expect a full day of activities, roughly 8 hours including transfers, with pickup and drop-off from Koh Tao hotels.
• Group Size: Limited to 25 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Booking: Most travelers book about 18 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.
• Weather and Flexibility: The itinerary can shift due to weather conditions, but safety is the priority. If canceled, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience appeals to anyone seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic marine encounters. It’s especially suitable for families wanting safe, shallow waters, couples looking for a scenic day, or solo travelers eager to meet others on a well-organized trip.

The tour is geared toward active participants, with snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding included, but it’s also a good choice for those who simply want to relax and enjoy the views. Children aged 3-12 get a discounted ticket, and kids under 3 can attend for free, making it family-friendly.

This vintage wooden boat snorkeling tour around Koh Tao offers a memorable combination of scenic beauty, marine discovery, and cultural charm. The small group size and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience from a typical day out to something more personalized and meaningful. You’ll love the well-chosen stops, the fresh food, and the chance to see sharks and turtles in their natural environment.

The price reflects good value, especially with all the inclusions—lunch, drinks, gear, and the boat itself. The flexible itinerary, with its stunning locations and relaxed pace, makes it ideal for travelers who want a less commercialized, more authentic outing.

While weather can influence the day’s flow, the safety and quality of the experience remain high. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just want to enjoy beautiful scenery and marine life, this tour provides a solid, enjoyable day out on Koh Tao’s waters.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Koh Tao, a buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, coffee, tea, a Virgin Mojito Mocktail dinner, snorkeling equipment, kayaking, paddleboarding, an underwater photography service, and accident insurance.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning at the same meeting point, including travel time and activities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 3-12 can purchase tickets at a reduced rate, and children under 3 can join free. However, children under 1 year old are not recommended.

What are the main snorkeling spots?
The highlights include Nang Yuan Island, Japanese Gardens, Hin Wong Bay, Ao Leuk, and Shark Bay, each offering unique marine life and scenery.

Can I kayak or paddleboard during the tour?
Absolutely. You can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding at designated spots, adding more fun to your day.

Is alcohol included?
No, alcoholic beverages are not part of the tour. You’ll enjoy soft drinks, coffee, tea, and mocktails instead.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof camera if you want to capture underwater moments. The boat provides snorkeling gear and a restroom.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may change for safety reasons. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour is a wonderful way to see Koh Tao’s marine treasures while enjoying the charm of a vintage boat. Whether you’re after vibrant reefs, peaceful bays, or the thrill of spotting sharks and turtles, it’s a day packed with natural beauty, good food, and friendly guides.