We Travel Snorkeling Adventures

we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

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we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao

we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

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We Travel Snorkeling Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

We Travel Snorkeling Adventures

we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

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we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao

we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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We Travel Snorkeling Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

  • Beaches and Bays
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  • Getting Here
  • Getting Around
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Koh Tao Snorkeling

Koh Tao is surrounded by large rock formations covered with stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life that starts just a few metres offshore. Most of the year, the conditions are excellent, with crystal clear and calm water, so snorkeling Koh Tao is suitable for both adults and children.

Koh Tao snorkeling at Sai Nuan Beach

The most popular way to combine sightseeing and snorkeling Koh Tao is on one of the ‘Around the Island’ boat tours. If you prefer a quieter and more gentle approach, plan your trip by walking or kayaking. However you go, various fish await, such as parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish and blue spotted rays, and at some sites, maybe a black tip reef shark and sea turtles!

“Around the Island” Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling tour with big boat.

About ten companies are operating this snorkeling tour. They all cost the same and provide the same program and services. These daily trips leave at 10:00, return at 17:00, and visit Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay , Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay . An afternoon trip is also available, which leaves at 12:00. Price includes insurance, English speaking guide, transfer services, equipment, lunch, fresh fruit and drinking water. An additional 250 Baht of Koh Nang Yuan landing fee is usually not included with the price.  

Book Snorkeling Tour

Koh Tao snorkeling tour with big boat

Local Longtail Boat

To enjoy a private snorkeling tour at Koh Tao, you can book a longtail boat independently operated by local individuals. This option allows you to create your itinerary and explore other destinations not included in standard tours. Costs vary, so check around with a few boat operators and agree beforehand on the price and what’s included. The average longtail boat capacity is a maximum of ten people.

Luxury Speed Boat

For the ultimate comfort and convenience, organise your private luxury speed boat. Get to places the quickest way possible and spend more time snorkeling. A few companies offer this service, and most also offer charters on request between neighbouring islands and the mainland.

Snorkeling Koh Tao by Yourself

Walking or kayaking and snorkeling combination.

If you don’t want to join a group tour, you can always go off and discover this beautiful island of Koh Tao on your own. There are many walks for you to take to explore at your own pace, and it’s easy to see some of the interior of Koh Tao and a beach or bay in one trip. Kayaks are available for hire in some places, which are great to combine with snorkeling. You will also see lots more without the engine noise of a boat to disturb fish life.

Kayaking

Tips: How to find good snorkeling spots on Koh Tao?

Good snorkeling is easy to find on Koh Tao. At any cape or point around the island where there is constant water movement, fertile coral reefs can often be found just below the surface. Examples are Cape Je Ta Kang , June Juea Cape, Buddha Rock or Laem Thian .

Assava

Koh Tao boasts stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, combined with a relaxed lifestyle, making it an unforgettable destination for thousands of visitors per year.

Koh Tao Marine Life

Koh Tao Marine Life and Fish Identification

Koh Tao marine life provides a natural aquarium for all divers. The different species of colourful fish are abundant on coral reefs.

Scuba Diving Koh Tao

Scuba Diving Koh Tao

Scuba diving Koh Tao lets you experience weightlessness while exploring the stunning visual display of the underwater realm.

Koh Tao Diving Schools

Koh Tao Diving Schools

Diving schools on Koh Tao are some of the best dive facilities worldwide. Here is our list of Koh Tao diving school recommendations.

Koh Tao Hotels

Koh Tao Hotels

Koh Tao Hotels offer a wide choice of places to stay, from simple beach bungalows to budget dorm hostels to luxury pool villas.

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We Travel Snorkeling Adventures

we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

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we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao

we travel snorkeling & tour koh tao

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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WE TRAVEL SNORKELING ADVENTURES (Koh Tao) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour In Thailand: What You NEED To Know

Thinking of taking a Koh Tao snorkeling tour while you are on this paradise island? Find out absolutely everything you need to know such as what company to book, prices, where you will visit, and what to expect!

While you are on the beautiful island of Koh Tao you will see all the travel agencies offering various snorkeling tours. This is one of the more popular things to do here. Though be aware it is definitely more on the family-friendly activity side than the backpacker adventurous side.

This is due to the majority of travelers in Thailand who make their way to Koh Tao generally do so to get PADI certified. Koh Tao is both an underwater paradise and one of the cheapest places in the world to become qualified, bonus. As a result, the majority of backpackers will come here to go diving rather than snorkeling. Though if you have limited funds as I did, you may find a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao being your only option.

As much as I would love to become PADI certified someday, that day has not come yet. In the meantime, I will continue partaking in various snorkeling tours around the world. Awkwardly floating on the surface and diving down a few meters before quickly swimming back up to catch my breath.

Nevertheless, I will let you know the good, bad, and ugly of taking a Koh Tao snorkeling tour. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all picturesque waters and a stress-free day. It actually started off pretty good, but unfortunately didn’t end so great.

So, let get into all the important information about taking a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao. From the different companies, prices, stops you will visit, what to expect, and more. So let’s get into it so you can decide whether to add this to your backpacking Koh Tao itinerary !

Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour: All You Need To Know

Why snorkel in koh tao, what company to book with, price of a koh tao snorkeling tour, my experience with oxygen tours, what to pack on your koh tao snorkeling tour.

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand: 12Go Asia

Well if you haven’t figured out why exactly you should snorkel in Koh Tao, it’s cause this place is known for having an insane underwater world, it’s one of the best snorkeling spots in Southeast Asia . With rocky coasts and inaccessible beaches, it allows life under the surface to absolutely flourish.

Just doing a small amount of research into Thailand will lead you to quickly discover how popular Koh Tao is with those travelers interested in snorkeling and diving. Clear waters provide amazing visibility and with such an assortment of fish to discover! This is a popular activity with all types of tourists.

If you are perhaps not a fan of diving or simply don’t have the budget or time, then doing a day-long snorkel tour is a great alternative. Sure there is a huge difference between snorkeling and diving, but as an alternative for budget travelers, it is certainly a good option.

purple coral while snorkeling in koh tao

There is a variety of companies you can book your snorkeling tour on Koh Tao through. Seriously, they are dotted all around the island. If you head to the main port area of Mae Haad you will see all the diving stores and tour agencies offering such excursions all lined up along the street side.

Now, most of these tours are the same. They all seem to make the same stops, just perhaps in a slightly different order. This means you don’t worry about overthinking which one to book your snorkeling tour with.

Unfortunately or fortunately, I visited during Songkran which is the Thai New Year. During this period many locals travel back to their hometown to spend some time with their families. It was a great vibe spending this time celebrating on Koh Tao. Though as a result, we were very limited in choosing a company to book with. Actually, every single office was closed. Therefore to book a tour we just showed up at a random hostel, chatted to the reception and they booked us in. Though there are a few options if you are able to choose. This includes We Travel Snorkeling Adventures , U&I Place , and Oxygen Tours .

These are the prices for the above snorkeling tours in Koh Tao:

We Travel Snorkeling Adventures: $29.00

U&I Place: $52.00

Oxygen Tours: $29.00

Essentially all these tours visit the exact same places, though will do so in a different order so that there is minimal overlap and not too many excited travelers swimming around. They all visit the same bays which I will explain further below and they also included a cooked lunch and drinks.

So if you read above, I, unfortunately, didn’t get too much choice when it came to who I was to book my Koh Tao snorkeling tour with. It just so happened that the hostel we booked our tour through was with Oxygen Tours. Oxygen Tours and We Travel Snorkeling Adventures are the two most popular companies on the island to book with.

Personally, we ended up paying $20.00 for our snorkeling tour. This is because you will find prices are cheaper when you are physically on the island versus what you can find online. Though by doing this you risk that they may become all booked out, especially in the high season.

Arriving With Oxygen Tours

As we wandered down the hillside to the Oxygen Tours office it was pretty easy to spot. A large pile of tourists chilled along the roadside at the painful hour of 8.30am. At least it’s painfully early when you are on holiday.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the small number of tourists I was used to doing tours with. Instead, there were are 30 other travelers we would be sharing one decent-sized boat with and unfortunately just one toilet.

Next, our names got checked off a list and we are given a snorkel that would be ours for the day. Once everyone was ready which did take some time we walked down to the wharf in one big group to Oxygen Tours boat.

Though to get to our boat meant “walking the plank” from the wharf across to another boat, and then over another wooden plank to finally the boat we would be venturing the island on today. Unfortunately my partner James just happened to drop his snorkel in the water between these two boats. Though one of the staff quickly sprung into action, dived in, and grabbed it. Thank you, Sir!

Nangyuan Island

Our first stop of the day is Nangyuan Island . It is a quick 20-minute boat ride here from Koh Tao and an awesome way to take in the sights. We saw plenty of fishermen doing their morning catch.

If you have never heard of Nangyuan Island before it is just perfection. White sandy beaches, lush jungles, and crystal blue water. The photos from here are the ones you see plastered all over Pinterest and Instagram. Problem is, that with this comes the hoards of travelers keen to check it out and snap pics for the gram.

Though be aware there is a 100 THB / $3.00 entry fee for Nangyuan. You are also not allowed to bring plastic bottles in and yes your luggage will be searched. It was actually quite complicated to enter this little island paradise. Though once all the admin side of things is completed we begin with exploring.

First up is the impressive Nangyuan lookout point. Unfortunately, it seems like everyone else had this idea as the queue to the top point is about halfway up the track. Nevertheless, we wait patiently and move forward inch by inch. At the top, a couple of gentlemen help us navigate the rocks. I hate to say it but the view is definitely worth the climb and waiting in the heat. Though be aware you will only get a minute or so up the top before you will need to descend to let the next group up.

Back down on the beach, it is time to cool off with a dip in the ocean. As there are a few different tour boats here it is quite busy and difficult to find an empty patch of sand. We manage to duck around a corner and find a more sheltered and quiet part to swim in. There isn’t too much in the shallows in terms of snorkeling. Though there is the occasional curious fish,

After a couple of hours and purchasing some crazy overpriced water we head back to the boat.

viewpoint from on top of koh nang yuan while on our koh tao snorkeling tour

It’s a nice little boat ride to Mango Bay with only one other tour boat in the area. This is quite different from Koh Nang Yuan where there seemed to be 5+ other boats.

We are told this is one of the best spots on Koh Tao to go snorkeling which gets everyone excited. The water to perfectly clear even though it is pretty deep. Luckily Oxygen Tours provides life jackets and noodles to those who aren’t confident swimmers.

There are rather large coral formations on the side of the rocks. Here is where numerous fish call home. We were even lucky enough to spot some clownfish.

The team on the boat jump in with you, make sure everyone is safe and points out anything of interest underneath the surface.

Hinwong Bay

What makes Hinwong Bay special is the large assortment of fish which seem to gather here. Thousands of them in large schools create dark shadows all around you.

After a quick dip, we jump out to enjoy a warm cooked lunch. This was in the form of a large buffet of rice, stir fry, and fresh fruit to keep everyone happy.

fish during our koh tao snorkeling tour

On our journey over to Ao Leuk the weather, unfortunately, changed quite a lot. We were traveling Thailand in the wet season so in the afternoons it’s quite normal for storms to roll in seemingly out of nowhere. As a result the seas suddenly got rough and the air temperature dropped. This meant the wind was super chilly, in stark contrast to the weather when we boarded this morning.

The not-so-fun part of this is that we were all wet from the previous stop and now shivering cold. Unfortunately, as a result, the water was too rough to stop in at Ao Leuk. Being a bay with rocks all around they were worried the winds could push the boat around too much.

Luckily as Shark Bay is a relatively open area we could safely stop here for our last stop of the day. Though going all the way from Hinwong Bay to Shark Bay with no shelter on the side of the boat was quite a cold and long journey. We wrapped ourselves in half wet towels and cuddled up to create warmth.

Taking the last plunge of the day there is some excitement in the air about the possibility of spotting a shark. Though little did we know the best chance of seeing a shark here is during the morning, not on a stormy afternoon.

The seafloor here is relatively barren. With waves crashing and white caps forming it was far from the best swimming conditions. I am luckily a pretty good swimmer, at least good at being buoyant. Unfortunately, my partner, James isn’t the same, and with waves creating difficulty, he has a panic attack so we both head back onto the boat together.

There are some things its best to take along with you on your snorkeling tour in Koh Tao to make the most out of your experience:

Camera : Of course, you can’t forget the camera. You will want this when you are visiting Nangyuan Island. This place is absolutely incredible and if you are going to hike to the viewpoint then you will want to capture to view.

Go Pro: For sure bring along your Go Pro if you have one. The underwater world here is pretty damn good. You will regret not bringing along your GoPro at your first snorkel spot.

Jacket: Yes I know you are exploring paradise under the hot Thai sun. But seriously the weather here can change fast and trust me there is nothing worse than being stuck in the elements with the wind blowing against you as you are shivering away.

Towel: Bring along your towel! Even bring two! You’ll be in and out of the water all day and it’s likely your towel won’t completely dry properly between swims. If you are cold you can also wrap it around you.

Sunblock: Let’s avoid looking like a lobster and bring a reef-safe sunblock along with you!

Sunglasses : It’ll definitely be worth bringing sunglasses along with you. The sun shining off the sea can be super bright so protect your eyes by bringing along a pair of sunglasses.

one of the hills on koh nang yuan

Other Things To Do In Koh Tao

There are so many things to do here in Koh Tao, you won’t be bored. You can check out my full Koh Tao itinerary to help you plan your stay on the island. Though here are a few favorite activities to get you started:

Get PADI Certified

One of the most popular things to do in Koh Tao and why many people travel here is to get PADI certified. Koh Tao is known as one of the cheapest places to get your PADI license in the world with it costing as little as $300.00. As a result, it attracts thousands of backpackers every year looking to gain some new skills exploring life under the water.

Ang Thong Marine Park

If you snorkeled all of the beaches while in Koh Tao why not head out a bit further afield on a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park. This is a popular trip for people to take when staying in Koh Tao, Koh Phangan , or Koh Samui. It is made up of 42 separate islands and is one of the best spots to snorkel in the Gulf of Thailand. Prices generally start around $30.00 for the day trip on a group tour.

Being such a small island with relatively limited things to do, partaking in the famous Koh Tao pub crawl has become a bit of an institution for backpackers in Thailand. It is a pretty cheap thing to do here and you will also receive a free teeshirt or singlet. It is a great way to meet new people as well, especially if you are traveling solo.

Where To Stay In Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is a beautiful island full of tropical beaches and small towns. As a result, you will find when booking there are a wide variety of options of where you book your accommodation in Koh Tao. Here is a small glimpse of popular locations are what you can expect when staying there:

Sairee Beach: Sairee Beach is one of the more popular places to stay in Koh Tao simply because this is where the majority of accommodation options are located. You will find plenty of delicious restaurants and cafes here. There are some quaint bungalows here as well as a handful of hostels for backpackers on a budget.

Mae Haad: Mae Haad is the main area of Koh Tao and where all the ferries depart from. I stayed in this area on my first trip to Koh Tao and found the options quite limited. There wasn’t a whole heap of restaurants to choose from and the beach was at the main port so it wasn’t really an option. There are more hostels here as well as a few affordable resorts. I stayed in Baan Rock Inn for $20.00 per night which I shared with my partner.

Chalok Baan Kao: Away from the township in a more peaceful location is the area of Chalok Baan Kao. Here you will find more affordable beachfront bungalows. This is definitely an area for backpackers who want to be more in nature and the seaside without having to pay ridiculous prices.

Ao Thian Og: If your budget isn’t a limit, it’s likely you will be staying in Ao Thian Og. This is a super-luxurious area with some of Koh Tao’s best resorts and hotels. A night here will cost you a few hundred dollars.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

Thinking of taking a Koh Tao snorkeling tour while you are on this paradise island? Find out absolutely everything you need to know such as what company to book, prices, where you will visit, and what to expect!

Want more Thailand Inspiration? Check out….

  • TRAVEL KOH PHANGAN TO KOH TAO
  • VISITING THE WHITE TEMPLE IN CHIANG RAI
  • PHUKET TO KOH LANTA TRANSPORT GUIDE
  • KOH PHI PHI VIEWPOINTS
  • ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE WITH ELEPHANT NATURE PARK IN CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
  • A NIGHT AT THE CHIANG MAI SUNDAY MARKETS, THAILAND
  • BACKPACKING KOH LANTA
  • VEGETARIAN COOKING CLASS IN CHIANG MAI
  • KRABI TO KOH PHI PHI TRANSPORT GUIDE

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Photo credit: “ snorkeling koh tao ”  ( CC BY 2.0 ) by Jeremy Leneveu . “ snorkeling, koh tao ”  ( CC BY 2.0 ) by jajaja nenene . “ snorkeling, koh tao ”  ( CC BY 2.0 ) by jajaja nenene & “ snorkeling, koh tao ”  ( CC BY 2.0 ) by jajaja nenene .

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

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Our Services

We're a local company offering Snorkel Tours around Koh Tao and Nang Yuan island since 2005. Our distinct services include full-day and half-day tours, sightseeing trip by car, and private charter services suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers. Visit our main office at Mea Haad village, up the road from the pier, opposite the gasoline station, our services below

Premium Trip

9:00 am. - 3:00 pm.

Maximum of pax on board start an early for snorkeling with the greatest time visit 5 spots around Koh Tao with uncloud of people

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990   THB.

Afternoon Trip

12:00 pm. - 6:00 pm.

Late in afternoon service for snorkeling trip around the island, with fantastic and fun with our big boat and comfy spaces and not missed out the most fun trip.

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650   THB.

Rate /  pax

Morning Trip

10:00 am. - 5:00 pm.

Mostly fun with our big boat 3 desk with water slider  and jumbing on board, looking for fun and meet lots of new friends

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550   THB.

Sightseeing Trip

11:00 am. - 4:00 pm.

Our sigtseeing trip by car, original service for whoes those need safe trip by car to visit the most stunning viewpoint and beaches with our standard services

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2,xxx   THB.

Rate / 4 pax

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8/38 Moo 2, Baan Mae Haad,

Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Suratthani  84360

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The best & cheapest snorkeling tour in koh tao 2024.

snorkeling things to do in Sabah the backpacking family

Table of Contents

What is the best snorkeling tour in Koh Tao in 2024? Koh Tao is a paradise island located off the east coast of Thailand. Koh Tao has crystal clear waters, colorful coral reef and beautiful biodiversity. It really is one of the best places to go snorkeling. However, there are different ways to go snorkeling in Koh Tao and it can be hard to work out the best option for you.

In this article we are going to review and recommend the cheapest and best snorkeling tour in Koh Tao. We will share all of the details including price, what to expect, what is included and top tips to make the most of your snorkeling trip. 

Why take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao? 

things to do in Koh Tao snorkeling trip

We highly recommend that you take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao. Koh Tao boasts beautiful clear waters brimming with fish and sea life and remarkable colorful coral reef. If you take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao you will also probably stop at Nang Yuan Island. This is a beautiful island connected to another small island by a sound bar. On the small island you can also walk up a steep jungle path to a viewpoint giving you an amazing view of both islands and the sand bar. 

A snorkeling tour in Koh Tao has a very good atmosphere with lots of fun vibes. The staff are energetic, fun and friendly. The boats are equipped with life jackets, snorkeling equipment and they even have water slides off the back of the boat. Take an exhilarating slide into the beautiful warm sea water. Taking a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao was genuinely one of our favorite activities in the area. 

How much does it cost to take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?

things to do in Tioman snorkeling the backpacking family

If you take a snorkeling tour of Koh Tao with Oxygen Tours it costs 500 baht all inclusive (morning tour from 10am – 5pm).

Oxygen tours also offer a Premium VIP tour for 890 baht per person 9am – 3pm (smaller group). There is also a an afternoon tour for 600 baht per person from 12pm – 6pm. The availability of different tour options depends on the conditions and the season.

You will also need to pay an additional 250 baht per person “landing fee” to enter Nang Yuan island (this includes both islands and the viewpoint). It is possible to walk between the islands on the sandbar (if you don’t mind getting wet!) 

The price for children depends on both their age and height. If your child is over 110cm tall they need to pay full price. If they are under 110cm they only pay half price. Infants (2 years and below are FREE of charge).

things to do in Tioman coral snorkeling

If you’re planning to do an independent trip to Nang Yuan island, or you are not interested in seeing it, it is possible to stay on the boat and you do not need to pay the additional entrance fee (of 250 baht). The entrance fee for Nang Yuan is payable on arrival at the island. 

In our opinion it is excellent value for money and offers one of the cheapest Island hopping trips around. If you are also planning to visit Koh Phangan, the island hopping trips are much more expensive. Therefore, we recommend waiting to do your island hopping trip at Koh Tao.

What should a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao include?

tioman snorkeling

A good snorkeling tour of Koh Tao should be all inclusive. Always check exactly what is included before you book your trip. The price should include the following things:

  • 2 way transfer from your hotel or resort
  • Equipment rental (life jacket, snorkel, mask and fins)
  • Drinks (normally water or juice and hot drinks such as tea or coffee)
  • Snacks and/or fresh fruit
  • Lunch (normally rice with chicken, fish, egg or veggies)
  • English speaking guides
  • Free underwater photographer

How do you book a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao? 

The best way to book a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao is to get in touch with Oxygen tours. 

Find out more on the Oxygen Tours website

Drop Oxygen Tours an email: [email protected]

Oxygen Tours Whatsapp: +66 89 909 4690

We recommend that you book your snorkeling tour at least one or two days in advance. The company needs to organize equipment and work out their numbers prior to the trip. Furthermore, in Peak season snorkeling tours can be quite busy and get booked up. The earlier you are able to book the better. 

What sea life can you expect to see on a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao?

Koh Tao turtle

The waters around Koh Tao have impressive biodiversity. You can see a wide range of coral Reef including brain coral, table top reef and soft spongy coral. There are also some very interesting rock formations under the water producing a beautiful and colourful landscape. 

Clown fish reef

On average the water depth ranges between 5m and 15m for most of the locations you are likely to visit on a snorkeling trip. The visibility depends on the time of year. In good conditions the water visibility can be up to 20m around Koh Tao. In bad conditions the water visibility may be less than 10m. 

Black tip reef shark

Here are just a few of the fish that you can see in the waters around Koh Tao: Barracuda, parrot fish, clown fish, weibel’s butterflyfish, wrasse, snapper fish, groupers, sea turtles, black tip reef shark and much much more. 

What places do you visit on a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?

things to do in Koh Tao (Nang Yuan island)

Most snorkeling trips in Koh Tao loop around the islands visiting points of interest and great snorkeling spots. These are the most common stopping points for snorkeling trips in Koh Tao:

  • Nang Yuan island (Viewpoint and snorkeling. Don’t miss the amazing Japanese Garden reef – incredible biodiversity)
  • Mango Bay or Lighthouse beach (Impressive coral diversity)
  • Hin Wong Bay (One of the best snorkeling spots – reef and shoals of fish)
  • Aow Luek Bay (Large bay, beautiful coral and a chance of seeing sea turtles)
  • Shark Bay (Shallow reef, sea turtles and black tip reef sharks)

Top tip: There are some quite strict rules for Nang Yuan island. You are not allowed to bring plastic bottles, cans, fins, drones or beach shoes on the island. There is a small cafe selling expensive drinks and food on the island. 

Map of the best snorkeling spots in Koh Tao 

Here is a map of the best snorkeling spots in Koh Tao. Snorkeling tours generally visit these locations (depending on the conditions)

When is the best time to do a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao?

snorkeling Tioman free dive

The best time of year to do a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao is during the hot dry season. During the rainy season the water visibility is reduced and the experience is less pleasant during rainy weather. December – June is the dry season and is the best time to do a snorkeling trip. It is worth being aware that it can rain at any time of the year in Koh Tao. Therefore, doing a snorkeling trip during the dry season does not guarantee dry weather – it just decreases the chance of storms. 

What other companies offer snorkeling tours in Koh Tao?

We have recommended oxygen tours as the best and cheapest company offering snorkeling trips in Koh Tao. However, there are some other companies that also offer snorkeling trips. We always recommend weighing up your options at the time of booking. Check the latest prices and check what is included in each of the other trips. Here are a few other companies offering snorkeling trips in Koh Tao: 

  • Koh Tao Diamond Tour (500 baht promo price. Cheap but not great)
  • We Travel Snorkeling and Tour (expensive and good)
  • Unseen tours Koh Tao (private tours 8,000 baht for up to 5 people)

What things should you bring for your snorkeling trip in Koh Tao? 

things to do in Tioman boat the backpacking family

If you are taking a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao we recommend that you bring: Sunscreen, sun glasses, towel, swimming kit and a waterproof camera (if you have one). We recommend that you carefully consider what valuables you bring on a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao. It is worth bringing a little bit of money, as you will need to pay the entrance fee for Nang Yuan island. It is important to remember that you will be on a large, shared boat and you will need to leave a valuables bag on the boat. If you do not have anyone to watch the bag for you we do not recommend bringing too many valuables with you on the snorkeling trip in Koh Tao.

Do the boats have toilets if you take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?

Yes, most boats are large boats and do have a small toilet on board. However, if this is important to you we do always recommend checking before you book your trip.

What else is there to do in Koh Tao? 

things to do in Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a very beautiful island and there are plenty of EPIC things to do in Koh Tao . In Koh Tao you can learn to scuba dive (In fact, this is one of the cheapest Places in the world to get your open water scuba diving certificate). There is also an Apnea free diving school in Koh Tao. There are also some very beautiful viewpoints in Koh Tao . On the snorkeling trip you can see the Nang Yuan viewpoint. Alternatively, head to the south of the island to visit the beautiful John Suwan viewpoint. Koh Tao has some very beautiful beaches – Sairee beach is the main beach and a great spot for sunset. Rather oddly, Koh Tao also has a trapeze school where you can learn this crazy scary skill. 

What are the best places to stay in Koh Tao?

There are some amazing hotels in Koh Tao for surprisingly good prices. Here are a few of our favorite hotels in Koh Tao:

The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel – TOP PICK budget hotel in Koh Tao

Hotels in Koh Tao Dearly

The Dearly hostel is the best budget option in Koh Tao. There is a nice balance of affordability, cleanliness and comfort here. They also have an outdoor swimming pool and include breakfast (as ever check when you book)

The Assava Dive Resort

Hotels in Koh Tao Assava

This is a great mid-range hotel located on a quiet beach in the south of Koh Tao. Slightly out of the way of all of the buzz – this is a nice peaceful beachfront resort. The Assava Dive resort has clean, comfortable villas and a lovely coffee shop and restaurant onsite. It is also attached to a diving school and offers courses and diving experiences. 

Blue Tao Beach hotel

Hotels in Koh Tao Blue Tao

Beautiful beach front property excellently located right at the heart of the west facing Sairee beach. This is a great beach for cafes, restaurants and bars. And Blue Tao hotel offers comfortable, beautiful ocean facing rooms. 

Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone

Koh Tao with kids Koh Tao resort

Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone offers some of the most impressive views in Koh Tao. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the John Suwan viewpoint, the paradise zone offers spacious, luxurious and comfortable suites complete with jacuzzi hot tubs. Soaking in an outdoor hot tub with a breathtaking view was one of our BEST experiences in Koh Tao. 

Phandara Luxury Pool Villas 

Hotels in Koh Tao Phandara

Superlative luxurious resort. Incredible, spacious and luxurious fully equipped villas with large private pools overlooking panoramic views of jungle hills and the ocean. This is one of the most expensive and prestigious resorts in Koh Tao.

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Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

The Backpacking Family

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