Mr. Tu Day Trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed Boat from Koh Samui

A Complete Look at the Mr. Tu Day Trip to Angthong Marine Park

If you’re considering a day trip from Koh Samui to explore the breathtaking Angthong Marine Park, the Mr. Tu speedboat adventure offers a lively mix of island hopping, water activities, and scenic hikes. This tour covers the park’s 42 islands, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying panoramic viewpoints. It’s a well-structured day packed with diverse experiences, all wrapped up in the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the knowledgeable guides who add context and local flavor to every stop. Their insights help you understand the environment and marine life, making the experience more than just a sightseeing cruise. However, a potential consideration is the tour’s popularity, which can make some spots quite crowded, and the schedule can be long and packed, so it’s best suited for travelers eager for adventure and willing to move at a quick pace.

This tour really shines for those wanting a full day of active exploration without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. If you prefer a guided, all-in-one experience that covers snorkeling, hiking, and island scenery, this trip from Koh Samui could be an excellent choice. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed, less crowded day or a private experience, you might want to explore alternative options.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Coverage: Visit multiple islands, each with unique attractions like emerald lakes, caves, and viewpoints.
• All-Inclusive Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and island sightseeing—all equipment and instructions are provided.
• Excellent Guides: Guides offer in-depth information about the environment, making the trip educational and engaging.
• Value for Money: For around $62.86 per person, you get a full day of diverse activities, transportation, and meals.
• Crowded Spots: Some travelers note the attractions can be quite busy, which might affect the tranquility and time at each stop.
• Adventure Level: Suitable for active travelers; expect some climbing, paddling, and walking.

What to Expect on the Tour

Getting Started: The day begins with hotel pickups on Koh Samui, typically between 7:00 and 8:30 AM, depending on your location. You’ll meet the friendly crew at Phu Yai Non Pier, where a light breakfast awaits before setting sail on a speedboat. This initial leg is quick, fun, and sets the tone for an action-packed day.

Koh Wao Yai & Snorkeling: The first major stop is Koh Wao Yai Island, about an hour into the cruise. Here, you’ll find clear turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling. Reviewers praise the abundance of marine life, including barracudas, groupers, and snappers, with some noting the cave swimming as a highlight. The guides are attentive, helping everyone feel comfortable, even if you’re a novice or trying snorkeling for the first time.

Koh Mae Ko & Emerald Lake: The next stop takes you to Koh Mae Ko, famous for its jaw-dropping viewpoint of the Emerald Lake (or Green Lagoon). A short hike up about 45 minutes rewards you with spectacular views and the chance to explore underwater caves. Reviewers mention that the hike is worthwhile but can be physically demanding—so be prepared for some climbing.

Koh Sam Sao & Marine Exploration: At Koh Sam Sao (Tripod Island), you’ll enjoy a Thai-style buffet lunch in a scenic setting. The shallow waters, rocky coast, and diverse reefs make it a favorite for some. Afterward, kayaking around the island becomes the highlight for many, as you paddle through sea caves and lagoons. A reviewer noted that navigating the caves with the provided sit-on-top kayaks was the most memorable part of the day.

Wua Ta Lap & the Viewpoint: The final major stop is Wua Ta Lap Island, where a steep climb of about 200 steps takes you to a hilltop viewpoint. The reward? An incredible panoramic view of the surrounding islands and the famous Emerald Lake. This part of the trip is highly praised for its spectacular scenery, though some mention the climb can be tiring.

Return Journey: The tour wraps up with a relaxing cruise back to Koh Samui, arriving around 5 PM. Fresh fruits and juices are served to refresh everyone after a full day of activity.

The Reality of the Experience: Pros and Cons

The Highlights:
Many reviews highlight the professionalism of guides and crew, with some mentioning names like Mr. Tu himself or the team’s attentiveness. The guides do a good job of providing rich background stories about the environment, marine life, and island history, enhancing the experience beyond just sightseeing.

Multiple reviewers point out that the value for money is excellent, especially considering the inclusion of equipment, meals, transfers, and transportation. The Thai buffet lunch and fresh fruit are often singled out as surprisingly good, making the day feel more complete.

Snorkeling and Kayaking:
The snorkeling spots are often described as vibrant, with abundant marine life. However, some reviewers mention that visibility can vary based on weather and conditions—something outside the tour operators’ control. The kayaking around sea caves and lagoons is especially praised, offering an intimate way to explore the islands’ nooks and crannies.

Scenic Views and Hikes:
The hike to Emerald Lake and the Wua Ta Lap viewpoint are standout moments, offering some of the best vistas of the entire trip. The steep ascent might not suit everyone, especially those with back pain or mobility issues, but the views are well worth the effort.

Crowd Levels and Timing:
A common concern among reviews is the tour’s popularity, which leads to crowded spots and less time at each location. Some travelers felt rushed or disappointed by the number of fellow travelers, especially during peak season. If tranquility is a priority, this might not be the best choice, but for active explorers eager to tick off multiple highlights in a day, it’s still manageable.

Weather and Activity Limitations:
Weather can impact certain activities. For instance, snorkeling visibility might be poor during less favorable weather, and kayaking in strong winds might be restricted. Several reviews mention that some activities are canceled or shortened due to weather, which can cause frustration or a feeling of missing out. The tour does not offer substitute activities in such cases, so flexibility is key.

Group Size and Logistics:
The maximum group size is around 40 travelers, which helps keep the experience lively but still manageable. The transfers are punctual, and the crew is generally friendly, multilingual (English and Chinese), and professional. Some reviewers mentioned that the seating arrangements on the speedboats can be a bit tight or not always ideal, especially for couples hoping to sit together, so packing light and being flexible is advisable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This full-day trip is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy physical activities like hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. If you’re keen to see a variety of islands, from emerald lakes to caves and viewpoints, and don’t mind sharing with fellow travelers, this tour delivers excellent value and a packed itinerary.

It’s also a solid choice if you want a guided experience that takes care of transportation, equipment, and meals, allowing you to focus purely on enjoying the scenery and activities. However, if you’re a traveler seeking peace and quiet, or have mobility issues, this tour’s popularity and activity level may not be ideal.

While the tour provides a lot, be prepared for a busy day with some long stretches of travel and activity. It strikes a nice balance between adventure and sightseeing, making it especially suited for those looking to maximize their time in Angthong Marine Park.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Wear comfortable shoes for the hikes, and bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen.
• Pack light but include waterproof items or a dry bag for electronics during snorkeling and kayaking.
• Arrive early for hotel pickup to ensure a smooth start—some pickups are as early as 7 AM.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking precautions for the speedboat ride.
• Be aware that some activities, especially snorkeling and kayaking, are weather dependent.
• Remember that your tour fee doesn’t include the park entrance fee, so budget accordingly.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel round-trip transfers from Koh Samui, which is a big convenience, saving you planning time and transport hassle.

What activities are included?
You’ll get snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and island exploration. All snorkeling and kayaking equipment are provided, along with safety gear like life jackets.

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 8 hours, starting around 7-8:30 AM with return around 5 PM. The schedule is packed, so be prepared for a full day.

Is there a breakfast and lunch?
Yes, a light breakfast at the start and a Thai-style buffet lunch are included. Reviewers mention the lunch is surprisingly good, with some calling it a highlight.

Are the spots crowded?
Yes, many reviews note that popular areas like Emerald Lake and the viewpoints can be crowded, especially during peak season. The tour tries to manage this, but some spots may feel busy.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to weather, a full refund or reschedule will be offered.

To sum it up, the Mr. Tu speedboat trip to Angthong Marine Park offers a lively, activity-filled day perfect for those who love exploring islands, swimming, and hiking. With knowledgeable guides, good value, and scenic highlights, it’s a memorable way to see one of Thailand’s most stunning marine parks. Keep in mind the crowds and weather dependency, and you’ll have a fantastic adventure that truly showcases the natural beauty of the region.