Samui Island Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Big Boat with Kayaking

Planning a day at Angthong Marine Park from Koh Samui? This full-day tour offers a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and authentic Thai hospitality, all for around $41.11 per person. From kayaking through limestone cliffs to hiking for panoramic views, it promises a diverse experience that suits those craving outdoor activities and natural beauty.

One thing we love about this tour is the excellent value—offering multiple highlights like snorkeling, kayaking, and a hearty Thai buffet—all included in the price. However, the tour can get quite busy, especially during peak times, which might affect those who prefer more solitude.

This experience is best suited for travelers who are active, love nature, and want a comprehensive day out without breaking the bank. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, this tour offers a well-rounded adventure that balances scenic highlights with fun activities.

Key Points

• Value for Money: At around $41, this tour packs in a lot, including transportation, meals, and activities.
• Diverse Activities: Kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and beach lounging ensure there’s never a dull moment.
• Professional Guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Kristina, make the experience more engaging and informative.
• Stunning Views: The hike to the viewpoint for Emerald Lake offers a truly spectacular photo opportunity.
• Food & Refreshments: A Thai buffet lunch, plus fresh fruit and drinks, keep you energized throughout the day.
• Group Size & Crowd Levels: With a maximum of 120 travelers, expect a lively, social atmosphere, which some find busy.

How the Tour Works: An In-Depth Look

This tour kicks off early in the morning at Nathon Pier, with a comfortable hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minibus. From there, you’ll hop aboard a spacious three-deck boat that offers plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the ride. You’ll likely be impressed by the crew’s professionalism—many reviews mention guides like Kristina, who is described as funny, clear, and packed with knowledge, making the day both smooth and entertaining.

Expect to leave around 8:30 am, with the first stop being the Marine Park itself. The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes, during which you’ll be served a light breakfast and can soak in the views of Koh Samui fading into the distance behind you.

Exploring Angthong Marine Park: The Main Highlights

Snorkeling & Kayaking at Mu Ko Ang Thong

Once you arrive, the adventure truly begins. The park is an archipelago of stunning limestone karsts and is famed for its clear waters and dramatic scenery. You’ll have a chance to snorkel or kayak, with many reviewers praising the quality of the equipment provided. One reviewer highlighted the kayaking experience as a highlight, especially along the coastline under towering limestone cliffs.

Travelers can choose to paddle themselves or upgrade to a guided kayak trip—either way, the water activity is a major part of the day. This stop provides plenty of opportunities to see the vibrant marine life and take amazing photos of the cliffs and sea caves.

Mae Koh Island & Emerald Lake

Next, you’ll head to Mae Koh Island, where the real star is the Emerald Lagoon—a saltwater lake surrounded by sheer cliffs, accessible either by kayak or longtail boat. The short 10-minute climb to the viewpoint is worthwhile, offering spectacular vistas over the lagoon, which is often called ‘Talay Nai’. Reviewers like Mustapha_J praised this part as “outstanding,” mentioning the scenic views and the sense of achievement from reaching the top.

Wua Talap Island & Lotus Cave

After the lagoon, the tour continues to Wua Talap Island, where you can choose to kayak again or hike a natural trail that leads to a panoramic viewpoint. The trail is about 500 meters long and includes some sections with ropes for support, so a little bit of physical effort is required. Those less inclined to hike can relax on the beach, swim, or snorkel. The Lotus Cave, known as ‘Bua Boke’, is a short hike with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, another highlight for many.

A reviewer mentioned that they appreciated the chance to stay overnight—some bungalows and camping sites are available if you wish to extend your adventure. For most, however, this is a full-day experience.

What to Expect: Practical Details & Tips

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day is packed but well-paced. After breakfast and an initial scenic boat ride, you’ll spend around an hour kayaking or snorkeling at Angthong, then about an hour exploring Mae Koh Island’s lagoon and hiking to the viewpoint. Wua Talap Island allows for more kayaking or hiking, followed by plenty of options to relax or snorkel on the beach. The return journey features last-minute views and a chance to reflect on the day over tea or coffee.

Transportation & Group Size

The pickup from your hotel is smooth, with most reviews noting punctuality and comfortable transport. The boat itself is described as large and well-equipped, with enough space for everyone, though during busy periods, it can feel crowded—a common trade-off at this popular destination. The maximum capacity is 120 travelers, which keeps the atmosphere lively but not overly intimate.

Meals & Refreshments

A standout feature of this tour is the Thai buffet lunch served onboard, accompanied by fresh seasonal fruits and soft drinks. Several reviews mention how tasty and satisfying the meals are, significantly adding value to the experience. Many travelers appreciated the unlimited water and soft drinks, especially after active parts of the day.

Equipment & Guides

Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided, which means you can jump into the water without extra hassle. Kayaking equipment comes with dry bags to protect your belongings, a little detail that travelers found helpful. Guides speak English and German (though German guides are temporarily unavailable until January 2024), and are praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive.

Weather & Conditions

The tour’s schedule is subject to weather, and on days with rough seas or strong winds, the trip may be canceled or altered. Several reviews mention that in windy conditions, the experience can be less enjoyable, with some guests opting not to go in bad weather. The tour provider offers full refunds if weather conditions force cancellation.

Authentic Experiences & Review Insights

Many reviewers appreciated the professionalism and friendly attitude of the crew. Kristina, in particular, was singled out for her humor and clarity, making navigation of the hikes and activities easier and more fun.

Several guests found the views from the viewpoint at Wua Talap Island to be breathtaking, with some calling it the highlight of the trip. Others enjoyed the chance to snorkel and relax on the beaches, though a few noted that water clarity wasn’t ideal for snorkeling on certain days.

The food, a mix of Thai dishes and fresh fruits, received consistent praise. Guests appreciated the quality, especially given the all-in price, and many felt it was a good value considering the variety and quantity.

One traveler highlighted the flexibility of the tour, mentioning that if you want to stay overnight or extend your visit, options are available. The tour is also inclusive of accident insurance, which adds peace of mind for active travelers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for active travelers who want to see the best of Angthong Marine Park in one day. If you enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and beach lounging, you’ll find plenty to love here. The inclusion of a Thai buffet lunch and scenic views makes it a great value for a full day out.

However, keep in mind that during peak seasons, the boat can be crowded, and some may find the pace a little rushed. If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience, you might want to consider visiting during weekdays or outside peak times.

This trip is also ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of physical activity—most hikes are short but involve some climbing and ropes—and for travelers who enjoy sharing an energetic, social atmosphere with others.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
Approximately 8 hours, including pickup, activities, and transfer back to your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip hotel transfer, making logistics easy.

What meals are provided?
A light breakfast in the morning and a Thai buffet lunch are included, along with fresh fruits and soft drinks throughout the day.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling, kayaking (if booked), hiking, and beach relaxation are the main activities.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are supplied for your water adventures.

Can I stay overnight at Angthong Marine Park?
Yes, if you book the overnight option, you can stay at bungalows or camp on Wua Talap Island.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but be aware of the physical activity involved in hiking and kayaking.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I join this tour if I’m on a cruise?
No, the tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers due to timing and logistics.

How many people typically join?
Up to 120 travelers, so expect a lively, energetic group atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The Samui Island Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Big Boat with Kayaking offers a fantastic mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic Thai hospitality—all at a very reasonable price. The trip’s highlights, like hiking to Emerald Lake, kayaking along limestone cliffs, and savoring Thai cuisine onboard, make it a memorable day for active travelers who love exploring nature.

While it can feel crowded at times, the quality of guides, well-organized activities, and stunning vistas make this tour a solid choice for those wanting a comprehensive experience without overspending. It’s especially suited for guests who enjoy outdoor pursuits and aren’t shy about spending a full day immersed in nature.

If you’re looking to tick off multiple highlights in one go—be it snorkeling, hiking, or simply relaxing on white-sand beaches—this tour offers great value and an authentic adventure on Koh Samui. Just remember to bring your camera, some snacks if you’re picky about breakfast, and an open mind for a lively, fun-filled day.