Day Tour to Angthong Marine Park by Insea Speedboat from Koh Samui

If you’re looking to see some of Thailand’s most stunning islands in a single day, this tour promises a fast-paced yet memorable adventure. Traveling by speedy Insea Speedboat, you’ll hop between beautiful spots within the Angthong archipelago, with options for kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, and soaking up panoramic views. It’s a packed itinerary designed for those craving an active, scenic, and authentic experience—without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What we particularly like about this trip is the variety of activities included, especially the opportunity to climb to the Mae Koh Island viewpoint and explore secluded beaches. The tour also offers the convenience of round-trip transportation, meals, and snorkeling/kayaking gear, making it a pretty good value for a full day’s worth of island hopping. However, a potential downside mentioned by travelers is the crowded snorkeling spots and sometimes rushed schedule, which could affect the overall chill factor.

This tour suits active travelers who want a mix of adventure and scenery, with enough flexibility to explore independently once on the islands. It’s ideal for those comfortable with boat rides and eager to see multiple highlights in one day. If you’re after a relaxed, slow-paced island experience, this might not be the best fit—but if you love packing in sights and activities, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary with stops for snorkeling, hiking, and beach relaxing.
• Efficient organization and helpful guides enhance the experience.
• Good value for money with meals, gear, and transfers included.
• Natural beauty shines through at each stop, from viewpoints to beaches.
• Some reviews mention crowded snorkeling spots and a choppy boat ride.
• Active pace means you’ll need to be prepared for walking and water activities.

An In-Depth Look at the Angthong Marine Park Tour

This day trip is designed to maximize your time in the Angthong archipelago, a cluster of 42 islands, famous for their lush landscapes and unique limestone formations. Operating with a team from Trip Store Krabi, the experience kicks off early, with hotel pickups starting around 7:30 AM, and typically ends around 5:00 PM. For approximately $66.44 per person, you get a packed schedule, meals, and all equipment needed for snorkeling and kayaking.

The Transport and Early Morning Start

You’ll be picked up from your Koh Samui hotel by a minivan, a move that adds convenience and helps you avoid the hassle of organizing your own transport. The ride to the pier at Bang Rak is about 30 minutes, and before setting sail, you’ll go through a quick COVID-19 screening. The crew, known for being friendly and professional, provides a helpful briefing and a light breakfast—usually toast and jam or similar simple fare, along with some instant coffee.

Once aboard the speedy Insea Speedboat, expect a fairly comfortable ride, although reviews mention the possibility of rough seas. For those prone to seasickness, taking a preventive like Dramamine is advisable, as the boat can get quite bumpy, especially when traveling at high speeds. The size of the boat feels just right for the number of guests, typically around 25-30, balancing intimacy and space.

First Stop: Koh Wao

Your first island stop is Koh Wao, which actually encompasses three smaller islands separated by shallow, calm waters. Here, snorkelers are greeted with clear, calm waters and an abundance of underwater life. The reviews highlight that while the waters are pristine, snorkeling can sometimes be spoiled by overcrowding, as multiple boats often pull up in the same area, making visibility less impressive. Still, the coral and fish are worth a quick dip, especially for beginners or those wanting a taste of the underwater world.

Second Stop: Mae Koh Island and the Emerald Lagoon

Next, it’s onto Mae Koh Island, where a moderate hike leads up to a viewpoint overlooking the famous Emerald Lagoon. The climb is feasible for most, and the views are genuinely spectacular—reviewers mention that the vista of the lagoon through the lush greenery makes the effort worthwhile. One reviewer noted, “The green lagoon was especially beautiful, and the view from the top was a highlight.” Be prepared for a somewhat steep and potentially crowded path, but the payoff is well worth it.

Lunch and Relaxation at Koh Phaluai

After the hike, your group heads to Phaluai Island for a Thai-style buffet lunch at a local restaurant. This is a chance to refuel and enjoy authentic Thai flavors, with reviewers describing the food as “delicious” and “well-portioned.” The island itself is inhabited by sea-gypsies who earn a living from fishing, adding a layer of cultural interest. Post-lunch, many choose to relax on Son Pee Hong Beach or explore the coast via kayak—reviewers loved the optional sea kayaking to explore the shoreline and natural rock formations.

A common theme in reviews is that the kayaking gear is provided, but some mention that the experience can be disrupted by a large number of boats, which affects the tranquility of the waters. One review noted, “The natural beauty is still there, but the water was churned up with boats, making snorkeling and kayaking less enjoyable than expected.”

Wua Ta Lap and the Final Highlights

The last main stop is Koh Wua Ta Lap, the main island, where visitors can either relax on the beach or undertake a hike to Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint. This trail is steep but rewarding, offering sweeping views of the turquoise seas and white sand beaches below. Many reviewers say that this hike is “not for the faint-hearted,” but the views justify the effort.

As the day winds down, the boat departs around 3:30 PM for the return trip to Koh Samui, arriving back at the pier by 4:30 PM and at your hotel shortly after. The tour concludes with the safety and efficiency that the guides are praised for, though some mention that the schedule felt a little rushed at times, especially when trying to fit in all activities within the time frame.

What Does the Tour Offer in Terms of Value?

For around $66, you get round-trip transportation, meals, snorkeling and kayaking gear, and a professional guide. The inclusion of a Thai buffet lunch adds genuine value, giving you a taste of local cuisine while refueling for the rest of the day’s activities. The free photos taken by a professional onboard are a delightful bonus, allowing you to preserve memories without extra cost.

However, some reviews highlight the crowded snorkeling spots and a rough boat ride as potential drawbacks. If you’re sensitive to seasickness or prefer quieter, less crowded environments, you might find parts of the trip less relaxing. Another point to consider is the limited time at each stop—while the itinerary is packed, it can sometimes feel a bit rushed, especially for those wanting to spend more time exploring or relaxing.

Highlights in Practice

• Guides like Joe and Sunshine are mentioned as attentive and helpful, making the trip smoother and more enjoyable.
• The views from Mae Koh’s viewpoint are consistently praised as breathtaking, making the hike worthwhile.
• The lunch is generally well-received for its tastiness, with some reviewers mentioning it as a highlight.
• The kayaking experience adds a layer of exploration, though boat traffic can diminish its tranquility.
• The professional photographer captures moments at viewpoints and hikes, with these photos being a treasured bonus.

Noteworthy Considerations

• Crowded snorkeling spots and sometimes poor visibility due to churning waters.
• The boat ride can be rough in choppy seas, so be prepared or consider motion sickness remedies.
• The schedule is tight, which may make some stops feel hurried, especially for leisurely explorers.
• The entrance fee to the marine park is not included, so budget for that additional cost.
• The tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers due to scheduling and timing constraints.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This trip is perfect for adventurers who want to see multiple highlights of Angthong in one day. If you’re comfortable with hiking, water activities, and boat rides, you’ll appreciate the variety packed into this tour. The small group size and professional guides help keep the experience smooth, even when the schedule feels tight.

However, it’s less ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed pace or tranquil waters. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer fewer crowds, especially at snorkeling sites, you might want to consider other options or be prepared for a potentially crowded scene. The value for money is good considering the included meals and activities, but managing expectations about the natural conditions and schedule is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 7 hours 30 minutes, starting around 9:00 AM and returning by 5:00 PM, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from your Koh Samui hotel is included, making logistics easier.

Are snorkeling and kayaking equipment provided?
Absolutely. The tour supplies snorkeling masks, fins, and life jackets, along with kayaks for exploring the coast.

What is the food like?
You’ll enjoy a light breakfast in the morning and a Thai-style buffet lunch, which many reviews describe as tasty and satisfying.

How busy does the snorkeling get?
Some reviewers mention that snorkeling spots can get crowded, especially with multiple boats pulling in simultaneously, which affects water clarity.

Is the itinerary flexible?
The schedule is designed to cover all highlights efficiently, but some reviews suggest it can feel rushed, especially when trying to fit in hikes, snorkeling, and beach time.

Can I expect calm seas?
That depends on the day’s weather. Some trips experience rougher boat rides, especially at high speeds, so consider motion sickness remedies if needed.

Is the entrance fee to the marine park included?
No, the admission fee is not included and must be paid separately on the day.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour to Angthong Marine Park offers a dynamic, activity-packed day that showcases some of Thailand’s most beautiful island scenery. The combination of stunning viewpoints, original beaches, and underwater adventures makes it a worthwhile choice for those who thrive on exploration and outdoor fun. The professional guides and well-organized schedule help keep the experience on track, though natural conditions like crowded snorkeling spots and choppy seas can influence the overall vibe.

If you’re seeking a full day of adventure, don’t mind a busy schedule, and are prepared for natural variability, this tour delivers great value for money and plenty of picture-worthy moments. It’s a fantastic way to tick off multiple highlights in one go—perfect for active travelers eager to make the most of Koh Samui’s nearby marine treasures.

In summary, this tour is best suited for energetic explorers who want a comprehensive, fun-filled day with natural beauty, some physical activity, and the convenience of included meals and gear. For those wanting slow, peaceful days, or highly tranquil snorkeling spots, you might want to explore other options. Still, with its mix of hikes, beaches, and underwater worlds, it’s a trip that leaves many with unforgettable memories—and plenty of stories to tell.