Hong island snorkeling tour from Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai

If you’re heading to Thailand’s stunning Koh Yao islands, a snorkeling trip to Hong Island is often high on the list. This 5-hour tour, offered by Gembira Tour, promises a day filled with vibrant marine life, dramatic viewpoints, and a chance to explore some of the most beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea. From the comfort of a long tail boat, you’ll weave between islands like Koh Hong, La Ding, and Rai, each offering their own unique sights and experiences.

What really sets this trip apart is the combination of natural beauty and the guided insight from knowledgeable locals. We love how smoothly everything runs, from hotel pickup to return, making it accessible and hassle-free. But, a possible consideration is the tour’s duration—while packed with activities, it’s a good idea to be prepared for a full, active day on the water.

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy snorkeling, scenic views, and a relaxed pace. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, the private nature of this tour ensures a personalized touch that many find appealing.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup and private tour for a personalized experience
• Vibrant snorkeling spots with rich marine life and coral reefs
• Multiple islands and viewpoints for stunning scenery and photo opportunities
• Knowledgeable guides who are patient and attentive to guests’ requests
• Good value for a half-day adventure packed with activities and sights
• Moderate physical activity involved, suitable for most travelers with average fitness

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Morning Pickup and Transfer

The trip kicks off around 9:00-9:30 am with pickup from your hotel on Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai. The transfer is smooth, with local transport taking you to Chong Lard Pier, the departure point. From there, you’ll step aboard a traditional long tail boat, which is part of the charm and offers an authentic Thai sea experience. Expect a cozy, scenic drive along the coastline, setting the tone for the adventures ahead.

Visiting Koh Hong Krabi (National Park)

Your first stop is Koh Hong, a part of a protected national park. Here, you’ll have time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the incredible underwater world filled with colorful fish and corals. Reviewers consistently highlight how much they loved Hong Island’s snorkeling, with one noting it’s “proper class.” The views from the Hong viewpoint are also a favorite—offering a spectacular panorama of the surrounding islands and clear waters, perfect for photos.

La Ding Island

Next, you’ll visit La Ding Island, which offers more snorkeling opportunities and the chance to see even more vibrant marine life. Reviewers mention the nice and quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape. Expect to see a variety of fish and corals, with some reviewers appreciating the relaxed pace and fewer crowds.

Ka Island

Moving on, Ka Island offers a stunning view of the surrounding waters, along with excellent snorkeling spots. Travelers often remark on the beautiful scenery and how easy it is to swim and explore the marine environment here. This island is perfect for quick dips and underwater photography.

Rai Island and Monkey Encounters

Rai Island is well-loved for its monkeys, which you might meet along the shores. Reviewers appreciated the friendly guides who explained the behavior of the monkeys, making the experience both fun and educational. The island also provides beautiful vistas for relaxing and taking pictures.

Pak Bia Island

Your final stop features swimming and snorkeling at Pak Bia Island, with clear waters and lively marine life. Many reviews emphasize the good amount of time spent at each stop, ensuring you’re not rushing through the highlights. Afterward, you’ll board your boat for the return journey.

Return and Hotel Drop-off

By 2:00 pm, the boat will start heading back to Chong Lard Pier, where your transfer awaits to take you back to your hotel. The whole day feels well-paced, with ample time at each location to soak in the sights and enjoy the activities.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Marine Encounters

The snorkeling spots on this trip are consistently praised for their vibrant marine life and healthy corals. Many guests mention how much they enjoyed seeing a variety of fish and the clear waters that make snorkeling a joy. The fact that the tour includes multiple islands ensures diverse underwater environments, so you’re not stuck in one spot.

Expert Guides and Personal Touch

Several reviewers talk about Kai (or similar guides) who are relaxed, patient, and attentive. One mentioned that their guide “met our requests” and was “really relaxed,” which is fantastic if you prefer a personalized experience rather than a large, noisy group.

Good Value and Convenience

At around $110 per person, the tour offers a lot of value—especially considering that it includes hotel pickup, boat transfers, guiding, and multiple stops. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the quality of the experience relative to the price, emphasizing the good balance of cost and activities.

Scenic Views and Peaceful Atmosphere

The islands and viewpoints provide breathtaking scenery, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the natural beauty. Many guests appreciated the quiet and uncrowded environment, giving them time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Practical Aspects to Consider

Duration and Physical Activity

While the tour is approximately 5 hours, it involves some moderate physical activity—swimming, snorkeling, and walking on uneven terrain at viewpoints. Travelers should have moderate fitness levels to fully enjoy it.

What to Bring

Bring waterproof sunscreen, a towel, and your snorkeling gear if you prefer to use your own. The tour provides snorkel equipment, but some guests prefer their own for comfort and familiarity.

Weather Dependence

The tour is weather-dependent. Poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, but in such cases, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Group Size and Privacy

This is a private tour, so your group will have the boat and experience to yourselves, making it more intimate and flexible compared to larger tour groups.

The Authenticity and Review Insights

Based on reviews, guides like Kai or similar are not only knowledgeable but also friendly and accommodating. Guests appreciated the relaxed vibe and the unhurried pace, allowing for genuine exploration. One reviewer said, “It was an amazing trip. Got to see a lot, including Monkey Island, with good weather and an amazing guide who was friendly.” These personal touches make a tangible difference.

Many travelers also highlighted the quality of the snorkeling—described as “proper class”—and the unspoiled scenery. The quiet, uncrowded stops resonate with those seeking a peaceful getaway.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If your idea of a perfect day involves snorkeling in clear waters, exploring beautiful islands, and having a knowledgable guide to enhance the experience, this tour is an excellent choice. It offers value for money, thanks to its inclusive nature and personalized approach. The mix of scenic views, marine life, and relaxed pacing makes it ideal for travelers eager to see the best of Hong Island without feeling rushed.

However, if you’re not comfortable with moderate physical activity or prefer fully guided large-group excursions, this private tour might be more suitable. Its focus on snorkeling and scenic stops also means it’s best for those who enjoy marine adventures and a peaceful island atmosphere.

This trip delivers authentic experiences in a stunning setting, making it a highlight for many who want to enjoy the natural beauty of Thailand’s Andaman Sea.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from hotels on Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, making it convenient and stress-free to start your day.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, from pickup to return.

What activities are included?
You can expect snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing at multiple islands, along with opportunities to see viewpoints and local wildlife like monkeys.

Are the trips suitable for children or those with moderate fitness?
Yes, the tour is designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness. If you’re comfortable with swimming and light walking, you’ll be fine.

What should I bring?
Bring waterproof sunscreen, a towel, and optional personal snorkeling gear if preferred. The tour provides snorkel equipment, but you may bring your own for comfort.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather. In case of cancellations due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this a group or private experience?
This is a private tour, so your group will have exclusive access to the boat and itinerary, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Navigating the waters around Koh Yao islands with this snorkeling tour promises a memorable blend of vibrant marine life, scenic vistas, and expert guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just looking to relax and soak up the island atmosphere, this adventure hits the right notes for a truly rewarding day in Thailand.