Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen

If you’re eyeing a day of vibrant coral reefs, graceful sea turtles, and colorful fish without the chaos of large crowds, the Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen might just be what you’re looking for. This six-hour adventure offers a well-curated mix of prime snorkel sites, intimate group sizes, and thoughtful touches that elevate the typical island water tour.

What immediately catches the eye is the emphasis on small groups—maximum 25 travelers—which makes for a more relaxed, personalized experience. The boat itself is described as well-maintained, and the crew is known for their friendly, professional approach—something frequent reviewers appreciated. The tour also includes delicious food, fresh fruits, and drinks, adding a satisfying culinary element to the day at sea.

One thing to consider is the tour’s structure and timing. While most stops are well-paced, some reviews note occasional issues with communication or the duration at certain sites. If you’re seeking a highly organized, seamless experience, this might be a point to keep in mind. This tour appeals most to travelers wanting an authentic, relaxed snorkeling day with excellent value, especially if they prioritize marine life encounters and small-group intimacy over a hectic schedule.

Key Points

• Limited group size ensures a more personalized and less crowded experience.
• Diverse snorkeling locations offer chances to see turtles, colorful fish, and coral reefs.
• Well-reviewed guides like Ton and others bring local knowledge and friendly service.
• Inclusions like food and drinks significantly enhance the value of this tour.
• High customer ratings (5/5 from many) reflect overall satisfaction.
• Flexible booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adds peace of mind.

Discovering Koh Tao’s Snorkeling Gems: An In-Depth Review

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This premium snorkeling experience spotlights Koh Tao’s best marine sites while prioritizing comfort and quality. For just under $37 per person, you’re getting a carefully curated day that balances exploring stunning underwater landscapes with enjoying good food, friendly guides, and small-group vibes.

The small group size isn’t just a marketing point — it genuinely transforms the day. Fewer people mean more space to relax and less stress about bumping into others, which is especially important at sensitive sites like Nang Yuan Island and Shark Bay, where marine life can be easily disturbed.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour kicks off with convenient hotel pickup on Koh Tao—an appreciated touch for those staying inland or in remote accommodations. Once at Mae Haad Pier, you’ll check in, meet your crew, and set sail. The initial 30-minute boat ride whisks you out into the Gulf of Thailand, where lush views of Koh Tao quickly fade into the excitement of snorkeling.

Stop 1 & 2: Nang Yuan Island & Koh Tao

Nang Yuan Island is often the star of the show. Climb the viewpoint for a panoramic shot of the small, sandy island, then relax and swim in the Japanese Reef Garden. The 1-hour slot lets you enjoy both breathtaking vistas and underwater exploration. Reviewers rave about the views and the variety of marine life, including the chance to see sea turtles—though, as one reviewer noted, visitors should always respect marine creatures and give them space.

Snorkeling at Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, and Aow Leuk Beach

After Nang Yuan, the boat heads to some of Koh Tao’s most popular snorkel spots. Mango Bay and Lighthouse Bay are known for their clear waters and vibrant coral, perfect for spotting a variety of fish. Hin Wong Bay offers a chance to see colorful reef fishes, while Aow Leuk Beach is famous for its deep, wide bay ideal for snorkeling even at low tide.

One reviewer highlighted that Aow Leuk’s deep waters and coral reefs make it an ideal spot, especially when the water is shallow elsewhere. You’ll love the scenic white sands and shades of blue that make Aow Leuk a postcard-perfect scene.

Shark Bay & Buddha Rock

On the way, you’ll pass Buddha Rock, a curious formation resembling a meditating figure or a male spirit rock, revered locally. Shark Bay, with its blacktip reef sharks and tranquil setting, gets its name from the sharks that frequent the area. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind, with fine white sand and coconut trees—perfect for sunbathing or just relaxing after snorkeling.

Food and Refreshments

The tour includes refreshing drinks, fresh fruits, and a delicious lunch with vegan or chicken sandwiches and panna cotta. A reviewer remarked that the food was well-prepared and satisfying, making it easy to recharge before the final snorkeling session. These inclusions provide excellent value, especially given the relatively affordable price point.

Practical Details & Group Dynamics

Most travelers book this tour about two weeks in advance, indicating high demand and confidence in the experience. The group size of 25 helps maintain a friendly, less chaotic atmosphere, which many guests appreciated—one reviewer called it “miles better” than larger tours with 60-100 guests.

The tour’s timeframe from 9:00 am to midday means you get plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed, plus the convenience of returning to Mae Haad Pier with enough time to continue your adventures or catch a ferry.

What Travelers Love

Many reviews highlight the professional and knowledgeable guides like Ton, who provided clear explanations and helped make the snorkeling more enjoyable. Guests also appreciated the cleanliness and comfort of the boat, along with the care taken to ensure safety and marine conservation.

One reviewer mentioned that the guides were very attentive but also expressed concern about marine life protection, specifically mentioning an incident where a sea turtle was unintentionally stressed. This underscores the importance of respectful snorkeling practices, which the guides generally promote.

Potential Downsides

While most reviews praise the tour, some mention occasional confusion during check-in or coordination, especially at the tour office. Slight issues with communication were noted, but these did not seem to detract significantly from the overall experience.

Plus, entrance fees for Nang Yuan Island are not included in the tour price, so budget accordingly if you want to visit the viewpoint or explore beyond the snorkeling stops.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This snorkeling tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, intimate experience with a maximum of 25 guests. It’s perfect if you’re keen on seeing marine life in relatively uncrowded spots, enjoying good food and drinks, and having a knowledgeable guide to enhance your underwater adventure.

Those who prefer a well-structured day with multiple stops at Koh Tao’s top snorkeling sites will find this tour offers excellent value. However, if your priority is a highly organized, perfectly timed schedule or visiting every site with minimal wait, you might want to compare it with other options.

Final Thoughts

The Premium Snorkel Tour onboard the Oxygen offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural respect, making it a standout choice for anyone visiting Koh Tao wanting to enjoy its marine treasures without the hassle of large crowds. The combination of small group sizes, friendly guides, and carefully chosen snorkeling spots creates a genuine, memorable experience.

With prices under $40, inclusive of food, drinks, and snorkeling gear, it represents solid value—especially considering the quality and intimacy of the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer eager to see turtles and vibrant fish, this tour covers all bases.

If your goal is to explore Koh Tao’s best underwater locations with some of the island’s best guides, this tour is well worth considering. It’s a relaxed, fun, and educational day out—perfect for making the most of your tropical escape.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup on Koh Tao, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:00 am and returning to Mae Haad Pier by midday.

What’s the group size?
A maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience compared to larger tours.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, guests are provided with vegan or chicken sandwiches, panna cotta, fresh fruits, as well as water, coffee, and tea.

What snorkeling sites are visited?
Stops include Nang Yuan Island, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk Beach, Shark Bay, and Buddha Rock.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?
Yes, all necessary equipment is included.

Is there any extra charge for entrance fees?
Yes, the entrance fee to Koh Nang Yuan is not included in the tour price.

Can children join?
Most travelers can participate, but check the specific minimum age requirements or restrictions if applicable.

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

How do I cancel if needed?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice may incur charges.

This Koh Tao snorkeling tour provides a well-rounded, intimate experience that balances marine encounters, comfort, and value. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a memorable day immersed in some of Thailand’s most beautiful underwater scenery.