Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan

Exploring the 5 Island Snorkeling Tour around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

This guided snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao is designed for those who want to explore the island’s best marine sights without the hassle of organizing transfers or gear. For just $26.57 per person, you get a full day packed with scenic stops, vibrant coral reefs, and the chance to swim alongside sea turtles and blacktip reef sharks. The well-organized trip offers a blend of guided snorkel excursions, tasty Thai cuisine, and comfortable transport, making it a fantastic option for travelers seeking value and convenience.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is the effort to include all the essentials—from hotel pickup to snorkel gear and underwater photography—ensuring you can relax and focus on enjoying the underwater world. One aspect to consider, however, is that it is a group tour with a maximum of 50 travelers, which might mean some busy moments at popular spots. But overall, this trip suits those eager for a full, immersive day of snorkeling and exploring, especially if visiting Koh Tao for the first time or if short on time.

Key Points

• All-in-One Convenience: Transfers, gear, and lunch included mean you don’t have to worry about logistics.
• Multiple Snorkeling Sites: Discover Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay—all renowned for marine diversity.
• Marine Encounters: Opportunities to see sea turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish.
• Authentic Thai Lunch: Enjoy a flavorful meal, including vegetarian options, served on board.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable crew focus on safety and fun, with some reviews highlighting their helpfulness and humor.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point: Mae Haad Pier

Your day begins with a hotel pickup early in the morning—around 9:00am—so you can relax knowing transportation is covered. Meeting the Sangthong Tours crew at Mae Haad Pier, you’ll get a quick briefing before heading out on a comfortable boat. Travelers have noted that the pickup process is smooth, with some reviews emphasizing the friendly, attentive staff who made everyone feel welcome right from the start.

First Stop: Koh Nang Yuan

The iconic beach that links three small islands is next. Not only is it a picture-perfect spot with powder-white sands and tropical palm trees, but it’s also a prime snorkeling location. Reviewers have raved about the Japanese Garden section, describing it as “the best snorkeling spot” with abundant tropical fish. Visitors also love climbing to the viewpoint on the highest island, which offers stunning vistas of the surrounding turquoise waters—a perfect photograph opportunity.

One reviewer shared, “Walking on the iconic beach and then hiking up to the viewpoint was a highlight,” emphasizing how this stop offers both visual beauty and a chance to stretch your legs.

Mango Bay: A Shimmering Paradise

After exploring Nang Yuan, the boat moves to Mango Bay, famed for its shallow waters and vibrant marine life. Here, you’ll enjoy a Thai-style lunch on board while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Mango Bay’s shallow seafloor creates that irresistible turquoise hue, perfect for snorkeling. Reviewers mention this bay as “full of marine life” and a favorite for shallow water snorkeling, especially for beginners or those looking for calmer waters.

Hin Wong Bay: Underwater Spectacle

Next, Hin Wong Bay surrounds you with large boulders and coral-covered pinnacles. This spot is known for its clarity and diversity of marine life, including coral, anemones, and schools of fish. Some guests have been lucky enough to witness sardines being chased by trevally in water less than a meter deep, adding an exciting edge to the experience.

Aow Leuk Beach: Snorkeler’s Dream

Aow Leuk is praised for its scenic beauty and suitability for snorkeling at low tide. The bay’s deep, sandy bottom coupled with clear waters makes it a favorite among guests. Shark Island can be seen in the background, adding a hint of adventure. Reviewers note that the water here is ever-changing in shades of blue and inviting for a relaxing swim.

Shark Bay: The Grand Finale

The last stop is Shark Bay, where you’ll have the chance to swim with blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles—some of the biggest highlights noted in reviews. Enthusiasts mention witnessing “swimming alongside the sharks” as a memorable moment. It’s a safe, supervised environment that adds a thrilling element to the day.

Return to Mae Haad Pier

After about 40 minutes at Shark Bay, the trip concludes with a comfortable ride back, and the crew will drop you off at your hotel. Many guests comment on the smooth organization and friendly crew that made the entire experience hassle-free.

The Food and Extras

A big perk of this tour is the delicious Thai lunch, often described as fresh, flavorful, and filling. Vegetarian options are available, catering to dietary needs. Reviewers frequently mention the inclusion of fresh fruit, bottled water, coffee, and pineapple cookies, which keep everyone energized for the day ahead.

The tour also includes snorkeling gear, life jackets, and underwater photography, giving travelers the chance to capture the moments without any extra hassle. Some reviews highlight how the underwater photos turned out great, making this a memorable souvenir.

Value for Money and Practical Details

At just over $26, this tour offers excellent value considering the all-inclusive package—transfers, gear, lunch, and multiple snorkeling spots. The reviews often mention the friendly and knowledgeable guides who go out of their way to ensure safety and fun. The group size, capped at 50, strikes a good balance between social atmosphere and personal attention.

The timing of the tour, starting at 9:00am and ending around 4pm, allows for a full day of exploration without feeling rushed. The free cancellation policy provides flexibility, especially if weather conditions turn unfavorable.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, hassle-free way to see Koh Tao’s best snorkeling sites, this trip hits the mark. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or groups wanting a shared adventure with friendly guides. The inclusion of lunch and gear simplifies planning, making it an ideal choice for those short on time or not wanting to rent equipment independently.

However, if you prefer a more private or tailored experience, some reviews suggest that higher-end tours might provide a quieter, more exclusive vibe. Still, for most travelers, the balance of price, variety, and fun makes this tour a strong pick.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This snorkeling tour around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan is a practical choice for those eager to explore multiple marine sites without the stress of planning every detail. The value for money is clear, with inclusions like lunch, gear, and transfers, all delivered by a friendly, professional crew. The stops at Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay mean you’ll experience a fantastic variety of underwater landscapes and marine life.

The tour particularly shines for its authentic underwater encounters—swimming with turtles and reef sharks—plus the convenience of a well-organized day out. It suits travelers who appreciate good guides, picturesque scenery, and having everything sorted for them.

For anyone wanting a fun, safe, and value-packed day of snorkeling with plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos and relax on some of Koh Tao’s most iconic beaches, this trip is a worthy consideration.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup directly from your hotel or villa in Koh Tao, starting around 9:00am.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for approximately 7 hours, from pickup to return.

What’s included in the price?
You get snorkeling gear, life jackets, a Thai lunch (with vegetarian options), fresh fruit, bottled water, coffee/tea, and underwater photography.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there’s a 250 THB entry fee for Koh Nang Yuan, payable on-site. This isn’t included in the tour price.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, there’s a full refund if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The shallow waters at Mango Bay and Aow Leuk are beginner-friendly, and gear is included to make snorkeling easy.

In sum, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and value. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to see marine life or a seasoned snorkeler wanting to tick off Koh Tao’s must-see spots, it’s an experience that delivers on many fronts—especially with the enthusiastic, helpful guides and delicious Thai food.