Koh Tao: Snorkeling Trip to Nang Yuan Island & Hidden Bays

Koh Tao: Snorkeling Trip to Nang Yuan Island & Hidden Bays
Location: Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
Rating: 4.8/5 (255 reviews)
Price: $23 per person
Supplier: We Travel Snorkeling & Tour

Setting the Scene for a Memorable Day on Koh Tao

When you think of Koh Tao, you probably picture vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and crystal-clear waters. This snorkeling tour, which costs just $23, packs in an impressive lineup of snorkeling in some of the island’s most beautiful spots, visiting the iconic Nang Yuan Island, and enjoying some fun extras on the boat like a water slide and floating beds.

The trip starts from Mae Haad pier, where your hotel pickup (except for Mango Bay & Lighthouse Beach) whisks you off to a large, well-equipped boat ready to take you on a full day of aquatic adventure. What makes this experience particularly appealing is its balance of underwater exploration and relaxing moments—a perfect combo for those who love both activity and downtime.

Two standout features for us are the incredible guides who speak both English and Thai, making everyone feel safe and well-informed, and the variety of snorkeling spots that ensure you’ll see an impressive range of marine life. From turtles to baby sharks, you’re likely to return with plenty of photos and stories.

One thing to consider is that the trip is quite long—around 7 hours—and may not be suitable for travelers prone to seasickness or with back problems. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun-filled day that offers authentic underwater encounters at a good price, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially well-suited for snorkelers of all levels and families wanting a lively day out on the water.

Key Points

• Affordable and Value-Packed: At $23, this tour offers multiple snorkeling stops, lunch, and fun boat extras.
• Diverse Marine Life: Expect to see turtles, baby sharks, and an abundance of colorful fish and corals.
• Fun on the Water: Water slide, climbing wall, and floating beds make the trip playful and relaxing.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, multilingual guides ensure a safe, informative experience.
• Visiting Nang Yuan Island: The three connected islands with white beaches are a highlight.
• Family-Friendly: The boat’s amenities and guides make it suitable for children and non-swimmers, with safety equipment available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at What You Can Expect

Getting Started and Departure
You’ll be picked up from your hotel (except for some beaches) and transferred to Mae Haad pier, where the boat awaits. The journey begins early in the day, with a full schedule ahead. Once aboard, you’ll notice the boat’s spacious layout—an important detail, since this keeps the group from feeling crowded even at peak times.

Snorkeling at the First Stops
Your guides will point you toward the best spots to see marine life, with stops like Ao Muang, Ao Hin Wong, and Ao Leuk. These locations are known for their vibrant coral gardens and visibility, making them perfect for underwater photography.

For example, at Ao Muang, we loved the way the guides gently helped newcomers get comfortable in the water, ensuring everyone had a good view of the coral and fish. Reviewers mention that even if your snorkeling skills aren’t advanced, the guides are attentive and helpful—”they help you feel comfortable and show you the best places to see fish and coral.”

Japanese Garden and Marine Encounters
The trip features a stop at the “Japanese Garden,” where the coral formations and schools of colorful fish create a lively underwater scene. Some guests mention seeing turtles and sharks, including baby sharks and green turtles swimming by. The guides are keen to point out these creatures, making it easier to spot them even in busy waters.

A reviewer shared, “We saw turtles, sharks, and tons of fish. The guides swim with us and point everything out,” emphasizing how the guides’ expertise enhances the experience.

Nang Yuan Island
A trip highlight is the visit to Nang Yuan Island, famous for its three small islands connected by a sandy beach with clear, shallow waters. It’s the perfect spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy the stunning scenery. While some reviewers noted that the beaches are beautiful, the coral reefs around the island are a bit less vibrant but still worth the visit.

Boat Fun and Relaxation
Between snorkeling, you can enjoy the water slide, climb the wall, or just lounge on the floating beds. We loved the casual, fun vibe, and many reviews mention the crew’s attentiveness in making everyone comfortable and safe.

Lunch and Amenities
A hearty Thai-style lunch is included, with options like chicken curry and vegetarian dishes. Reviewers appreciated the delicious food and the fact that water and snacks are available throughout the day. One reviewer said, “The lunch was good, and they even had vegan options,” highlighting the consideration for dietary needs.

Safety and Practical Tips
Guides provide life jackets for all, including children, and the crew is attentive to safety, especially when jumping or sliding. It’s wise to bring your passport or ID, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. Note that touching marine life is discouraged to protect the reef.

Weather and Flexibility
If weather conditions turn poor, the tour may be canceled or rerouted (such as returning over land in high waves). This flexibility was appreciated by reviews, with many noting the crew’s attentiveness and willingness to adapt.

The True Value of This Tour

At just $23, this trip is remarkably good value considering the multiple snorkel stops, lunch, and boat amenities. Guests regularly comment on how much they saw and experienced for the price—”Much better than other snorkeling trips” was a common sentiment. The inclusion of underwater photos, free of charge, is a nice bonus, helping you take home memories without extra cost.

The boat itself is well-equipped with jumping platforms, a slide, and floating beds, making it more than just a snorkeling tour; it’s a lively, social day with plenty of opportunities to cool off and have fun. The guides’ friendly attitude and knowledge add to the overall enjoyment, helping even beginners feel confident in the water.

While some mention that the coral reefs aren’t as vibrant as might be hoped, the chance to see turtles and baby sharks makes up for this, especially for wildlife enthusiasts.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers wanting a full day of snorkeling, fun, and scenic views without paying a premium. Families, first-time snorkelers, or those looking for a casual, social atmosphere will find it especially appealing. If you’re looking for a lively, well-organized trip with plenty of photo opportunities and fun extras, this tour hits the mark.

However, if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility issues, you might want to weigh the long duration or ask about specific safety measures. The trip’s length and activity level are suited for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and don’t mind a full day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, guides provide life jackets, and the shallow areas around Nang Yuan Island and the stops are perfect for non-swimmers to enjoy snorkeling under supervision.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and maybe a waterproof camera for photos.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, the included lunch has options for vegetarians and vegans.

What if the weather is bad?
If poor weather cancels or changes the trip, you will be notified in advance, and you can choose to rebook, pick another tour, or get a refund.

How long does the trip last?
The tour runs approximately 7 hours, starting early in the morning and returning by 6:00 PM.

Do I need to pay extra for the national park fee?
Yes, a fee of THB 250 for adults or THB 150 for children is payable on site, but this is standard for many marine parks in Thailand.

In The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour on Koh Tao offers a lively, engaging day for those eager to see some of Thailand’s best marine life without breaking the bank. With friendly guides, varied snorkeling spots, and extra fun features on the boat, it’s a great pick for families, first-timers, and anyone wanting a relaxed yet adventure-filled day. While the reefs may not all be bursting with color, the chance to see turtles and baby sharks makes it more than worth the price.

If you love a mix of activity, scenic beauty, and good value, this tour delivers all three. It’s perfect for travelers who want a memorable, hassle-free experience and are happy to spend a day on the water enjoying Thailand’s natural underwater treasures.

Remember: Book ahead, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a day full of fun, sun, and sea life.

You can check availability for your dates here: