Koh Tao: Koh Nangyuan & Hidden Bays Snorkeling Tour w/ Lunch

Koh Tao’s Koh Nang Yuan & Hidden Bays Snorkeling Tour offers a full day of underwater adventure, sightseeing, and local flavor for around $21 per person. Over approximately 7 hours, you’ll visit some of the most beautiful snorkeling spots around Koh Tao, including the postcard-perfect Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Shark Bay, and Ao Leuk. Guides like Tu, praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, lead the way, making sure you see the marine life everyone hopes for—sea turtles, baby sharks, and colorful reef fish.

What we love about this tour is how it balances quality and value. The small-group vibe (less than 20 people) means more time at each site, personalized attention, and fewer crowds. Plus, the Thai-style lunch box served onboard is hearty and fresh, giving us a real taste of local flavors while enjoying the sea views. A second highlight is the free underwater photography, which helps capture the memories without extra cost.

The main consideration? Since the tour’s itinerary is weather-dependent, some stops—like Mango Bay—might be shortened or missed if seas are rough. It’s a good idea to be flexible and wear water shoes for coral protection. Also, the tour is best suited for those comfortable in water, as it’s not designed for travelers with mobility restrictions or pregnant women.

This trip will appeal most to marine life enthusiasts, small-group lovers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive snorkeling experience that includes multiple famous spots plus a delicious lunch. If you’re eager to see turtles, sharks, and vibrant corals without paying a premium or dealing with large crowds, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds
• Multiple snorkeling stops provide varied marine environments and iconic wildlife sightings
• Inclusion of a Thai-style lunch and fresh fruits adds value and local flavor
• Guides like Tu are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and effort to ensure sightings
• Free underwater photography lets you focus on the fun rather than snapping pics
• Weather can influence the itinerary, so flexibility is key

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Koh Tao’s Underwater World and Coastal Charms

Koh Tao is famous for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters, and this snorkeling tour takes you right into the heart of it. We loved how the day is thoughtfully designed to maximize your underwater encounters and scenic views. Starting from your hotel pickup, the journey by boat feels comfortable and well-organized, setting the tone for a day of adventure.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Koh Nang Yuan is a highlight—three tiny islets connected by a sandbar, offering postcard-perfect views and shallow, clear waters ideal for snorkeling. Many reviewers, like Bella, appreciated that “transport, snorkels, underwater pictures, and a delicious lunch all included,” making it a hassle-free day. You’ll have around 1.5 hours here, plenty of time to swim, take photos, and soak in the scenery. The small group size means less jostling and more time exploring for everyone.

Next, the tour stops at Mango Bay, Ao Leuk, Hin Wong Bay, and Shark Bay. Each location offers unique features—sharks in Shark Bay (yes, baby and blacktip sharks), giant turtles, and colourful coral reefs. Brandon praised guides for being “very knowledgeable,” specifically for their ability to guarantee sightings of sea turtles and sharks, which really elevates the experience.

Mango Bay stands out for many—its relatively calm waters and beautiful coral formations make it ideal for snorkeling. You might find this is a favorite for both underwater photography and animal encounters. Some reviews mention that, despite the weather, guides do their best to ensure you see marine life. “Our guide Tu was actively searching for marine life,” says Jemma, highlighting the dedication of the crew.

Ao Leuk Beach and Shark Bay are great spots for relaxing, swimming, and marveling at the marine diversity. Many reviewers note that the free underwater photos taken by the guides allow you to focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about capturing it. Plus, the lunch onboard—a Thai-style lunch box accompanied by seasonal fruits—receives universal praise for its freshness and flavor.

The Itinerary: Well-Balanced and Thoughtful

The tour’s schedule packs in visits to five diverse snorkeling spots with sightseeing and scenic cruising in between. For example, the 20-minute sightseeing cruise to Koh Nang Yuan builds anticipation, while the 15-minute cruises between stops keep the day moving smoothly.

Highlights include:

• A chance to see sea turtles in Shark Bay—many reviews, like Mark’s, emphasize how “saw lots of marine life, including turtles and reef sharks.”
• The opportunity to snap photos of baby sharks and giant turtles thanks to guides’ efforts, as described by Holly.
• The small group setting allows for quieter, less crowded snorkeling, and more personalized guidance.

Some reviews mention that weather conditions can impact the experience. If seas are rough, some stops may be shortened or skipped, but the guides’ priority is safety and maximizing sightings. It’s worth being flexible and prepared for variable conditions.

Transport, Duration, and Cost-Effectiveness

The 7-hour duration offers a full day of activities without feeling rushed. The hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics easy, especially since the service is included, apart from Mango Bay and Lighthouse Beach. The only additional fee is the 250 THB park entry fee for Koh Nang Yuan, payable in cash, a small price for the privilege of exploring this iconic islet.

At $21 per person, this tour’s value is impressive. It includes all snorkeling gear, drinks (water, coffee, tea), a tasty lunch, and underwater photography—costs that would add up if booked separately. Many reviews, such as Brandon’s, praise it as an “absolute bargain”, especially considering the quality of wildlife sightings and guides.

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Guides and Crew: Knowledgeable, Friendly, and Attentive

Several reviewers highlight their guides’ enthusiasm and expertise. Tu, in particular, receives high praise for his efforts to ensure everyone sees marine life and for his friendly attitude. As Adriana notes, “the guides made a lot of effort and they made sure everyone was safe and saw the same animals.”

The crew’s attentiveness extends to safety and fun, with many mentioning the free underwater pictures and the crew’s dedication to making the day memorable. The fact that they “film it all for you free of charge,” as Brandon points out, adds significant value.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While the tour is well-organized, a few things are worth noting. The weather can change plans unexpectedly, so staying flexible is wise. Bring water shoes—several reviews mention coral cuts—and wear plenty of sunscreen. Although the tour is inclusive and family-friendly, it’s not suitable for those over 70, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

Most importantly, be prepared for some early mornings and a day spent mostly in the water. For those who love marine life and scenic island views, this tour hits the mark. If you’re eager to see turtles and sharks in their natural habitat, the guides’ efforts and small-group setting make this trip particularly appealing.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling tour from Koh Tao offers a robust, well-organized day packed with marine wildlife encounters, scenic cruising, and tasty Thai food. The small group size and knowledgeable guides mean you’ll get personalized attention, better wildlife sightings, and a more intimate experience than larger tours. The inclusion of free underwater photos and a hearty lunch adds to the overall value.

For travelers who appreciate authentic experiences, good value, and marine encounters, this tour stands out. Its carefully curated stops and friendly guides make it an excellent choice for both first-timers and seasoned snorkelers alike.

If your goal is to see turtles, reef sharks, and vibrant corals while enjoying a taste of local flavors, this trip deserves your serious consideration. Just remember to stay flexible and bring your sense of adventure — the ocean always has a surprise or two.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting with hotel pickup and ending with drop-off, offering enough time for multiple snorkeling stops and lunch.

Are all snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, the tour provides masks, snorkels, and life jackets for everyone, making it easy to jump right in.

What is the cost of the park fee for Koh Nang Yuan?
The fee is 250 THB per person, payable in cash on the day. It’s a small price to pay for the chance to explore this iconic islet.

Is lunch included?
Absolutely. You’ll enjoy a Thai-style lunch box with seasonal fruits, served onboard. Many reviews praise it for being tasty and satisfying.

Can I see marine life like turtles and sharks?
Guides are very knowledgeable and aim to guarantee sightings of sea turtles, baby sharks, and reef fish, as many guests have confirmed their success.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While most of the experience involves swimming, children should be comfortable in water. The tour is not suitable for those over 70 or who have mobility restrictions.

This snorkeling tour around Koh Tao offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and local flavor — perfect for those seeking an authentic, friendly, and value-packed day at sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: