Snorkel Trip to Koh Nangyuan and Bays of Koh Tao By The Oxygen

Discover the Underwater World of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan with The Oxygen

If you’re dreaming of swimming among colorful fish, coral reefs, and maybe even spotting a turtle or two, this snorkeling trip around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan might just be the highlight of your trip. Priced at $28.95 per person, it offers about six to seven hours of aquatic adventure, with visits to five different snorkeling spots and an opportunity to explore the famous sand bridge connecting three islands. Our guides, whose names we don’t have but whose enthusiasm shines through reviews, are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and making everyone feel safe—even if you’re a first-time snorkeler.

What we particularly love about this tour is how well it balances structured activity with relaxed comfort. The boat is equipped with restrooms and a roof terrace, perfect for sunbathing or cooling off between swims. Plus, all snorkeling gear—including masks, snorkels, and life jackets—is provided, which helps cut down on the hassle of renting equipment locally. The included Thai lunch box gets rave reviews, with many saying it’s better than expected for this kind of tour, giving you energy for more underwater exploration.

However, one point to keep in mind is that coral health varies. Several reviews mention that some coral appears dead, likely due to environmental pressures, which is good to know so you’re not expecting pristine reefs everywhere. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate diverse marine environments and want the convenience of visiting multiple sites without the logistical headache of arranging transport or gear.

This trip tends to attract a wide age range, from young backpackers to families, thanks to the friendly guides and safe, accessible snorkeling spots. If you’re after a full-day, value-packed excursion that covers the highlights of Koh Tao’s marine side, this one is a solid choice.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Gear: Masks, snorkels, life jackets, and safety equipment provided.
• Multiple Stops: Visit five diverse snorkeling sites, including Koh Nang Yuan’s famous sand bridge and Japanese Garden.
• Comfort & Convenience: Boat features restrooms, a roof terrace, and GPS for a smooth experience.
• Authentic Food & Drinks: Thai-style lunch box, cold water, coffee, and tea included.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, well-trained guides who speak good English and ensure everyone participates.
• Environmental Awareness: Guides emphasize respecting coral and marine life.

The Details: What to Expect from Your Snorkeling Adventure

Starting Your Day: Easy Pickup & Departure

The trip begins early in the morning, typically between 9:00-9:30 am, with pickup from your accommodation—an extremely convenient setup that saves you from wandering to a meeting point. If you’re staying near Mae Haad pier, you might even be close enough to walk, but most travelers will appreciate the included transfer. The boat departs from Mae Haad pier with a comfortable ride that lasts about 30 minutes to Koh Nang Yuan, giving you a scenic preview of the island’s lush surroundings.

Koh Nang Yuan: The Heart of the Tour

This island is what many travelers dream about—three small islands connected by a sand bridge that’s perfect for walking across. The view from the top of the viewpoint offers a stunning panorama of the islands and surrounding waters, ideal for snapping photos. The famous “Japanese Garden” snorkeling spot, located nearby, offers vibrant coral and an abundance of tropical fish. We loved the ease of walking on the sand bridge and the chance to explore the islands on foot.

One reviewer, Stephanie, called it the “great day snorkeling and sightseeing,” emphasizing how staff worked hard to make sure all ages could participate comfortably. You’ll spend about an hour here, so take your time to soak in the views and enjoy your first snorkel.

Mango Bay & Lunch Break

Back on the boat, a Thai lunch box is served—many say it exceeds expectations, with Tasmin mentioning it was “better than expected” for this type of trip. It’s simple but satisfying, providing enough fuel for the next snorkeling spots. Cold water, coffee, and tea are also available, keeping everyone refreshed.

Exploring the Bays of Koh Tao

Post-lunch, the adventure continues to Ao Muang, a bay renowned for coral gardens and abundant fish. Here, the guides will help you spot marine life, and we appreciate how they explain about coral conservation—something many other trips overlook.

Next, the boat heads to Ao Hin Wong, famous for millions of Yellow-Strip scad fishes. It’s a mesmerizing sight to see schools of fish shimmering under the water—something that makes snorkeling here so memorable, as Stefano highlighted “a funny trip around Koh Tao with lots of snorkeling time.”

Then, it’s on to Aow Leuk Beach, known for its large-sized corals and colorful fish. Many reviews mention how large coral formations are a standout feature, creating an immersive underwater experience. This stop lasts roughly 40 minutes and is perfect for those who want to admire marine biodiversity.

The Grand Finale: Shark Bay & the Hidden Bays

The last major snorkeling site is Shark Bay, famous for green turtles and, on lucky days, blacktip reef sharks. While most travelers don’t see sharks, the chance to spot a turtle is often more than enough for many. This stop offers about an hour of snorkeling, giving you one last chance to see marine life before heading back.

Returning to Koh Tao

After a full day of underwater exploration, the boat returns to the starting point, typically around 5 pm. You’ll be tired but satisfied, with plenty of photos and memories of vibrant reefs and aquatic wildlife.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides who go out of their way to ensure everyone has a good time. Stephanie described the staff as working “very hard to make sure everyone has a good time and can participate,” which is reassuring if you’re new to snorkeling.

Many appreciated the well-organized itinerary, noting the perfect timing at each spot. Tasmin highlighted how the “slide is fun and the perfect amount of time at each stop,” which suggests the tour balances activity with relaxation.

The quality of the snorkeling sites varies by environmental conditions, with some lamenting that “much of the coral seems dead,” but they still find the experience worthwhile for the marine life and the chance to discover Koh Tao’s underwater beauty.

The lunch also earns high marks—many say it’s surprisingly good for an included meal, which is important since the trip is quite active and you’ll want to stay energized.

Group Size & Atmosphere

The tour accommodates up to 120 travelers, but reviews suggest it remains manageable and friendly, especially with guides attentive to individual needs. This makes it suitable for families, solo travelers, or groups of friends.

Practical Considerations

The tour is priced affordably, especially considering all gear and multiple snorkeling spots included. Remember that a small additional fee (250 THB) for the national park must be paid at entry—worth it for access to such beautiful marine environments.

Pregnant women, those with high blood pressure, heart, or bone conditions are advised against joining, so plan accordingly. Children aged 4-10 are welcome, making it a family-friendly option.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure is perfect for travelers seeking a full-day, hassle-free way to experience Koh Tao’s marine life. If you value well-organized tours with friendly guides, the chance to visit multiple underwater sites, and enjoy a tasty Thai lunch, this trip checks all those boxes. It’s especially suited for those who want to see diverse coral reefs and marine animals without the complexity of organizing their own boat trips.

While the coral condition might not be pristine everywhere, the variety of sites and professional guidance make this a rewarding experience. It’s also a great choice for families or beginners who want a safe, fun introduction to snorkeling.

If you’re on a budget but want to maximize your time in Koh Tao’s waters, this trip offers considerable value. For more experienced snorkelers, it might be a bit limited in terms of depth or variety, but overall, it provides a comprehensive and accessible underwater adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-10 are welcome, and guides are attentive to making the experience enjoyable and safe for all ages.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
No, all equipment including masks, snorkels, and life jackets are provided, so you can just focus on enjoying the water.

How long is the snorkeling at each site?
Most stops last about 40 minutes to an hour, giving you plenty of time to explore but also allowing for safe, paced activity.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Thai-style lunch box, along with cold water, coffee, and tea, are included—many reviews say it’s better than expected.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to 120 travelers, but the experience remains friendly and well-organized, especially with guides’ attention.

Are there any environmental concerns?
Some coral appears damaged or dead, a reminder to snorkel responsibly and respect marine life.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof camera are recommended. The tour provides most necessities.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, good weather is essential. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

How do I pay the national park fee?
It’s paid directly at the entrance, roughly 250 THB for adults and 150 THB for children.

What if I don’t snorkel well?
Guides are trained to assist and ensure safety, so even beginners can enjoy the experience.

This snorkeling trip offers a reliable, friendly way to explore Koh Tao’s vibrant undersea world, especially if you value good organization, diverse sites, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a popular choice that many travelers find both fun and worthwhile—an aquatic highlight in their Thai holiday.