Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour

When it comes to tropical island adventures, few things compare to snorkeling in Thailand’s clear waters. The Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour promises a full day of vibrant coral reefs, playful marine life, and stunning viewpoints—all for around $26.36 per person. While this tour is praised for its value and beautiful sights, it’s not without a few quirks, making it worth understanding what to expect before you book.

What we love about this experience is how it packs five incredible snorkeling spots into one trip—giving you a broader taste of Koh Tao’s underwater world. The included gear and buffet lunch add convenience, and the knowledgeable guides are a bonus. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies like late pickups or the absence of towels, so travelers should stay flexible. This tour is best suited for those who love exploring multiple sites, enjoy social group experiences, and want a comprehensive snapshot of Koh Tao’s marine beauty.

• Multiple Snorkeling Sites: Visit five different spots for varied underwater scenery.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Snorkeling gear, lunch, and insurance are included.
• Comfortable Boat: Equipped with restrooms, relaxing areas, and fun extras like a slide.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides help enhance your understanding of the marine environment.
• Timing & Flexibility: Tours last around 6-7 hours, with pick-up and drop-off included (except Mango Bay).
• Cost-Effective: At roughly $26.36, it offers great value for a full day of island-hopping.

Stop 1: Japanese Gardens at Koh Tao

This first stop is famous for its coral formations and clear waters, making it an excellent warm-up for the day. As the top-rated site in the world, it’s often a favorite among snorkelers. Visitors typically linger here for about an hour, enjoying the vibrant marine life and colorful coral structures. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way the guides explained the different corals and fish; it felt like a mini education underwater.”

Stop 2: Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint

The iconic viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the three connected beaches. It’s a quick stop (around 30 minutes), but you’ll want your camera ready for those sweeping vistas. From here, you’ll understand why this island is so photographed and loved. The included viewpoint ticket means no extra cost, and the stunning scenery tends to impress even seasoned travelers.

Stop 3: Nang Yuan Island for Lunch

This isn’t a traditional sit-down meal; instead, lunch is served on the boat. It’s a simple but satisfying buffet-style meal, providing a chance to refuel while floating amidst gorgeous surroundings. Some reviews mention that the lunch isn’t a full buffet as advertised—more of a pre-packed meal—but it’s generally enough to keep you energized for more snorkeling. One reviewer shared, “Having lunch on the boat while watching the islands go by was surprisingly relaxing.”

Stop 4: Mango Bay

Known for staghorn coral and myriad tropical fish, Mango Bay is a highlight for underwater enthusiasts. Expect to see sea anemones, colorful fish, and possibly even some larger species if you’re lucky. An hour here usually gives ample time to explore and take photos. Travelers often mention the beauty of the reef, with one saying, “The coral was vibrant and healthy, and the fish were everywhere.”

Stop 5: Hin Wong Bay

Here, you’re swimming with hundreds of thousands of fish, corals, sponges, and even Nemos. It’s one of the more lively stops, especially for those interested in spotting specific species. The guided commentary helps you identify the marine life, making the experience both fun and educational. Many guests comment on the abundance of fish, with one noting, “It felt like swimming in an aquarium—so many fish and so much color.”

Stop 6: Aow Leuk Grand Hill

This stop offers a chance to see artificial coral reefs and beautiful parrotfish. The artificial reefs are intentionally designed to promote marine growth, making them a unique aspect of this tour. Spending about an hour here, you’ll get close to the reef life and enjoy the calm, clear waters.

Stop 7: Shark Bay (or “Free Beach to Shark Bay”)

The final stop is a relaxed swim in a habitat home to turtles, blacktip sharks, and sometimes small blackfin sharks. Guests often mention the thrill of potentially swimming alongside these creatures and snapping memorable selfies. The fact that this area is a known turtle habitat makes it an exciting finale to the day. One reviewer highlighted, “Swim with the turtles and see the sharks—an unforgettable experience.”

Transportation: The tour starts early at Mae Haad Pier, with round-trip transfers included (except for Mango Bay). The boat itself is described as large and comfortable, with restrooms and space to relax. Expect a lively, social atmosphere, with a maximum group size of about 120 travelers—meaning it’s bustling but manageable.

Timing: Starting at 10:00 am, the tour lasts roughly 6 to 7 hours, which allows for plenty of time at each stop without feeling rushed. The schedule is tight but well-paced, with most travelers getting to enjoy each site thoroughly.

Guides & Equipment: Guides are English-speaking and quite knowledgeable, often sharing insights about marine species and the history of each site. Snorkeling gear is provided, but fins are not included—so if you want your own, bring them along. Life jackets are standard, and safety seems prioritized, especially at sites like Shark Bay.

Cost & Value: For about $26.36, this tour offers access to multiple top snorkeling locations, gear, lunch, and insurance. It’s a good deal, especially considering the variety of sites. However, the national park fee of 250THB per adult isn’t included, so budget for that extra expense.

While many appreciate the incredible views and the guides’ efforts, some mention inconsistencies. One reviewer shared that they were picked up 30 minutes late and not provided towels, which can catch you off guard if you’re expecting a completely seamless experience. Another noted that the tour was conducted on a larger boat and that they felt a little out of place among the younger crowd, but still enjoyed the overall experience. These comments highlight the importance of managing expectations and being prepared for minor hiccups.

This experience is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive adventure in Koh Tao without breaking the bank. It suits those who enjoy varied underwater scenery, social atmospheres, and guided commentary. It might be less ideal for travelers seeking a quiet or very personalized experience, especially since the tour can be busy and somewhat rushed. However, if you want to see the key snorkeling spots in a single day, this tour delivers on that front admirably.

The Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour provides a well-rounded exploration of some of the island’s most famous marine sites. Its affordability makes it a value-packed choice for those eager to see varied coral reefs, encounter sea turtles, and snap photos of stunning bays. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, lunch, and insurance simplifies planning, while the guides’ local knowledge enriches the journey.

While a few travelers have noted minor issues like late pickups or less-than-expected lunches, the overall feedback points to a fun, lively, and memorable day on the water. If you’re after a lively, multi-stop snorkeling experience that captures the essence of Koh Tao’s underwater beauty, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, round-trip transfer is included in the package, making it easy to get to and from the meeting point at Mae Haad Pier.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning to the meeting point late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, life jackets, a buffet lunch on the boat, snacks, drinks, insurance, and a knowledgeable guide are all included.

Are Fins provided?
No, fins are not included, so you might want to bring your own if you prefer your own fit.

What are the main snorkeling stops?
The tour visits Japanese Gardens, Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk Grand Hill, and Shark Bay.

Can I see marine life like turtles and sharks?
Yes, Shark Bay is a habitat for turtles and blacktip sharks. Guests have the chance to swim with turtles and, if lucky, with small blackfin sharks.

Is there an additional fee I should know about?
Yes, a national park fee of 250THB per adult is payable locally, not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Bring your own fins if you prefer, plus sun protection, a towel, and waterproof camera or phone case for photos.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 7-9 can participate with a child ticket; however, those with certain health conditions like pregnancy, high blood pressure, or heart issues are advised against joining.

In all, the Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour offers a mix of stunning views, diverse underwater encounters, and good value for travelers eager to explore Koh Tao’s marine world without overcomplicating their day. Prepare for a lively, fun-filled adventure—just keep your expectations aligned with the overview and reviews.