Fishing Day Trip in Koh Samui

A Complete Guide to the Koh Samui Fishing Day Trip

If you’re dreaming of a day spent cruising the waters around Koh Samui with the chance to land a big fish, this Fishing Day Trip might catch your eye. It’s run by one of the island’s most popular fishing companies, promising a relaxing yet adventurous 7-hour experience filled with fishing, snorkeling, delicious food, and stunning sea views. While not perfect for everyone, it’s a solid choice for those looking to combine outdoor activity with some downtime in a beautiful setting.

What makes this trip worth considering? We love its knowledgeable crew, the chance to fish in the richest waters around Koh Samui, and the on-board BBQ lunch that features your catch. Plus, the included hotel pickup means you won’t have to worry about transportation. But, a few reviews highlight that if you’re an experienced angler, you might find the fishing less challenging than you’d hope. This tour is best suited for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed day on the water with some fun fishing thrown in.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience with fishing, snorkeling, and a tasty BBQ lunch.
• Includes hotel pickup from major Koh Samui locations, making it convenient.
• Suitable for beginners and casual fishers, with equipment provided.
• Limited group size (up to 20 travelers), ensuring a more intimate atmosphere.
• Wine and soft drinks included, elevating the overall experience.
• Weather-dependent—good weather is essential for a smooth trip.

What You Can Expect from the Koh Samui Fishing Day Trip

This tour is designed as a 7-hour escape from the hustle of daily life, offering a mix of fishing, snorkeling, and relaxing on a traditional boat. Starting early at 8:30 am, you’ll be greeted with hotel pickup from central spots such as Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, and more. The journey begins with a comfortable ride to the pier, where the boat’s capacity is limited to around 15-20 guests, maintaining a friendly, less crowded vibe.

The Boat and Crew

The vessel itself is a traditional-style boat with a shaded area to keep you cool and protected from the sun or rain—a real plus on hot days. The crew, who are experienced and attentive, are often praised for their local knowledge and friendly attitude. They guide you to the best fishing spots depending on weather conditions, making the most of your time at sea.

The Fishing Experience

Fishing is the core of this trip, and the crew provides all the necessary gear, bait, and lures. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned angler, you’ll find the equipment easy to use. The waters north of Koh Samui are known for their abundance of marine life, so even if the big catch doesn’t happen, you’re likely to see plenty of fish and maybe even some turtles or dolphins.

One aspect reviewers mention is the lack of variety in the caught fish—many simply caught similar small fish weighing between 40 and 300 grams. For those hoping to land larger or more diverse species, this could be a bit disappointing, especially since some reviews note the trip heavily focuses on baiting rather than big game fishing.

Snorkeling and Relaxation

While the trip promises snorkeling spots, some travelers report that the weather conditions—like high waves or overcast skies—prevented snorkeling for them. This highlights the importance of good weather for the full experience. Still, the boat’s design and the scenic surroundings offer plenty of opportunities to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the sea breeze.

Lunch and Drinks

One of the trip’s standout features is the BBQ lunch, where the crew grills fresh seafood caught during the day. The onboard meal is often described as simple but tasty, with fresh fruit, soft drinks, and even a little wine—white and red—served to add some extra enjoyment. Reviewers mention the barbecue is a highlight, with some noting that the food exceeds expectations for a day trip.

Additional Touches

Guests are provided with refreshing towels, which come in handy after hours of fishing, and accident insurance is included, ensuring peace of mind. For those concerned about safety, life jackets are supplied, and the small group size ensures attentive service.

The Value for Money

At around $78.42 per person, this trip offers a good balance between affordability and experience. The inclusion of hotel pickup, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks makes it a convenient package. However, it’s important to note that there are optional additional transfer charges for some locations, like Nathon Town or Lipa Noi, which could add a bit to the overall cost.

For travelers who enjoy light fishing, relaxing boat rides, and a taste of local life at sea, this trip provides excellent value. But if you’re an experienced angler seeking big game fishing, you might find the catch a bit underwhelming, as some reviews suggest.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for families, casual anglers, or solo travelers wanting a fun day on the water without the pressure of serious fishing. It’s also suited for those who appreciate good food and drinks and want to explore the waters around Koh Samui comfortably and affordably. The small group size creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect for relaxed conversations and shared experiences.

If you’re after adrenaline-fueled fishing or large catches, you might want to look elsewhere. But if your goal is a scenic, laid-back day with some fishing thrown in, this tour hits the mark.

Practical Tips Before You Book

• Book in advance (about 9 days ahead on average) to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• Arrive early to get the most out of the day—boarding starts at 8:30 am.
• Weather plays a big role—sunny days are best for fishing and snorkeling, so check the forecast.
• Bring sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses; even with shaded areas, UV exposure is real.
• If you’re an experienced angler, manage expectations about the types and sizes of fish you’ll catch.
• Consider the optional transfer charges if your accommodation is outside the free pickup zones.
• Children aged 4-11 are eligible for a child ticket, making it family-friendly.
• Pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions are advised to consult with their doctor before joining.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, free round-trip transfer is included from major Koh Samui locations such as Nathon, Maenam, Bophut, Chaweng, Lamai, and Choengmon.

What’s the duration of the trip?
The trip lasts about 7 hours, starting at 8:30 am and ending back at the meeting point later in the day.

Can I snorkel during the trip?
Snorkeling is included, but weather conditions, like high waves or clouds, may prevent snorkeling for some guests.

What equipment is provided?
All fishing gear, bait, and lures are included. Life jackets are also provided for safety.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, children between 4 and 11 years old can participate, but parents should consider their child’s comfort with being on a boat for several hours.

Are drinks included?
Yes, soft drinks, coffee, snacks, and a selection of wines (white and red) are served on board.

What if the weather is bad?
Trips are weather dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date, an alternative tour, or a full refund.

Is there an extra charge for transfers?
Yes, an additional 300 THB per person applies for certain locations like Nathon Town, Butterfly Garden, Taling Ngam, Phang Ka, and Lipa Noi.

How large are the groups?
Groups are limited to around 20 travelers, creating a more personalized experience.

What do reviews say about the overall experience?
Most reviews mention the friendly crew, good value, and enjoyable food. However, some found the fishing disappointing or were unable to snorkel due to weather.

Final Thoughts

The Koh Samui Fishing Day Trip offers a well-rounded blend of fishing, relaxation, and good food. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable outing that doesn’t promise big game catches but guarantees a pleasant day on the water with helpful guides and warm hospitality. Ideal for families, casual anglers, or anyone looking to enjoy the sea without hefty price tags or complicated arrangements.

While it might not satisfy seasoned fishermen chasing trophy-sized fish, it provides a fun, safe, and scenic adventure that captures the essence of Koh Samui’s coastal charm. If you’re after a laid-back day filled with sunshine, good food, and light fishing, this trip could become a memorable highlight of your holiday.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera—those sea views are worth capturing.