The 15 Top Tours & Experiences In Ko Tao: Which Is Best?

Ko Tao is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning viewpoints, making it a top spot for adventure lovers and relaxation seekers alike. Whether you’re eager to snorkel alongside sea turtles, explore underwater reefs, or hike to panoramic vistas, Ko Tao offers a variety of tours that fit every style. We’re particularly fond of the Koh Tao: Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch for its comprehensive coverage of the island’s top snorkeling spots, including Shark Bay and Japanese Reef Garden, all with a friendly crew and great value at just $26.

If you’re after a more intimate experience, the Snorkeling Tour with meals and BBQs – Cocktail – Sunset offers a private, cozy setting with just 20 guests, perfect for a romantic sunset or special celebration. For diving enthusiasts, the Open Water Scuba Diving 4-Day Course promises a thorough introduction to the underwater world with expert instructors and certification that opens doors worldwide.

1. Koh Tao: Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch

At number 1 on our list, this 7-hour snorkeling tour combines convenience, variety, and great value—just $26 per person. The tour visits five of Koh Tao’s best snorkel sites, including Mango Bay and Shark Bay, with a special stop at the iconic Nangyuan Island, where you can hike to the viewpoint for spectacular views. The crew prepares an authentic Thai lunch onboard, and the marine life sightings—baby sharks, turtles, rays—are frequently highlighted by travelers. Reviewers praise the professional guides, free underwater photos, and the chance to snorkel in calm, clear waters. This trip suits travelers looking for a full day of snorkeling, beach time, and easy logistics. The bottom line: it offers excellent value and a well-rounded experience for first-timers and snorkel lovers alike.

2. Ko Tao: Tao-Nangyuan Snorkeling Day Trip with Meals & Sunset

For around $60, this small-group tour provides a relaxed, personalized experience on a vintage wooden boat. It includes a buffet lunch, snorkel gear with new mouthpieces, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The highlight is exploring Koh Nang Yuan with its stunning sandbar and coral reefs teeming with marine life, plus a sunset BBQ set dinner, perfect for a romantic end to your day. Reviews often mention the intimate setting and attentive crew. This trip is ideal for travelers who want a combination of quality snorkeling, scenic views, and a more exclusive environment. The small group size means fewer crowds and more personal time in the water—great for couples or those seeking a quieter trip.

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

Priced at just $23, this snorkeling boat trip explores some of Koh Tao’s lesser-known spots, like Ao Muang and Ao Hin Wong. It combines fun, active snorkeling with a water slide and climbing wall, appealing to travelers who want more than just boat rides. The trip visits the Japanese Garden and other scenic sites, with plenty of time to relax on floating beds and soak up the sun. Reviewers love the opportunity to see colorful fish and coral while enjoying a lively, energetic crew. This tour is perfect if you like a mix of adventure and relaxation, with good value for the price.

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

This 7-hour snorkel tour offers a comprehensive look at Koh Tao’s underwater and coastal beauty for about $21. It includes visits to Koh Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, and Hin Wong, with a fresh Thai lunch and seasonal fruit onboard. The tour is well-rated (4.6/5) and highlights the variety of marine life, from sea turtles to colorful reef fish. Many reviews mention the friendly crew and the gorgeous scenery. It’s a good choice for those wanting a budget-friendly, all-in-one day of snorkeling with plenty of time to explore the island’s top spots. The main drawback? It’s a longer day, so pace yourself.

5. Snorkeling Tour with meals and BBQs – Cocktail – Sunset

For a more upscale, private experience, this tour limits the group to 20 people, with a relaxed atmosphere and great food, drinks, and vibe. It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting a sunset cruise with snorkeling stops. The tour includes fresh meals, cocktails, and snorkeling in lively spots with abundant marine life. The reviews highlight the intimacy, quality of food, and the fun, friendly hosts. This is best suited for travelers looking for a quiet, personal experience rather than a large group.

6. Koh Tao: Koh Nangyuan and the Hidden Bays Trip by the Oxygen

Rated 4.7/5, this 6-7 hour tour takes you to Koh Nang Yuan and several hidden bays with snorkeling, Thai lunch, and drinks. The focus is on exploring lesser-visited spots with a maximum of 20 people, offering a quieter, more personalized experience. Highlights include snorkeling at coral reefs, a scenic hike to the viewpoint, and relaxing bay visits. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, the flexibility of the departures (morning or afternoon), and the chance to see marine life including turtles and reef sharks. This tour is perfect if you’re after a relaxed, comprehensive day with less crowding.

7. Ko Tao: Open Water Scuba Diving 4-Day Course

Rated 4.9/5, this 4-day scuba course is perfect for those wanting to become certified divers. Starting with pool training, you’ll progress to exploring the stunning underwater scenery around Koh Tao, with dives up to 18 meters. The small group settings and experienced instructors ensure safe, personalized training. The reviews note the course’s thoroughness and the breathtaking dives. It’s an excellent investment for travelers who want to learn scuba and have a memorable underwater experience. Be prepared for a busy schedule, but the payoff is a certification that allows you to dive anywhere in the world.

8. Koh Tao: PADI Premium Open Water Diver Course (2.5 Days)

This 2.5-day course offers a quick but comprehensive way to get your PADI Open Water certification, with reviews praising the clarity and professionalism of the instructors. The course covers all necessary skills, includes photos and videos, and provides insurance and new equipment. It’s best for travelers with limited time who want a certified dive qualification. The price reflects the value of the certification, professional guidance, and all gear provided. It’s a practical choice for those eager to get certified before moving on to more advanced dives.

9. Koh Tao: Private Longtail Snorkel Tour with Nang Yuan Visit

Rated 4.7/5, this private tour offers total flexibility in exploring Koh Tao’s best snorkeling spots. Your own captain takes you to Nang Yuan, Ao Hin Wong, Mango Bay, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay, with options to hike, snorkel, or relax. The itinerary is customizable, ideal if you want to skip the crowds and tailor your day. Reviewers love the personal service and the chance to see marine life including turtles and reef sharks. The main advantage is privacy and flexibility—perfect for honeymooners or groups seeking a bespoke experience.

10. Koh Tao: Premium Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan Bays by Oxygen

Rated 4.8/5, this 6-hour tour offers an exclusive experience with a maximum of 25 people, making sure the water is never crowded. It includes four snorkel stops around Koh Tao’s best reefs, plus a scenic walk to the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. The food is gourmet, with vegan and chicken sandwiches and panna cotta, and the crew is praised for their professionalism. It’s ideal if you value comfort, quality, and a more intimate environment. Reviewers mention seeing sea turtles and reef sharks—rare highlights.

11. Koh Tao: Try Scuba Diving Experience + Hotel Pickup 2-dives

Rated 5/5, this try scuba is perfect for beginners eager to explore the underwater world. The small group size (max 4) ensures plenty of attention, starting with pool training and culminating in ocean dives. Hotel pickup and drop-off streamline the process, and the experience includes all gear and light refreshments. Reviewers highlight the professionalism, the beautiful coral reefs, and the thrill of their first underwater breath. This tour is suited for those who want a safe, guided introduction to scuba diving in a manageable setting.

12. Ko Tao: Late Riser Snorkeling Tour with Lunch and Photos

Rated 4.5/5, this late-morning tour is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed start. It includes snorkeling at five prime sites, a Thai buffet lunch onboard, and a hike to Nangyuan’s top viewpoint. Reviewers enjoy the combination of marine life, scenic views, and the friendly crew. It’s well suited for travelers who want a later start and a leisurely pace, with plenty of time in the water and on the island.

13. Koh Tao: Snorkeling and Sunset Tour

For a romantic twist, this sunset snorkeling tour offers a small group (max 10), opportunities to see reef sharks and sea turtles, and the magic of the golden hour. It’s perfect for sunset lovers wanting a peaceful, intimate experience with marine life. Reviews mention the calming atmosphere and the chance to enjoy marine creatures in warm, glowing light as the sun sets.

14. Koh Tao : Private Road Trip To 8 Famous Places

Rated 4.3/5, this private road trip takes you around the island’s best viewpoints and sights, highlighting the most scenic spots for approximately 6 hours. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see many viewpoints without the hassle of planning. The tour is flexible and perfect for those who want a relaxed, personalized sightseeing experience. It’s a straightforward way to capture the island’s beauty.

15. Koh Tao: First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours

Rated 4.8/5, this early morning snorkel tour is for those who want to beat the crowds. It features snorkeling at Tao Thong, Freedom Bay, Ao Leuk, and Shark Bay, along with a fresh Thai lunch onboard. Many reviewers describe it as a peaceful, immersive experience with excellent marine sightings. It’s best for early risers or anyone wanting a quiet start to their day.

How to Choose Your Tour in Ko Tao

Picking the right tour depends on your budget, interests, and how much time you want to spend in the water. For those new to snorkeling, the Koh Tao: Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch offers great value and variety. If you prefer a more exclusive, relaxed setting, consider the Snorkeling Tour with meals and BBQs – Cocktail – Sunset. For diving enthusiasts, the Open Water Scuba Diving 4-Day Course provides certification and unforgettable underwater experiences.

Travelers on a tighter schedule or seeking a more private experience might opt for the Private Longtail Snorkel Tour or the Premium Snorkel Tour by Oxygen. Consider your fitness level, interest in marine life, and whether you want to include island hikes or viewpoints.

Booking early is advisable during peak season, and always check availability and reviews to match your expectations. Many tours offer hotel pickup, simplifying logistics, so plan to select those if convenience is a priority.

To sum it up, Ko Tao’s rich variety of snorkeling, diving, and scenic tours caters to all kinds of travelers—from budget-conscious explorers to those seeking luxury. Whether you prioritize seeing baby sharks and turtles, mastering scuba diving, or capturing perfect Instagram shots from viewpoints, there’s something for all. For first-timers, the Koh Tao: Islands Snorkeling Highlights Day Tour & Lunch remains a top pick for its excellent value and coverage. For a quieter, more intimate experience, the Premium Snorkel Tour by Oxygen offers a refined, small-group outing. Whatever your style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these fantastic experiences—Ko Tao is waiting.