Snorkeling Tour with meals and BBQs – Cocktail – Sunset

If you’re planning a trip to Koh Tao and want more than just a run-of-the-mill snorkeling trip, this tour offered by Coco Tip Adventures might just be what you’re looking for. With a focus on intimacy, personalized service, and authentic experiences, it promises to be a memorable day at sea. From vibrant coral reefs to fresh Thai dishes and sunset cocktails, this tour blends adventure, relaxation, and local charm seamlessly.

What really sets it apart? First is the small group size — capped at 20 guests — which means you’ll avoid the crowded boat scene typical of many tours. Second, the knowledgeable guides like Chart, who are passionate about the marine environment and eager to share their expertise. Third, the delicious homemade food and BBQs, cooked fresh on the boat, that keep you energized between snorkeling sessions. A slight consideration? The price of $53 per person might seem a tad higher than larger, less personalized tours, but most reviews agree that the value for money is excellent given the quality and experience.

This tour is perfect for travelers who value a quieter, more authentic atmosphere, and who want to enjoy Koh Tao’s underwater world without the crowds. If you love good food, stunning scenery, and personalized service, you’ll probably find this trip hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Only up to 20 guests ensure a relaxed, personalized vibe.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable locals like Chart make the trip informative and fun.
• Multiple Snorkeling Spots: Visit 4 different locations with vibrant marine life.
• Delectable Food: Homemade Thai meals, BBQs, and cocktails enhance the day.
• Customizable Tours: Perfect for special occasions or private groups.
• Unbeatable Views: Stunning sunset cruise to finish your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Pick-up and Start: Most tours begin with an easy pick-up from your Koh Tao accommodation, making logistics hassle-free. From there, you’ll hop onto a well-maintained boat, often with a top deck perfect for sunbathing or relaxing in shade. The small group size — often just a handful of travelers — guarantees a comfortable ride and a chance for genuine connection.

First Snorkeling Spot: The journey usually kicks off with the first of four carefully selected snorkeling stops. These are not your typical crowded bays; instead, the guides, like Chart, use their local knowledge to steer you clear of the crowds and toward calmer, more pristine reefs. Expect to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, colorful fish, and maybe even reef sharks or stingrays, as some reviews enthusiastically mention. The snorkel gear is sterilized and provided, so just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Lunch Break: After an hour or so in the water, you’ll head to a designated spot for a homemade Thai lunch. The dishes, such as Chicken Massaman Curry, stir-fried chicken with Holy Basil, and fried rice with eggs, are cooked from scratch by local Thai cooks — often the guides’ wives — adding a personal touch. Many reviews rave about the quality and flavor, highlighting that the food is fresher and tastier than typical tour fare.

Second and Third Stops: The itinerary continues with additional snorkeling sites, each with unique underwater scenery. Guides like Chart adjust the schedule based on weather and crowd conditions, sometimes returning to favored spots later in the day for better wildlife sightings or a quieter experience. For example, reviewers mention snorkeling in “almost abandoned” reefs or visiting main attractions like Turtle Bay.

Sunset and BBQ: The highlight of many trips is the sunset cruise with a BBQ on board. As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of Koh Tao’s coastline, often with a cocktail in hand and the boat gently rocking. This is the time to unwind, take photos, and soak in the peaceful beauty of the sea at dusk.

Return and Drop-off: The trip concludes with a comfortable ride back to your hotel, often with a sense of having experienced something extra special — not just another day of snorkeling, but one filled with authentic moments, great food, and new friends.

Why This Tour Works Well for Travelers

Small Group Advantage: Unlike larger tours that pack dozens of people onto one boat, Coco Tip Adventures caps at 20 guests, often fewer. This means shorter wait times at each spot, more personalized attention from guides, and plenty of space for sunbathing, relaxing, or taking photos without feeling cramped. Recent reviews praise the intimate atmosphere, with one guest noting it felt “like a private tour” even with up to 20 people.

Knowledgeable and Passionate Guides: Guides like Chart are clearly passionate about the marine environment and local culture. They’re not just there to lead a tour—they’re eager to share their insights, point out hidden reefs, and take photos and videos that you can treasure later. Multiple reviews mention how Chart went above and beyond, snorkeling with guests, sharing GoPro shots, and ensuring everyone felt safe and included.

Authentic and Delicious Food: The onboard meals are a standout feature. Instead of generic sandwiches or pre-packaged snacks, expect homemade Thai dishes prepared fresh on the boat. Reviewers rave about the Massaman Curry, stir-fried chicken, and BBQs, often saying these tasted better than restaurant meals. The inclusion of Thai iced tea, fresh coconuts, and cocktails adds a genuine tropical vibe.

Flexible and Customizable: The tour can be tailored for special occasions like birthdays or private groups. Some travelers mention that guides are accommodating and eager to make the trip unique for their clients, which adds to the overall value.

Stunning Scenery and Marine Life: Expect crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and a good chance to spot turtles, reef sharks, and an array of tropical fish. The carefully timed stops help avoid overcrowding, giving you more space and a better chance at seeing marine creatures up close.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Pricing and Value: At $53 per person, this tour is priced higher than some larger-group options, but most reviews agree it offers excellent value. The small group size, gourmet meals, and personalized service justify the cost, especially if you want a more relaxed and intimate experience.

Duration and Timing: The tour generally starts around 11 AM and lasts most of the day, with pickup from your hotel. The sunset cruise adds a magical end to the trip, perfect for unwinding after snorkeling and eating.

Included in the Price: Everything from hotel pickup, sterilized snorkel gear, marine insurance, and life jackets, to homemade Thai meals, BBQs, drinks, and cocktails. The team even takes photos and videos during snorkeling, which are shared afterward, adding to the memorable nature of the day.

What to Bring: Pack essentials such as swimsuits, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), towels, change of clothes, a camera, cash, and goggles. The boat provides most equipment but bringing your own goggles can enhance your experience.

Group Size and Language: With a maximum of 20 guests and guides fluent in both English and Thai, the experience is accessible and easy to follow.

Cancellation Policy: Flexible booking options are available, with the ability to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind.

What Reviewers Say

Reviews overwhelmingly praise the small group environment, with comments like “it felt like a private snorkel trip” and “the crew was amazing, attentive, and friendly.” Guests appreciate guides who are passionate, knowledgeable, and engaging—like Chart, who is not just a guide but a storyteller and photographer.

The quality of the food also comes up repeatedly. Guests love the homemade Thai dishes, BBQ, and the overall sense of being cared for. Many mention the effort guides put into taking photos and videos, which they receive free of charge afterward, making the experience even more special.

Snorkeling spots are described as “stunning,” with encounters with turtles, sharks, and colorful fish being common highlights. Reviewers also appreciate the careful timing of stops to avoid crowds, especially at popular reefs.

The sunset cruise, with cocktails and a chilled atmosphere, is frequently described as the perfect way to end the day, providing a peaceful conclusion to a busy day in the water.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want more than just snorkeling—those seeking authenticity, intimacy, and good food. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who prefer a relaxed, personalized vibe over large, crowded tours. If you’re a foodie who loves fresh Thai dishes and BBQs, this tour will satisfy your appetite for deliciousness.

Those who appreciate local guides with a deep knowledge of the area and marine life will find this tour especially rewarding. It also suits travelers celebrating special occasions or those wanting a flexible, customizable day on the water.

While the price might be slightly higher than bigger tours, the quality of service, comfort, and authenticity more than make up for it. If you want a peaceful, well-organized day with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, picture-taking, and sunset-watching, look no further.

FAQ

How many guests are on this tour?
Up to 20 guests are allowed, which helps prevent overcrowding and ensures a more personal experience.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers pickup from your hotel, sterilized snorkel gear, marine insurance, life jackets, homemade Thai meals, BBQs, drinks, cocktails, and photos/videos taken during snorkeling.

Can I customize this tour?
Yes, the tour offers options for special occasions and private groups, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences.

What kind of marine life can I expect?
Guests frequently see turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of tropical fish. The carefully selected snorkeling spots aim to maximize wildlife sightings.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection (biodegradable sunscreen recommended), towels, change of clothes, a camera, cash, and goggles if preferred. Most equipment is provided, but personal goggles can enhance your experience.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. With guided snorkeling, well-maintained gear, and attentive staff, beginners can feel comfortable exploring underwater sights safely.

In essence, this Koh Tao snorkeling tour offers a delicate balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic local hospitality. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful, well-organized day with stunning scenery, good company, and delicious food. It’s an experience that leaves you with not just memories but genuine moments shared with passionate guides and fellow travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: