Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan

Koh Tao’s 5 Island Snorkeling Tour: An Honest Look at a Beloved Adventure

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and a day filled with snorkeling rather than planning logistics, this Koh Tao 5 Island tour might be just what you need. Guided by Sangthong Tours, this trip promises to take you around some of the island’s most stunning snorkeling sites, with all transportation, equipment, and a delicious Thai lunch included. Reviews consistently praise its value, organization, and the friendly crew, making it a popular choice for travelers wanting a hassle-free marine adventure.

What we love about this experience is how it neatly combines multiple highlights into one day: from swimming alongside sea turtles at Shark Bay to exploring Nang Yuan’s iconic linked beaches, all without the headache of organizing transportation or gear. The included lunch and fresh fruit add to the relaxed vibe, and the small group size keeps the trip intimate and manageable.

A potential consideration is that, like many group tours, the experience can be affected by weather conditions—bad weather may lead to cancellations or less clear waters at some sites. Also, entry fees for Nang Yuan Island aren’t included, so budget accordingly if you want to access that spot’s famous viewpoints and beaches.

This trip caters best to travelers keen on snorkeling, looking for a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and local flavor. If you want a guided, all-inclusive day that highlights Koh Tao’s marine and scenic treasures, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Key Points

All-in-One Convenience: Transfers, gear, and lunch are included for a seamless experience.
Multiple Snorkeling Spots: Visit Nang Yuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay—all rich with life and stunning views.
Authentic Marine Encounters: Opportunity to see turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and schools of fish in clear waters.
Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable staff make the day both fun and educational.
Good Value: At just over $26, the trip offers a full day of snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxation.
Weather Flexibility: Full refund available if canceled due to poor weather, making it a low-risk choice.

The Itinerary: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting Point: Mae Haad Pier
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup—no need to fuss with taxis or renting gear beforehand. The convenience of being collected from your accommodation is a major plus, especially after a morning of travel or relaxing in your hotel. The crew of Sangthong Tours is praised for their professionalism and friendliness, setting the tone for a smooth day ahead.

Nang Yuan Island:
This is arguably the star of the trip. The linked beaches on Nang Yuan are famous for their postcard-perfect scenery—white sands, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can stroll on the iconic beach connecting three islands, and climb up to the viewpoint for sweeping vistas. The snorkeling here is top-notch, with multiple swimming areas teeming with tropical fish, including the Japanese Garden, one of the best spots for underwater explorations. Reviewers note this spot as “beautiful” and “a must-see,” with some mentioning that the entry fee (250 THB for adults) isn’t included in the tour, so plan for that extra expense.

Mango Bay:
Next, you’ll stop at Mango Bay, named after the many mango trees once thriving there. Here, you’ll enjoy a Thai-style lunch on the boat, giving you a chance to relax and fuel up. Mango Bay’s shallow waters and sandy seafloor make it ideal for snorkelers of all levels. Expect to see abundant marine life amid the tranquil, turquoise environment—perfect for those wanting a peaceful, scenic snorkeling experience. Reviewers mention the bay’s “beautiful waters” and “full of marine life,” making it a favorite.

Hin Wong Bay:
On the east coast, Hin Wong Bay is surrounded by large boulders and boasts underwater pinnacles covered in vibrant coral, anemones, and diverse fish species. The water clarity is often praised, and some guests report seeing schools of sardines chased by trevally in shallow waters—an instant highlight for underwater photography lovers. The rocky landscape offers a different kind of scenic beauty and makes for interesting snorkeling terrain.

Aow Leuk Beach:
This spot is distinguished by its deep, concave shape and calm waters, even during low tide. The scenery includes white sandy beaches and varying shades of blue, with Shark Island visible in the background—surely a picture-worthy view. The shallow waters and sandy seabed make it suitable for snorkeling, especially for beginners or families. Reviewers describe Aow Leuk as “stunning” and “great for snorkeling at any tide.”

Shark Bay:
The finale is at Shark Bay, famous for its population of blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles. Snorkelers get the chance to get close to these gentle creatures, a true bucket-list moment. Visitors mention the “fantastic” experience of swimming alongside sharks and turtles, and the crew’s attentive supervision adds a layer of safety and comfort. The shallow depth of the waters allows for relaxed and safe encounters.

Return to Mae Haad Pier:
After a full day of marine adventures, the trip wraps up with a drop-off back at your hotel. This is a major convenience, saving you from navigating transport after a long day on the water.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Expert Guides and Friendly Crew:
Multiple reviews highlight the staff’s helpfulness, humor, and genuine care. The guides are well-informed about marine life and local spots, enhancing the educational aspect of the trip. For instance, a guest mentioned that the crew made a birthday girl feel special with a surprise fruit cake, showing how attentive they are.

Comfort and Convenience:
The included hotel pickup, use of snorkelling gear, life jackets, and onboard restroom make the whole experience comfortable and stress-free. The boat itself is described as nice, with some reviews mentioning a fun slide that adds a playful touch.

Fresh Food and Hydration:
The Thai lunch, accompanied by fresh fruits, bottled water, coffee, and pineapple cookies, keeps you energized. Guests consistently mention the quality of the food as a highlight, with some saying it exceeds expectations for a tour at this price point.

Underwater Photography:
Having underwater photos taken during the tour is a popular feature, allowing you to relive those incredible moments with turtles or colorful fish.

Price and Value:
At approximately $26.57 per person, this tour offers a solid value considering the length (around 7 hours), multiple snorkeling stops, lunch, and transfers included. While the entry fee for Nang Yuan isn’t included, the overall package provides a worry-free day out with expert guidance.

The Practicalities: What to Keep in Mind

Duration and Timing:
The tour departs at 9:00 am—early enough to beat the crowds but relaxed enough to allow a full day of activity. Expect the trip to last roughly 7 hours, with stops at each site lasting between 40 minutes and 2 hours, giving plenty of time to snorkel, relax, and enjoy the scenery.

Group Size and Atmosphere:
With a maximum of 50 travelers, the experience stays lively but manageable. Many reviews mention the friendly, helpful guides who make everyone feel comfortable, whether they’re snorkeling for the first time or are seasoned swimmers.

Weather and Cancellations:
Since it’s a marine activity, weather plays a big role. The policy states that if weather conditions lead to a cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. This flexibility adds peace of mind.

Additional Costs:
Remember, the entry fee for Nang Yuan Island (250 THB adult, 120 THB child) isn’t included, so budget for that. It’s a small extra compared to the total cost but worth noting for planning.

Booking Well in Advance:
Most travelers book around 10 days ahead, which indicates good availability for those with flexible schedules.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits snorkelers eager to explore multiple sites with minimal fuss, especially those who appreciate expert guides and a social atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the best of Koh Tao’s underwater life without renting gear or navigating transport themselves.

Families, couples, and solo travelers all find value in the relaxed, organized nature of this tour. If you’re interested in spotting turtles, sharks, and colorful fish in clear waters, this is a great fit. The inclusion of lunch and refreshments makes it a full-package experience for all-day adventure seekers.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re after a well-organized, value-packed day of snorkeling around Koh Tao. The ability to visit multiple sites—each offering distinct scenery and marine life—means you get a comprehensive look at what makes this island special beneath the waves. The knowledgeable guides, friendly service, and included amenities turn this into a stress-free day that’s perfect for those new to snorkeling or seasoned explorers alike.

Not only do you get to see sea turtles and sharks up close, but you also enjoy a scenic boat ride, delicious Thai food, and the convenience of door-to-door pickup. Sure, there are small extra costs, but overall, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic local flavor.

If you want a memorable, hassle-free way to explore Koh Tao’s underwater world, this tour is a solid choice that many travelers find worth every baht.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup directly from your hotel or villa, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long is the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, with planned stops at six main sites around Koh Tao.

What snorkeling gear is provided?
Use of snorkeling equipment, including life jackets, is included. You can snorkel at each site, guided by provided gear.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, the entry fee to Nang Yuan Island (250 THB for adults, 120 THB for children) isn’t included in the tour price.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and perhaps a dry bag for your valuables. The tour supplies water, fruits, and snacks.

Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes, the shallow waters at sites like Aow Leuk and Mango Bay are perfect for beginners. The crew is friendly and attentive, offering guidance if needed.

This snorkeling trip around Koh Tao balances adventure, comfort, and value, making it an accessible way to enjoy some of Thailand’s best marine scenery. Whether you’re chasing turtles or just want to float in sparkling waters, this tour has enough highlights to keep everyone happy.