Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao

Koh Tao is better known for scuba than snorkelling, but the reefs are shallow enough and the fish dense enough that a day out with a mask gets you 80% of what a dive would, without the certification. This boat is a step up from the usual longtail or crammed speedboat: there’s a waterslide, a climbing wall, a diving board, floating sunbeds and an air-con cabin if you need shade. Seven hours, and you hit the island’s best snorkel sites plus the hike up to the Nang Yuan viewpoint.

The day covers multiple anchor stops around Koh Tao and neighbouring Koh Nang Yuan, with snorkel gear included and a guide in the water to point out what’s worth seeing. Thai lunch at a local restaurant breaks up the swimming, and drinking water, tea, coffee and snacks are on tap between stops. The signature moment is the climb up to the Nang Yuan viewpoint, where three islets meet on a sandbar and the photo is the one you’ve seen on every Thailand travel brochure. The hike is short but steep with uneven rock steps, so wear proper footwear, not flip-flops.

Free transfer is included, the group is capped at 15, and the difficulty is rated moderate mostly because of the viewpoint climb and the volume of in-and-out of the water. The Koh Nang Yuan marine park fee isn’t included and has to be paid in cash on arrival; budget 150 baht per adult.

Koh Tao’s snorkelling is best from February to April when visibility peaks and the sea is glassy. December to January can bring swell that cuts visibility. Reef-safe sunscreen only, a rash guard if you burn easily, and a waterproof phone pouch are the three things most people wish they’d brought.