Semi-Private Yacht Tour to Ang Thong Park, Koh Samui

These islands are home to a mysterious and rarely seen phenomenon, the harvesting of bird`s nests.

Our first stop in the Ang Thong Marine Park archipelago is the most remote spot on the route, off-limits to day-trip speedboats. Guided sea kayaking is included for the group along the coastline, taking in the dramatic cliffs, limestone islands, caves, and a secret lagoon. If you'd rather not paddle, the accompanying dinghy covers the same stretch.

Sail north beyond the Marine Park waters, to Koh Wao, where you will find some of the best snorkeling sites.

Sailing further north to the Koh Wao island group, ranked among Thailand's top 20 snorkeling sites. The Red Dragon (up to 28 guests) or Blue Dragon (up to 14 guests), whichever the group is sailing on, is the only non-speedboat vessel reaching this spot, and the crew picks the exact site on the day depending on conditions. After a safety briefing, everyone in the group is fitted with snorkeling gear for a guided swim over the reef. Non-swimmers and young children can stay in the netted floating raft and still see the reef from the surface.

Heading back into the marine park, the boat passes Koh Lao Yu. Lunch, cooked fresh on board, is served here while you pass Ang Thong's most interesting limestone islands, dramatic rock cliffs and unusual rock formations.

Koh Thong Thaeng is one of the bigger islands in the Marine Park, and a beauty to behold.

Next, we pass Koh Wa Noi on our way to Koh Mae Ko to see the Blue Lagoon.

As we head south, we will also pass Koh Sam Sao or three sister islands, with its notable natural stone bridge that extends out into the sea, with clean white sandy beaches.

Koh Mae Ko is home to the "Blue Lagoon", also called the "Emerald Lake", which locals know as "Talay Nai", meaning "inside sea". Alex Garland drew on this lagoon when writing his novel The Beach, though the 2000 film adaptation was shot at Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh, not here. It's widely considered the highlight of the Ang Thong Marine Park, and this tour is the last boat allowed to visit Koh Mae Ko each day, so you won't cross paths with other organized tours.

Blue Lagoon Emerald Lake

Here you can decide to climb up to the viewpoint or relax on the secluded beach. Climb up the steep stairs along narrow ravines to reach a panoramic view of the Park's 42 islands. Once we've reached the top, you will venture to the other side to take a closer look at the hidden saltwater lake completely enclosed, which besides its beauty, also acts as a natural nursery for all sorts of marine life.

As we head back to Koh Samui, we will also pass Koh Wua Talap, the Marine Park headquarters.

Cruise past Phaluai Island, one of the few inhabited islands in the Ang Thong Marine Park, home to a small community of "sea gypsy" fishermen, which are the original people that settled in the Samui archipelago. Enjoy the scenic cruise back to Koh Samui, cool down with a few drinks and a banana split on the deck, or take a dip in our jacuzzi. On most days you will embrace wonderful views of the sunset that will remain with you for a lifetime.