Koh Tao, the snorkelling island

Why visit Koh Tao on a day trip

Koh Tao is small, hilly and ringed by bays with coral gardens close to shore. Many people come to learn to dive, but a day trip by speedboat is the easiest way to see its best snorkelling spots and Koh Nang Yuan in one go, without changing hotels.

The best snorkelling bays

The boat chooses the bays on the day according to the wind, so you always snorkel on the calm side of the island. Favourites include Mango Bay in the north, a sheltered cove with hard corals and parrotfish, and Hin Wong and Aow Leuk on the east coast, with boulders, reef fish and very clear water. Japanese Gardens off Koh Nang Yuan is shallow and ideal for beginners.

Getting from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Ferries and catamarans connect Thongsala on Koh Phangan with Mae Haad on Koh Tao several times a day. For a day of snorkelling, a speedboat tour is far easier: hotel pickup, the boat goes straight to the bays and Koh Nang Yuan, lunch on Koh Tao, and you are back on Koh Phangan or Koh Samui by evening.

Need to move islands? We also run private speedboat transfers from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao at a time that suits you.

Best time to go

Koh Tao is good all year. The water is usually clearest from March to September. From November to mid-December the north-east wind can bring waves, so the boat uses the sheltered bays, and some days may be rescheduled for safety. It is also the season when Ang Thong is closed, which makes Koh Tao our most popular day trip then.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, shoes with grip for the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint, and cash for the island fee. Snorkel masks and life jackets are provided on the boat.