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What is the best snorkeling tour in Koh Tao in 2026? Koh Tao is a paradise island located off the east coast of Thailand. Koh Tao has crystal clear waters, colorful coral reef and beautiful biodiversity. It really is one of the best places to go snorkeling. However, there are different ways to go snorkeling in Koh Tao and it can be hard to work out the best option for you.
In this article we are going to review and recommend the cheapest and best snorkeling tour in Koh Tao. We will share all of the details including price, what to expect, what is included and top tips to make the most of your snorkeling trip.
Why take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?
We highly recommend that you take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao. Koh Tao boasts beautiful clear waters brimming with fish and sea life and remarkable colorful coral reef. If you take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao you will also probably stop at Nang Yuan Island. This is a beautiful island connected to another small island by a sound bar. On the small island you can also walk up a steep jungle path to a viewpoint giving you an amazing view of both islands and the sand bar.
A snorkeling tour in Koh Tao has a very good atmosphere with lots of fun vibes. The staff are energetic, fun and friendly. The boats are equipped with life jackets, snorkeling equipment and they even have water slides off the back of the boat. Take an exhilarating slide into the beautiful warm sea water. Taking a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao was genuinely one of our favorite activities in the area.
How much does it cost to take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?
If you take a snorkeling tour of Koh Tao with Oxygen Tours it costs 500 baht all inclusive (morning tour from 10am – 5pm).
Oxygen tours also offer a Premium VIP tour for 890 baht per person 9am – 3pm (smaller group). There is also a an afternoon tour for 600 baht per person from 12pm – 6pm. The availability of different tour options depends on the conditions and the season.
You will also need to pay an additional 250 baht per person “landing fee” to enter Nang Yuan island (this includes both islands and the viewpoint). It is possible to walk between the islands on the sandbar (if you don’t mind getting wet!)
The price for children depends on both their age and height. If your child is over 110cm tall they need to pay full price. If they are under 110cm they only pay half price. Infants (2 years and below are FREE of charge).
If you’re planning to do an independent trip to Nang Yuan island, or you are not interested in seeing it, it is possible to stay on the boat and you do not need to pay the additional entrance fee (of 250 baht). The entrance fee for Nang Yuan is payable on arrival at the island.
In our opinion it is excellent value for money and offers one of the cheapest Island hopping trips around. If you are also planning to visit Koh Phangan, the island hopping trips are much more expensive. Therefore, we recommend waiting to do your island hopping trip at Koh Tao.
What should a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao include?
A good snorkeling tour of Koh Tao should be all inclusive. Always check exactly what is included before you book your trip. The price should include the following things:
- 2 way transfer from your hotel or resort
- Equipment rental (life jacket, snorkel, mask and fins)
- Drinks (normally water or juice and hot drinks such as tea or coffee)
- Snacks and/or fresh fruit
- Lunch (normally rice with chicken, fish, egg or veggies)
- English speaking guides
- Free underwater photographer
- Insurance
How do you book a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?
The best way to book a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao is to get in touch with Oxygen tours.
Find out more on the Oxygen Tours website
Drop Oxygen Tours an email: oxygenkohtao@gmail.com
Oxygen Tours Whatsapp: +66 89 909 4690
We recommend that you book your snorkeling tour at least one or two days in advance. The company needs to organize equipment and work out their numbers prior to the trip. Furthermore, in Peak season snorkeling tours can be quite busy and get booked up. The earlier you are able to book the better.
What sea life can you expect to see on a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao?
The waters around Koh Tao have impressive biodiversity. You can see a wide range of coral Reef including brain coral, table top reef and soft spongy coral. There are also some very interesting rock formations under the water producing a beautiful and colourful landscape.
On average the water depth ranges between 5m and 15m for most of the locations you are likely to visit on a snorkeling trip. The visibility depends on the time of year. In good conditions the water visibility can be up to 20m around Koh Tao. In bad conditions the water visibility may be less than 10m.
Here are just a few of the fish that you can see in the waters around Koh Tao: Barracuda, parrot fish, clown fish, weibel’s butterflyfish, wrasse, snapper fish, groupers, sea turtles, black tip reef shark and much much more.
What places do you visit on a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?
Most snorkeling trips in Koh Tao loop around the islands visiting points of interest and great snorkeling spots. These are the most common stopping points for snorkeling trips in Koh Tao:
- Nang Yuan island (Viewpoint and snorkeling. Don’t miss the amazing Japanese Garden reef – incredible biodiversity)
- Mango Bay or Lighthouse beach (Impressive coral diversity)
- Hin Wong Bay (One of the best snorkeling spots – reef and shoals of fish)
- Aow Luek Bay (Large bay, beautiful coral and a chance of seeing sea turtles)
- Shark Bay (Shallow reef, sea turtles and black tip reef sharks)
Top tip: There are some quite strict rules for Nang Yuan island. You are not allowed to bring plastic bottles, cans, fins, drones or beach shoes on the island. There is a small cafe selling expensive drinks and food on the island.
Map of the best snorkeling spots in Koh Tao
Here is a map of the best snorkeling spots in Koh Tao. Snorkeling tours generally visit these locations (depending on the conditions)
When is the best time to do a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao?
The best time of year to do a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao is during the hot dry season. During the rainy season the water visibility is reduced and the experience is less pleasant during rainy weather. December – June is the dry season and is the best time to do a snorkeling trip. It is worth being aware that it can rain at any time of the year in Koh Tao. Therefore, doing a snorkeling trip during the dry season does not guarantee dry weather – it just decreases the chance of storms.
What other companies offer snorkeling tours in Koh Tao?
We have recommended oxygen tours as the best and cheapest company offering snorkeling trips in Koh Tao. However, there are some other companies that also offer snorkeling trips. We always recommend weighing up your options at the time of booking. Check the latest prices and check what is included in each of the other trips. Here are a few other companies offering snorkeling trips in Koh Tao:
- Koh Tao Diamond Tour (500 baht promo price. Cheap but not great)
- We Travel Snorkeling and Tour (expensive and good)
- Unseen tours Koh Tao (private tours 8,000 baht for up to 5 people)
What things should you bring for your snorkeling trip in Koh Tao?
If you are taking a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao we recommend that you bring: Sunscreen, sun glasses, towel, swimming kit and a waterproof camera (if you have one). We recommend that you carefully consider what valuables you bring on a snorkeling trip in Koh Tao. It is worth bringing a little bit of money, as you will need to pay the entrance fee for Nang Yuan island. It is important to remember that you will be on a large, shared boat and you will need to leave a valuables bag on the boat. If you do not have anyone to watch the bag for you we do not recommend bringing too many valuables with you on the snorkeling trip in Koh Tao.
Do the boats have toilets if you take a snorkeling tour in Koh Tao?
Yes, most boats are large boats and do have a small toilet on board. However, if this is important to you we do always recommend checking before you book your trip.
What else is there to do in Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is a very beautiful island and there are plenty of EPIC things to do in Koh Tao. In Koh Tao you can learn to scuba dive (In fact, this is one of the cheapest Places in the world to get your open water scuba diving certificate). There is also an Apnea free diving school in Koh Tao. There are also some very beautiful viewpoints in Koh Tao. On the snorkeling trip you can see the Nang Yuan viewpoint. Alternatively, head to the south of the island to visit the beautiful John Suwan viewpoint. Koh Tao has some very beautiful beaches – Sairee beach is the main beach and a great spot for sunset. Rather oddly, Koh Tao also has a trapeze school where you can learn this crazy scary skill.
What are the best places to stay in Koh Tao?
The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel – TOP PICK budget hotel in Koh Tao
The Dearly hostel is the best budget option in Koh Tao. There is a nice balance of affordability, cleanliness and comfort here. They also have an outdoor swimming pool and include breakfast (as ever check when you book)
The Assava Dive Resort
This is a great mid-range hotel located on a quiet beach in the south of Koh Tao. Slightly out of the way of all of the buzz – this is a nice peaceful beachfront resort. The Assava Dive resort has clean, comfortable villas and a lovely coffee shop and restaurant onsite. It is also attached to a diving school and offers courses and diving experiences.
Blue Tao Beach hotel
Beautiful beach front property excellently located right at the heart of the west facing Sairee beach. This is a great beach for cafes, restaurants and bars. And Blue Tao hotel offers comfortable, beautiful ocean facing rooms.
Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone
Koh Tao Resort Paradise Zone offers some of the most impressive views in Koh Tao. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the John Suwan viewpoint, the paradise zone offers spacious, luxurious and comfortable suites complete with jacuzzi hot tubs. Soaking in an outdoor hot tub with a breathtaking view was one of our BEST experiences in Koh Tao.
Phandara Luxury Pool Villas
Superlative luxurious resort. Incredible, spacious and luxurious fully equipped villas with large private pools overlooking panoramic views of jungle hills and the ocean. This is one of the most expensive and prestigious resorts in Koh Tao.
