Snorkeling Tour with meals and BBQs – Cocktail – Sunset⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best thing about this Koh Tao outing is its small scale. The boat can take 20 people, but several recent departures had only two to 10, giving you room to stretch out, choose your pace, and move away from crowded snorkel sites. I especially like the four snorkel stops and the way guide Chart adjusts the route when a bay is too busy. I also like the thoughtful food plan: a full homemade Thai lunch, fresh coconut, Thai tea, and a sunset BBQ instead of a quick sandwich between swims.

The one thing to consider is the seven-hour length and open-water setting. You need to be comfortable in a boat and ready for sun, salt water, and several hours outside. The $54 price is higher than a basic crowded boat trip, but the extra space, meals, drinks, pickup, and personal guiding make it a strong value for a relaxed day.

Why the small boat changes the day

Koh Tao is famous for easy access to coral reefs and tropical fish, but the quality of a snorkel day depends heavily on how many people are sharing the boat. A large group can mean crowded decks, long waits for equipment, and a busy patch of water once everyone gets in.

This trip limits the boat to 20 people. That is a maximum, not a promise that every departure will be full. Some outings have had only a few people aboard, and the boat has sometimes run with just one couple. You should not assume you will receive a private charter, but the capacity gives you a much better chance of having space than a standard mass-market cruise.

I like the practical effect of that limit. Chart can keep an eye on each person in the water, point out marine life, and change the order of the stops. If one bay is crowded, he may visit another location first and return later. That small bit of flexibility matters more than a long list of stops.

What is included for $54

At $54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Koh Tao from the water. It is also not just a boat ride with rental gear. The price includes pickup in front of your accommodation on Koh Tao, a seven-hour outing, snorkel equipment, life jackets, marine insurance, an English or Thai speaking guide, food, and drinks.

The food is a major part of the value. Lunch includes four Thai dishes:

• Chicken Massaman curry
• Stir-fried chicken with holy basil
• Egg fried rice
• Mixed vegetable stir-fry

You also receive Thai tea, bottled water, and a fresh coconut. Later, the crew serves BBQ food and a cocktail while the light fades over the Gulf of Thailand.

That is a generous amount of food for a day on the water. Several people specifically enjoyed the cooking by Chart’s wife, and one plant-based couple received food adapted to a vegan diet. If you have dietary needs, tell the operator before departure rather than assuming every menu can be changed on the spot.

The tour also includes underwater photos and video on many departures. Chart or a crew member uses a GoPro while snorkeling and sends the files through WhatsApp afterward. That is a useful touch if you want pictures of turtles, sharks, or your own time in the water without carrying your phone into the sea.

Pickup and the seven-hour rhythm

Pickup is included from your accommodation on Koh Tao, and the tour returns you to Koh Tao. The exact start time depends on availability, but one recent departure began at 11 a.m. The late start works well for a day that finishes with a sunset rather than an early-morning reef run.

Once aboard, the day follows a comfortable pattern: boat time, snorkel stop, rest, food, another swim, and a slower finish as the sun drops. You are not pushed from one activity to the next. The upper deck provides space to sit, sunbathe, or simply watch Koh Tao’s coast pass by.

Bring a towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a charged phone. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, which is sensible around coral. Cash may be useful for personal expenses or an optional stop.

The equipment is sterilized before use, and life jackets are supplied. You can bring your own goggles if you prefer a particular fit, though standard snorkel gear is included.

Four snorkel stops around Koh Tao

The exact route can change with sea conditions and crowd levels, so do not treat the stops as a fixed checklist. The point is variety. The crew has taken people to four snorkel areas in a day, with each location offering a different view of Koh Tao’s underwater world.

At the first bay, you can expect time to get used to the water and equipment. This is useful if you are a nervous swimmer or have not snorkeled recently. Chart has joined people in the water, shown them where to look, and helped less confident swimmers feel at ease. One first-time snorkeler became comfortable enough to continue after initial nerves.

Later stops focus on coral, schools of tropical fish, and the larger animals people hope to see around Koh Tao. Turtles and small reef sharks have been spotted on several outings, along with stingrays and many types of fish. These are wild animals, so sightings are never guaranteed. The better promise is that the guide knows where marine life is often found and pays attention to conditions.

The turtle areas can be busier than the other bays. That is worth knowing in advance. You may share the water with other boats when a turtle appears, even if the rest of the day feels quiet. The crew has also used timing to avoid the worst crowds, visiting a different reef first and returning later.

The coral and fish are the main attraction, but the pace matters just as much. You have time to look rather than being hurried back aboard after a few minutes. Chart’s habit of snorkeling with the group also helps you notice smaller creatures and makes the activity feel more guided than a simple equipment rental.

The optional Koh Nang Yuan stop

Some routes include Koh Nang Yuan and its well-known viewpoint. The short climb gives you a broad view over the connected islands and surrounding sea, but it is not always part of every custom route.

An additional 250 baht entry fee may apply at the viewpoint. Bring cash if this stop matters to you, and remember that the climb adds a land-based walk to a day otherwise spent on the boat. People who have already visited Nang Yuan can ask about seeing another area instead. Chart has accommodated that request when the schedule allowed.

This flexibility is one of the tour’s strongest features. You are not locked into a rigid route if you have already seen a famous stop or would rather spend more time snorkeling.

Homemade Thai food, coconut, and the sunset BBQ

Lunch arrives after some time in the water, when you are ready for a proper meal. The dishes are familiar Thai comfort food rather than fancy presentation, and the four-item spread gives you a chance to try more than one flavor. Massaman curry is a favorite for anyone who likes a mild, creamy curry, while holy basil chicken adds a sharper, more savory option.

Water is available throughout the outing, and the fresh coconut is a welcome break from the heat. Thai tea adds another local touch. The food is prepared by the family running the boat, which gives the meal a more personal feel than a boxed excursion lunch.

The BBQ comes later, close to sunset. This changes the character of the trip from an active snorkel tour to an easy evening on deck. Add the cocktail, open views, and warm light, and you have a proper finish rather than a hurried return to the pier.

The cocktail is included, but the exact drink is not specified. If you do not drink alcohol, ask what alternatives are available. Bottled water is already part of the package.

Chart and the family-run feel

Chart is the guide most often named in the activity details, although some bookings refer to him as Chan or Chad. His wife prepares the Thai food, and family members help with the boat and snorkeling. A small dog named Coco has joined some trips, though you should not count on the dog being aboard every time.

The family-run setup shapes the day. The crew is attentive with food, drinks, equipment, and underwater photos. Chart has also helped people who were unsure about snorkeling and made an effort to keep everyone included.

That personal service is a real reason to choose this outing over a cheaper boat. It does not mean the day will be formal or luxurious. It means you can ask for help, explain what you want to see, and have a better chance of receiving a human response rather than following a fixed script.

What could be less ideal

This is still a boat tour, and the sea can affect the day. The supplied details do not promise calm water or a particular number of animals. If your main goal is one exact sighting, such as a turtle or reef shark, keep your expectations sensible.

The boat can hold 20 people, so the word small-group should not be confused with private. A departure with 20 would feel very different from one with three or six, even though it would remain smaller than boats carrying 40 or more. Ask about the expected group size if personal space is your top concern.

A seven-hour schedule can also feel long if you do not enjoy snorkeling or sitting in the sun. Pack the requested protective clothing and use biodegradable sunscreen. The sunset finish is a plus for most people, but it also means you spend most of the day outdoors.

Finally, the optional viewpoint may cost 250 baht extra, and the route can change. Those are not serious faults, but they are useful details when comparing this trip with a simple half-day snorkel boat.

Who should book this Koh Tao tour

I would choose this tour if you want snorkeling combined with a full day of food, scenery, and personal service. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who would rather pay a little more for breathing room.

It is particularly good for people who are nervous in the water. The crew can snorkel with you, point out marine life, and help you get comfortable. It also works well for anyone who wants underwater photos without arranging a separate photographer.

The outing is less suitable if you want a short, cheap trip with a guaranteed fixed route. It is also not the right pick if you dislike boats, heat, or several hours outdoors. Wheelchair access is listed, but boat access can vary in practice, so contact the operator before booking if you need specific boarding assistance.

Booking is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. The tour is available in English and Thai.

Should you book it?

Book it if the difference between a crowded boat and a calmer one matters to you. For $54, you receive pickup, gear, insurance, several snorkel opportunities, a substantial homemade lunch, drinks, a BBQ, a cocktail, and a sunset. That package makes the higher price over basic group boats easy to justify.

I would especially choose it for the family cooking, Chart’s in-water guidance, the possibility of GoPro photos, and the flexible route. Just remember that the group may be anywhere from a handful of people to the 20-person limit, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint may cost extra.

Key points

• Small-group format: The boat is limited to 20 people, with some departures operating with only two to 10.
• Up to four snorkel areas: The crew can change the order to avoid crowded bays and often helps you find turtles, reef sharks, coral, and tropical fish.
• Homemade Thai lunch: Expect Massaman curry, holy basil chicken, egg fried rice, mixed vegetables, Thai tea, bottled water, and fresh coconut.
• Sunset finish: A BBQ and cocktail turn the final part of the day into a relaxed evening on deck.
• Personal guidance: Chart and his family help nervous swimmers, snorkel with the group, and may send GoPro photos and videos through WhatsApp.
• Good overall value: Pickup, sterilized equipment, life jackets, marine insurance, meals, and drinks are included in the $54 price.

FAQ

How long is the Koh Tao snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts seven hours, beginning and ending on Koh Tao. Start times depend on availability, and one departure began at 11 a.m.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 20 people. Actual group sizes can be much smaller, with some departures carrying only two, three, four, six, eight, or 10 people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from in front of your accommodation on Koh Tao, with return to Koh Tao at the end of the outing.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes chicken Massaman curry, stir-fried chicken with holy basil, egg fried rice, and mixed vegetable stir-fry. Thai tea, bottled water, fresh coconut, BBQ food, and a cocktail are also included.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes. Sterilized snorkel equipment and life jackets are included. You may also bring your own goggles if you prefer.

Can I see turtles or reef sharks?

Turtles, reef sharks, baby sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, and coral have been seen on outings, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The guide chooses locations and timing based on conditions and crowd levels.

Is the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint included?

Some routes visit Koh Nang Yuan. An additional 250 baht entry fee may apply for the viewpoint, and you can ask about another stop if you have already visited it.