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

Koh Tao has no shortage of snorkeling boats, but this trip takes a different tack: it keeps numbers to 20 people maximum, and often runs with far fewer. That matters when you are trying to spot a turtle, find room on the deck, or simply enjoy the sea without being packed shoulder to shoulder.

I like two things right away. First, Chart and his family team treat the day as a hosted outing, not a conveyor belt between bays. Second, the food is a real part of the experience: homemade Thai lunch, fresh coconut, Thai tea, and a BBQ before sunset. The main consideration is simple: at $54, this costs more than the biggest group boats, and sea conditions can still affect the snorkeling.

Quick reasons to choose this Koh Tao boat trip

• Small groups with a personal feel: The boat holds up to 20 people, but several trips had only 2 to 10 passengers.
• Four or more snorkeling stops: Chart adjusts the route around crowds, weather, and sea conditions.
• Turtles and reef sharks are possible: The usual sightings include turtles, baby or reef sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish, though wildlife is never guaranteed.
• Two meals, not just a snack: You get four homemade Thai dishes at lunch, followed by a BBQ later in the day.
• A proper sunset finish: The final cocktail and sunset turn a standard snorkeling outing into a full day on the water.
• Helpful extras included: Pickup on Koh Tao, sanitized snorkeling gear, water, life jackets, marine insurance, and underwater GoPro photos or videos are part of the package.

Why the small boat changes the day

The biggest selling point is not a single bay or a particular dish. It is the amount of space and attention you get between stops.

Large Koh Tao boats can bring many people to the same water at once. On this outing, the cap is 20, and the actual number may be much lower. Some departures had only three, four, six, or eight people. One couple even had the boat to themselves. That can make the trip feel close to private without the price of chartering a boat yourself.

I especially like the freedom this gives Chart to adjust the route. If one snorkeling area is too crowded, he can visit another spot first and return later. If you have already seen Koh Nang Yuan, you can ask about spending more time elsewhere. The exact route is not fixed in the same way as a large tour schedule.

The boat itself has a top deck, comfortable seating, and room to stretch out or sunbathe. You can spend part of the day in the water and part of it simply watching Koh Tao’s coast slide by. For a seven-hour outing, that breathing room is important.

There is also a family-run feel. Chart often gets into the water with the group, points out marine life, and helps nervous snorkelers. His wife prepares the Thai food, and the family dog, Coco, has joined some trips. Those small touches give the day a more personal character than a standard package excursion.

Pickup from Koh Tao and settling aboard

Pickup is included from your accommodation on Koh Tao. The boat returns to Koh Tao at the end of the outing, so you do not need to arrange separate transport to the pier or beach.

The exact starting time depends on availability, though one commonly described departure began around 11 a.m. Plan for the full seven hours rather than treating this as a quick morning activity. You will need swimwear, a towel, sun protection, a change of clothes, and a charged phone or camera.

Once aboard, the crew provides life jackets and sterilized snorkeling equipment. Bottled water is available throughout the day. Bring biodegradable sunscreen, since you will be spending time in the water around coral and marine life. Sunglasses, a hat, flip-flops, and some cash are also sensible.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but water activities and boat boarding can still vary according to your needs. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before booking so the crew can confirm the practical details.

Four snorkeling stops around Koh Tao

The snorkeling is the main event, and the route usually includes about four different areas. You may see colorful coral, schools of tropical fish, turtles, baby sharks, reef sharks, and occasionally a stingray. The exact animals depend on the day, the weather, and the season.

Chart’s local knowledge helps here. He does not simply point the boat toward the busiest famous site and leave you to fend for yourself. He gets into the water, helps direct your attention, and looks for places where you can see more comfortably. Underwater photos and videos taken with a GoPro are commonly shared through WhatsApp afterward, which is useful if you want a memory of the day without handling your phone in the water.

The turtle and shark spots

Turtles are one of the most exciting possible sightings. Several outings found them, sometimes more than one, along with baby sharks or reef sharks. At the turtle areas, you might find more people in the water, since these animals draw attention. The smaller boat still helps, but do not expect complete solitude at a famous wildlife spot.

Sharks can sound alarming to nervous swimmers, but the animals described here are reef or baby sharks seen while snorkeling. Wildlife sightings are never promised, and you should follow the guide’s instructions and give marine life plenty of space.

Quieter coral areas

The other stops may feel more relaxed. These are the places where you can look closely at coral, small fish, and the shape of the underwater reef without a crowd around every patch of water. If you are new to snorkeling, these quieter areas may be more enjoyable than the most famous stop.

The guide can also help first-time snorkelers build confidence. Several departures included people who were uneasy in open water at first. The crew stayed close, offered reassurance, and helped them see more without pressure. You should still be comfortable entering the sea, but you do not need to be an expert swimmer.

Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint

Some routes include Koh Nang Yuan and its well-known viewpoint. Getting to the viewpoint involves a short hike and an additional entry fee of 250 baht, according to the trip details shared by one participant. That cost is not part of the $54 tour price.

The viewpoint can be worth it if you want the classic view of the linked islands and narrow sandbar. It does, however, add walking and an extra charge. If you have already visited, you may be able to ask Chart for a different stop instead. That flexibility is one of the better reasons to choose this smaller operation.

Thai lunch made by the family

Food is not an afterthought here. Lunch includes four Thai dishes prepared by Chart’s wife:

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

You also get Thai tea, fresh coconut, and bottled water. The meal is served during the day, usually after some snorkeling, when a substantial plate of food is welcome.

I like this setup because it gives you a proper taste of local cooking rather than a generic sandwich or boxed meal. Massaman curry is mild and creamy compared with many Thai curries, while holy basil chicken has a stronger savory flavor. The fried rice and vegetables make the spread easier to manage if you prefer familiar food.

Dietary needs can sometimes be accommodated. One couple with a vegan diet received suitable food, but you should state your requirements when booking rather than assuming the standard menu will be changed automatically.

The food also gives the trip a sense of place. You are not stopping at a restaurant or returning to shore for lunch. The meal is cooked by the family running the boat and eaten while you remain on the water.

BBQ, cocktail, and sunset

Later in the day, the trip shifts from active snorkeling to a slower finish. A BBQ is prepared on board, followed by a cocktail as the sun goes down. Fresh coconut and other drinks are also part of the food and drink service.

This timing works well. After several swims, you can dry off, settle on the upper deck, and watch the coast change color. The sunset is not an extra photo stop squeezed between scheduled activities. It is the closing scene of the trip.

The cocktail is a fun touch, but it is worth remembering that this is still a boat outing. Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to continue swimming or feel the motion of the sea. You can also stick with water, Thai tea, or other nonalcoholic drinks.

A sunset at sea depends on the weather. Cloud cover may soften the colors, and rough conditions may change how long the boat remains in one place. Still, ending with food and a drink gives the seven-hour schedule a satisfying rhythm.

What the $54 price really buys

At $54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Koh Tao’s snorkeling sites. The value comes from what is included and how the day is managed.

Your price covers accommodation pickup, transport by boat, a local English and Thai-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, marine insurance, lunch, water, Thai tea, fresh coconut, BBQ, cocktail, and sunset time. Underwater photos and videos are also commonly provided at no extra charge.

The biggest saving is not financial. It is time and comfort. A crowded boat may cost less, but you may spend more of the day waiting for people to get into the water, circling a busy bay, or searching for a place to sit. Here, the smaller group can mean more attention from Chart and more freedom to change the order of stops.

I would pay the extra amount if you care about space, food, and a calmer pace. If your only goal is to reach the water as cheaply as possible, a large group boat may suit you better. You should also compare what other tours include, since some low prices leave out meals, drinks, or transport.

The crew and the personal touches

Chart is the central figure in the experience. He guides the snorkeling, points out marine life, helps guests who are nervous, and takes underwater footage. His family helps with the food and hospitality, giving the trip a warm, informal tone.

The crew’s attentiveness is especially useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can explore, while less confident swimmers can stay near the guide and receive help. Families, couples, solo visitors, and small groups can all fit into the format because the boat does not depend on filling dozens of seats.

Coco, the family dog, has also joined some departures. If you like animals, that will be a charming bonus. It is not something I would book the tour for, since Coco may not be aboard every time.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A smaller boat rather than a mass-market excursion
• Several chances to snorkel in one day
• Help from a guide in the water
• Homemade Thai food and a BBQ
• A relaxed sunset finish
• Flexibility around crowded bays
• Underwater photos without carrying your own camera

It is also a good pick for nervous beginners, provided you are comfortable being on the open sea. The guide’s presence in the water and the small group make it easier to ask for help.

You may want another option if you dislike boats, want a very short activity, or prefer a strict timetable with no route changes. The day lasts seven hours, and conditions at sea can affect the pace. You should also be prepared for sun, salt water, wet clothes, and the possibility that a hoped-for turtle or shark will not appear.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Koh Tao plans are still shifting.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, flip-flops, beachwear, and a charged phone or camera. Goggles are listed as an optional item, though snorkeling equipment is supplied.

I would also bring a small waterproof pouch for cash and valuables. You may want cash for the 250-baht Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint fee if that stop is included, though the route can vary. Keep your packing light, since you will move between the deck and the water several times.

Should you book Coco Tip Adventures?

I would choose this tour if the small-group format is your priority. The combination of four snorkeling areas, local guidance, homemade Thai dishes, BBQ, cocktail, sunset, and possible turtle or shark sightings gives you a full day rather than a basic boat transfer.

The best reason to book is the balance. You get active time in the water, proper meals, a comfortable deck, and room to slow down. At $54, it is a strong value for anyone who would rather pay a little more than spend the day in a crowded boat.

Book it if you want a personal, food-filled day around Koh Tao and are happy to accept the usual uncertainty of sea conditions and wildlife. Skip it only if the price matters more than space, or if seven hours on a boat sounds like too much.

FAQ

How long is the Koh Tao snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts seven hours. It begins and ends on Koh Tao, with pickup available from your accommodation.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 20 people. Actual departures may be much smaller, with some trips running for only a few passengers.

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, a BBQ, and a cocktail are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Sanitized snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided. Marine insurance and a local guide are included as well.

Can I see turtles and sharks?

Turtles, baby sharks, reef sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, and coral have all been seen on the route. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, since conditions and animal movements change.

Is Koh Nang Yuan included?

Some routes include the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint. The viewpoint has an additional 250-baht entry fee, and the route may change depending on conditions, crowds, or your preferences.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.