5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan

The best part of this outing is the variety packed into one day: five island and bay stops, a beach walk on Koh Nangyuan, and a chance to see turtles or blacktip reef sharks at Shark Bay. You get a guide to point out marine life, rather than simply being dropped in the water and left to guess where to look.

I like the practical all-in price of $27.71, especially with lunch, equipment, transfers, and photos included. I also like the free time on Koh Nangyuan, where you can walk the famous sandbar and climb to the viewpoint. The catch is that sea conditions can change the route, and a boat carrying up to 60 people may feel busy on some departures.

Key points before you book

• Five water stops in about seven hours: The route covers Koh Nangyuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay, though weather can force a change.
• Koh Nangyuan includes more than snorkeling: You have about 90 minutes for the linked beach, swimming areas, and viewpoint climb.
• Turtles are possible at Shark Bay: You may also see blacktip reef sharks, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
• The price covers the basics: Hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, life jackets, lunch, drinks, fruit, insurance, and underwater photos are included.
• The boat can be sizable: The stated maximum is 60 people, so this suits value-minded visitors more than those seeking a quiet private cruise.
• Koh Nangyuan charges extra: Adults pay THB 250 and children pay THB 120, with the adult rate applying to children over 120 centimeters tall.

A busy day with a generous amount of sea time

This is a classic Koh Tao boat day, but it gives you more than one postcard stop. You move around the island’s coast, swim in several bays, pause for lunch, and get a proper stretch of time on Koh Nangyuan.

The trip lasts about seven hours. That is long enough to make the boat ride worthwhile, but short enough to fit into a compact Koh Tao stay. Pickup begins at your hotel lobby, except at Mango Bay and Lighthouse Beach, where hotel pickup is not included. You then head to Mae Haad Pier and meet the Sangthong Tours crew.

After a basic health check, you board a modified fishing cutter. This is not a luxury yacht, and you should set your expectations accordingly. It is a working-style boat adapted for sightseeing, with room for snorkeling equipment, food, and a fairly large group.

The crew provides a life jacket and snorkeling equipment. Coffee, tea, drinking water, fresh fruit, and snacks such as cookies are also available. A Thai-style lunch box is served during the day, usually while you are heading toward Mango Bay. The setup is simple, but it means you do not need to buy lunch or pack a full beach bag.

Mae Haad Pier and the first crossing

Mae Haad Pier is the practical start and end point. The transfer from your hotel removes one annoying part of the day, particularly if you are staying away from the main pier area.

Expect some waiting and organizing before departure. Equipment must be handed out, the group must board, and the crew needs to check basic health details. This is not the sort of tour where you walk straight from a hotel room onto a quiet boat.

The first crossing takes you toward Koh Nangyuan, off Koh Tao’s northwest coast. The modified fishing boat has character, though anyone prone to seasickness should take the sea conditions seriously. One of the strongest practical points from the experience is the guide’s safety role. If you are not a confident swimmer, wear the life jacket and listen closely to the instructions.

Koh Nangyuan: the day’s scenic centerpiece

Koh Nangyuan is likely to be the most memorable stop, even for people who care more about beaches than snorkeling. Three small islands are joined by a narrow strip of sand, creating the famous view seen in many photographs of Koh Tao.

You have roughly 90 minutes here. Use part of that time to walk the sandbar, then make the climb to the viewpoint on the highest island. The viewpoint takes effort, especially in heat and wet footwear, but it gives you the classic overhead view of the three islands and the curved beach between them.

There are also separate swimming areas. You will need to divide your time carefully because 90 minutes passes quickly once you include the walk, viewpoint, photographs, and a swim.

Koh Nangyuan charges an entrance fee that is not part of the tour price. Adults pay THB 250 per person. Children pay THB 120, but children taller than 120 centimeters are charged the adult fee. Bring this extra money and treat it as part of the actual cost of the day.

The island can also be the busiest stop. Its fame brings more boat traffic, so do not expect an untouched beach. Still, the combination of sandbar, viewpoint, and clear water gives it a different feel from the later snorkeling bays.

Mango Bay and lunch on the boat

Mango Bay is on Koh Tao and is named for the mango trees that once grew there in large numbers. The water is the main reason to stop, with coral, fish, and a sheltered setting that can make snorkeling pleasant when conditions cooperate.

Lunch is served on board around this part of the route. The Thai-style lunch box is not a restaurant meal, but it is a useful inclusion at this price. You also have drinking water, coffee, tea, fruit, and light snacks, so you are unlikely to spend much extra during the excursion.

Mango Bay is one stop most vulnerable to weather changes. Strong wind, waves, or currents can make a planned bay unsuitable. If that happens, the crew may substitute another location. That can be disappointing if you chose the trip for a particular bay, but changing the route is the sensible choice when the sea is rough.

Hin Wong Bay and the underwater pinnacles

Hin Wong Bay sits on Koh Tao’s east coast and is enclosed by large boulders. Underwater pinnacles support coral, anemones, and many types of fish. This stop is more about marine life than a long beach break.

The schedule allows about an hour. That gives you time to swim and look around, though the usable snorkeling area can depend on currents and visibility. The guide is especially helpful here. A good guide can direct you toward coral and fish instead of having you spend the whole stop staring at empty water.

You should also be ready for a change in the water from one bay to the next. A clear, calm morning does not guarantee calm conditions along the east coast. On rough days, the boat may move, the current may be stronger, or the snorkeling may be less comfortable than the photographs suggest.

Aow Leuk and its calm-water appeal

Aow Leuk is known for its deep, concave shape and water that remains suitable for snorkeling even at low tide. The white sand and rocky setting make it one of the more scenic pauses on the route.

You get about an hour here. The stop works well for a relaxed swim because it combines attractive shore scenery with accessible water. If your group includes mixed swimming abilities, this can be a useful part of the day, though you should still use the provided life jacket if you are unsure in the sea.

Aow Leuk also shows why a multi-stop trip has value. If one bay is cloudy or rough, another may offer better conditions. You do not have to gamble the whole day on one snorkeling location.

Shark Bay and the possibility of turtles

Shark Bay is the final major stop before returning to Mae Haad Pier, with about 45 minutes in the water. The bay is known for blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles, and this is the place where the trip’s most exciting wildlife encounters can happen.

Turtles have been seen here, including groups of several turtles on especially good days. Blacktip reef sharks are also possible. They are not a guaranteed attraction, so book this as a chance to see wildlife, not a promise of a shark or turtle encounter.

The guide can help you look in the right places and may take underwater photographs while you swim. This is a real advantage for anyone who wants a souvenir but does not have a waterproof camera. The photos are sent to you afterward at no extra charge.

Keep your expectations sensible. Sea animals move freely, and visibility varies. Some days may bring turtles, baby sharks, and many colorful fish. Other days may produce only one turtle and a smaller selection of fish and coral. The value of the stop is the opportunity, not certainty.

What the guides add to the day

The crew’s friendliness is one of the strongest parts of this experience. The guide stays involved in the water, helps people with the equipment, and points out animals instead of treating the snorkeling stops as simple drop-off points.

One guide named Curb is specifically identified with the tour. The wider crew is English-speaking, which makes safety instructions and basic snorkeling advice easier to follow.

The guide may also swim with the group to take photographs, including pictures near turtles when conditions allow. That personal help matters because underwater photography is awkward when you are trying to manage a mask, fins, and a phone at the same time.

The service is not flawless. Pickup delays have occurred, and organization can be less polished on a busy day. If you choose a late-rise option, confirm the exact pickup arrangement carefully. The tour company has also acknowledged that more than one boat may sometimes use the same snorkeling locations.

Group size, boat comfort, and the real price

At $27.71 per person, this is an unusually low-cost way to see several Koh Tao bays. The included items add up: hotel transfer, boat transport, snorkeling gear, life jacket, lunch, drinks, fruit, guide, basic accident insurance, and underwater photos.

The extra Koh Nangyuan admission fee changes the final calculation. Add THB 250 for an adult or THB 120 for an eligible child, then consider tips if the crew provides good service. Even with that added fee, the package remains strong value for a full day on the water.

Group size deserves close attention. The official maximum is 60 people. Some departures have felt small and comfortable, while others have carried around 50 people. Do not book this expecting a private outing or a guaranteed group of 15.

A larger group has some advantages. It helps keep the cost low and gives the crew enough staff to assist different swimmers. The downside is less personal space on the boat, more people entering the water at each stop, and a less peaceful feel during transfers.

Boat comfort can vary by departure. The modified fishing cutter is functional, and some departures have used a newer, comfortable boat. Still, this is a budget boat tour, not a polished day cruiser. If you want quiet seating, flexible timing, and individual attention, a private trip will suit you better.

Sea conditions and what to pack

The itinerary depends on the weather and sea conditions. Mango Bay may be replaced by another bay, and the order of stops can change. In rough water, strong currents and large waves can make several hours at sea tiring, especially for anyone who gets seasick.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a dry change of clothes. Bring cash for the Koh Nangyuan admission fee. A small waterproof pouch is useful for valuables, though the provided underwater photos reduce the need to carry a camera into the water.

Follow the guide’s advice about life jackets. Strong swimming ability does not eliminate the risk of currents, waves, or fatigue. The tour includes basic accident insurance, but sensible behavior is still your best protection.

You should also accept that wildlife is unpredictable. Clear water and excellent snorkeling are possible, but no operator can promise turtles, sharks, or a certain number of fish.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want to see a lot of Koh Tao in one day without paying private-tour prices. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children, and budget-minded swimmers who value convenience.

It is also a good fit if you want someone else to handle transport, gear, food, and the search for snorkeling spots. The underwater photos are a useful bonus, especially if you are traveling light.

I would hesitate if you dislike group tours, need a quiet boat, or want to spend most of the day at one uncrowded bay. The seven-hour schedule involves several boat movements, and a large group can make boarding and swimming feel less relaxed.

Most people can participate, according to the tour details, but the sea can still be physically demanding. If you are prone to motion sickness or are not comfortable in open water, consider how you will handle a full day aboard a moving boat.

Cancellation and meeting details

The activity starts and ends at Mae Haad Pier, at 3RMF+WP6, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280. Pickup is offered from hotel lobbies, except for accommodations at Mango Bay and Lighthouse Beach.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and cancellations within that period are not refunded.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

FAQ

How long does the 5 Islands tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, including hotel pickup, boat travel, snorkeling stops, and the return to Mae Haad Pier.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Mae Haad Pier and ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup is offered, except from Mango Bay and Lighthouse Beach.

Which places does the tour visit?

The planned route includes Koh Nangyuan, Mango Bay, Hin Wong Bay, Aow Leuk, and Shark Bay. The route may change because of weather and sea conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai-style lunch box is included, along with drinking water, coffee, tea, fresh fruit, and snacks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included in the tour price.

How much is the Koh Nangyuan entrance fee?

The adult entrance fee is THB 250 per person. The child fee is THB 120 per person, but children taller than 120 centimeters pay the adult fee.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is maximum variety at a low price. You get five planned water areas, the scenic Koh Nangyuan viewpoint, lunch, equipment, transfers, a guide, and underwater photos in one package.

Go in expecting a busy group boat and a flexible route, not a private island escape. If the sea is calm, you may swim with turtles, spot reef sharks, and see clear coral-filled water. If conditions turn rough, the crew may substitute bays and the snorkeling may be less impressive.

For a first look at Koh Tao, the value is hard to ignore. Pay the extra entrance fee, bring patience for the group setting, and let the guide adjust the route when the sea calls the shots.