Orange bean bags line the patio of JP Resort in Koh Tao. The beach with blue water and palm trees shown is known for having some of the best snorkeling in Koh Tao.

Best Snorkeling in Koh Tao: Local Tips, Top Tours & Hidden Gems

ByThe Lavender Travelers Updated on

Dreaming of snorkeling alongside neon fish and coral gardens in Koh Tao? You’re in the right place.

After a week hopping between five snorkeling tours (and discovering which ones are worth your baht), we found one that stood out — the Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Tour that took us to hidden reefs and even served homemade Thai food onboard.

In this guide, you’ll find our honest review of that tour, plus a few other options we researched for every budget — along with insider tips on the best snorkeling spots, what to bring, and how to make the most of your underwater adventure.

Ready to dive in? Here’s exactly what to expect — and how to book the same snorkeling tour we loved.

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Our Experience Snorkeling in Koh Tao

We’d heard the snorkeling in Koh Tao was some of the best in Thailand — but it honestly blew us away.

We started our trip with a few off-the-beach spots like Ao Leuk and Shark Bay. The water was clear, but the real magic happened once we joined a proper boat tour.

After chatting with a few local agencies, we realized most tours visit similar spots, but the Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Tour consistently came up as the one to beat.

It promised smaller groups, better food, and a focus on eco-friendly practices — so we booked it.

From the first dip into the water, we were hooked. Vibrant coral gardens, schools of colorful fish, and even a shy sea turtle gliding past — it felt like stepping into a tropical aquarium.

By the end of the day, we were sun-kissed, salty, and completely convinced that Koh Tao lives up to its reputation as Thailand’s snorkeling paradise.

(You can experience it too — we share exactly which tours we recommend next.)

👉 Pssst. We have a whole list of the best things to do and places to visit in Thailand.

Best Snorkeling Tours in Koh Tao

During our time in Koh Tao, we didn’t rush into picking the first snorkeling tour we saw. We gathered a handful of options that suited our vibe before coming to a decision.

Below is a collection of some of the best snorkeling tours in Koh Tao that we highly recommend.

🏅 Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Tour (Our Pick)

If you only do one snorkeling trip in Koh Tao — make it this one.
We spent a full day on the Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Tour, and it absolutely exceeded expectations.

A lesbian couple is posing for a picture together at a stop on a snorkeling tour from Koh Tao. There is a mountain with green shrubs, white sand, and blue water behind them.

The crew limited the group to just 12 people, which meant plenty of space to spread out and personal attention from the guides.

They shared fun facts about the island’s marine life, helped beginners with gear, and even pointed out where to find sea turtles near Shark Bay.

Lunch was a highlight — homemade Thai dishes served while anchored off Koh Nang Yuan, followed by fresh fruit and endless refills of coffee and water.

We visited five different snorkeling spots, and the underwater photos the team sent us afterward were such a bonus. For $36 USD, including hotel pickup, meals, and all equipment, this felt like an incredible value.

👉 Book the Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Tour here — it’s the same one we took and genuinely recommend.

💸 Budget Option: We Travel Full Day Snorkeling Tour

At $24 USD, this full-day adventure with We Travel is Koh Tao’s best-value snorkeling tour.

You’ll explore multiple reef sites, swim through coral gardens, and enjoy a freshly cooked Thai lunch — all with a cheerful, experienced crew.

It’s a great option if you’re traveling on a budget but still want a safe, well-run tour with beautiful snorkeling stops.

TOP TIP: If you’re looking for more affordable snorkeling in Thailand, Koh Lanta has some great options too.

⚓ Mid-Range: Vintage Wooden Boat Trip

For travelers who want a little luxury, this $59 USD tour offers a relaxed day on a classic wooden boat.

A woman is walking along a white sand beach in Koh Tao. The sky is blue behind her and the water is clear and turquoise blue.
The clear waters of Koh Nang Yuan – a stop included on snorkeling tours in Koh Tao

Alongside snorkeling at Koh Tao’s top sites, you can kayak and paddleboard between stops — and enjoy both lunch and dinner as the sun sets over the island.

It’s ideal for those who want a slower pace, a touch of comfort, and that perfect sunset photo to end the day.

🌅 Private Longtail Adventure

At $188 USD for two people, this private snorkeling tour gives you complete freedom to explore Koh Tao your way.

You’ll have your own captain and guide, who can adjust your route depending on the weather and your preferences.

It’s perfect for couples, photographers, or anyone who wants to escape the crowds and find those quiet, reef-lined coves Koh Tao is famous for.

Best Snorkeling Spots in Koh Tao

One of the best things about snorkeling in Koh Tao is how close the island’s reefs are to shore.

You don’t always need a boat to find crystal-clear water — some of the best coral gardens are just a few strokes away from the sand.

Here are a few standout spots we loved (and ones your tour will likely stop at, too):

Shark Bay

Despite the name, our guide on the snorkel tour told us this calm cove is more famous for sea turtles than sharks.

If you’re snorkeling independently, head out early morning when the water’s clearest and before the tour boats arrive. A good time to spot turtles is around 7am to 9am.

TOP TIP: If you’re staying in Krabi before heading to Koh Tao, where you stay (Ao Nang vs Railay) makes a big difference for boat trips and beach access – here’s how to choose.

Ao Leuk

Ao Leuk translates to “Deep Bay,” and it’s known for its electric-blue water and lively reefs. Even just 20 meters from the beach, you’ll see clownfish and big coral heads.

It’s also one of the easiest beaches for beginners: calm entry and a shallow gradient. We loved finishing our day here with a smoothie while drying off in the sun.

Three striped rainbow beach chairs are sitting on tan sand at Freedom Beach in Koh Tao. The blue water and clear sky is partially shielded by big trees, which give the beach shade during the day.
A classic beach view in Koh Tao

Hin Wong Bay

Tucked on the island’s eastern side, Hin Wong Bay feels like a secret. Fewer tourists make it here, but the diverse coral shouldn’t be missed.

Because the bay faces east, mornings offer the best visibility. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and plenty of water; facilities are limited but the underwater views are worth it.

🏖 Want to stay within walking distance of these snorkeling spots? Check out your accommodation options close to the beach.

What to Bring + Tips for Your Snorkeling Trip

Packing the right gear makes all the difference when snorkeling in Koh Tao — especially if you plan to explore beyond the main beaches.

Here’s what we recommend bringing:

  • Reef-safe sunscreen: Regular sunscreen can damage coral, so opt for an eco-friendly version.
  • Rash guard or long-sleeve swim top: The Thai sun is no joke! These keep you from burning and protect against jellyfish stings.
  • Dry bag: Keep your phone, camera, and cash dry while hopping on and off the boat.
  • Water shoes or fins: The coral can be sharp, especially near shore entries. Crocs or Tevas always work just fine for us.
  • GoPro or underwater camera (optional): We don’t actually travel with a GoPro/underwater camera but many travelers do. Personally we just know we wouldn’t look back at the content often enough for it to be a good investment.

💡 TOP TIP: If you’re joining a tour like the Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Trip, they provide all gear, drinks, and even underwater photos — so you can pack light and just enjoy the experience.

After spending 2 years living in Australia, we’ve learnt a lot about reef safety.

When snorkeling independently, always check the current before heading out and avoid standing on coral. Koh Tao’s reefs are fragile and rely on careful travelers to keep them thriving.

(It should be a given but also please don’t touch the wildlife 🙄 we witnessed this in Permuteran, Bali).

Why We Chose the Premium Oxygen Tour

After talking to half a dozen tour agents around Koh Tao, we kept hearing the same name: Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Tour.

At first, we weren’t sure whether to spend the extra $10 USD for the premium option over the standard Oxygen boat — but it turned out to be the best decision of the trip.

We wanted a smaller group size, clear communication, and good food (a big ask on some budget tours).

This one ticked all the boxes. The crew was knowledgeable, the gear was top-notch, and they genuinely cared about protecting the reefs — no one was allowed to stand on coral or chase turtles for photos.

The biggest difference was how relaxed the day felt. We had time to actually enjoy each stop rather than being herded from one snorkel site to the next. It felt personal, fun, and incredibly well organized.

If you’re torn between Oxygen’s standard and Premium trips, go for the upgrade — the small-group feel alone is worth it.

👉 Book the same Premium Oxygen Snorkeling Tour we took here

FAQs About Snorkeling in Koh Tao

How Much Does Snorkeling Cost in Koh Tao?

Snorkeling in Koh Tao is very affordable, with tours ranging from $24 USD for a budget option to $94 USD for private experiences.

You can also rent or buy snorkel gear at shops and beaches for around $5–10 USD, then explore sites like Ao Leuk or Shark Bay right from shore.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Koh Tao?

The best time to visit Koh Tao is late December through early May, during the dry season when the seas are calm and visibility is perfect.

We visited in March, which hit that sweet spot between great weather and smaller crowds — sunny mornings, glassy water, and fewer boats at the popular bays.

📌 Planning your visit to Thailand? See how Koh Tao fits into a 3-week thailand itinerary or 1-month Thailand route.

Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Koh Tao is perfect for budget travelers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Between its colorful reefs, affordable tours, and easygoing island vibe, it offers the full Thai island experience without the high prices or huge crowds of Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.

Whether you’re snorkeling, hiking to a viewpoint, or enjoying a sunset drink on the beach — Koh Tao is the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Is Koh Tao the Best Island for Snorkeling in Thailand?

After spending 3 weeks across several Thai islands, we can confidently say yes — Koh Tao is one of the best places for snorkeling in Thailand.

The view from the balcony of the seaview bungalows at JP Resort. The green roofs of the bungalows lead to a view of the palm trees and bright blue water at the beach.

It’s compact, affordable, and surrounded by coral-rich bays that are easy to reach, even if you’re staying right on the beach.

The combination of accessible reefs, well-run tours, and calm conditions makes it perfect for everyone from first-time snorkelers to seasoned travelers chasing the next great underwater spot.

If you only have time for one island dedicated to snorkeling — make it Koh Tao.

🏝 Want to stay within walking distance of these snorkeling spots? Check out your accommodation options close to the beach.

More Beach Destinations in Thailand

If you’re not done snorkeling after Koh Tao, South Thailand has so much more to offer.

Hello! We’re Jess and Julia, queer budget travelers with over ten years of experience slow-traveling through five different continents. We’ve lived in Kosovo, motorbiked through Laos, and taken just about every overnight bus Vietnam has to offer. Through our blog, we help like-minded travelers explore off-the-beaten-path destinations without breaking the bank—while supporting locally owned, ethical tourism. Whether you're planning your first big trip or looking for honest tips from the road, we’re here to make travel feel more doable, more fun, and a little more intentional.