Set out from Chaweng for an eight-hour boat tour that threads past the Big Buddha and Hin Ta/Hin Yai, drops you into snorkeling grounds at Koh Tan, and serves lunch on deck. This practical day at sea is ideal for first-time snorkelers and travelers who want an efficient sampler of Samui’s nearshore islands.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The morning starts with a line of boats rocking gently at the pier, engines ticking like restrained heartbeats as they wait for the sun to warm the bay. On the Koh Samui Island Tour by Boat you step aboard a mid-sized longtail-style vessel and slide away from the shoreline—Chaweng’s hotels shrink into a band of roofs while coconut palms bend toward the sea.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be able to swim short distances and climb in/out of a boat.
Wildlife
History
Ko Samui’s islands were sparsely inhabited by fishing communities until the late 20th century when tourism transformed the local economy; Buddhist shrines like Big Buddha mark long-standing cultural anchors.
Conservation
Operators advise using reef-safe products and avoiding standing on coral; local NGOs run periodic beach and reef clean-ups to protect nearshore ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the Koh Samui Island Tour by Boat today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Protect coral and your skin—apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding and reapply after snorkeling as needed.
Secure a fitted mask
Snorkel masks supplied may leak; bring your own if you have one to improve visibility and comfort.
Prepare for motion
If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative medication an hour before departure and sit mid-boat where motion is reduced.
Hydrate and cover up
Tropical sun is intense—drink water throughout the day and wear a light rashguard to avoid sunburn.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects both skin and marine life during prolonged sun exposure.
summer
Personal snorkel mask
Improves fit and prevents leaks compared with shared rental masks.
summer
Water shoes
Protect feet when boarding from beach landings or scrambling on rocky islets.
summer
Light rain shell or windbreaker
Useful if speeds pick up or brief tropical showers move through, especially in monsoon months.
fall