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

Koh Tao’s best boat days are not always the cheapest ones. This small-group tour, led by Chart and his family, keeps the maximum at 20 people and often runs with far fewer. That means more room on the boat, less waiting in the water, and a better chance to choose a quieter bay.

I like the mix of excellent homemade Thai food and serious time in the sea. I also like the way Chart joins the snorkeling, points out marine life, and takes underwater GoPro photos for you. The main consideration is the price: at $54, it costs more than a crowded boat trip, and sea conditions can still affect visibility and wildlife sightings.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, small group: The tour allows no more than 20 people, and some departures have had only two to ten.
• Four homemade Thai lunch dishes: Expect Massaman curry, holy basil chicken, egg fried rice, and stir-fried vegetables.
• Strong marine-life sightings: Turtles, baby sharks, reef sharks, stingrays, colorful fish, and coral have all been seen.
• Food continues into the evening: Fresh coconut, Thai tea, water, a sunset BBQ, and a cocktail are included.
• Chart gets in the water: He helps nervous swimmers, points out sea life, and takes underwater photos and videos.
• Flexible feel: The route can change to avoid crowded bays, and special arrangements are available for occasions.

Why this Koh Tao boat trip feels different

Many island boat tours are built around filling every available seat. This one is built around keeping the day personal. The stated limit is 20 people, but several departures have run with only three, four, six, eight, or ten people. On a quiet day, the boat can feel close to private.

That difference matters most during snorkeling. You are not trying to find a place among dozens of swimmers, and you are less likely to be rushed from one bay to the next. Chart has also changed the order of stops when one area became too crowded, returning later when conditions improved.

I like the family-run character. Chart guides the water time, while his wife prepares the Thai food, and his son sometimes joins the crew. A small dog named Coco has also come along on some trips, an unexpected extra if you enjoy four-legged company.

The boat has a top deck for sitting, sunbathing, and watching Koh Tao’s coast. There are shaded areas, comfortable seats, and places to rest between swims. This is useful because seven hours in the sun can be tiring, especially when you are wet, hungry, and spending much of the day outdoors.

Pickup on Koh Tao and the day’s pace

Pickup is included from the front of your accommodation on Koh Tao, with return to the island after the trip. Several departures have started around late morning, leaving enough time for multiple snorkeling stops, lunch, a second meal, and sunset.

The schedule is not only about getting from point A to point B. It is arranged around swimming, resting, eating, and watching the coast. That slower rhythm is one of the tour’s best features. You get time to sit on deck instead of treating the boat as a simple transfer between beaches.

Bring a towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, flip-flops, and a charged phone or camera. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested. Cash is also listed as useful, particularly if the route includes a viewpoint with an additional entry fee.

The company provides sterilized snorkel equipment, life jackets, and marine insurance. Goggles are also listed among the recommended items, so bring your own if you prefer a particular fit.

Four snorkeling stops around Koh Tao

The exact bays depend on sea and crowd conditions, but the usual shape of the day includes several snorkeling locations. Many outings have included four water stops, giving you a good range of coral, fish, and open-water scenery rather than one long session in a single place.

At each stop, Chart may enter the water with you. That is useful if you are new to snorkeling or uneasy in open water. He can point out fish and coral, guide you toward areas with more activity, and help you stay with the group.

The water can be clear, but visibility is never guaranteed. Wind, rain, tides, and boat traffic affect conditions. Even on a wet day, the crew has adjusted the route and kept the trip enjoyable, but you should book this for the whole sea experience rather than for a promised animal checklist.

Turtles are a major draw. Several outings have found them, sometimes at more than one stop. Reef sharks and baby sharks have also been seen, along with stingrays and many smaller tropical fish. These sightings are special, but they remain wildlife sightings, not scheduled performances.

One practical advantage of the small group is that you can spend more time looking when something appears. You may be able to watch a turtle or fish without being pushed along by a large crowd. Still, follow the guide’s instructions and give animals plenty of room.

Koh Nang Yuan and optional viewpoints

Koh Nang Yuan may be included in the route, depending on the plan for the day. The island is known for its viewpoint and distinctive coastal scenery, but reaching the viewpoint involves a short hike and may require an extra entry payment of 250 baht.

That added cost is not included in the $54 tour price, so keep some cash with you if this stop matters to you. One useful feature is flexibility: a couple who had already visited Nang Yuan asked for a different stop, and Chart adjusted the plan.

This is a good example of the tour’s personality. You are not buying a rigid sightseeing circuit. You are paying for a boat, crew, food, and a route that can respond to the group, the weather, and crowd levels. The tradeoff is that the exact order and selection of bays can vary.

Homemade Thai lunch on the boat

The lunch is more substantial than the usual sandwich or fruit box. Chart’s wife prepares four Thai dishes:

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

The meal is served during the day, usually after some time in the water. This timing makes sense. You can swim first, dry off on deck, then sit down to a proper meal rather than eat quickly between stops.

The Massaman curry receives particular praise, but the wider appeal is freshness and the home-cooked feel. The food is prepared by Thai cooks and gives you a more local meal than the standard tourist buffet.

Thai tea, bottled water, and fresh coconut are also included. Water is available throughout the trip, which is important in the heat. If you have dietary needs, tell the operator ahead of time. A vegan couple received an adapted meal, showing that some changes are possible, but they should be arranged in advance rather than assumed.

BBQ, cocktail, and sunset finish

The food does not end with lunch. Later in the day, the crew serves a BBQ, followed by a cocktail as the boat settles into the sunset portion of the trip.

This is a strong ending because it gives the day a clear second act. After several swims, you can change into dry clothes, sit on the upper deck, eat something warm, and watch Koh Tao’s coastline take on softer evening light.

The cocktail is included, as are the BBQ and earlier drinks. You should still pace yourself in the sun and in the water. The boat offers a relaxed party finish, not an all-night bar outing.

Sunset conditions vary, of course. Clouds may cover the horizon, and rain is possible in the Gulf of Thailand. But the timing gives you a better chance to enjoy the coast at a cooler, quieter hour than a standard morning snorkeling trip.

Underwater photos and personal attention

Chart often uses a GoPro while snorkeling and sends the photos and videos through WhatsApp later the same day. This is a useful touch, especially if you do not want to risk your own phone in the water.

It also changes the guide’s role. He is not only steering the boat or handing out equipment. He may swim alongside you, help you locate turtles or sharks, and make sure less confident swimmers are comfortable.

That personal attention is especially valuable for first-time snorkelers. One nervous swimmer was guided into the water and managed to snorkel for the first time. You still need to be comfortable entering the sea, but you will have life jackets, sterilized equipment, and a crew member nearby.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the supplied details do not explain the exact boat transfer or sea-entry arrangements. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the boarding process and any water access needs before booking.

Is $54 good value?

At $54 per person, this is not the rock-bottom Koh Tao snorkeling option. That is intentional. The price includes hotel pickup, transport by boat, snorkeling gear, insurance, a local guide, lunch, Thai tea, water, fresh coconut, BBQ, cocktail, and sunset time.

The strongest value comes from the space and service. A large tour may advertise a similar route but place several boats together at popular bays. Here, the maximum is 20, and the actual group may be much smaller. You are paying for fewer people, more flexible routing, and more attention from the guide.

The food also helps justify the price. You receive two substantial food services rather than one basic meal, plus drinks throughout the day. Add the underwater photos and pickup, and the package compares well with a cheaper trip that charges extra for food, transfers, or photos.

The value is lower if you want only a short snorkeling session, dislike a long day at sea, or plan to spend the whole time on the beach. It is also not the best choice if your budget is extremely tight and you are comfortable with a crowded boat.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip for couples, families, solo visitors, and small groups who care about personal service. It suits people who want a calm day with plenty of time to rest, eat, and swim.

It is also a good fit for anyone hoping to see turtles or reef sharks without treating those sightings as guaranteed. Chart’s local familiarity improves your chances of finding good conditions, but nature remains unpredictable.

Families should note the long seven-hour duration and the amount of sun exposure. The crew has helped nervous swimmers, but young children and anyone who is not comfortable in open water should use the life jackets and follow the crew’s directions closely.

The tour can also work well for birthdays, proposals, or other special occasions because custom arrangements are available. Ask in advance rather than expecting changes on the day.

Small details that make the day easier

A few simple choices will improve your time on the boat:

• Wear swimwear under your clothes for easy changes.
• Bring biodegradable sunscreen and reapply often.
• Carry a dry change of clothes for the sunset ride back.
• Bring cash if you want to visit the Nang Yuan viewpoint.
• Use a waterproof pouch for your phone.
• Bring your own goggles if rented equipment rarely fits you well.
• Keep your phone charged if you want to receive WhatsApp photos later.
• Tell the crew about food needs before departure.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Live guiding is offered in English and Thai.

Should you book this Koh Tao experience?

Book it if you want the sea day to feel personal rather than mass-produced. The strongest reasons are the small group, Chart’s hands-on guiding, several snorkeling stops, fresh Thai cooking, and the unusual combination of BBQ, cocktail, and sunset.

Skip it if the extra cost bothers you, you prefer a short outing, or you only want a guaranteed visit to a particular bay. The route can change, wildlife cannot be promised, and the sea may not provide perfect visibility.

For most people spending several days on Koh Tao, this is a strong choice for a full day on the water. Bring sun protection, leave room for a second helping of curry, and expect the best part of the trip to be the relaxed pace between the headline sightings.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts seven hours, including snorkeling, meals, drinks, the BBQ, cocktail, and sunset.

Where does the tour start and finish?

Pickup is provided from your accommodation on Koh Tao, and you return to Koh Tao after the tour.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum is 20 people. Some departures have operated with only two to ten people, depending on bookings.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken Massaman curry, stir-fried chicken with holy basil, egg fried rice, and mixed vegetable stir-fry.

What drinks are included?

Thai tea, bottled water, fresh coconut, and a cocktail are included. Water is available throughout the trip.

Is the BBQ included?

Yes. A BBQ is served later in the day, before or around the sunset part of the trip.

Are snorkeling items provided?

Yes. Sterilized snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided. Goggles are also listed as something you may bring yourself.

Can I see turtles or sharks?

Turtles, baby sharks, reef sharks, and other marine life have been seen during the tour. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because conditions can change.

Is Koh Nang Yuan included?

Koh Nang Yuan may be part of the route, but the exact stops can change. The viewpoint may require an additional 250 baht entry fee.

Can the tour accommodate dietary needs?

Some dietary adjustments are possible. Tell the operator in advance so the crew can confirm what can be prepared.

Are underwater photos provided?

Chart may take GoPro photos and videos while snorkeling and send them through WhatsApp. This service has been provided on many departures.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup in front of your accommodation on Koh Tao is included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Because boat access and water entry can vary, confirm the exact arrangements before booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are spoken?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Thai.