Ko Samet: 5 or 6 Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch Option

The best part of this Ko Samet island tour is the variety packed into three hours. You’ll pass up to six islands, snorkel above coral reefs, visit the famous sea split between Koh Khame and Koh Krawai, and cruise around Koh Plai Tin for views from the water.

I like the easy setup: gear, life jackets, floating boards, fruit, snacks, drinks, and free underwater photos are provided. I also like the choice between a five-island trip and a six-island version with lunch. The main catch is that the water can turn cloudy, and the boat ride may not suit anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Two or three snorkeling stops: The six-island trip includes more time in the water, while the five-island version includes two stops.
• Sea split at Koh Khame and Koh Krawai: This is the tour’s most unusual sightseeing stop, with time for beach activities.
• Lunch is only included on the six-island trip: The five-island option does not include lunch.
• Free underwater photos: A useful extra if you want a record of the snorkeling without handling your own camera.
• Short three-hour schedule: The tour fits neatly into a morning or afternoon, with departures from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
• Pickup details need checking: Pickup service is listed for several Ko Samet beaches, but hotel transport is also described as not included.

A quick island tour with plenty packed in

This is a fast-moving boat outing rather than a lazy full-day cruise. In three hours, you’ll see several islands and get two or three chances to snorkel, depending on the option you choose and the weather.

For $35 per person, the value comes from the combination of transport on the water, snorkeling equipment, refreshments, crew assistance, and underwater photos. The six-island option makes the strongest value case because lunch is included. The five-island trip can still suit you if you want a shorter outing or prefer to eat elsewhere on Ko Samet.

The schedule is also practical. The morning trip runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, while the afternoon trip runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. That gives you room to fit the tour around beach time, an arrival day, or an evening meal.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is not a private yacht charter, a quiet reef expedition, or a long snorkeling session at one carefully chosen site. It is an efficient island-hopping trip with several sights and short water stops.

Koh Kudi and the first look at island life

Koh Kudi is one of the main stops on the route. The island gives you a chance to see the quieter side of the Gulf of Thailand and snorkel in clear water when conditions are favorable.

The snorkeling equipment is included, along with a life jacket and floating boards. That matters if you are not a strong swimmer or simply want help staying comfortable in the water. Still, the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, so the flotation equipment should not be treated as a substitute for swimming ability.

The water quality can change with the weather and sea conditions. On a clear day, you may see fish and coral at close range. On a cloudy day, visibility may be limited to what is directly in front of you. One recent outing had plenty of fish but water cloudy enough to make the reef less impressive from a distance.

Bring your own mask or snorkel only if you prefer your personal fit. Otherwise, the supplied equipment keeps packing simple. You should still bring sunscreen, swimwear, a hat, and water.

Koh Tham Tai Khao and the coral reef stop

Koh Tham Tai Khao is the key underwater stop. The tour highlights its coral reef, making this the place to focus your attention if you care most about snorkeling rather than island views.

You’ll likely spend more time watching what is close to you than scanning a wide reef scene. Fish can be visible even when the water is not perfectly clear, but the quality of the experience depends heavily on weather and water movement.

The crew provides floating boards, which can help you rest between swims. Free underwater photos are also included. These photos are a nice touch, particularly if you do not want to risk your phone or camera in the water. Ask the crew about the photo process early in the trip so you know when and where pictures will be taken.

Do not expect a private reef. A boat tour visiting several popular islands can bring other people into the same area. The payoff is convenience and variety, not solitude.

The sea split at Koh Khame and Koh Krawai

The sea split between Koh Khame and Koh Krawai is the tour’s most distinctive land-based sight. Rather than simply circling islands from the boat, you’ll have time to visit the area and take part in beach activities.

This stop breaks up the snorkeling and gives you a chance to stretch your legs. It is also a good place for photos, especially if you want something different from the usual underwater shots. Bring a camera, but protect it from sand and saltwater.

The exact time spent here depends on the day’s route and sea conditions. Since the trip covers several islands in only three hours, you should not expect a long beach stay. Think of it as a scenic pause within a compact circuit.

The sea split also gives the trip some character. Coral reefs can look similar from one snorkeling site to the next, but this natural formation provides a clear visual landmark and a reason to remember the route.

Koh Thalu and the view from Koh Plai Tin

Koh Thalu is another popular island on the route. It adds a further chance to see the coast and, depending on the selected trip, may form part of the snorkeling or sightseeing circuit.

Koh Plai Tin is viewed from the boat rather than treated simply as another long beach stop. Cruising around it gives you a wider view of the island and the surrounding Gulf waters. This scenic section is useful because it lets you enjoy the setting without spending every minute getting in and out of the water.

The trip also includes the possibility of visiting Koh Kudi, Koh Tham Tai Khao, Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, Koh Thalu, and Koh Plai Tin. That is where the six-island name comes from, though the exact sequence can change with the weather.

You should think of the island count as a route maximum, not a promise that every stop will receive equal time. The crew has to balance travel time, snorkeling, beach activities, food, and safety.

Choosing the five-island or six-island trip

The choice matters because the two options are not identical.

The six-island trip includes snorkeling at two or three spots and lunch. If you want the fullest itinerary and do not want to arrange food during the outing, this is the better pick. The included lunch gives the trip more value, especially since the price difference is not stated here.

The five-island trip includes snorkeling at two spots and does not include lunch. It can work well if you prefer a shorter or simpler program, but plan to eat before or after the tour. One useful tip is to buy lunch on Ko Samet rather than assume it comes with the five-island booking.

The morning option runs until 1:00 PM, but it does not automatically include lunch. Fruit and other refreshments may be provided, yet that is not the same as a full midday meal. If food is important to you, confirm that you have selected the six-island version before paying.

Weather can affect both the number of snorkeling stops and the route. The tour description specifically allows the five-island schedule to change with conditions. That flexibility is sensible at sea, but it means you should not judge the trip only by the printed list of islands.

Food, photos, and the small practical extras

Snacks, fruit, and drinks are included to keep you refreshed during the trip. On some departures, fruit may be served during an island stop. For the six-island trip, lunch is included as well.

You should still bring water and a few snacks if you get hungry easily. The tour lasts only three hours, but boat motion, sun, and swimming can make that time feel more demanding than a normal sightseeing visit.

The free underwater photos are one of the better extras. They remove the need to carry expensive equipment into the sea and give you a souvenir from the snorkeling stops. Image quality and the number of photos are not specified, so treat this as a useful bonus rather than the main reason to book.

Life jackets and floating boards are included. These help with comfort and safety, but the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers. It is also not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Smoking, littering, and touching plants are not allowed. Those rules are simple, and they matter around coral and shallow-water areas. Use reef-safe behavior, keep your hands off marine life, and carry personal rubbish back to the boat.

Timing, pickup, and what to bring

The tour operates in two blocks: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The morning trip works well before an evening meal, while the afternoon trip leaves your morning open for the beach.

Pickup information needs careful attention. Service is listed for hotels or accommodation in Ao Sang Tien, Ao Wong Duan, Ao Pai, Ao Look Yon, and Haad Sai Kaew. At the same time, the inclusions state that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Confirm the exact meeting point and any transport charge before booking.

The crew speaks English and Thai. No individual guide names are provided, but you can expect a friendly crew handling the boat, snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and route.

Pack lightly:

• Swimwear and a hat
• Sunscreen and water
• A camera in a waterproof case
• Snacks if you need more than the included refreshments
• Dry clothing for after the snorkeling stops

Wear something that can handle sun, saltwater, and a little sand. Keep valuables to a minimum because this is a water-based outing with several transfers between boat and shore.

How the tour compares on value

At $35 per person, the tour is reasonably priced for a short island circuit that includes equipment, safety gear, refreshments, and underwater photos. The six-island option is the stronger deal because lunch is part of the package.

The value is less clear if you choose five islands, need to buy lunch separately, and pay extra for transport. In that case, compare the total cost with other Ko Samet boat outings before committing.

You are paying for access and convenience rather than a long time at any single reef. If you want to see several islands without arranging a boat, gear, food, and crew yourself, the package makes sense. If you want excellent visibility, long snorkeling sessions, or a quiet boat, you may find the format less satisfying.

The tour has received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 from 57 ratings. The strongest practical praise is for organization and punctuality. That is important for a three-hour trip because a late departure or slow boarding process can eat into your water time.

The main concerns are also practical: cloudy water, no lunch on the five-island trip, and the possibility of seasickness. None of these makes the tour a poor choice, but each should shape your decision.

Who should book this Ko Samet outing

I would recommend it to you if you want a compact introduction to the islands around Ko Samet. It suits people who like a mix of snorkeling, short beach visits, island views, and simple refreshments.

Families with confident swimmers may appreciate the floating boards and life jackets, though the restrictions should be taken seriously. The tour can also work well for first-time snorkelers who want equipment and crew support without arranging the details alone.

I would be cautious if you are very sensitive to boat motion, have back problems, are pregnant, or cannot swim. I would also reconsider if your main goal is clear underwater photography, since water conditions can reduce visibility.

For the best chance of a satisfying day, choose the six-island option if lunch matters, confirm pickup details, and check the sea conditions before you go. Keep your schedule flexible enough to accept a changed route.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to cover several Ko Samet islands in three hours and value a ready-made package with equipment, drinks, fruit, and underwater photos. Choose the six-island version for the fuller route and included lunch.

Skip it if you want a quiet private outing, long reef sessions, or guaranteed clear water. The tour is best understood as a lively, efficient island sampler. With realistic expectations and a confirmed pickup arrangement, $35 is a fair price for the convenience.

FAQ

How long does the Ko Samet snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts three hours. The available time slots are 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

How many islands does the tour visit?

The tour offers five-island and six-island options. Stops can include Koh Kudi, Koh Tham Tai Khao, Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, Koh Thalu, and a cruise around Koh Plai Tin.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The six-island trip includes snorkeling at two or three spots. The five-island trip includes two snorkeling spots, with the route subject to weather conditions.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only with the six-island trip. The five-island trip does not include lunch, though snacks, fruit, and drinks are provided.

What equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floating boards are included. Free underwater photos are also part of the experience.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup service is listed for Ao Sang Tien, Ao Wong Duan, Ao Pai, Ao Look Yon, and Haad Sai Kaew. However, the transport information is not fully consistent, so confirm whether pickup and drop-off are included for your accommodation.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, non-swimmers, or people prone to seasickness.