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

The best part of this Ko Samet trip is the chance to see several small islands in only three hours. You’ll snorkel at up to three spots, visit the famous sea split between Koh Khame and Koh Krawai, and cruise past Koh Plai Tin without spending a full day at sea.

I like the simple setup: gear, life jackets, floating boards, snacks, fruit, drinks, and 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 sea conditions can affect the route, and cloudy water may limit what you see below the surface.

Key points to know before booking

• Six islands adds lunch and a third snorkeling stop, while the five-island option includes two snorkeling locations.
• Koh Tham Tai Khao is the main reef stop, but water clarity can change from day to day.
• The sea split at Koh Khame and Koh Krawai gives the trip a scenic beach stop, not just time in the water.
• English and Thai-speaking crew members lead the outing and supply the basic water equipment.
• Free underwater photos are included, a useful extra if you do not want to risk your own camera.
• Morning and afternoon departures let you fit the cruise around your Ko Samet plans.

What this Ko Samet boat trip is really like

At $35 per person, this is a short, activity-packed outing rather than a leisurely day on the water. The boat takes you around a chain of islands off Ko Samet, with time split between swimming, snorkeling, beach stops, island views, and refreshments.

You should think of it as a sampler. You will not have long hours on each island, but you will see a wider stretch of the Gulf of Thailand than you would from Ko Samet alone. That makes the trip useful if your schedule is tight or you want a first look at the smaller islands before deciding where to spend more time.

The advertised schedule runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM or from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The short duration is convenient, but it also means the pace can feel brisk. If you want long stretches of quiet beach time, this is probably not the right format.

The crew speaks English and Thai. Their names are not provided, but the service includes a friendly crew, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floating boards. Those floating boards matter if you are comfortable in the water but not a strong swimmer. Still, the tour is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers, so you should not book it as a first water activity if you cannot swim.

Koh Plai Tin and the opening views

Koh Plai Tin is mainly a scenic stop from the boat. You cruise around the island rather than treating it as a major beach or snorkeling stop.

That opening view helps you settle into the trip. You get the shape of the island, the surrounding water, and a sense of how spread out the smaller islands are. It also gives you something to enjoy if the sea is too rough for an extended water stop.

Do not expect a long visit here. Koh Plai Tin is part of the sightseeing portion, while the more active stops come later. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and secure anything loose on the boat.

Koh Tham Tai Khao and the reef stop

Koh Tham Tai Khao is the main stop for coral and fish. The attraction here is the reef area, where you can put on the provided mask and snorkel and look for fish below the surface.

The water may be clear, but you should treat that as a condition rather than a guarantee. One recent outing had plenty of fish but water that was cloudy enough to make only nearby details sharp. That is common enough in coastal snorkeling to keep your expectations sensible: the reef can be worthwhile even when visibility is not perfect, but it may not look like a postcard.

You will likely get the most from this stop by staying calm and letting your eyes adjust. Avoid touching plants or coral, both to protect the reef and because the tour specifically prohibits touching plants. Smoking and littering are also not allowed.

The included floating boards give you a place to rest between looks below the surface. Life jackets are available as well. If you are prone to seasickness, remember that the boat ride and the water movement may be more difficult than the snorkeling itself.

Koh Kudi and clear water near the island

Koh Kudi is another island where you can snorkel in the surrounding water. Its appeal is the combination of island scenery and a chance to get back into the sea after the reef stop.

The exact order of the stops can change with weather and sea conditions. The five-island route includes two snorkeling locations, while the six-island version includes two or three. That difference is important if snorkeling is your main reason for booking.

The trip provides masks, snorkels, and other basic equipment, so you do not need to rent a full kit separately. You should still bring your own mask if you rely on a particular fit. Otherwise, use the supplied equipment and ask the crew for help if the mask seal is not working properly.

Koh Khame and Koh Krawai sea split

The sea split between Koh Khame and Koh Krawai is the most distinctive sightseeing feature on the route. Rather than just stopping at another beach, the tour brings you to a place where the islands and water create a narrow dividing line that you can see from the boat or during the island visit.

These islands also allow time for beach activities. That makes this part of the outing a good change of pace after snorkeling. You can walk, take photos, and enjoy the shore instead of spending the whole trip with your face in the water.

The stop may feel short, especially on the five-island trip. With only three hours overall, the crew has to keep the boat moving. If you want to linger at the sea split, ask at the start of the trip how much time is planned there, since the exact schedule can depend on conditions.

Koh Thalu and the wider island loop

Koh Thalu is one of the popular islands included in the wider route. It adds another scenic point to the circuit and helps explain the appeal of island hopping in this part of Rayong Province.

The value here is variety. You move between reef water, sandy shore, rocky island views, and open-sea cruising rather than repeating the same activity at one location. That variety suits you if you want a broad taste of the area in one morning or afternoon.

The tradeoff is that the route is not fixed in the same way as a land-based sightseeing tour. Weather can determine which stops are practical and how long the boat remains at each location. You should see the listed islands as the intended route, not a promise that every stop will receive equal time.

Five islands or six islands with lunch?

The choice between the two versions is the most important booking decision. The five-island trip includes snorkeling at two locations, while the six-island trip includes two or three snorkeling spots and lunch.

If you want the fullest version of the outing, the six-island trip is the better value. Lunch is included only on that option, and the extra island gives you a little more time on the water. At $35, the added meal and additional stop can make the six-island version worth choosing if your schedule allows it.

The five-island trip may suit you better if you prefer a shorter, simpler outing or if you are booking the afternoon departure. Do not assume lunch is included because it is shown as part of the overall tour description. The meal applies only to the six-island trip.

Snacks, fruit, and drinks are supplied on the outing. A small fruit selection may replace a full meal on the shorter option, so bring your own snack if you tend to get hungry after swimming. Water is also worth carrying, even with drinks provided.

How good is the $35 value?

The price is reasonable for a three-hour boat trip with equipment, refreshments, crew assistance, and underwater photos. The six-island version offers the strongest value because lunch is included and the route includes more stops.

The free underwater photos are a practical bonus. You can enjoy the water without worrying as much about protecting your own phone or camera. The quality and number of photos are not specified, so treat them as an extra rather than the main reason to book.

You are paying for convenience as much as sightseeing. Equipment is ready, a crew handles the route, and you can visit several islands without arranging separate boats. That saves time compared with trying to organize short island visits on your own.

The value drops if poor visibility limits the reef viewing or rough water cuts down the number of stops. Since conditions can change, this tour makes more sense if you care about the overall island circuit, not only perfect underwater views.

Pickup areas and timing

Pickup service is associated with hotels in these Ko Samet areas: Ao Sang Tien, Ao Wong Duan, Ao Pai, Ao Look Yon, and Haad Sai Kaew.

The supplied details conflict slightly on whether hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price or simply available as a service. Confirm the transfer terms and any extra cost before paying. That small check can prevent an unpleasant surprise on the day.

The 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM departure gives you the rest of the afternoon on Ko Samet. The 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM option leaves your morning free, but lunch is still tied to the six-island trip rather than automatically included with every departure.

Arrive ready to board in swimwear, with sunscreen already applied. Bring a hat, camera, snacks, and water. A dry bag or waterproof pouch is sensible for personal items, although one is not listed as provided.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this outing if you want to see several islands without giving up an entire day. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and independent visitors who like a planned route but do not need a private boat.

It also works well for people who want a low-effort snorkeling setup. You do not need to arrange masks, snorkels, flotation equipment, or underwater photos separately. The English and Thai crew can help make the basic logistics easier.

I would be cautious if you get seasick, have back problems, or are pregnant. The activity is specifically not suitable for those conditions. Non-swimmers should also skip it, even though life jackets and floating boards are available.

The tour may not suit you if you want silence, empty beaches, or long stops. A recent outing was affected by some passengers becoming seasick, which is a reminder that boat comfort depends partly on the group and the sea. Bring motion-sickness protection if you normally need it, though the tour does not list medication as provided.

What makes the trip better

Choose the six-island version if lunch and the extra snorkeling stop matter to you. The difference is more than one island on paper: it gives you a fuller route and a meal, while the shorter option is more basic.

Keep your expectations flexible about visibility. Fish can be present even when the water is cloudy, and the clearest views may be close to you. Snorkel early in each stop, before fatigue or crowded water reduces your enjoyment.

Use the floating boards as a rest point rather than treating them as a substitute for swimming ability. Follow the no-touch rule around plants and coral, and keep all wrappers and bottles with you until the crew provides a proper place for them.

If you are choosing between morning and afternoon, base the decision on your wider Ko Samet plans. The morning trip ends at 1:00 PM, while the afternoon trip runs until 5:00 PM. Both last three hours, and the available stops can still depend on the weather.

Should you book the Ko Samet island tour?

Book it if you want a compact island-hopping trip with snorkeling, beach stops, refreshments, and simple equipment included. The six-island version is the better pick for most people because lunch and the additional stop give you more for the money.

Skip it if you cannot swim, often feel sick on boats, or want guaranteed clear water. The strongest reason to book is the mix of islands, the sea split, and the easy all-in-one setup. The weakest reason is expecting a long, quiet beach day or flawless reef visibility.

With a solid overall rating of 4 from 57 reviews and particularly strong praise for organization and punctuality, the tour appears best suited to visitors who value a well-timed route over a private, slow-paced cruise. Keep your plans flexible, follow the crew’s safety instructions, and confirm the pickup and lunch details before you go.

FAQ

How long is the Ko Samet snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts three hours. Available departure times are 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

How many islands does the tour visit?

You can visit five or six islands, depending on the option you choose and the sea conditions. The route includes Koh Kudi, Koh Tham Tai Khao, Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, Koh Thalu, and a cruise around Koh Plai Tin.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only with the six-island tour. The five-island tour does not include lunch.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The six-island option includes snorkeling at two or three spots. The five-island option includes snorkeling at two spots, with the final plan depending on weather conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floating boards are included.

Are underwater photos included?

Yes. Free underwater photos are included in the tour.

Which languages are spoken by the crew?

The tour is available with English and Thai-speaking guides.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup service is listed for hotels in Ao Sang Tien, Ao Wong Duan, Ao Pai, Ao Look Yon, and Haad Sai Kaew. Confirm whether pickup and drop-off are included or require an additional payment before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and water.

Who should not join this activity?

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