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

The best reason to choose this Koh Tao trip is simple: the group can be genuinely small. Although the boat accepts up to 20 people, several departures have had only two to ten aboard. That gives you room to stretch out, ask Chart to adjust the route, and snorkel without feeling like you are part of a floating crowd. I especially like the four-stop format and the family cooking, with Massaman curry and other Thai dishes served fresh on board.

I also like the thoughtful extras: GoPro photos and videos are shared afterward, and the day includes Thai tea, fresh coconut, water, a BBQ, and a cocktail. The main consideration is that marine life and water clarity can never be guaranteed, and a popular turtle spot may still be busy. You should also allow for a 250-baht viewpoint fee if the route includes Koh Nang Yuan’s lookout.

Key points worth knowing

• Small-group sailing: The boat holds a maximum of 20 people, but many departures run with far fewer.
• Four snorkeling areas: The route can include several bays, with Chart adjusting the order to avoid crowded water.
• Thai food cooked by the family: Lunch includes four dishes, followed later by a BBQ and drinks.
• Turtles and reef sharks: Sightings have included turtles, baby sharks, blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, and many tropical fish.
• Sunset finish: The final BBQ and cocktail are served as the light softens over Koh Tao.
• Hotel pickup included: Collection and return are provided from your accommodation on Koh Tao.

Why the small boat matters around Koh Tao

Koh Tao is famous for clear water and easy access to coral reefs, but its popular snorkeling areas can become crowded. A large boat may bring many people to the same bay at once, turning a quiet swim into a queue for the ladder.

This trip takes a different approach. The stated limit is 20 people, and actual numbers can be much lower. Some departures have operated with only two, three, four, six, eight, or ten people. That difference matters most when you are back on the boat. You can use the upper deck, find a shaded place, stretch out on a hammock, or sit near the rail without competing for space.

A smaller group also gives you more say in the day. One couple asked to skip Koh Nang Yuan because they had already visited, and Chart changed the plan. That sort of flexibility is useful if you have limited time on Koh Tao or want more snorkeling instead of repeating a viewpoint.

The boat itself is described as comfortable and well equipped, with a large deck and space to sunbathe. It is not a private yacht, but the low headcount can make it feel close to a private charter. For an extra few dollars compared with basic group boats, that is the main value.

Hotel pickup and the start of the seven-hour day

Pickup is included from your accommodation on Koh Tao. The crew collects you in front of your place, takes you to the departure point, and returns you afterward. This removes one small but annoying task from the morning, especially if you are unfamiliar with the island’s roads and piers.

The tour lasts seven hours, but the exact starting time depends on availability. One reported departure began at 11 a.m., which explains the relaxed shape of the day. You are not rushing through an early morning checklist. Instead, the trip has time for several swims, a proper lunch, rest on the boat, an afternoon BBQ, and sunset.

English and Thai are spoken. Chart is the main guide named most often, with his wife and son helping on the boat. The family-run setup is part of the experience. Chart joins the snorkeling, points out marine life, helps nervous swimmers, and takes underwater footage with a GoPro. His wife prepares the Thai food, and the crew handles the drinks and meals throughout the day.

Four snorkeling stops and what you may see

The snorkeling portion usually includes four areas around Koh Tao, though the exact bays depend on sea conditions and crowd levels. That flexibility is a strength. If one site is too busy, the boat can return later or move to another area.

The water has produced sightings of turtles, baby sharks, blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, and many small tropical fish. Coral and underwater scenery are also a major part of the appeal. You should treat these as possible sightings rather than promises. Marine animals move freely, and conditions change with weather, tide, and visibility.

Chart swims with the group rather than simply dropping you at a reef and waiting on deck. He points out fish and coral, helps people find the best areas, and pays attention to less confident swimmers. This is particularly useful if you are new to snorkeling or feel uneasy in open water. One first-time snorkeler received steady support and became comfortable enough to enjoy the activity.

Equipment is provided, and the snorkeling gear is sterilized. Life jackets and marine insurance are included. You should still bring your own goggles if you prefer a particular fit, and sunscreen must be biodegradable. The supplied list also recommends swimwear, a towel, spare clothes, sunglasses, a hat, flip-flops, beachwear, cash, and a charged phone.

The boat can carry you close to several snorkeling points, but you may still need to climb a ladder from the water. If mobility is a concern, note that the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, yet the practical details of boarding and entering the water are not specified. Ask the operator directly about your needs before booking.

Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint and the optional extra cost

The route may include Koh Nang Yuan, a well-known island viewpoint near Koh Tao. Reaching the lookout involves a short hike, and one report notes an additional 250-baht entry charge. That fee is not included in the $54 tour price.

The viewpoint is worth considering if you have not seen it before. It gives you a classic view over the narrow strip of sand and surrounding water. Still, it is not essential to the snorkeling day. If you have already visited, the flexible format lets you ask for another bay instead.

This is one place where the tour can differ from departure to departure. Do not assume every boat follows the same fixed list of stops. The crew may make changes because of crowding, sea conditions, or your group’s interests.

Homemade Thai lunch on the boat

Food is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Lunch includes four Thai dishes prepared by Chart’s wife:

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

Thai tea, bottled water, and a fresh coconut are also included. The meals are served during the day, giving you a proper break between swims rather than a quick snack from a packet.

The Massaman curry receives particular praise, while the fresh cooking is often described as one of the best parts of the trip. This is not a restaurant meal with a long menu. It is a shared family-style spread, and that makes it feel more personal than the standard boxed lunch found on many boat trips.

If you follow a vegan diet, tell the operator in advance. A vegan meal was provided for one couple, so there is evidence that dietary adjustments are possible, but you should not rely on this without arranging it before departure.

The amount of food appears generous, with lunch followed later by a BBQ. If you have allergies or strict dietary restrictions, contact Coco Tip Adventures before booking. The supplied information does not list a full allergen policy.

The BBQ, cocktail, and sunset finish

The late-day BBQ is what gives this trip a different rhythm from a standard snorkeling excursion. After several swims and lunch, you have time to settle on deck while the light changes. The BBQ is served toward the end of the outing, along with a cocktail.

The sunset is not just a quick photo stop before returning to shore. It is built into the seven-hour timing. You can sit upstairs, enjoy the open view of Koh Tao’s coast, and eat while the sky changes color. The cocktail is included, as are water and the earlier drinks.

Alcohol and the sea require sensible judgment. If you plan to snorkel late in the day, take care with the cocktail and follow the crew’s advice. The safest approach is to enjoy it after the main water activities, as the schedule appears designed to do.

The BBQ may be simple rather than elaborate, and the exact items are not specified. That is worth keeping in mind if you are expecting a full restaurant-style dinner. Its value is in the setting, timing, and social feel, not in a large menu.

GoPro photos and the family-run feel

A useful extra is the underwater photography. Chart uses a GoPro during snorkeling and sends photos and videos through WhatsApp, often on the same day. This means you can concentrate on the reef instead of trying to hold your phone above your head or risking your own camera in the water.

The number and quality of images will vary. You are not booking a professional photography session, and the service depends on the guide’s time and the conditions. Still, it is a generous touch, especially if you are traveling as a couple and want pictures of both people in the water.

The crew’s manner is another major part of the day. Chart is described as attentive and energetic, while his wife and son help with food, snorkeling, and hospitality. A small dog named Coco, also called Koko in one account, has joined some departures. The dog is not a guaranteed part of the itinerary, but it has become a memorable feature when aboard.

This family approach suits people who prefer a warm, informal outing. It may feel less polished than a large commercial cruise, but it also feels more personal. You can ask questions, request help, or explain that you are nervous in the water.

What the $54 price really buys you

At $54 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip around Koh Tao. The value comes from what is bundled into the price and from the group limit.

You receive hotel pickup, a seven-hour boat trip, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, marine insurance, a local guide, four Thai lunch dishes, Thai tea, water, fresh coconut, a BBQ, and a cocktail. Underwater photos and videos are also included, according to the tour details and operating practice.

Compare that with a basic snorkeling boat where you may pay extra for drinks, food, equipment, or photographs. The difference becomes more noticeable if your departure has only a handful of people. You are paying for space, attention, and flexibility rather than simply transport to a reef.

The value is strongest for couples, families, solo visitors, and anyone who dislikes crowded boats. It is less compelling if your only goal is the lowest possible price or if you are happy to spend the day on a large vessel with a fixed route.

The 99 percent perfect transport score also suggests that pickup and the boat ride are handled well. Still, any sea trip can be affected by weather, and the exact snorkeling locations cannot be guaranteed.

Who should book this Koh Tao outing

I would choose this tour if you want a full day on the water without feeling processed through an assembly line. The small group, family cooking, underwater photos, and sunset BBQ make it particularly good for:

• Couples looking for a relaxed shared day
• Families with older children who can snorkel
• Solo visitors who want personal guidance
• Nervous swimmers who value help in the water
• People who have already seen Koh Nang Yuan and want a flexible route
• Anyone willing to pay slightly more for space and attention

It is less suited to someone who wants a fast half-day trip, a guaranteed private boat, a fixed list of bays, or a professional underwater photography package. The boat can hold 20 people, so check the expected headcount if a very quiet departure matters to you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make it easier to hold a place while keeping your plans flexible.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your priority is a calm, food-focused snorkeling day with a strong chance of a small group. The $54 price is fair because it includes far more than a boat ride: meals, drinks, gear, pickup, insurance, a BBQ, sunset, and underwater images.

Before booking, ask about the expected group size, the day’s route, dietary needs, and whether Koh Nang Yuan is planned. Pack biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, dry clothes, and cash for the possible 250-baht viewpoint fee.

If turtles, sharks, and clear coral are the main reason you are going, keep expectations sensible. Nature makes no promises. But if you want attentive guiding, good Thai food, room on deck, and a more personal day than the large boats provide, Coco Tip Adventures is an easy choice.

FAQ

How long is the Koh Tao snorkeling tour?

The activity lasts seven hours, with pickup and return to your accommodation on Koh Tao.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour accepts a maximum of 20 people. Actual group sizes can be much smaller, sometimes only a few people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is provided in front of your accommodation on Koh Tao, and return transport is included.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes chicken Massaman curry, stir-fried chicken with holy basil, egg fried rice, and mixed vegetable stir-fry. Thai tea, bottled water, fresh coconut, a BBQ, and a cocktail are also included.

Are snorkeling equipment and insurance provided?

Yes. Sterilized snorkeling gear, life jackets, and marine insurance are included. A local guide also accompanies the tour.

Is Koh Nang Yuan included, and is there an extra fee?

The route may include Koh Nang Yuan and its viewpoint, but the itinerary can change. If you visit the viewpoint, an additional 250-baht entry fee may apply.