The tour in a nutshell
Koh Tao, “Turtle Island”, has the clearest water in the Gulf of Thailand, and its little neighbour Koh Nang Yuan, three islets stitched together by a white sandbar, is one of the most photographed views in the country. Everyone who visits Koh Samui wants to see them. The question is how you get there.
This is the VIP small-group version: one speedboat, 16 guests maximum, and a day built around the water rather than around a timetable. You snorkel Koh Tao’s best reefs with the crew in the water beside you, eat a Thai buffet lunch by the sea, then finish on the Koh Nang Yuan sandbar, with time to climb to the viewpoint instead of being counted back onto the boat.
It costs more than the mass-market day trip, and it is a genuinely different day out.
Why the small-group version is worth it
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16 guests, not 60Room on deck, no queue at the ladder, no waiting for stragglers.
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Koh Tao’s best reefsGuided snorkeling stops, with the crew in the water with you.
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Koh Nang YuanThe white sandbar between the three islets, and the climb to the viewpoint.
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Thai buffet lunchServed by the sea on Koh Tao, fresh fruit and snacks included.
Itinerary
- Pick-upCollected at your hotel, the exact time is sent by WhatsApp or email after booking
- At the pierWelcome, safety briefing and boarding your speedboat (16 guests max)
- ≈ 1 h 30Crossing north towards Koh Tao
- Koh TaoGuided snorkeling over the island’s best coral, among tropical fish - and, with luck, a turtle
- LunchThai buffet by the sea on Koh Tao, with fresh fruit
- Koh Nang YuanThe white sandbar: swimming, snorkeling and the hike up to the famous three-island viewpoint
- ≈ 1 h 30Speedboat back to Koh Samui, then drop-off at your hotel
The day lasts around 7 hours door to door. Times and the order of the stops can change with the sea, the tide and the weather, the crew always picks the calmest option.
✅ What’s included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off on Koh Samui
- Speedboat cruise limited to 16 guests
- English- and Thai-speaking guide
- Thai buffet lunch
- Snorkeling mask and life jacket
- Drinking water and soft drinks
- Seasonal fresh fruit and light snacks
- Travel insurance
❌ Not included
- Towel, swimwear and sunscreen
- Personal expenses & souvenirs
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips (optional, appreciated)
The binding list of inclusions is the one shown on the GetYourGuide booking page, it is updated by the operator and always takes precedence over this summary.
What to bring
- Swimwear, a towel and sunscreen
- Flip-flops, plus shoes with grip if you plan to climb to the Nang Yuan viewpoint
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Camera - a dry bag is handy on a speedboat
- A little cash for anything you buy on the beach
💡 Good to know
📅 Departure days: the VIP boat runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Live dates are in the calendar below, and bookings close 8 hours before departure, in high season the 16 seats go early.
👥 Minimum group: the departure needs at least 8 participants. If that number isn’t reached you may be asked to move to another date, one more reason to book a few days ahead rather than the night before.
🚤 The crossing: around 1 h 30 each way, across open sea. Reviewers keep making the same point: it’s worth it, but take a motion-sickness tablet 30 minutes before boarding if you’re sensitive, and sit mid-boat.
🌦️ Weather policy: the trip goes whenever the sea is safe, rain alone doesn’t cancel it. If the crew judges the crossing unsafe, you are rescheduled or refunded in full.
🚐 Pick-up: included, with more than a hundred pick-up points across Chaweng, Bophut, Choeng Mon and Lamai. Your time is confirmed by WhatsApp or email after booking.
🤰 Restrictions: for safety reasons the tour is not open to pregnant travellers or to people with reduced mobility. Children taller than 120 cm pay the adult fare; pets and large bags aren’t allowed on board. Non-swimmers are welcome, life jackets are provided and the crew goes in the water with you.
🗣️ Language: the tour is guided in English and Thai. Our own team answers you in French on WhatsApp, before and after booking.
Book this tour
Pick your date below: availability, prices and payment are handled by GetYourGuide, our booking partner. The tour is operated by Happy Samui. Instant confirmation, mobile voucher, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.
In pictures
Frequently asked questions
What makes this trip a VIP tour?
The boat is capped at 16 guests instead of the 40 to 60 people carried by the standard Koh Tao speedboats. You get room on deck, no queue at the ladder, more time at each stop and a crew that knows your name. That is what the higher price buys.
Which days does the tour run?
Departures run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Live dates are shown in the booking calendar above, and you need to book at least 8 hours before departure. The tour also needs a minimum of 8 participants to run: if that number isn’t reached you may be asked to move to another date.
How long is the crossing?
About 1 hour 30 minutes each way by speedboat, across open sea. Travellers who reviewed the trip keep making the same point: it’s worth it, but take a motion-sickness tablet 30 minutes before boarding if you’re sensitive, and sit towards the middle of the boat.
Who can and cannot join?
For safety reasons the tour is not open to pregnant travellers or to people with reduced mobility. Children are welcome, and those taller than 120 cm are charged the adult fare. Non-swimmers are fine: life jackets are provided and the crew stays in the water with you. Pets and large bags aren’t allowed on board.
How do I book, and can I cancel?
Booking is handled by GetYourGuide, our booking partner: choose your date, get instant confirmation and a mobile voucher, and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. You can also reserve now and pay later.
Will I be picked up at my hotel?
Yes - hotel pick-up and drop-off are included, with more than a hundred pick-up points across Chaweng, Bophut, Choeng Mon and Lamai. The exact time depends on your address and is sent to you by WhatsApp or email after booking.
📖 From the blog: Koh Tao day trip from Koh Samui · The best snorkeling around Koh Samui
