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

The best part of this trip is the variety packed into three hours. You move between small islands, snorkel over coral near Koh Tham Tai Khao and Koh Kudi, and stop at the famous sea split between Koh Khame and Koh Krawai. I like the included equipment and underwater photos, and I like that snacks, fruit, drinks, and floating boards make the boat time easier. The main catch is that water clarity can change, and the boat may feel rough if you are prone to seasickness.

I also like the choice between a five-island and six-island outing. The shorter option keeps the trip focused, while the six-island version adds more snorkeling and lunch. Check the meal details closely before booking, since lunch is only part of the six-island trip, not every departure.

Key points at a glance

• Six islands in three hours: The route can include Koh Kudi, Koh Tham Tai Khao, Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, Koh Thalu, and a scenic cruise around Koh Plai Tin.
• Two or three snorkeling stops: The six-island option includes two or three spots, while the five-island trip includes two, with the final route shaped by weather.
• The sea split: Koh Khame and Koh Krawai provide the trip’s most unusual sightseeing stop, with time for beach activities.
• Lunch depends on the booking: Lunch comes with the six-island trip only. The five-island trip includes fruit, snacks, and drinks instead.
• Useful gear is supplied: You receive snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, and a floating board, with underwater photos included.
• Short but active: The tour runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM or from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

What a three-hour island route really gives you

At $35 per person, this is priced as a compact introduction to the islands around Ko Samet rather than a full-day boat outing. You get a lot of place names in a short time, but each stop is likely to be brief. That can be a strength if you want a quick look at several islands, especially when your schedule is tight.

I would think of the tour as a sampler. You will not have hours to sit on every beach or swim at every location. Instead, you get a moving view of the Gulf of Thailand, a handful of snorkeling stops, and several chances to step onto an island or take photos.

The route is not fixed in every detail. Weather conditions can affect the five-island and six-island schedules, including the number of snorkeling stops. That flexibility matters in this part of Thailand, where wind and sea conditions can change the quality of a short boat trip.

Koh Kudi and Koh Tham Tai Khao

Koh Kudi and Koh Tham Tai Khao supply much of the snorkeling appeal. The water is described as clear, and the coral areas attract plenty of fish. You receive the basic equipment on board, so you do not need to arrange a mask, snorkel, or life jacket separately.

Koh Tham Tai Khao is the stronger stop for underwater scenery. The coral reef gives you something to look at beyond open water, and the crew provides floating boards for anyone who would rather not swim continuously. You can also use the life jacket for extra comfort while looking down into the water.

Do keep your expectations sensible. Water clarity is not guaranteed. One recent morning outing had many fish but cloudy water, making only nearby details easy to see. That is not unusual for a sea trip, but it is worth knowing if your main goal is crisp underwater photography.

Koh Kudi adds another chance to snorkel in clear water, though the exact order of stops may change. The two locations work well together because you get more than one opportunity to see marine life. If the first site is less clear than hoped, the second may offer better conditions.

You are asked not to touch plants. Follow that rule around coral and shoreline growth, even if the water looks shallow and inviting. The tour also prohibits smoking and littering.

Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, and the sea split

The sea split between Koh Khame and Koh Krawai is the route’s most distinctive sightseeing feature. Rather than being only another beach stop, it gives the trip a memorable visual point, with water separating the islands and beach areas available for simple shore activities.

This is where you can break up the snorkeling with time on land. You might use the stop for photographs, a swim, or a walk near the beach, depending on the conditions and the time allowed. The tour description does not promise a long stay, so expect a short visit rather than a relaxed afternoon on the sand.

The two islands are also useful for passengers who are less confident in the water. Non-swimmers are not considered suitable for this tour, but you do not have to spend every minute snorkeling. The sea split and beach time give you something to enjoy between water stops.

Koh Thalu and the view from Koh Plai Tin

Koh Thalu is included among the popular stops on the six-island route. The trip does not provide a detailed schedule for this island, so your time there may depend on weather, sea traffic, and the captain’s chosen route. Treat it as part of the wider island-hopping circuit rather than a guaranteed long shore visit.

Koh Plai Tin is viewed from the boat rather than presented as a main snorkeling stop. Cruising around it gives you a scenic change of pace and lets you see more of the small-island setting without adding another landing.

This mix is important when comparing the tour with a single-island beach trip. You see more of the area, but you trade away the freedom to linger. I would choose this route for variety and movement, not for a slow beach day.

Choosing five islands or six

The six-island trip is the better value if you want the fullest version of the outing. It includes snorkeling at two or three spots and lunch, along with snacks, fruit, and drinks. At $35, that added meal makes the longer route a sensible pick if the schedule works for you.

The five-island option includes two snorkeling spots and does not include lunch. A morning departure runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, so the lack of lunch is easy to understand. You still receive fruit, snacks, and drinks, but you should plan to eat before or after the boat trip.

One point deserves special attention: lunch is only included on the six-island trip. If you book the five-island option expecting a meal, you may be disappointed. The distinction is easy to miss when comparing the two routes, so confirm the exact product and departure before paying.

The afternoon schedule runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This may suit you if you want a slower morning or prefer to eat lunch on land before boarding. Again, the timing and food arrangement should be checked together.

The crew, equipment, and onboard comfort

The crew speaks English and Thai and is described as friendly and helpful. One especially practical strength is organization: a January departure was reported as running on time. For a short tour, punctuality matters. A late start can quickly reduce snorkeling time when the entire outing lasts only three hours.

Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floating boards are included. That keeps the price reasonable and reduces the amount of gear you need to bring. You should still pack your own sunscreen, hat, swimwear, water, and camera.

The boat provides snacks, fruit, and drinks. On the six-island trip, lunch is included as well. A morning trip may offer fruit on one of the islands instead of a full lunch, so do not treat the word lunch as a general feature of every departure.

Underwater photos are included at no extra charge. This is useful if you want a record of the outing but do not want to risk your own phone in salt water. The final image quality can depend on visibility and the conditions that day, so think of the photos as a nice extra, not the main reason to book.

The water conditions and the seasickness question

Snorkeling trips are always partly controlled by the sea. The tour description promises crystal-clear water, but actual visibility can be less reliable. One outing had plenty of fish but water that was too cloudy for clear views beyond close range.

That means you should book this for the chance to snorkel, not a guarantee of perfect reef photography. The coral and fish are still worthwhile when visibility is moderate, but the underwater part will feel less impressive if you expect aquarium-like conditions.

The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. That warning should be taken seriously because the itinerary involves several island crossings in a short period. If you know you get sick on boats, a land-based beach plan may be a better choice.

Pregnant women, people with back problems, and non-swimmers are also listed as unsuitable for the activity. Those restrictions relate to the boat ride and water activities, not just the snorkeling itself.

Pickup areas and a detail to confirm

Pickup is listed for hotels in Ao Sang Tien, Ao Wong Duan, Ao Pai, Ao Look Yon, and Haad Sai Kaew. At the same time, the price information separates hotel pickup and drop-off from the included features, while the activity details describe pickup service as available.

Because those details do not fully match, confirm the pickup arrangement before booking. Ask whether pickup and return are included in your exact fare and whether your hotel falls within one of the named areas. This is a small step, but it prevents an avoidable surprise at the start of a short tour.

A separate entrance is also listed for the activity. The practical benefit is that you should follow the crew’s instructions rather than wait in a general access line, though the supplied information does not explain the exact entrance procedure.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend the tour to you if you want a short, structured introduction to the islands near Ko Samet. It suits people who enjoy moving from stop to stop, want equipment supplied, and prefer having a crew organize the route rather than arranging a private boat.

It is also a good fit for anyone with only part of a day available. The morning and afternoon departures leave room for other plans. The six-island version is especially practical if you want lunch included and would rather not arrange a separate meal around the boat schedule.

Families and casual swimmers may appreciate the floating boards and life jackets, but the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. You should be comfortable being on a boat and entering the water.

I would be more cautious if you want long beach visits, quiet travel, or guaranteed clear water. The route is active and condensed. You may also prefer another plan if seasickness is a concern or if back problems make boat movement uncomfortable.

What to bring and how to plan the day

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera. Snacks are listed among the suggested items even though snacks are supplied, so carrying a small personal option may still be useful if you have dietary needs.

Use reef-friendly habits in the water. Do not touch plants, leave rubbish behind, or smoke during the trip. These rules protect the places you came to see and help keep the shallow water pleasant for everyone.

If you choose the five-island morning trip, eat beforehand or plan a meal after the boat returns. If lunch matters to you, select the six-island trip and confirm that your booking clearly states six islands.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when weather may affect your plans, but still check the final booking conditions for your selected departure.

Should you book the Ko Samet island tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized, three-hour sampler with two or three snorkeling opportunities, the Koh Khame and Koh Krawai sea split, supplied equipment, and simple refreshments. The six-island option offers the strongest value because it adds lunch and another snorkeling opportunity.

Choose carefully if water clarity is your main concern. Fish may be plentiful while visibility remains cloudy, and the schedule is too short for extended time at each island. Confirm pickup and lunch before booking, then choose the five-island trip for a compact outing or the six-island trip for the fullest route.

FAQ

How long is the Ko Samet snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts three hours. Departures run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $35 per person.

How many islands does the tour visit?

You can choose a five-island or six-island tour. The route may include Koh Kudi, Koh Tham Tai Khao, Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, Koh Thalu, and a scenic cruise around Koh Plai Tin.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The six-island tour includes snorkeling at two or three spots. The five-island tour includes two snorkeling spots, depending on weather conditions.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only with the six-island trip. The five-island trip includes snacks, fruit, and drinks but not lunch.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are underwater photos included?

Yes. Free underwater photos are included with the tour.

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. The included and excluded details differ, so confirm whether pickup and drop-off are included in your specific booking.

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.