REVIEW · BOPHUT
Koh Samui Island Cruise and Snorkel Full-Day Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Tour East Thailand · Bookable on Viator
A boat day beats a beach day. This full-day Koh Samui cruise and snorkel tour combines a relaxed island boat ride with time to snorkel and swim at Koh Tan (Green Peace Island), plus hotel pickup and an included lunch. You get the coast of Samui from the water, not just from the road.
I especially like that it’s built around real time in the sea: snorkeling gear is provided, and you’re given enough stop time to actually enjoy the water (not just a quick look). I also like the value feel of the package—lunch and soft drinks are included, so you don’t have to worry about finding food on an island stop. One thing to consider: this is a weather-driven day, and if wind kicks up the ride can feel rough.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Circle on This Tour
- A 7-Hour Koh Samui Snorkel Day with Hotel Pickup
- Bug Buddha Beach Departure: Passing Tong Sai, Cheong Mon, and Chaweng
- Koh Tan (Green Peace Island) Snorkeling: Swim Time That Actually Counts
- Lunch on the Island: Thai Flavor Plus Time to Reset
- What the Cruise Feels Like When Wind Picks Up
- Price and Value: What $104.41 Gets You (and What It Doesn’t)
- Who Should Book This Koh Samui Cruise and Snorkel Tour
- Should You Book This Koh Samui Island Cruise and Snorkel Full-Day Tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the Koh Samui island cruise and snorkel tour?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Where does the boat depart from?
- Where do you snorkel and swim?
- Is lunch included?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- How big is the group?
- What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Key Things I’d Circle on This Tour

- Hotel pickup and drop-off keeps the day simple from start to finish
- Green Peace Island (Koh Tan) is the main snorkel and swim target
- Snorkeling equipment included, plus an English-speaking licensed guide
- Lunch and soft drinks are provided, but alcohol is not
- Small group size (max 20) helps the day stay organized
A 7-Hour Koh Samui Snorkel Day with Hotel Pickup

This is a straightforward full-day outing built for convenience. You’re picked up from your Koh Samui hotel, then the day runs on a clear rhythm: travel to the departure point, cruise along the coast, snorkel and swim at the remote island, eat lunch, then head back.
The big practical win is that you’re not stitching together multiple transport steps. Between pickup, boat time, and drop-off, the tour handles the heavy lifting. You just show up ready for sun, water, and the occasional splash of boat waves.
The tour lasts about 7 hours, with a start time of 9:00 am. That timing matters because it gives you a good chunk of daylight for swimming, plus enough time later to enjoy lunch and a bit of island downtime before returning.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bophut.
Bug Buddha Beach Departure: Passing Tong Sai, Cheong Mon, and Chaweng

Your day begins at Bug Buddha Beach, then the boat heads out along Samui’s shoreline. You’ll pass places like Tong Sai, Cheong Mon, and Chaweng as you work your way toward Green Peace Island.
Why I like this part: the coast looks different from the water. From the boat, you get a calmer, wider view of Samui—beaches, coastlines, and the way the shoreline curves. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you forget you’re in transit.
One thing to plan for: boat days can change quickly with wind. On a breezy day, the ride can feel choppy—so if you’re sensitive to motion, consider taking basic anti-nausea precautions before you board. Hold on where the crew asks you to, and keep your plans flexible once you’re out there.
Koh Tan (Green Peace Island) Snorkeling: Swim Time That Actually Counts

The main event is Koh Tan, also known as Green Peace Island. This is where you disembark for your snorkel session and swim time. You’ll also have a chance to relax on the shore and soak up sun if the water mood is right.
Here’s how to think about snorkeling on this tour: visibility can depend on recent weather and water conditions. If it’s been rainy the day before, the water can look murkier, and you may not see as much detail beneath the surface. When conditions are good, it’s a fun spot for spotting colorful tropical fish close to the snorkel area.
Because snorkeling equipment is included, you don’t have to hunt down masks or try to make do with whatever you packed. You’ll just fit the gear you’re given and go. If you’re new to snorkeling, that matters—having the right equipment setup from the start makes the difference between a comfortable first attempt and a frustrating one.
A smart tip for your snorkel time: pace yourself. Spend a bit getting used to breathing with the snorkel, then slow down and look around. The best views often come after you settle in rather than during the first frantic minute.
Lunch on the Island: Thai Flavor Plus Time to Reset
After snorkeling, you’ll work up an appetite. Lunch is provided, along with soft drinks. The meal is described as a traditional Thai lunch, shared with your group and guided by the flow of the day.
Even better, you also get a slice of free time once lunch is done. That’s useful. Snorkeling can leave you tired in a way you don’t expect—wind dries your face, sun works fast, and suddenly you want shade, a slow walk, and time to cool down.
Alcoholic drinks are not included. If you want something beyond the included soft drinks, you’ll need to budget for it separately. For a day like this, I actually like that boundary: you can keep the vibe relaxing without feeling like you’re paying extra for every drink.
What the Cruise Feels Like When Wind Picks Up
A Koh Samui boat tour can be calm and scenic, but it can also get rough depending on conditions. The route includes open water time, so you should expect the possibility of a windy, choppy day.
Here’s how to handle it:
- Dress for sun, but bring something that helps with wind chill on the water.
- If you’re the type who hates boat motion, plan to keep your eyes level and your body supported.
- Keep your phone away while the boat is working hard—spray and sudden movement happen fast.
The good news: even when the ride feels intense, the reward is the view. From the water, Samui’s coastline looks stunning, and that perspective is hard to get any other way.
Price and Value: What $104.41 Gets You (and What It Doesn’t)
At $104.41 per person for a day that runs about 7 hours, the real question is value: does the package include the big cost drivers? In this case, yes.
You’re getting:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Boat transportation
- An English-speaking licensed guide
- Lunch and soft drinks
- Snorkeling equipment
What you’re not getting:
- Alcoholic drinks
That bundle is where the value comes from. Snorkeling tours often nickel-and-dime you for gear, transport, and meals. This one keeps it together, so you can budget one clear number and focus on enjoying the day. If you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat, snorkeling setup, and a full meal, this price starts to look pretty sensible.
One more “value” angle: the group is capped at 20. Smaller groups usually mean less waiting around and a smoother transition between boat time and island time.
Who Should Book This Koh Samui Cruise and Snorkel Tour
This tour fits best if you want a classic Samui day with water time as the main attraction. It’s also a good choice if you don’t want to organize snorkeling logistics yourself.
It’s especially appealing if you:
- Want simple pickup and drop-off so you can relax before the boat even starts moving
- Like the idea of snorkeling at Koh Tan (Green Peace Island) rather than just doing a quick shoreline swim
- Appreciate an included lunch so you can stay on schedule
It may not be ideal if:
- You strongly dislike boat motion or get seasick easily (wind can make the ride rough)
- You’re hoping for guaranteed crystal-clear visibility regardless of conditions (water clarity can be affected by recent weather)
Should You Book This Koh Samui Island Cruise and Snorkel Full-Day Tour?
If you want a boat-centered day that includes snorkeling gear, lunch, and transport, I think this is a solid booking. The highlights are clear: the cruise along Samui’s coast, the Koh Tan / Green Peace Island snorkeling and swim time, and an easy day structure that starts with hotel pickup.
I’d book it if you can handle a windy ride and you’re okay that the sea conditions can vary. If you’re planning your one perfect snorkeling day, keep weather in mind and be ready to adjust expectations if visibility isn’t at its best.
If you want Samui from the water—plus real time in the sea—this tour delivers that package cleanly.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour starts at 9:00 am.
How long is the Koh Samui island cruise and snorkel tour?
It runs for about 7 hours.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
Where does the boat depart from?
The tour departs from Bug Buddha Beach.
Where do you snorkel and swim?
You snorkel and swim around Koh Tan, also known as Green Peace Island.
Is lunch included?
Yes. A traditional Thai lunch is included, along with soft drinks.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.






