Explore Angthong National Marine Park by Big Boat From Koh Samui

Tucked away in the azure waters off the coast of Koh Samui, Angthong National Marine Park beckons travelers seeking a captivating multi-activity adventure. This full-day excursion by big boat promises a unique opportunity to take in the park’s natural splendor, from snorkeling in crystalline waters to kayaking through serene lagoons. Adventurers will also have the chance to hike to breathtaking viewpoints, where the iconic Emerald Green Lagoon unfolds before their eyes. With a hearty buffet lunch and expert guidance, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Thailand’s stunning marine paradise. But the true allure lies in the chance to uncover the park’s hidden gems, where every turn and cove promises an unforgettable discovery.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Bophut.

Key Points

• The tour departs from Koh Samui via a big boat and includes activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring Koh Mae Ko.
• Visitors can experience the stunning Emerald Green Lagoon (Talay Nai) through kayaking and shallow water snorkeling.
• The package includes transportation, equipment, entrance fees, travel insurance, and an English-speaking guide.
• Adventurous travelers can enjoy challenging hikes to viewpoints overlooking the park’s natural beauty.
• While the tour is generally well-received, considerations should be made for medical conditions and weather-related factors that may impact the experience.

Tour Overview and Details

The tour of Angthong National Marine Park typically begins with a big boat departure from Koh Samui, providing a multi-activity experience that includes snorkeling, kayaking, and fast transportation.

Travelers will visit Koh Mae Ko to witness the stunning Emerald Green Lagoon, also known as Talay Nai, and have the opportunity to explore the area by kayak. They’ll also get to discover the hidden lake and enjoy shallow water snorkeling.

The tour includes a light breakfast and a hearty buffet lunch to fuel the day’s adventures.

While the tour accommodates up to 90 travelers, it’s not wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.

Inclusions and Logistics

To get to Angthong National Marine Park, visitors receive hotel round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.

The tour also includes the admission fee to the National Park, costing THB 300 per adult and THB 150 per child.

Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are provided for travelers to use during their explorations.

Plus, long-tail boat transfers take guests to smaller islands within the park.

Travel insurance and an English-speaking guide are also included in the tour package.

When booking, travelers should specify their hotel name and be aware of meeting points for hotels located on hills.

Reviews and Feedback

According to the 51 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.0.

Travelers commonly praise the stunning views and the friendliness of the staff, though some criticize the visibility during snorkeling and the lengthy boat ride duration.

Unfortunately, a few visitors experienced food poisoning, and others felt the tour didn’t meet their expectations for marine life encounters.

On a positive note, many reviewers enjoyed the challenging but rewarding hiking experience to the viewpoints, including the Emerald Green Lagoon and Koh Wua Ta Lub.

However, some adventurers found the kayaking and snorkeling opportunities to be lacking, with the duration of the kayaking being considered too short.

Activity Highlights

Hiking to the viewpoints at the Emerald Green Lagoon and Koh Wua Ta Lub challenges visitors, but the resulting vistas are truly rewarding.

The highlights of this tour include:

• The challenging yet breathtaking hike to the viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the stunning emerald waters and surrounding islands.

• The chance to kayak around the serene lagoons and hidden coves, though the duration may disappoint some thrill-seekers.

• The opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters, though the marine life observed may not meet the expectations of avid underwater explorers.

Kayaking and snorkeling opportunities exist, though experienced adventurers may find them lacking in excitement or duration.

Important Considerations

Travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions may find this tour unsuitable, as the activities can be physically demanding.

Weather conditions can also impact the overall experience, with reports of rough seas on some trips. Visitors should remember to bring sunscreen and towels, and be prepared for potential long wait times on the islands. Fortunately, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start of the experience.

The hiking to viewpoints at the Emerald Green Lagoon and Koh Wua Ta Lub is challenging but rewarding, offering stunning panoramic views.

While kayaking and snorkeling are available, some travelers found the snorkeling area lacking in marine life, and the kayaking duration to be relatively short. Overall, it’s essential for participants to carefully consider their physical abilities and any medical concerns before embarking on this adventure.

Exploring the Emerald Green Lagoon

One of the highlights of the Angthong National Marine Park tour is exploring the Emerald Green Lagoon, also known as Talay Nai, on Koh Mae Ko.

Visitors can marvel at the stunning turquoise-hued waters enclosed within the island’s limestone cliffs, which create a serene and picturesque setting.

To experience the lagoon, travelers can:

• Hike up a challenging trail to reach the breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the lagoon

• Kayak across the calm, crystal-clear waters for a close-up view of the surrounding cliffs

• Swim or snorkel in the lagoon’s shallow waters, where the visibility allows for glimpses of the marine life below

The Emerald Green Lagoon is truly a natural wonder that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Kayaking and Snorkeling Experiences

The kayaking and snorkeling opportunities within Angthong National Marine Park allow visitors to enjoy the park’s vibrant marine ecosystems.

Paddling across the calm, turquoise waters in a kayak provides a unique vantage point to observe the limestone cliffs and hidden coves, while snorkeling the shallow reef areas offers a chance to glimpse the diverse underwater life.

Though some travelers have noted the snorkeling areas may lack in marine life compared to expectations, the experience still allows for exploration of the park’s natural beauty above and below the water’s surface.

With equipment provided, guests can easily transition between these two activities, making the most of their time in this stunning archipelago.

Boat Transportation and Transfers

Getting to the islands of Angthong National Marine Park requires visitors to rely on boat transportation, which the tour operator arranges as part of the overall experience.

The tour includes:

• Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off via air-conditioned vehicle to the boat’s departure point.

• A fast, large, and stable boat that provides comfortable transportation to the various islands and sites within the marine park.

• Efficient long-tail boat transfers to access smaller, harder-to-reach islands and coves, allowing visitors to explore the hidden gems of this stunning natural wonder.

With the logistics of getting to and from the islands handled, travelers can focus on seeing the incredible scenery, snorkeling, and kayaking activities that make this tour a truly memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Bring Your Own Snorkeling/Kayaking Equipment?

Travelers can bring their own snorkeling and kayaking equipment for the tour. However, the tour provider also includes the use of snorkeling and kayaking gear as part of the package. Bringing one’s own gear is optional.

Are There Any Restroom/Changing Facilities on the Boat or Islands?

There are basic restroom facilities on the boat and on the islands. Changing areas are available, but limited. Travelers should plan accordingly and bring any necessary personal items, as amenities may be basic on the remote islands.

How Long Is the Drive From Koh Samui to the National Park?

The drive from Koh Samui to Angthong National Marine Park takes around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so travelers don’t have to worry about transportation.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

There is no minimum number of participants required for this tour. The tour has a maximum capacity of 90 travelers, though the tour will still run regardless of the final group size.

Can You Book the Tour in Advance or Just Show Up?

This tour can be booked in advance to secure your spot. Travelers shouldn’t just show up, as the tour has a maximum capacity and may sell out, especially during peak seasons. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on this popular excursion.

Recap

Exploring Angthong National Marine Park from Koh Samui is a must-do activity, offering a diverse range of experiences.

Visitors can marvel at the stunning Emerald Green Lagoon, paddle through serene waterways in kayaks, and discover the vibrant marine life while snorkeling.

With convenient transportation, a delicious lunch, and expert guidance, this tour provides an unforgettable day of adventure and natural beauty in Thailand’s enchanting island paradise.