If you’re heading to Koh Samui and only plan one excursion, make it a boat trip. In this guide, I’m sharing the best boat trips from Koh Samui, including real reviews and must-know tips. From laid-back sailing to island-hopping with pigs and reef sharks, these tours suit couples, families, solo travellers and groups, so there really is something for everyone.

What to bring on your boat trip

This is everything we bring along when we head off on a boat trip from Koh Samui. I’ve linked some of our favourite products from Amazon.

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat & sunglasses
• Swimwear & lightweight towel
• Dry bag & waterproof phone pouch
• Comfy sandals or water shoes
• Water bottle
• Spare change of clothes
• Some cash for entry fees and tips
• Powerbank with charging cables
• Large tote to carry it all

Let’s set sail…

Ang Thong Marine Park on the Red Baron

• Duration: Full day (~8.5 hrs)
• Includes: Hotel pickup, breakfast, snacks, buffet lunch, soft drinks & water, snorkelling gear, towels, English/German-speaking guide, insurance, Wi-Fi, restroom facilities
• Departs from: Petcherat Marina

This stunning 78ft Chinese-style sailboat is not just beautiful, it’s also famous, making a star appearance in White Lotus Season 3. For all our fellow White Lotus fans, you will have spotted this year’s cast arriving by boat in Episode 1, this boat, is The Red Baron. It’s a brilliant day out for couples, families, solo travellers, and even large groups.

You’ll enjoy a fantastic breakfast on board with hot food and fruit, mid-morning snacks, and a delicious Thai buffet lunch. Plus, you’ll have access to unlimited water and soft drinks throughout the day. There’s also a well-stocked bar for beers, wines, and cocktails (you’ll need to pay cash for these).

Ang Thong & Ko Mae Ko

The journey to Ang Thong takes around 3 to 3.5 hours each way, but it’s time well spent. Onboard, you’ll find plenty of comfy seating and some shaded areas to soak in the views as you sail. You’ll spend approximately one hour at Ang Thong, and there is a challenging hike up to a great viewpoint. It’s a difficult climb due to uneven steps and the heat, and you do have limited time on the island. We would recommend at least heading to the first lookout point as the views are spectacular, even on a cloudy day. If you don’t fancy the climb, the beach is a beautiful place to relax, sunbathe and swim.

After your stop at Ang Thong the boat with then stop at Ko Mae Ko, this is where you’ll find the iconic Emerald Lagoon, said to have inspired the book written by Alex Garland, “The Beach“, which was, of course, turned into a movie in the 90s with Leonardo DiCaprio. There’s another challenging hike to a lookout point, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s a steep, hot climb, so take plenty of water and suncream.

If you want to just enjoy the beach or a snorkel this is also an option, or you can relax on the boat.

The service is exceptional, led by the lovely Ella, who speaks both English and German and makes every guest feel welcome. We loved it, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO ANG THONG HERE

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Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departs from: Petcherat Marina
• Includes: Welcome cocktail, buffet dinner, swim stop, hotel transfers (Chaweng, Choeng Mon, Bophut, Maenam), onboard bar

If a full day at sea sounds too long, the Red Baron Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to enjoy a few hours at sea, with a swim stop, delicious Thai buffet and stunning Koh Samui sunset.

We’ve actually done this cruise twice, both times as part of wedding celebrations. After setting sail from the marina, the boat follows a scenic route past Som Island’s limestone cliffs and along the coast of Cheong Mon Beach.

Dinner is buffet-style, and let me tell you, the food is delicious and generous. You’ll also get a welcome cocktail, and there’s a full bar onboard if you fancy another glass of wine or two.

It’s peaceful, romantic, and it’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting to experience Koh Samui from a different perspective.

BOOK YOUR SUNSET CRUISE HERE

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Visit Koh Madsum (aka Pig Island) + Snorkelling at Koh Tan

• Duration: 4 hours
• Includes: Hotel transfers, speedboat ride, snorkelling gear, buffet lunch, entrance fee, guide, insurance

One of Koh Samui’s most popular day trips is this half-day speedboat tour to Pig Island (Koh Madsum). Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, it’s a brilliant way to spend a few hours island-hopping.

The first stop is Koh Madsum, where you’ll get to meet the famous island pigs! They’re friendly, totally used to humans, and always up for a photo. There’s a wide beach with calm, shallow waters perfect for paddling, relaxing, and soaking up the sunshine.

Next up: Koh Tan, a short ride away, known for its snorkelling. You’ll be given all the gear (just don’t forget your towel and sunscreen!) and guided to a shallow reef where you’ll find lots of colourful tropical fish.

You’ll also stop for a buffet lunch on Koh Tan before heading back to Samui. It’s a relaxed trip with great scenery, friendly guides, and everything included.

💡 Insider tip: The pigs are generally well cared for, but as with any animal activity, please be mindful. Don’t feed them things you’ve brought from home; there’s usually food available to buy on the island that’s safe for them to eat.

Book your tickets for pig island here

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Snorkelling in Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan

• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Includes: Hotel pickup, snorkelling gear, Thai buffet lunch, refreshments, guide
• Not included: Koh Nangyuan entry fee (฿250 adults / ฿120 kids, cash only)

If you’re looking for an epic day trip from Koh Samui, this snorkelling adventure to Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan ticks all the boxes. It’s ideal for couples, solo travellers, and even families with older kids who love being in the water.

The day starts with at Insea Speedboat pier, where you’ll be offered a light breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead. Then it’s time to head to your first snorkelling spot: the colourful Buddha Point reef (Hin Ta Toh) off the coast of Koh Tao. Expect coral gardens and curious tropical fish darting around you; it’s like swimming in a real-life aquarium.

You’ll also visit a secluded beach on Koh Tao that feels a world away from the crowds. After a swim and snorkel session here, a delicious Thai buffet lunch awaits at a beachside restaurant.

From October to March, the tour often includes kayaking along the calm east coast, so don’t forget to bring your water shoes!

The final stop is Koh Nangyuan. This picture-perfect island is made up of three smaller islands connected by a white sandbar. Here, you can snorkel, sunbathe, and climb to the famous viewpoint for spectacular views. Just be warned, it’s a bit of a hike, so wear decent footwear, bring water and bring cash for the entry fee, which is paid on arrival.

This one’s a full-day experience, so expect to get back to your hotel around sunset.

Book your snorkelling tour to koh tao here

© Images are credited to K Sea Speedboat

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Koh Samui Day & Night Fishing Experience

• Duration: 8 hours
• Includes: Hotel pickup, lunch, expert guide, fishing gear, insurance

If you’re after something a bit different, and you like the idea of catching your own lunch, this full-day fishing trip around Koh Samui might be one for you. Run by the knowledgeable and friendly Mr. Tu, this local experience is great for beginners. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, it’s a relaxed way to spend the day out at sea.

Your day begins with a hotel pick-up around 8am before heading to the pier to meet the crew. Once onboard, you’ll cruise to one of the best fishing spots around the island (these change depending on the weather and sea conditions). With Mr. Tu’s help, you’ll cast your line and try your luck at reeling in a range of local species.

At lunchtime, the crew will prepare a simple but tasty Thai meal, and if you’ve caught something already, there’s a good chance it’ll be grilled up fresh right there for you to enjoy.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a second round of fishing near Ko Som.The relaxed pace and stunning ocean views make it an unforgettable experience.

This trip is one of the more unique ways to experience island life, and a lovely alternative to more fast-paced tours. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about eating something you caught yourself. 🐟

book your fishing trip with mr tu

© Images are credited to Mr Tu Fishing & Speed Boat Samui

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Quick Recap: Best Boat Trips from Koh Samui

🌊 Trip	📍 Destination	⏱️ Duration	🔗 Booking Link
Red Baron	Ang Thong Marine Park	8.5 hrs	Get your tickets
Sunset Cruise	Around Koh Samui	3 hrs	Get your tickets
Pig Island	Koh Madsum + Koh Tan	4 hrs	Get your tickets
Koh Tao Snorkelling	Koh Tao + Koh Nangyuan	7.5 hrs	Get your tickets
Fishing Adventure	Around Koh Samui	8 hrs	Get your tickets

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Boat trips from Koh Samui are one of the absolute highlights of visiting the island. These experiences are perfect for couples, families, groups or solo travellers. Wherever you choose to go, make sure to book in advance (especially in high season!). You’re in for an unforgettable day on the water 💙

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Sending sunshine from Koh Samui,