3 or 4-Island Big Boat Snorkelling Tour with Lunch Koh Chang
- Duration7 hours (9:30 to 16:30)
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
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Overview
This shared big-boat day takes you from Bang Bao Pier in the south of Koh Chang to the clear reefs that make this corner of Thailand famous. On the default 4-island programme you snorkel three reef sites in Koh Rang National Park – Koh Yak Yai, Koh Mapring and Koh Yak Lek – and spend an hour on a white-sand beach. A relaxed 3-island route to Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya Nai and Koh Klum with open-sea fishing is also available. A Thai buffet lunch is cooked on board, an underwater photographer records the day, and you can add return hotel transfers from the west coast of Koh Chang. It suits families, couples and first-time snorkellers.
Highlights
- Snorkel three reef sites in Koh Rang National Park, the clearest water around Koh Chang
- Spend an hour swimming and relaxing on a white-sand island beach
- Underwater photographer on board capturing you on the reef and on deck
- Thai buffet lunch freshly prepared on board, with a vegetarian option
- Spacious, stable big boat with shaded seating and a toilet
- Choose the 4-island snorkelling day or the relaxed 3-island route with fishing
- Optional return hotel transfers from the west coast of Koh Chang
Full Description
Bang Bao Pier and Fishing Village
Every trip starts at Bang Bao, the old fishing village built on stilts at the south-western tip of Koh Chang. Its long wooden pier is lined with seafood stalls, souvenir shops and boats of every size, and it is the departure point for most island hopping trips from Koh Chang. If you drive yourself there is free parking for cars and motorbikes near the meeting point, followed by a short walk along the jetty to the boat.
Arrive early and take a few minutes to look at the stilted houses and colourful fishing boats in the soft morning light. On the way back in the late afternoon the pier is livelier, and many travellers stay for a stroll before heading back to their hotel. With the transfer option our driver collects you from the west coast and brings you straight to the pier.
Koh Rang National Park: Koh Yak Yai, Koh Mapring and Koh Yak Lek
Koh Rang is a cluster of small, uninhabited islands south of Koh Chang, protected as part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. Because there are no villages or rivers nearby, the water is usually the clearest in the province, and the coral gardens are in better shape than around the main island. A Koh Rang snorkelling trip is the reason most visitors book a day on the water here.
On the 4-island programme you snorkel at three sites that sit close together: Koh Yak Yai, Koh Mapring and Koh Yak Lek. Expect hard and soft corals, sea anemones with clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish and shoals of fusiliers. The guide points out the best stretches of reef, and the national park fee for this route is paid in cash on the day.
Koh Wai, Koh Lao Ya Nai and Koh Klum
The 3-island programme heads to a different group of islands about 40 minutes from the pier. Koh Wai is a small, hilly island with palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs that begin right off the sand, so you can swim ashore from the snorkelling spot. Koh Lao Ya Nai and Koh Klum complete the route with quiet coves and calm, shallow water that suits beginners and children.
This route starts later and moves at an easy pace: two snorkelling stops, an hour of beach time and a chance to try open-sea fishing with the crew. It is a good Koh Wai day trip for travellers who prefer more time to relax than to snorkel, and the national park fee is already included for this programme.
Beach Time on a White-Sand Island
Both programmes include a full hour on a tropical beach, which is often the moment guests remember most. The sand is fine and pale, the water turns from turquoise to deep blue within a few metres, and shade comes from palms and beach trees. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a little cash for snacks or a cold soft drink.
Children can paddle in the shallows while adults swim or simply rest after snorkelling. The underwater photographer also takes pictures on the beach and on deck, so you can enjoy the day without worrying about your phone. Keep valuables in a dry bag on the boat, and remember that shade on the sand moves quickly as the afternoon goes on.
Life on Board the Big Boat
The boat is a large, stable vessel with plenty of shaded seating, an open sun deck and a toilet, which makes it a comfortable choice for families and anyone nervous about small speedboats. The crew hands out masks and life jackets, explains each stop and helps less confident swimmers into the water.
Lunch is a Thai buffet prepared on board, built around chicken with a vegetarian option if you tell us in advance, followed by fresh fruit, drinking water and coffee. Extra soft drinks can be bought on board. When the sea is rough the ride can be bumpy, so sit towards the back if you are prone to seasickness.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup (transfer options)Our driver collects you from your hotel on the west coast of Koh Chang between 8:00 and 8:50 for the 4-island route, or between 9:00 and 9:50 for the 3-island route.
- Check-in at Bang Bao PierGuests without transfers check in near Bang Bao Pier 30 minutes before departure; the crew fits masks and life jackets.
- Cruise to the islandsThe big boat leaves at 9:30 for Koh Rang National Park or at 10:30 for Koh Wai and its neighbours, about 40 minutes or more depending on the route.
- Snorkelling stopsThree reef stops at Koh Yak Yai, Koh Mapring and Koh Yak Lek on the 4-island route, or two stops with a swim ashore on the 3-island route.
- Thai buffet lunch on boardA freshly prepared Thai buffet with fruit, water and coffee, served on deck between snorkelling stops.
- Beach timeAbout an hour on a white-sand beach to swim, relax and take photos; the 3-island route also includes open-sea fishing.
- Return to Bang Bao PierBack at the pier at about 16:00 (3 islands) or 16:30 (4 islands), followed by the drive back to your hotel if you booked transfers.
What's included
- Big-boat island tour with an English-speaking guide
- Underwater photographer on board
- Snorkel mask and life jacket
- Thai buffet lunch (vegetarian option on request)
- Fruit, drinking water and coffee
- Toilet on the boat
Not included
- Koh Rang National Park fee (paid in cash on the day; reduced fee for children)
- Extra soft drinks sold on board
- Towel and sunscreen
- Hotel transfers
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 5–9
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Food lovers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Children under 2 years
- Pregnant women
- People with back problems
- Wheelchair users
Meeting point
With the default option our driver picks you up from your hotel on the west coast of Koh Chang between 8:00 and 8:50 and drives you to Bang Bao Pier; the exact time is sent after booking. Transfers are not possible from the north or east side of the island – guests staying there should book an option without transfers and check in near Bang Bao Pier 30 minutes before departure (9:00 for the 4-island route, 10:00 for the 3-island route). Free parking is available for cars and motorbikes, followed by a short walk to the boat.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and some cash
- The Koh Rang National Park fee for the 4-island route is paid in cash on the day, with a reduced fee for children
- Lunch is chicken-based; request the vegetarian option when you book
- Be ready at your hotel on time – the driver can only wait a few minutes
- Schedules can change with the weather and sea conditions
- When waves are high the ride can be bumpy; take motion-sickness tablets if needed
- If the sea is unsafe the trip is cancelled and you can reschedule or get a full refund
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared big-boat tour with other travellers, led by an English-speaking guide and crew.
How long does it take?
The 4-island route runs from 9:30 to 16:30 on the water, about 9 hours with transfers. The 3-island route runs from 10:30 to 16:00, about 7.5 hours with transfers.
Is hotel pickup included?
The default option includes return transfers from hotels on the west coast of Koh Chang. Guests on the north or east side book the option without transfers and meet us at Bang Bao Pier.
What is included?
Guide, underwater photographer, snorkel mask and life jacket, Thai buffet lunch, fruit, water and coffee, a toilet on board and, with the transfer options, hotel pickup and drop-off.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person, with a lower rate for children aged 5 to 9. The booking panel on this page shows the current price of each option.
Which route is better, 3 islands or 4 islands?
Keen snorkellers usually prefer the 4-island route in Koh Rang National Park for its three reef stops and clearer water. The 3-island route to Koh Wai starts later, adds fishing and suits a slower pace.
Is it suitable for children and non-swimmers?
Yes for children from 2 years; life jackets are provided and the crew helps in the water. It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users or people with back problems.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks if you like and cash for the park fee and extra soft drinks.
What is the best time to visit Koh Chang for snorkelling?
The dry season from November to April brings the calmest seas and best visibility. In the rainy months the trip still runs on many days, but routes can change with the waves.
What happens in bad weather?
The captain may adjust the route for safety. If conditions are judged unsafe the tour is cancelled and you can choose another date or a full refund.
How do I get to Bang Bao Pier?
Bang Bao is at the southern end of the west-coast road on Koh Chang, about 30 to 45 minutes' drive from White Sand Beach. Book a transfer option or ride there yourself and use the free parking.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date and option in the booking panel on this page and send your request. Our team confirms your place on WhatsApp within minutes and sends the pickup or meeting details before the day.
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