Kayaking & Snorkelling

For lovers of snorkelling and kayaking, there's bad news and good news. The bad news is that there aren't many places that are suitable for snorkelling off the coast of Koh Samui, and the opportunities for kayaking off the Island's beaches are quite limited. The good news is that there are endless wonderful opportunities to indulge in these activities in the nearby Ang Thong Marine Park - a beautiful archipelago of 42 islands off the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand, just north-west of Ko Samui. These islands are close to each other and provide a majestic and breath-taking panorama to discover by kayak and to enjoy some incredible snorkelling adventures. You can explore hidden lagoons and paddle into secluded subterranean caves and giant caverns. Snorkelers will find an abundance of stunning coral reefs and marine life, including families of dolphins, the occasional sea turtle, and on the rare occassion a magnificent whale shark. Some of the prime kayaking and snorkelling areas are to be found around the tiny islands of Koh Wao and Tai Plao. The best way to enjoy a day trip of kayaking or snorkelling (or both), is by signing up for one of the many boat tours that will organise your day for you. Or there are other tours that will let you plan your own trip. The well-established tour companies are professional and safety conscious, and they will provide you with well-maintained kayaks and snorkelling equipment. They all have experienced, English speaking tour guides who are experts in kayaking and snorkelling. You can choose a tour that offers your favoured activity, or you can opt for one of the many tours that offer both snorkelling and kayaking during a single action-packed day. Some day trips include an early pick up from your resort, and for others, you will need to make your own way to Nathon pier where the tour boats depart at around 8:00am. Most tours offer a light breakfast on your way to the marine park - a journey that takes around 2 hours. Morning activities will be followed by lunch and after more kayaking and/or snorkelling adventures, with a return to Koh Samui around mid-afternoon. Prices can range from 1200B to 3000B, and as well as food and soft drinks, the admission fee to the marine park is usually included. If you are not sure what the price covers, please ask when you book. Here are a few tour companies that have good reputations: Blue Stars Kayaking & Snorkelling Tours Tel: +66 77300615 Email: info@bluestars.info Address: 83/23 Moo2, Chaweng Lake Road, Chaweng Beach. Website: http://bluestars.info/ 100 Degrees East Tel: +66 77447758 Email: info@100degreeseast.com Address: Big Buddha Beach, North Coast,in front of Ocean’s 11 Restaurant Website: www.100degreeseast.com Snorkeling Thailand Tel: +66 812727556 Email: info@snorkelingthailand.com Address: 9/368 Moo 6, T. Kathu, A. Kathu 83120 Phuket Website: www.snorkelingthailand.com Koh Samui Tours Tel: +66 613941444 Email: info@kohsamuitour.net Address: Chaweng Beach Road, nearly opposite the Islander pub and next to the entrance to Cha Cha Moon Beach Club. Website: www.kohsamuitour.net