Snorkeling Tour with meals and BBQs – Cocktail – Sunset⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Small boats make a big difference. Coco Tip Adventures keeps each outing to 20 people, and the group may be much smaller, sometimes only two, four, six, eight, or ten people. I like the room this creates on the boat and the calm pace in the water. I also like the thoughtful food plan, with homemade Thai dishes at lunch and a BBQ with a cocktail near sunset. The main consideration is that this is a full seven-hour day, so you should be comfortable spending much of your time on the sea.

This $54 Koh Tao tour is aimed at people who want more than a quick trip to one crowded snorkeling bay. Pickup is provided at your accommodation on Koh Tao, and the boat returns you to the island after a route that can include four snorkeling locations, scenic bays, Koh Nang Yuan, and a sunset stop.

Chart leads the outing with help from his family and crew. He often gets in the water with the group, points out marine life, and takes underwater GoPro photos and videos that are shared later through WhatsApp. His wife prepares the Thai food, and the family’s friendly dog, Coco, has occasionally joined the boat. The only extra cost mentioned is a 250-baht entry fee for the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint.

Key Details Before You Book

• Small groups instead of a packed boat: The advertised limit is 20 people, but several outings had fewer than ten, giving you more space and a quieter day.
• Four snorkeling stops may be included: Chart adjusts the route around conditions and crowd levels, rather than forcing every group into the same bay.
• Turtles and reef sharks are possible sightings: The marine life reported includes turtles, baby sharks, blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, and many kinds of tropical fish.
• Two substantial food services: You receive a homemade Thai lunch, then BBQ food later as the sun goes down.
• A proper sunset finish: Fresh coconut, Thai tea, drinking water, a cocktail, and the evening view make this feel like a full day out, not just a transfer to a snorkeling site.
• Useful support for nervous swimmers: The crew provides life jackets, sterilized snorkeling equipment, marine insurance, and in-water help from the guide.

Why the Small Boat Matters Around Koh Tao

Koh Tao is famous for easy access to coral reefs and tropical fish, but popularity has a cost. Large boats can put many people into the same patch of water at once. You may spend more time watching fins, floating close to strangers, or waiting for room to move than looking at fish.

Coco Tip Adventures takes a different approach. The boat can carry up to 20 people, but the actual number may be far lower. That distinction matters. A maximum of 20 is not the same as a guaranteed group of 20, and some departures have operated with only two or three people.

I like the flexibility this gives you. One small group asked not to visit Koh Nang Yuan because they had already been there, and Chart changed the plan. Another group moved away from a crowded snorkeling area and returned later. That kind of adjustment is a real benefit in Koh Tao, where conditions and boat traffic can change the feel of a bay quickly.

The boat itself has a top deck with space to sit, sunbathe, or rest between swims. Several people appreciated the comfortable seating, hammocks, and open areas. If you prefer to spend part of the day out of the water, this is important. Seven hours is a long time on a boat, and having room to spread out makes the day easier.

Pickup in Ko Tao and a Seven-Hour Day at Sea

The day begins with pickup in front of your accommodation on Koh Tao. The tour returns you to the island after the sunset portion, so you do not need to arrange separate transport to the boat or find your way home from the pier.

The exact starting time depends on availability. One outing began at 11:00 a.m., which gives you a useful idea of the rhythm: a late-morning departure, afternoon snorkeling and lunch, then food and drinks as the light softens. Since the trip lasts seven hours, plan for most of the day to be committed to the water.

The route is not presented as a rigid list of fixed stops. Chart chooses among bays and snorkeling areas based on sea conditions, marine life, and crowd levels. You may visit four sites, and the order can change. That is good news if you care more about a pleasant swim than about ticking off a particular name.

There is one point to keep in mind. A flexible route means you cannot be promised a specific animal or exact bay. Turtles and sharks have been seen often, but wildlife remains wildlife. Good conditions help, and Chart’s local familiarity may improve your chances, but no responsible tour can guarantee sightings.

Four Snorkeling Stops, With Time to Look Around

The strongest part of the trip is the time spent in the water. The stops are described as clear-water sites with coral, tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks, baby sharks, and occasionally stingrays. Chart often snorkels alongside the group and helps point out interesting sights.

That personal guidance is especially useful if you are new to snorkeling. You do not have to work out every location by yourself, and the crew can offer reassurance if open water makes you uneasy. One person who had never felt fully comfortable snorkeling received close support from Chart and his son and ended up enjoying the experience.

The included equipment is sterilized snorkeling gear. Life jackets are available, and the tour includes marine insurance. You should still bring your own goggles if you prefer a particular fit, especially if you have trouble with standard masks.

The underwater photography is a nice extra. Chart uses a GoPro to take photos and videos during the swims, then sends the files through WhatsApp, often on the same day. This means you can enjoy the water without constantly handling your own phone or camera. It also gives you a record of turtles, fish, and reef scenes that can be hard to capture while swimming.

You should bring a charged smartphone if you want to receive the files easily. A camera is also listed among the recommended items, though you may find that the crew’s underwater footage reduces the need to carry your own device into the water.

Koh Nang Yuan and the Optional Viewpoint Stop

Koh Nang Yuan may be part of the route. The island is known for its scenic viewpoint, which requires a short uphill walk. Entry to the viewpoint costs an additional 250 baht, according to the available trip details.

I would treat this as an optional scenic break rather than the main reason to book. The snorkeling and small-group format are the core strengths. If you have already visited Nang Yuan, you may prefer asking Chart about another bay, provided the route and conditions allow it.

The extra fee is worth noting because the advertised $54 price does not cover every possible expense. Bring some cash for the viewpoint and any personal purchases. The tour otherwise includes a long list of food, drinks, equipment, pickup, and insurance, so the entry fee appears to be the main stated add-on.

Homemade Thai Lunch, Fresh Coconut, and Thai Tea

Food is not an afterthought here. Lunch is prepared by Chart’s wife and includes four Thai dishes:

• Chicken Massaman curry
• Stir-fried chicken with holy basil
• Egg fried rice
• Mixed vegetable stir-fry

Thai tea, bottled drinking water, and fresh coconut are also included. The dishes give you a proper meal rather than a small snack between swims, which is useful after several hours in the sun and salt water.

The Massaman curry receives particular praise, but the broader appeal is the homemade preparation. You are eating family-style Thai food made for the boat, not simply opening a packaged meal. That personal touch fits the family-run nature of the business and adds value to the day.

Dietary needs may be manageable. One private outing was adapted for a vegan diet, but you should tell the operator in advance rather than assume every departure can be changed at short notice. The supplied information confirms that accommodation is possible, not that every dietary request is automatically covered.

Water is available throughout the trip. Still, bring biodegradable sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Sun protection matters even when clouds pass overhead, and dry clothes will make the ride back more comfortable.

BBQ, Cocktail, and Sunset on the Return Route

The evening portion is what gives this trip its name and its character. After the snorkeling and lunch, the crew serves BBQ food while the boat settles into a sunset setting. A cocktail follows, along with the changing view of Koh Tao’s coastline.

This is a better finish than simply racing back to shore after the final swim. You have time to dry off, sit on the upper deck, eat again, and watch the light change. The combination of BBQ, fresh coconut, drinks, and sunset makes the outing feel generous for the price.

The cocktail is included, but the exact drink is not specified. If you do not drink alcohol, you should ask what nonalcoholic alternative is available. Bottled water is included, so you will not be left without a drink.

The sunset is also weather dependent. The tour can still be enjoyable in cloud or rain, and one outing continued in wet conditions with a good result, but the famous orange-sky finale cannot be guaranteed. Pack a towel and dry clothes, and protect your phone and camera from spray.

Chart, His Family, and the Personal Touch

Chart is central to the character of the trip. He is described as an active guide who joins the snorkeling, watches out for people in the water, and adjusts the route to suit the group. His wife prepares lunch, and his son sometimes helps in the water.

That family involvement is more than a pleasant story. It shapes the pace. The crew pays attention to how people are doing, helps nervous swimmers, and makes room for requests when practical. You are not simply transferred from one marked site to another.

The small dog Coco has also joined some trips. If you like animals, that may be a charming bonus, but you should not book on the assumption that the dog will be present. The reliable attractions are the food, guide support, boat space, snorkeling, and sunset.

The tour is available with English and Thai-speaking guides. That should work well for many international visitors, though the depth of explanation may vary by guide and group. The consistent strength is practical help in the water and local route knowledge.

Is $54 Good Value for Koh Tao?

At $54 per person, this tour costs a little more than the most basic crowded boat trips, but the comparison should include what you receive. The package includes accommodation pickup, a seven-hour outing, snorkeling gear, life jackets, marine insurance, a local guide, a homemade four-dish lunch, Thai tea, fresh coconut, drinking water, BBQ food, and a cocktail.

You also receive the small-group advantage. Even if your boat carries 20 people, that is still a more limited setup than many large excursions. If the departure has only a handful of people, the value improves sharply because you get more room and more say in the pace.

The underwater photos and videos add another useful extra. GoPro footage is not the same as a private photographer, but it saves you from buying a camera or spending the whole swim trying to take pictures.

I would not choose this tour solely to save money. If your only aim is a short, low-cost snorkel, a simpler trip may fit better. I would choose Coco Tip Adventures if you want the food, open boat space, personal guidance, and sunset meal. The extra few dollars can make sense for someone who dislikes crowded sea trips.

What to Bring and Who Will Enjoy It Most

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, flip-flops, beachwear, a change of clothes, cash, and a charged smartphone. Goggles and a camera are also suggested, although snorkeling gear is provided.

This trip suits:

• Couples looking for a relaxed day with room to sit together
• Families who want crew support in the water
• Solo visitors who prefer a friendly small-group outing
• Snorkelers hoping to see turtles, sharks, coral, and tropical fish
• People who value homemade food and local hosting
• Anyone who wants a sunset finish rather than an early return

It may be less suitable if you dislike long boat days, want a guaranteed visit to one particular island, or need a strictly fixed schedule. The route changes with conditions, and seven hours can feel long if you plan to stay on deck rather than swim.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the supplied details do not explain how boarding, movement on the boat, or water access are handled. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the exact arrangements before booking.

Should You Book Coco Tip Adventures?

I would book this tour if you want Koh Tao’s sea life without the usual crowded-boat feel. The strongest reasons are the limited group size, Chart’s hands-on guiding, the homemade Thai lunch, and the BBQ and cocktail at sunset.

The best booking choice is to reserve when you have a flexible day and to tell the crew what matters to you. Mention dietary needs, snorkeling worries, or a wish to skip Koh Nang Yuan. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your island plans may shift.

For $54, this is not the bare-bones option. It is a full day with real food, drinks, transport, equipment, and a more personal pace. If that sounds like your kind of Koh Tao day, Coco Tip Adventures offers unusually good value.

FAQ

How long is the Coco Tip Adventures snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts seven hours, including pickup, snorkeling, meals, drinks, and the sunset portion. Pickup and return are both on Koh Tao.

How many people can join the tour?

The boat has a strict maximum of 20 people. Actual groups may be much smaller, with some outings operating with only two, three, four, six, eight, or ten people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is provided in front of your accommodation on Koh Tao, and transport back to the island is included.

What food is included?

Lunch includes chicken Massaman curry, stir-fried chicken with holy basil, egg fried rice, and mixed vegetable stir-fry. The package also includes a BBQ later in the day.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, Thai tea, fresh coconut, and a cocktail are included.

What marine life might I see?

The trip has included turtles, baby sharks, blacktip or reef sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, and coral. Sightings depend on sea conditions and the animals present that day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Sterilized snorkeling gear and life jackets are included. Goggles are also listed as something you may bring yourself.

Does the tour visit Koh Nang Yuan?

Koh Nang Yuan may be included in the route. The viewpoint has an additional 250-baht entry fee, and the route can sometimes be adjusted if you have already visited or prefer another location.