For diving, the choice of school matters more than the price, which is similar everywhere: look for small groups (four students or fewer per instructor), well-maintained equipment and an unhurried schedule. Snorkelling boat trips circle the island, stopping at four or five bays and at Koh Nang Yuan; “early bird” departures reach the best spots before the big boats.
These picks were chosen in October 2026 for their itineraries and reviews. Prices are indicative “from” prices in euros; the Koh Nang Yuan landing fee is usually paid separately.
Our pick of Koh Tao tours & tickets
from €25 Koh Tao islands snorkelling highlights day tour with lunch
A boat day around Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan, stopping at five snorkelling spots and landing on Nang Yuan’s sandbar beach, with lunch on board.
from €66 Try scuba diving: 1-day experience with hotel pick-up
A first taste of scuba with an instructor for people with no experience, with time under water among the marine life of Koh Tao’s reefs.
from €291 PADI Open Water Diver course (2.5 days)
The full entry-level certification completed over two and a half days of theory, pool-style training and open-water dives, with photos and video included.
from €26 Early-bird snorkelling trip to spot turtles
A morning departure to four bays before the crowds arrive, with coffee on board, a lunchbox and hotel transfers.
from €24 Koh Nang Yuan and hidden bays snorkelling tour with lunch
A day of snorkelling stops around the island in search of fish and sea turtles, including a visit to Koh Nang Yuan, with a lunch box.
from €18 High-speed catamaran transfer between Koh Samui and Koh Tao
A ferry ticket between Koh Samui and Koh Tao, with optional airport and hotel shuttle add-ons.
Booking tips
- Medical form. All dive courses require a health questionnaire; some conditions need a doctor’s clearance, which is easier to obtain before you travel.
- No flying after diving. Leave at least 18–24 hours between your last dive and a flight.
- Koh Nang Yuan. The island is private: there is a landing fee of around 250 THB, plastic bottles are not allowed ashore and day visitors must leave by late afternoon.
- Hands off. Do not touch, chase or feed turtles, sharks or fish, and never stand on coral. Use reef-safe sunscreen or a rash vest.
- Weather. In November and early December boats are often cancelled and visibility drops.
