Ko Samet 5 or 6 Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch option

Small islands, mixed rewards. This six-hour trip gives you several islands in one outing, plus snorkeling gear, floating boards, snacks, fruit, drinks, and underwater photos. I also like the chance to see Koh Khame’s famous sea split and choose between a five-island or six-island route. The main caution is that the scenery looks better from the boat than on some shores, and the snorkeling can be only average.

The price of $34.48 is fair if you want a simple, boat-based day with plenty of stops and included equipment. Still, you should keep expectations modest: this is a budget group excursion for up to 50 people, not a quiet private cruise or a specialist reef trip.

Key points to know before you book

• Six islands means more time on the water: The route includes Koh Kudi, Koh Tham Tai Khao, Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, Koh Thalu, and a cruise around Koh Plai Tin.
• The five-island and six-island trips differ: The six-island option includes lunch and snorkeling at two or three spots. The five-island route includes two snorkeling stops, depending on weather.
• Koh Khame and Koh Krawai provide the longest stop: You get about 90 minutes for beach activities and the famous sea split.
• Snorkeling gear is included: Life jackets, floating boards, equipment, drinks, fruit, snacks, and free underwater photos are part of the package.
• The group can reach 50 people: Expect a shared excursion rather than a small, quiet boat trip.
• Pickup information needs checking: The summary says pickup is offered, but the detailed information says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Confirm this before paying.

What the $34.48 price really buys you

At $34.48 per person, this tour is priced as an accessible island sampler. You are paying for a half-day boat trip, several stops, basic snorkeling equipment, refreshments, crew service, an English-speaking guide, and underwater photos. That is a reasonable bundle if you want to see more of the Ko Samet area without arranging separate boat hire.

The value depends on what you want from the outing. If your ideal day means sitting on a boat, looking at coastal scenery, swimming at a few spots, and making quick island visits, the price works well. You get more than simple transport because snacks, fruit, drinks, life jackets, and floating boards are included.

If you are choosing the tour mainly for excellent coral, the deal is less convincing. The snorkeling has been described as pleasant at two spots, but also as below average. The islands can look striking from offshore, while the shore visits may feel plain. That difference matters.

The six-island option offers better value if lunch is important to you. It includes a small meal, though you should not expect a restaurant lunch. One account describes it as a modest boxed meal. Unlimited drinks and a small free meal were praised on another outing, so the food seems best treated as practical fuel rather than a highlight.

The price also reflects the group size. With as many as 50 people, the boat may feel busy, especially when everyone moves into the water or gathers for instructions. You are paying for convenience and variety, not personal attention or a quiet atmosphere.

Starting at Koh Kudi

Koh Kudi is the first main stop, with about 45 minutes to explore and snorkel. The island is presented as a quiet place with clear water, coral, calm surroundings, and a peaceful beach setting. It is the sort of stop that works best when you want a quick swim and a break from the boat.

The short timing keeps the tour moving, but it limits what you can do. You will not have a full morning to walk around, sit on the beach, and wait for the water to settle. With a large group, part of those 45 minutes may go toward getting ashore, receiving instructions, and preparing your equipment.

For snorkeling, the conditions will matter more than the description. Clear water can make this stop enjoyable, but the experience may vary with weather and sea conditions. The tour requires good weather, and the five-island route can change depending on it. Bring realistic expectations: Koh Kudi is a brief island stop, not a private beach day.

Snorkeling at Koh Tham Tai Khao

Koh Tham Tai Khao is scheduled for another 45-minute stop. This is one of the tour’s main water-based moments, with coral reefs and colorful underwater scenery as the focus.

You receive snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, so you do not need to arrange basic gear separately. Floating boards are also included, which can help if you are not a confident swimmer or simply want to rest while watching the water.

The 45-minute window is useful for a short session, but it is not a long snorkeling outing. You may need to share the best water areas with other people, and the quality of the reef can change with the day’s conditions. Some visitors found the snorkeling enjoyable at two locations, while another account found it underwhelming overall.

That mixed result is the best guide to your expectations. If you are new to snorkeling, the included equipment and short sessions make this an easy introduction. If you have already snorkeled at excellent reef sites, you may find the underwater sights ordinary.

The 90-minute stop at Koh Khame and Koh Krawai

Koh Khame and Koh Krawai receive the longest stop, about one hour and 30 minutes. This is valuable because you have time for more than a rushed photo stop. You can take part in beach activities, look around, relax by the water, and visit the famous sea split.

The sea split is the most distinctive feature named on the route. It gives the stop a clear point of interest beyond a general beach visit. You will want to allow time to see it, take photographs, and still enjoy the shore.

This stop may also explain why some people find the tour pleasant even when the snorkeling is not exceptional. A half-day on the water does not have to be all about coral. The sea split, beach time, and views from the boat add variety.

Still, do not assume every part of the island will impress you. The shore scenery has received mixed opinions, with some finding the islands plain once they arrived. The longer stop can feel generous if you enjoy a relaxed beach break, but it can feel slow if you expected constant activity.

A quieter pause at Koh Thalu

Koh Thalu is another picturesque island with about 45 minutes to spend. The stop is intended for unwinding, beach time, and enjoying the island setting.

This is a useful pause after the earlier snorkeling and beach activity. You can use it to dry off, take photographs, or simply sit by the water. The stop is less about a special attraction and more about giving you another island view.

That can be either a strength or a weakness. People who like a gentle rhythm will appreciate having time to relax. If you prefer fewer stops with more time at each place, the added island may feel like padding.

The tour’s appeal is its range. You see several locations rather than committing the whole afternoon to one beach. The tradeoff is that no single island receives enough time to feel fully explored.

Cruising around Koh Plai Tin

The final listed part of the route is a 45-minute scenic cruise around Koh Plai Tin. You may not go ashore here. Instead, the point is to see the island from the water and take in the coastal views.

This is a good reminder that the tour is as much a boat trip as an island tour. Some of the strongest scenery may come while you are moving between stops, especially if you enjoy taking photographs from the deck.

The cruise can also help the schedule feel less rushed. After several water and beach activities, a period of sitting back is welcome. On the other hand, if you want every minute to include swimming or shore time, this part may feel like a slow finish.

Bring a way to protect your phone and camera from spray. The information does not specify storage or seating arrangements, so keep valuable items secure and follow the crew’s instructions.

Five islands or six islands?

The six-island route is the more complete choice. It includes snorkeling at two or three spots and lunch. If you want the longest version of the day and prefer having food included, this is likely the better value.

The five-island route includes snorkeling at two spots, with the exact plan affected by weather. It may suit you if you want a shorter or simpler schedule, but the available information does not provide a separate duration or a precise list of which stops are removed.

Ask the operator which islands are included on your chosen date. The route may be adjusted for sea conditions, and the five-island option is not simply a guaranteed identical trip with one stop deleted.

The weather rule is important. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can receive a different date or a full refund. That is useful protection for a sea-based activity, where safety and visibility can change quickly.

Snacks, photos, and the everyday comforts

The included refreshments are one of the more practical strengths. Snacks, fruit, and drinks mean you are less likely to spend the day hungry between stops. The six-island trip also includes lunch, though the meal should be viewed as basic rather than a reason to book.

Free underwater photos add value. You should still protect your own phone and not assume every photograph will be perfect. The images are a pleasant extra, especially if you want a record of the snorkeling without risking your personal device.

Life jackets and floating boards are helpful for mixed ability levels. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but the tour does require a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving between boat and shore, and taking part in water activities.

No specific guide name is provided, so you cannot choose the excursion based on an individual guide. The service includes an in-person English guide and a friendly crew, which should help with general instructions and the day’s schedule.

Group size, timing, and the pickup confusion

The experience lasts about six hours and ends back at the meeting point. The stated starting point is in Ko Samet, Phe, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong, Thailand.

One important detail is inconsistent. The general summary says pickup is offered, but the detailed inclusion section says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Do not assume transport from your hotel. Confirm the meeting point and pickup arrangement directly with Manta Marina before booking.

A maximum of 50 people makes this a large shared outing. That can keep the price low and create a social atmosphere, but it may also mean queues for equipment, crowded water stops, and less flexibility if you want to linger.

The six-hour length is manageable for most people who enjoy a half-day at sea. Yet one account found five hours too long because the islands did not offer enough interest. That is a useful warning: the schedule is generous only if you enjoy boat time, beach pauses, and repeated short stops.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it most to people who want a straightforward introduction to island hopping around Ko Samet. The included equipment removes some planning, and the route offers a mix of snorkeling, beaches, a sea split, and boat views.

It is also a sensible choice for families and mixed groups, provided everyone has moderate physical fitness and can take part in a shared boat trip. Floating boards and life jackets make the water activities more approachable.

You may be less satisfied if you want untouched beaches, outstanding reef quality, or long quiet periods away from crowds. The maximum group size is significant, and the current overall rating is only 3 out of 5 from three posted ratings. That does not make the trip a failure, but it confirms that the experience can be uneven.

For the best chance of enjoying it, book the six-island version, check the pickup details, and treat the snorkeling as one part of a scenic boat day rather than the sole purpose.

Should you book the Ko Samet island tour?

Book it if you value variety, a low price, included equipment, simple refreshments, and the chance to see several islands in one half-day. Koh Khame’s sea split, the underwater photos, and the two or three snorkeling stops give the trip enough variety to justify the cost for many people.

Skip it if you want a small boat, excellent coral, gourmet food, or deep exploration of each island. The shores may feel ordinary, the lunch is basic, and the group can be large.

My practical verdict is cautious but positive for budget-minded visitors. At $34.48, it is a reasonable sampler, especially with the six-island lunch option. Just confirm transport before booking and keep your expectations focused on scenery, swimming, and variety rather than flawless beaches or top-tier snorkeling.

FAQ

How long does the Ko Samet snorkeling tour last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and ends back at the meeting point.

How many islands does the tour visit?

The tour offers a five-island or six-island option. The route includes Koh Kudi, Koh Tham Tai Khao, Koh Khame, Koh Krawai, Koh Thalu, and a scenic cruise around Koh Plai Tin.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included on the six-island trip only. The five-island option does not list lunch as an inclusion.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The six-island trip includes snorkeling at two or three spots. The five-island trip includes two snorkeling stops, depending on weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

The available information is inconsistent. The summary says pickup is offered, while the detailed information says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Confirm the arrangement with Manta Marina before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts.