Excursion Koh Tao depuis Koh Samui : Est-ce que ça vaut le coup ?

Koh Tao is widely regarded as the best snorkeling and diving island in the Gulf of Thailand. But with a travel time of 2 to 2.5 hours each way by ferry from Koh Samui, the big question is: can you actually enjoy it in a single day? Here is our honest assessment as a local tour operator, along with all the practical details you need to decide.

Comment aller de Koh Samui à Koh Tao

Il existe deux façons principales de rejoindre Koh Tao depuis Koh Samui : le ferry rapide public ou un charter privé en speedboat. Chacune a ses avantages et inconvénients.

Option 1 : Ferry Rapide

Two ferry companies operate the Samui-Tao route daily: Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery. Both depart from Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast. The crossing takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, with a brief stop at Koh Phangan along the way.

• Departure times: Typically 08:00 and 12:30 (check schedules as they vary by season)
• Return ferries: Usually 09:30 and 15:00 from Koh Tao
• Cost: Around 600-700 THB one way per person
• Booking: Online or at the pier — book in advance during peak season

The main drawback of the ferry for a day trip is timing. If you take the 08:00 ferry and the 15:00 return, you get roughly 4-5 hours on Koh Tao. That is enough for one or two snorkeling spots and a quick lunch, but it feels rushed.

Option 2 : Speedboat Privé avec Samui Authentic

A private speedboat charter cuts the crossing time to approximately 1.5 hours. More importantly, you depart and return whenever you want — no fixed schedule to worry about. You can leave at 08:00 and return at 17:00, giving you a full day of exploration.

Our speedboats accommodate up to 10 or 20 passengers depending on the boat. The captain knows the best snorkeling spots and can take you directly to quieter bays that ferry passengers never reach.

Les Meilleurs Spots de Snorkeling à Koh Tao

La visibilit\u00e9 sous-marine \u00e0 Koh Tao d\u00e9passe r\u00e9guli\u00e8rement 15-20 m\u00e8tres, en faisant l\

Shark Bay (Ao Thian Ok)

Despite the name, there is nothing to worry about. Shark Bay is famous for its blacktip reef sharks — small, harmless, and absolutely mesmerizing to watch gliding over the sandy bottom. You will also spot sea turtles here frequently, making it one of the most rewarding snorkeling experiences in all of Thailand. The bay is shallow and calm, suitable for all swimming levels.

Mango Bay

Situ\u00e9e \u00e0 la pointe nord de Koh Tao, Mango Bay offre de magnifiques formations coralliennes pr\u00e8s du rivage. L\

Japanese Gardens

Situ\u00e9 entre Koh Tao et Koh Nang Yuan, Japanese Gardens est un r\u00e9cif en pente douce couvert de coraux color\u00e9s, mous et durs. Le site tire son nom des formations coralliennes soigneusement agenc\u00e9es qui \u00e9voquent un jardin japonais. La profondeur va de 2 \u00e0 12 m\u00e8tres et la diversit\u00e9 de la vie marine est exceptionnelle. C\

Aow Leuk Bay

Une belle baie en fer \u00e0 cheval sur la c\u00f4te sud-est. Le c\u00f4t\u00e9 gauche pr\u00e9sente des rochers et du corail, tandis que le c\u00f4t\u00e9 droit a un fond sablonneux — id\u00e9al pour les nageurs moins assur\u00e9s. Le r\u00e9cif commence \u00e0 quelques m\u00e8tres du rivage. Un petit droit d\

Koh Nang Yuan : Le Banc de Sable Iconique

No Koh Tao day trip is complete without a visit to Koh Nang Yuan, a tiny group of three islands connected by a stunning white sandbar. It is one of the most photographed spots in Thailand, and for good reason — the views from the hilltop viewpoint are breathtaking.

Koh Nang Yuan is just a 15-minute longtail boat ride from Koh Tao's Mae Haad Pier. The island charges a 100 THB entrance fee. Important rules: single-use plastic bottles are strictly banned (transfer your water to a reusable container), and drones are not allowed.

Le snorkeling depuis le banc de sable est excellent — coraux colorés et poissons abondants à quelques mètres de la plage. Avec un speedboat privé, vous pouvez arriver tôt avant la foule des ferries et profiter du banc de sable presque pour vous.

Excursion Koh Tao : Détail des Prix

Voici une comparaison réaliste des coûts pour une excursion Koh Tao depuis Koh Samui :

At Samui Authentic, our Koh Tao shared excursion is priced at 5,000 THB per adult. This is an all-inclusive price covering speedboat transfer, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, snorkeling equipment, insurance, and an English or French-speaking guide. For a private charter, contact us via WhatsApp for exact pricing based on your group size and itinerary.

Est-ce que ça vaut le long trajet ? Notre avis honnête

Voici notre évaluation franche :

Alternatives plus proches à considérer

Si le temps de trajet vous pr\u00e9occupe, Koh Samui offre d\

• Ang Thong Marine Park (4,400 THB/person) — 42 islands, emerald lagoon, stunning viewpoints. Only 1 hour by speedboat. Our most popular excursion.
• Koh Tan (pig island) & Koh Madsum (Pig Island) (2,800 THB/person) — Great snorkeling, meet the famous pigs, just 30 minutes away. Ideal for families.
• Koh Rap BBQ (3,500 THB/person) — Pristine deserted island with a beach BBQ lunch. Excellent snorkeling and total tranquility.

Ces excursions offrent un snorkeling fantastique avec beaucoup moins de temps de trajet, vous laissant plus d\

Conseils Pratiques pour Votre Excursion Koh Tao

1. Bring reef-safe sunscreen — Regular sunscreen damages coral. Look for mineral-based formulas without oxybenzone or octinoxate.
2. Bring a reusable water bottle — Mandatory for Koh Nang Yuan, and better for the environment everywhere else.
3. Wear water shoes — Some entry points have rocky bottoms, and sea urchins are present in certain areas.
4. Take motion sickness medication if needed — Take it 30-60 minutes before departure. The crossing can be bumpy from October to January.
5. Bring a waterproof phone case — You will want photos of those reef sharks and the Nang Yuan sandbar.
6. Book early in your trip — If weather forces a cancellation, you can reschedule to another day.

Questions Fréquentes