- Koh Tao lies about 45 km north of Koh Samui, the longest day trip from the island, so a fast speedboat and a full 8-hour day make the most sense.
- Koh Nang Yuan charges an entrance fee of ฿250 per adult and ฿125 per child, with children aged 12 and older paying as adults, not included in the boat price.
- Pearl is the most booked speedboat and the lowest Koh Tao price in the list: ฿41,000 for 8 hours, up to 15 guests, hotel transfer included.
- Ruby 38 (฿46,000), Ofcourse, Sapphire and Ti Ti (฿47,000 each) and Neverland (฿53,000) run Koh Tao days from the north side of Koh Samui.
- Coco Cay (฿61,000) and Summer Casa (฿62,000) price Koh Tao for 2 guests and have an onboard toilet, a plus on a long crossing.
It is 8 am on the north coast of Koh Samui, the sea is flat, and the island you are heading for is too far away to see. That is the first thing to know about a Koh Tao private speedboat day: it is the big trip, the one that takes you furthest from Samui, and it rewards a good plan.
Done right, it is one of the best days at sea in the Gulf of Thailand: the famous three-island sandbar of Koh Nang Yuan, a climb to its viewpoint and clear bays around Koh Tao for snorkelling. Done wrong, it is a long ride with a short swim. Here is how to get it right.
What is a Koh Tao private speedboat day from Samui?
It is a full day with a whole speedboat, captain and crew for your group: you cross north to Koh Tao, spend time at Koh Nang Yuan and one or two snorkelling bays around Koh Tao, then cross back in the afternoon. All the speedboat Koh Tao routes in the list are 8-hour days.
Koh Tao lies about 45 km north of Koh Samui, and about 40 km east of Chumphon on the mainland. That distance is why this is a speedboat trip: none of the catamarans in the list run a Koh Tao route, and on a slow boat most of the day would disappear into the crossing.
Koh Tao itself is a small, rocky island of granite boulders, coconut palms and small bays, with the main town on the west coast. It is known as one of the busiest dive training centres in Thailand, which tells you something about the water: surrounded by reefs and underwater pinnacles, it is the clearest of the day trips from Samui on a good day.
Koh Nang Yuan sits just off the north-west coast of Koh Tao: three small islands joined by sandbars, with a resort, a beach and a viewpoint. It is the postcard image of this trip, and the main reason many people pick this route over the closer ones.
How long is the crossing, and what is the sea like?
The crossing to Koh Tao is the longest of any day trip from Samui, much longer than the run to Koh Phangan, and it crosses open water. On a calm morning in a fast boat it passes quickly; in a choppy sea it can feel long, and the captain will slow down for comfort.
Speed matters here more than on any other route. Ofcourse, Sapphire and Ti Ti have two 300 hp Mercury Verado engines and a top speed of 40 knots, Ruby 38 uses the same engines, Pearl runs on two 200 hp Suzuki outboards, and Neverland on three 250 hp Honda outboards. Neverland, Ofcourse, Sapphire and Ti Ti are moored on the north side of Samui, the closest side to Koh Tao, so the day starts with the shortest possible run.
The season matters too. For much of the year the Gulf is kind, but from about November to January the north-east monsoon can make the sea rough. In that period the captain may change the route, shorten the day or move the trip to another date, so keep a backup date.
For the crossing itself, simple habits help: sit in the middle of the boat, look at the horizon rather than a phone, eat something light before leaving and keep drinking water. Bring a light jacket or a towel: at speed the wind feels cool, even in the tropics.
What do you do on Koh Nang Yuan?
You walk the sandbar, swim in the shallow bays on both sides and, if you have the energy, climb to the viewpoint for the classic photo of the three islands joined by sand. Most visitors spend a good part of their Koh Tao day here.
Koh Nang Yuan charges an entrance fee of ฿250 per adult and ฿125 per child, and children aged 12 and older pay as adults. The fee is not included in any of the boat prices, so bring cash for it. The island is privately run and has had its own rules over the years, for example on what you can bring ashore; follow the guide's briefing on the day.
The viewpoint climb is short but steep, on steps and rocks, and it is hot in the middle of the day. Wear proper sandals or trainers rather than flip-flops, take water and go early if you can. The view from the top, with the sandbar curving between turquoise water on both sides, is the image of the whole trip.
The sandbar itself is good for families. The water on either side is usually shallow and calm, and the snorkelling just off the island, around the area often called Japanese Gardens, has coral and plenty of reef fish close to the surface. Watch the sun: there is little shade on the sand.
Where is the best snorkelling around Koh Tao?
The best snorkelling is usually in the small bays on Koh Tao's east and north coasts and around Koh Nang Yuan. The captain picks the bays on the day, depending on wind and swell, because the sheltered side changes with the weather.
Here are the spots guests most often ask about. Not all of them fit into one day, so pick one or two besides Koh Nang Yuan:
- Japanese Gardens (Koh Nang Yuan): shallow coral right off the sandbar, easy for beginners.
- Shark Bay (Thian Og): on the south-east coast, known for sightings of turtles and small blacktip reef sharks that are harmless to people. Sightings are never guaranteed.
- Aow Leuk and Tanote Bay: two east-coast bays with boulders, coral and clear water, sheltered in calmer conditions.
- Mango Bay: a quiet bay on the north coast, close to Koh Nang Yuan and easy to combine with it.
Snorkelling masks or equipment are included on all of the speedboats in the list. Ofcourse, Sapphire, Ti Ti and Neverland can also add a scuba dive with equipment, an instructor and 2 dives for ฿4,500, which is a tempting extra on a Koh Tao day; ask when you book whether it fits your route and time.
Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not stand on the coral. In the shallow bays it is tempting to rest your feet on the bottom; a life jacket or a float lets you rest without damaging the reef.
What does a full day plan look like?
A good Koh Tao day puts Koh Nang Yuan first, while it is quiet, then one or two snorkelling bays and a late lunch before the crossing back. The exact order depends on the captain and the sea.
- Morning departure from the north side of Koh Samui (or the Naval Base for Coco Cay and Summer Casa), with the long crossing while the sea is often calmer.
- Koh Nang Yuan: pay the island fee, climb to the viewpoint, swim off the sandbar and snorkel at Japanese Gardens.
- A snorkelling bay on Koh Tao, chosen by the captain for the conditions.
- Lunch: on most of these speedboats lunch is not included or is an extra charge, so either arrange it when you book or stop at a beach restaurant on Koh Tao.
- A second bay or a quiet swim stop if time allows.
- Crossing back to Samui in the afternoon, with drinks and fruit on board.
My advice: do not overload the plan. Koh Nang Yuan plus one good bay, with time to actually enjoy both, beats four rushed stops. Soft drinks, water and fruit are included on all of these boats, and snacks on several, but on a long day bring something more filling if lunch is not arranged.
The Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan charter page lists every boat on this route with its full inclusions, so you can see at a glance where lunch and transfer are covered.
Why does a private boat beat the public ferry for a Koh Tao day trip?
For a day trip, a private speedboat gives you far more time on Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. The public ferries run on fixed timetables, often stop at Koh Phangan on the way, and drop you at the main pier, from where you still need a taxi boat to Koh Nang Yuan or the bays.
With a private boat, the boat goes straight to the places you came for and waits for you. No ferry queue, no taxi to the pier on the other side, no watching the clock for the last ferry back. Your group sets the pace.
The ferry is the right choice if you want to stay on Koh Tao for a few nights, or if you are travelling alone on a tight budget: the price of a private boat is for the whole boat, so it makes most sense when shared by a group. For one or two people, Coco Cay and Summer Casa price their Koh Tao day for 2 guests.
A private boat also lets you change the plan. If the east coast is choppy, the captain can switch to the sheltered side; if the children are tired, you can head back early. On a ferry day you are on someone else's schedule.
Which speedboats run Koh Tao, and what do they cost?
Eight speedboats in the list run a Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan day, from ฿41,000 to ฿62,000 for the whole boat. The base group and the extra guest price change the real cost, so compare those too.
| Speedboat | Koh Tao price (8 hours) | Base group / max | Extra guest | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl | ฿41,000 | 6 / 15 | ฿2,000 | Most booked, lowest price, hotel transfer included |
| Ruby 38 | ฿46,000 | 6 / 8 | ฿2,000 | Hotel transfer, small groups |
| Ofcourse | ฿47,000 | 6 / 24 | ฿1,000 | Licensed guide, 40 knots |
| Sapphire | ฿47,000 | 6 / 24 | ฿1,000 | Licensed guide, 40 knots |
| Ti Ti | ฿47,000 | 6 / 24 | ฿1,000 | Licensed guide, 40 knots |
| Neverland | ฿53,000 | 10 / 37 | ฿1,000 | Largest group on one speedboat |
| Coco Cay | ฿61,000 | 2 / 10 | ฿2,000 | Butler, onboard toilet, beach picnic |
| Summer Casa | ฿62,000 | 2 / 10 | ฿2,000 | Butler, onboard toilet, beach picnic |
Note that Anda does not run Koh Tao: its routes are Koh Phangan, Koh Tan with Koh Madsum and Koh Rap, and Ang Thong. For a premium Koh Tao day there are also motor yachts, Princess 42 at ฿139,000 and Minor Affair at ฿305,000, but that is a different kind of trip. The speedboat charter page has all the fast boats in one place.
Hotel transfer is included on Ruby 38 and Pearl, but not on Ofcourse, Sapphire, Ti Ti or Neverland. Coco Cay and Summer Casa leave from the Naval Base. Children up to 5 travel free on Coco Cay and Summer Casa, and from 6 they pay as adults.
For most groups of 6 to 15, Pearl is the boat I would book for Koh Tao, and it is the speedboat guests choose most often. It is the lowest Koh Tao price in the table at ฿41,000 for the whole 12 m boat, the price covers up to 6 guests with ฿2,000 per extra guest up to 15, and hotel transfer, a guide, snorkelling masks, life jackets, soft drinks, water, fruit and snacks are included. Lunch and the Koh Nang Yuan fee are not, so plan for both. The Pearl speedboat page shows the route and the booking form.
A quick match: Pearl suits a group of up to 15 who want the best price with transfer included, Ruby 38 a small group of up to 8, Ofcourse a group of friends who want speed and space for up to 24, and Neverland a big group that wants to travel together. For a couple who want a butler and a toilet on board, Summer Casa or Coco Cay is the better pick.
Before you book a Koh Tao day
A booking request takes a few minutes and is free and non-binding: a manager checks that the boat is free on your date and confirms the final price for your group before anything is paid.
- Pick a date with a backup, especially between November and January.
- Count guests and children's ages: the Koh Nang Yuan fee and the extra guest price both depend on it.
- Bring cash for the Koh Nang Yuan entrance fee.
- Sort out lunch: included, extra charge or a beach restaurant.
- Check pickup: hotel transfer included, or your own way to the pier or the Naval Base.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, proper shoes for the viewpoint and a light layer for the crossing.
If you are still unsure whether Koh Tao is the right day for your group, compare it with a private day around Koh Phangan, which has a much shorter crossing. When you are ready, send the request on the boat page, or use the contact page or WhatsApp for help choosing.
Questions and answers
Is Koh Tao worth it as a day trip from Koh Samui?
Yes, for a group that is happy with a long crossing and wants the best snorkelling within reach of Samui. For anyone prone to seasickness or travelling with very young children, a shorter route such as Koh Phangan or Koh Tan is often the happier choice.
Can I swim at Koh Nang Yuan if I am not a strong swimmer?
Yes. The water off the sandbar is usually shallow and calm, and life jackets are on board most of the speedboats. The guide or crew can point you to the easiest spot.
Can we dive at Koh Tao on a speedboat day?
Ofcourse, Sapphire, Ti Ti and Neverland offer a scuba add-on with equipment, an instructor and 2 dives for ฿4,500. Ask when you book whether a dive can fit into your Koh Tao route and timing.
Do children pay the Koh Nang Yuan fee?
Yes, children pay ฿125, and children aged 12 and older pay the adult fee of ฿250. The fee is not included in the boat price.
Can we stay overnight on Koh Tao with a private boat?
The speedboat routes in the list are 8-hour day trips. If you want to stay a few nights on Koh Tao, the public ferry is usually the simpler option.
Will we see sharks or turtles?
Small blacktip reef sharks and turtles are sometimes seen around Koh Tao, especially at Shark Bay, but nothing is guaranteed. The reef sharks are shy and harmless to people.
What should we wear for the Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint?
Wear sandals with a strap or trainers, since the path is steep with steps and rocks. Take water and a hat, and go early to avoid the midday heat.
Which speedboat is the cheapest for a Koh Tao day?
Pearl, at ฿41,000 for 8 hours to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. The price covers up to 6 guests, each extra guest costs ฿2,000 up to 15, and hotel transfer is included. It is also the speedboat booked most often.
Ready to choose your boat?
Every boat page shows the routes, prices and what is included. The booking request is free: a manager checks the boat is free on your date and confirms the price.
Updated 24 October 2026. Prices can change: the boat page always shows the current price.
