Ang Thong National Marine Park snorkeling and kayaking tour

Ang Thong National Marine Park translates as 'golden bowl', occupies almost 250 sq. km and includes 50 sq. km of protected nature area consisting of over 40 islands. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one. This island, Koh Paluay, is inhabited by "sea-gypsies" who still earn a living from fishing. The island looks like what Koh Samui used to look like 40 years ago, prior to the arrival of tourism and modern infrastructure. The Marine Park is famous for its natural beauty untouched by development.

The islands range in size from mere rocks in the deep blue sea to little paradise islands with white beaches and coconut trees. The movie 'the Beach' starring Leonardo Di Caprio was inspired by and partially filmed at this location. Being in the Marine Park gives you the feeling of being an explorer, discovering the far ends of the world. The water is clean, calm and inviting, creating the perfect conditions to explore the park's hidden treasures.

We believe the best option to travel to the Marine Park is by speedboat. The speedboats are very comfortable, safe and offer toilets facilities on board. The speedboat will take you to the Park in less than an hour and on most days there are hardly any waves during the trip as the waters are sheltered protected by Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

However, if you have young children, people with sensitive back, not interested in kayaking, or would like to stay overnight at the park we recommend you select the tour boat trip to the park.

The speedboat will take you first to the north of the Marine Park, to Koh Wao. Koh Wao consists of three islands with a shallow, sheltered bay in between, making it well-suited for snorkeling. The underwater life is not as abundant as at Koh Tao, but it is refreshing to jump into the water and swim around the beautiful bay. You will spend about 45 minute snorkeling at this site, where you will get a good glimpse of the Park's marine life

After snorkeling, the speedboat will take you nearby the most interesting limestone islands created by erosion of the earth which rise from the sea as dramatic rock cliffs and bizarre rock formations. Caves, hidden lagoons and white sand beaches are there to be explored.

At our next stop you will land at Talay Nai, then an easy and spectacular climb through dense rainforest and narrow ravines will take you to a fantastic viewpoint which looks out over the surrounding islands. Here you will have some time to enjoy the view and take some breathtaking pictures. A short stroll downhill will take you to the famous Emerald Lake, also known as the Blue Lagoon from the movie 'the Beach'.

From here, almost all Ang Thong Marine Park tour orators go to Wua Ta Lap Island (the Park's Visitor Center) for picnic lunch and kayaking. The visitor center is visited by many tour operators, making it very crowded. We choose instead to travel a bit farther to eat lunch and do sea kayaking at Koh Paluay's sea gypsy village.

On Koh Paluay you will have a freshly cooked buffet lunch in at the traditional Thai fisherman's village a restaurant. After lunch, the speedboat will take you to the south of the island to the secluded Song Pee Nong beach. You will be able to take leisurely tour along the coastline by sea kayak along breathtaking cliffs including the so called James Bond Island or relax, sunbath and swim at this amazing beach.

The tour includes hotel transfers, a light breakfast, bottled mineral water, fresh fruits, a buffet lunch, sea kayaking, the use of snorkeling equipment and a life jacket, and full insurance coverage.

Schedule:
07:00 - 8:00* Transfer from your hotel to the pier.
(Pick up time is depending on your hotel / resort location. Chaweng, Bophut, Choeng Mon 7:45 - 8:00)
08:00 A light breakfast is served in the restaurant near the pier.
08:30 Board our speedboat and depart to Koh Wao.
09:20 Arrive at Koh Wao for snorkeling.
10:10 Cruising around the magnificent scenery of the Marine Park islands to Mae Koh island.
11:30 Land at Mae Koh Island, climb to see the Emerald Lake (Talay Nai) and the spectacular viewpoints.
12:30 Departure from Talay Nai to Koh Paluay
12:50 Thai buffet lunch is served at the sea-gypsy village restaurant on Koh Paluay.
13:50 Arrive at secluded Song Pee Nong Beach. Guided kayaking tour along the coast and James Bond Island (optional).
15:30 Depart from Koh Paluay and head back to Koh Samui
16:30 Transfer back to your hotel.
Program is subject to change depending on weather and sea conditions.

Tour Price: 2,000 THB per adults; 1,400 THB Children ages 4 to 10 under 100cm

Get our early booking price of 1,800 THB per adult; 1,300 THB Children (Tickets must be purchased at least 3 days prior to departure)
Tour prices does not Include the admission fee to the marine park currently 200THB for adults 100 for Children

This tour is available with or without kayaking (If you or some people in your group do not wish to do kayaking, you will have additional time to explore the amazing Song Pee Nong Beach, relax or play beach games)

We would like to recommend avoid booking this tour for the day after the full moon party on Koh Phangan that will be taking place 25 May, 23 Jun, 24 Jul, 21 Aug, 19 Sep, 19 Oct, 17 Nov, 17 & 31 Dec 2013. The boats run the entire night which limited the number of crew we have for the next day.