Spend a full day on the Gulf's two most celebrated snorkeling islands. Koh Tao's Mango Bay offers calm, clear water and easy access to coral and reef fish straight off the beach; Koh Nang Yuan, a short hop north, is famous for the Japanese Garden reef and the viewpoint trail that ends above its sandbar linking three small islands.

How the day runs

Pick-up from your Koh Samui hotel (or meet us at Thong Sala pier on Koh Phangan — see note below) brings you to the pier for check-in and breakfast. The crossing to Koh Tao is by modern twin- or triple-engine speedboat, run at comfortable capacity, with an English-speaking crew.

First stop is Ao Muang (Mango Bay) on Koh Tao's north coast for snorkeling and time on the beach, followed by lunch at a local restaurant on the island. In the afternoon the boat continues to Koh Nang Yuan, where you can snorkel the Japanese Garden or walk up to the viewpoint for the panorama the island is known for — or fit in both. The return crossing brings you back to Samui or Phangan, with hotel transfer arranged at the Samui end.

Good to know

• Fins are not permitted at Koh Nang Yuan (island regulation).
• Guests joining from Koh Phangan: land transfer is not included. Book a private transfer with us or make your own way to Thong Sala pier.
• Breakfast, lunch, and snorkeling gear are included.

Two things to check before you publish: I assumed snorkeling gear is included (the original implies it but doesn't say), and I described Nang Yuan as three islets joined by a sandbar rather than "private island" — it's privately managed, but "private" can read as exclusive access, which the tour doesn't offer. Adjust if either isn't accurate.