Pattaya Snorkelling Boat Trip — Two Island Sites and a Hot Lunch
A full day on a real dive boat as a snorkeller: two island sites, snorkel leaders and a hot lunch between them. From ฿1,200 per person, 08:00 to about 16:00 from Bali Hai pier.
Pattaya, Thailand · 8h · ฿1,200 per person · EN
Had a great experience diving with Dong! The entire team was friendly, professional, and very helpful from start to finish. Dong was especially attentive, adjusting the pace to match my comfort level, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
What is this tour like?
Most snorkelling in Pattaya happens off a crowded speedboat parked at the busiest beach on Koh Larn. This is a different day: you go out on Thai Ocean Academy's own dive boat, which is built for divers and therefore visits sites the tourist boats do not.
The day starts at Bali Hai pier at 08:00 and you are back at the pier by about 16:00. The boat runs to two snorkelling sites around the local islands, with a hot lunch served in between and fruit, snacks and hot and cold drinks available all day. Snorkel leaders stay with the group in the water — the team says it handles everything from people trying a mask for the first time to freediving champions — so being a strong swimmer helps but is not the requirement.
The boats are custom built and run by the team itself: solar panels, holding tanks for waste and grey water, a yearly dry-docking, full insurance and Thai registration, with captains or engineers holding licences. Both have western-style toilets, outdoor showers and private indoor showers. If you decide on the boat that you want to breathe underwater after all, the same day converts into a try dive in the ocean, and certified divers can simply book fun dives on the same trip.
What are the highlights?
- A purpose-built dive boat, not an overloaded tourist ferry
- Two snorkelling sites away from the main tourist spots
- Snorkel leaders on board looking after the group
- Hot lunch, fruit, snacks and hot and cold drinks all day
- Western-style toilets and both outdoor and indoor showers
- You can switch to a try dive or fun dives on the same day
How does the day go, hour by hour?tap a photo to enlarge
- 08:00Board at Bali Hai pier
Arrive at Bali Hai pier at 08:00, meet the crew and pick up your mask, snorkel and fins.
- TransitOut to the first site
The boat cruises at up to nine knots to a site around the local islands, away from the main tourist spots.
- ReefsFirst snorkel
Into the water with a snorkel leader over corals and reef fish. Turtles and rays turn up on these islands.
- MiddayHot lunch on board
Lunch is served between the sites, with fruit, snacks and hot and cold drinks available all day.
- AfternoonSecond snorkel
A second site with a different character. Divers on board make their second dive at the same time.
- 16:00Back at the pier
The boat is back at Bali Hai pier by about 16:00.
What's included in the price?
- High-quality snorkelling equipment
- Two snorkelling sites
- Snorkel leaders on board
- Hot lunch on the boat
- Fruit, snacks, hot and cold drinks
- VAT
What's not included?
- Transport to and from the pier
- Accommodation
- Scuba dives — a try dive or fun dives are priced separately
- Scuba equipment rental for divers — ฿600 for the day
- Gratuities
What should you know before you go?
Who runs this tour?
Where do we meet?
Bali Hai pier, Pattaya, at 08:00. The Thai Ocean Academy dive centre is at 144/101-102 Thappraya Road, Pattaya, open 08:00–20:00 daily.
Exact meeting point shared after booking.
FAQ
What does ฿1,200 cover?
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Where and when do we meet?
Is snorkelling in Pattaya actually good?
Can I try scuba diving on the same trip?
What are the boats like?
How big is the group?
What is the cancellation policy?
Is there a good time of year to come?
What should I bring?
Quick questions
What do guests say?
“Had a great experience diving with Dong! The entire team was friendly, professional, and very helpful from start to finish. Dong was especially attentive, adjusting the pace to match my comfort level, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.”
“From the moment I booked, everything was seamlessly organized — no stress, no confusion, just a smooth, well-run operation. They run their own dive boat, which makes the whole experience feel personal and professional at the same time.”
“The longer you spend here the more you see how meticulous and particular they are with their attention to detail. They make you feel welcome and are always friendly; the longer you spend with them the more you feel a part of the Thai Ocean Academy family.”
How can you pay?
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