Our Koh Tao Thailand Ocean Swimming Adventure is designed for travellers who want to experience the thrill of exploring a tropical island from the water. This is more than simply swimming from a beautiful beach. Each day takes you on a new guided ocean swim, following Koh Tao’s spectacular coastline, crossing secluded bays and swimming above colourful coral reefs in the warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao is renowned for its exceptional underwater world, with vibrant coral gardens and an abundance of tropical marine life. Our carefully selected swims showcase different parts of the island, combining beautiful coastal scenery with opportunities to encounter sea turtles, colourful reef fish and other marine life along the way. With experienced guides and support throughout, you can relax and enjoy the freedom of swimming through one of Thailand’s most spectacular island environments.
What truly sets this journey apart is its flexibility. You don’t need to be an elite swimmer to join the adventure. Confident ocean swimmers can enjoy longer swim options, while those wanting a more relaxed experience can choose shorter swims. Non-swimming partners are also welcome, making this an ideal adventure for couples and friends who want to travel together without having to do exactly the same activities each day.
Beyond the water, there is time to experience the laid-back beauty of Koh Tao, snorkel its reefs, explore the island and simply relax in a tropical setting. It is this combination of guided ocean swimming, extraordinary marine life, flexibility and island experiences that makes our Koh Tao adventure so much more than a traditional swimming holiday.
Flexibility for everyone
Our guided ocean swims cater for different abilities, with shorter and longer options available each day. Non-swimming partners are equally welcome, with plenty of ways to experience Koh Tao. Join the boat trips, snorkel colourful reefs, explore the island, kayak from the resort or simply relax by the infinity pool or beach. It means couples and friends can enjoy the same island adventure together, while choosing the activities and pace that suit them best.
To suit different fitness levels
Our ocean swims are relaxed, supportive and carefully planned around the conditions and the group. The flexibility of different pace groups and shorter or longer swim options allow you to enjoy the water at a pace that feels right for you. Non-swimming partners are equally welcome, with opportunities to join boat trips, snorkel colourful reefs, explore the island, kayak or simply relax by the infinity pool or beach. It’s about enjoying the experience together, not how fast or far you swim.
Less time on the road, more time experiencing Koh Tao from the water
Location makes all the difference on an ocean swimming adventure. We have carefully chosen a superb peninsula resort that allows our private boat to collect us directly from the water’s edge, taking us out to explore Koh Tao’s beautiful bays, reefs and swimming locations without lengthy road transfers across the island. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, more time swimming, more time relaxing and a wonderfully seamless way to experience Koh Tao.
Swim in the tropical waters of Koh Tao, Thailand’s legendary “Turtle Island”
Koh Tao means “Turtle Island”, making the chance to share its warm tropical waters with sea turtles particularly special. Green and hawksbill turtles can be found around the island, gliding over coral reefs and feeding in sheltered bays. As you swim through clear blue waters and above colourful coral gardens, keep watch for these graceful residents below. Encountering a sea turtle in its natural environment is an unforgettable experience and a wonderful reminder of what makes ocean swimming around Koh Tao so extraordinary.
Celebrate your final night on Koh Samui with a spectacular private fire show
Your ocean swimming adventure finishes in style on the neighbouring island of Koh Samui. On our final evening, we come together near the vibrant Fisherman’s Village for a private fire show. Fire performances have become an iconic part of Thailand’s island culture, lighting up tropical beaches after dark with incredible displays of skill, movement and flame. It’s a spectacular way to celebrate the swims, experiences and memories shared throughout the week, and a fitting finale to an unforgettable Thailand adventure.
4 star resort surrounded by the waters of Koh Tao
Our home on Koh Tao is the beautifully positioned Sai Daeng Resort, set on a private peninsula at the southern tip of the island with ocean on both sides and views towards Shark Island. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the resort’s villas offer a peaceful retreat after a day in the water. Relax beside the spectacular infinity pool overlooking the ocean, enjoy a drink at the swim-up bar, snorkel directly from the resort or simply find a quiet spot and soak up the tropical island setting. For an ocean swimming adventure, it’s hard to imagine a more perfectly positioned base.
Tour pricing is based on Standard Garden rooms. Optional upgrades available to Superior Ocean View and Deluxe Beachfront Views – Enquire for price.
A stylish final night on the shores of Koh Samui
Our final night is spent at the beautiful NH Collection Samui Peace Resort, set directly on Bophut Beach and just a short stroll from the lively Fisherman’s Village. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the resort offers a relaxed beachfront setting with a large swimming pool and wonderful views across the Gulf of Thailand. After our final swim on Koh Tao, it’s the perfect place to unwind, enjoy the beach or wander into Fisherman’s Village before coming together for our special final-night dinner and private fire show – a spectacular finale to our Thailand ocean swimming adventure.
Authentic Thai flavours and local dining along the way
Great food is part of the adventure. At Sai Daeng Resort, enjoy relaxed dining overlooking the ocean, with a selection of Thai and international dishes to choose from. During our swimming days, we also stop for lunch in local bays and island villages close to our swim locations, giving you the chance to sample authentic Thai flavours and experience a little more of everyday island life. It’s the perfect combination of beautiful settings, fresh local food and relaxed dining after a rewarding day in the water.
Ocean Swimming Designed for Choice and Comfort
• Guided ocean swims with multiple pace groups to suit different swimming abilities and confidence levels
• Flexible daily swim distances, with shorter options available on selected days
• Private boat support and safety management throughout swim sessions
• Flexible daily options for supporters and non-swimmers
Wow-mazing Experiences
• Spectacular guided swims along Koh Tao’s tropical coastline, coral reefs and secluded bays
• Swim in the waters of Koh Tao,Thailand’s famous “Turtle Island”, with opportunities to encounter green sea turtles and colourful marine life
• Circumnavigation swim around spectacular Shark Island
• Private fire show on Koh Samui exclusively for our group
Exceptional Island Accommodation
• 5 nights at Sai Daeng Resort, spectacularly positioned on a private peninsula with ocean on both sides and an infinity pool overlooking the sea
• 1 night at beachfront NH Collection Samui Peace Resort on Koh Samui
Private Boat Transfers Direct from Our Resort
• Private boat transfers directly from Sai Daeng Resort to our daily swimming locations
• Less time travelling by road and more time enjoying Koh Tao’s spectacular coastline and tropical waters
• Boat support throughout our ocean swims
Thai & Island Dining – Fully Included
• 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
• Beachfront dining at Sai Daeng Resort with beautiful views across the bay
• Local lunches in secluded bays close to our swimming locations
• Final-night dinner and private fire show on Koh Samui
• Celebratory cocktail at Freedom Beach
Passionate and Professional Guides
• Experienced ocean swimming guides providing support throughout the journey
• Carefully managed swim groups allowing different abilities and swimming speeds to enjoy the adventure together
Please note the itinerary remains flexible and may be adjusted according to tides, weather and sea conditions to ensure the best swimming experience.
Day 1: Koh Samui – Koh Tao
GETTING THERE: Guests are required to arrange their own flights to Koh Samui, Thailand, arriving the day before the tour begins. We recommend pre-tour accommodation at NH Collection Samui Peace Resort, conveniently located for our morning pick-up.
ITINERARY: This morning, meet your guides in the foyer of the NH Collection Samui Peace Resort before transferring to the ferry wharf for our journey across the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Tao, aptly known as “Turtle Island.” On arrival at Koh Tao Pier, we transfer south to our spectacular accommodation at Sai Daeng Resort, beautifully positioned on a peninsula with tropical waters on both sides. This afternoon, meet your guides for a welcome briefing and our first ocean swim. All swimmers join us in the water, giving our guides an opportunity to understand individual swimming speeds and establish comfortable groupings for the week ahead. Our main swim takes us from Sai Daeng towards beautiful Aow Leuk Bay, home to one of Koh Tao’s most impressive reefs, where clear tropical waters reveal colourful coral gardens and abundant reef fish below. Those wanting a gentler introduction can enjoy a shorter 800 m swim around the resort peninsula. Tonight, settle into island life with a welcome dinner at Sai Daeng’s beachfront restaurant, where a sandy floor and beautiful views across the bay create the perfect setting for our first evening together.
Swim Environment & Pace: Warm tropical water, reef and bay swimming. Relaxed introductory pace with different swim options.
Swim Distance: Main swim approximately 2.5 km | Flexible swim 800 m.
Flexible Itinerary Options: For non-swimmers or those choosing not to complete the longer swim today:
Day 2: Mango Bay – Lighthouse Bay – Hin Wong Bay
ITINERARY: After breakfast at the resort, we step aboard our boat directly from the hotel and cruise around the island to beautiful Mango Bay, tucked beneath the jungle-covered hills of Koh Tao’s northern tip. Here we begin our first 1.8 km ocean swim, following the rocky coastline towards Lighthouse Bay. Beneath us, the underwater landscape changes between coral gardens, large submerged boulders and deeper rocky pinnacles. Keep watch for colourful parrotfish, butterflyfish, bannerfish, wrasse and grouper as we journey through the clear tropical water. Reaching secluded Lighthouse Bay, we swim past its coral-covered underwater pinnacle before coming ashore for a relaxed lunch at a local café or restaurant. This afternoon brings another spectacular 2.1 km swim from Lighthouse Bay to Hin Wong Bay, exploring Koh Tao’s wilder eastern coastline. Huge granite boulders tumble from the forested hills into the sea and continue beneath the surface, creating an underwater playground of rocky formations, coral bommies and reef. Hin Wong is particularly renowned for its marine life, with colourful reef fish and large schools of fusiliers often filling the water. Keep your eyes open for blue-spotted rays and perhaps even a small blacktip reef shark cruising through the bay. Those wanting a shorter day can skip the afternoon swim and relax aboard the boat while the group completes the final leg. Afterwards, we return together by boat directly to Sai Daeng Resort, with time to relax before dinner overlooking the beach.
Swim Environment & Pace: Coastal and reef swimming in warm tropical waters, with boat support throughout.
Swim Distance: Morning swim 1.8 km | Afternoon swim 1.5 km | Total 3.3 km
Flexible Itinerary Option: For supporters, non-swimmers or those preferring a day out of the water, join our boat to explore Koh Tao’s coastline, enjoy snorkelling at selected bays, or stay at Sai Daeng Resort for yoga, kayaking, time by the infinity pool or simply relax on the beach.
ITINERARY: After breakfast at the resort, we step aboard our boat and cruise north along Koh Tao’s eastern coastline to secluded north Mao Bay. Accessible only by boat or on foot, this remote corner of the island feels wonderfully removed from Koh Tao’s busier beaches and is the starting point for one of our most adventurous coastal swims. From Mao Bay, we begin our journey south towards Tanote Bay, swimming past the wild headland of Laem Thian. Above water, jungle-covered hills meet enormous granite boulders; below the surface, those rock formations continue into the sea, creating an underwater landscape of coral-covered boulders, rocky pinnacles and reef. This area is known for some fascinating marine life, including butterflyfish, unicornfish, batfish and grouper, with the possibility of spotting turtles or blacktip reef sharks along the way. We finish our swim at beautiful Tanote Bay, where we come ashore for a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant. At around 2.00pm, our boat collects us for the journey directly back to Sai Daeng Resort. The remainder of the afternoon is yours. Stretch out with a yoga session, take a kayak onto the water, relax beside the infinity pool or simply find a quiet spot overlooking the ocean. Tonight, we come together for another relaxed dinner at our beachfront restaurant, enjoying Thai flavours, warm tropical air and views across the water.
Swim Environment & Pace: A longer coastal journey through a remote section of Koh Tao, with granite formations, coral reef and diverse marine life.
Swim Distance: Total 3.6 km
Flexible Itinerary Option: For supporters, non-swimmers or those preferring a day out of the water, join our boat to discover Koh Tao’s secluded eastern coastline and snorkel at selected bays, or enjoy a leisurely day at Sai Daeng with yoga, kayaking, the infinity pool, beach time or a spa treatment.
Day 4: Tanote Bay – Aow Leuk Bay – Sai Daeng
ITINERARY: After breakfast at the resort, we board our boat directly from Sai Daeng and cruise to Tanote Bay on Koh Tao’s beautiful eastern coastline. Here we begin our 2 km ocean swim south towards Aow Leuk, exploring one of the island’s most interesting underwater landscapes. Huge granite boulders continue beneath the surface, surrounded by coral formations and schools of colourful tropical fish, keep watch around the rocky crevices for some of the smaller marine creatures hiding within. As we approach Aow Leuk Bay, the underwater scenery changes again. Reefs extend from both sides of this beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay, with parrotfish, butterflyfish, wrasse and schools of rabbitfish among the colourful reef life. This southeastern corner of Koh Tao is also excellent turtle territory, and green sea turtles are regularly encountered around Aow Leuk and the neighbouring bays. Juvenile blacktip reef sharks are another possible sighting in these warm, shallow waters. Of course, wildlife is wild and encounters can never be guaranteed, but on an island whose name means “Turtle Island,” there is always reason to keep looking beneath you. We come ashore at Aow Leuk for a relaxed local lunch before returning to the water for our final 600 m swim around the headland to Sai Daeng. There is something particularly special about completing the day’s swimming by arriving back at our peninsula hotel from the sea. The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Head into town for a wander and some shopping, join one of the activities available at Sai Daeng, or simply claim a lounger beside the infinity pool and enjoy the views. Tonight, kick off your shoes for another relaxed beachfront dinner at Sai Daeng. With sand beneath your feet, the lights reflecting across the bay and views towards Shark Island, settle in over delicious Thai flavours and a well-earned drink as another tropical day comes to an end.
Swim Environment & Pace: Coastal and reef swimming with coral gardens, granite underwater formations and opportunities for marine encounters.
Swim Distance: Morning swim 2 km | Final swim 600 m | Total 2.6 km
Flexible Itinerary Option: For supporters, non-swimmers or those preferring some time out of the water, join our boat and snorkel at selected bays, explore Koh Tao’s shops and cafés, enjoy a yoga session, kayak from the resort, indulge in a spa treatment or simply relax beside the infinity pool.
ITINERARY: After breakfast at the resort, we step aboard our boat for the short journey to Shark Island, a dramatic rocky islet rising from the tropical waters just offshore. Despite its name, Shark Island takes its name from its distinctive shape, said to resemble a shark’s dorsal fin. Today we circumnavigate the entire island on a spectacular 1 km swim, exploring a wonderfully varied underwater landscape of rocky shelves, coral formations and tropical reef fish. Schools of butterflyfish, snapper and fusiliers are among the marine life found around the island, making this a beautiful swim both above and below the surface. After completing our island circuit, we return to Sai Daeng Resort for lunch and some time to relax before our second swim of the day. This afternoon, we swim directly from our hotel and journey through beautiful Thian Og Bay, also known as Shark Bay, towards Freedom Beach. This sheltered bay is one of Koh Tao’s best-known places for encountering green sea turtles, which can often be seen feeding and gliding through the warm, shallow water. The bay is also a nursery for small blacktip reef sharks, shy, graceful reef dwellers that are a wonderful sight if we are lucky enough to encounter them. As always, marine encounters are entirely on nature’s terms. Our 2 km swim continues around the tropical coastline to Freedom Beach, where a well-earned cocktail awaits. Raise a glass by the water before boarding our boat for the leisurely journey back to Sai Daeng Resort. Tonight, enjoy another relaxed dinner overlooking the beach at our hotel.
Swim Environment & Pace: Island circumnavigation followed by a tropical coastal and bay swim, with excellent opportunities for reef and marine-life encounters.
Swim Distance: Shark Island circumnavigation 1 km | Afternoon swim 2 km | Total 3 km
Flexible Itinerary Option: For supporters, non-swimmers or those wanting a gentler day, join our boat to Shark Island and enjoy the scenery and snorkelling, choose just one of today’s swims, or spend time at Sai Daeng enjoying yoga, kayaking, the infinity pool, beach or spa.
Day 6: Chalok Baan Kao Bay – Sai Nuan Beach – Koh Samui
ITINERARY: After our final breakfast overlooking the water at Sai Daeng, we board our boat for the start of our last Koh Tao swim. Today we begin at beautiful Chalok Baan Kao Bay and swim 1.8 km along the island’s quieter southwestern coastline towards Sai Nuan Beach. It’s a wonderful finale to our week in the water, following a tropical coastline of palm-fringed beaches, rocky headlands and hidden coves. As we approach Sai Nuan, keep watch below for coral formations and colourful reef fish in the clear shallows. Reaching this secluded little beach marks the end of our Koh Tao swimming adventure, and the perfect place to celebrate the kilometres and incredible marine encounters we’ve shared along the way. Our boat transfers us directly back to Sai Daeng Resort before we farewell Turtle Island and transfer to the ferry wharf. We journey across the Gulf of Thailand to Koh Samui, where a private transfer takes us to the beautiful beachfront NH Collection Samui Peace Resort on Bophut Beach. Later this afternoon, those wanting to explore can head to nearby Fisherman’s Village, just a short distance from our hotel, with time to wander its boutiques, shops and lively streets before returning for our final evening together. Tonight, we finish in spectacular style. Enjoy a special dinner at our beachfront hotel before sitting back for a private fire show arranged exclusively for our group. With flames dancing against the tropical night and the shores of Bophut Bay as our backdrop, it’s a memorable finale to six extraordinary days of ocean swimming and island adventure.
Swim Environment & Pace: A relaxed final coastal swim through bays, headlands and reef along Koh Tao’s southwestern shoreline.
Swim Distance: 1.8 km
Flexible Itinerary Option: For supporters, non-swimmers or those taking the final day out of the water, enjoy the morning boat journey and Koh Tao’s coastal scenery before travelling with the group to Koh Samui. This afternoon, explore the shops and atmosphere of Fisherman’s Village or simply relax and enjoy the beachfront surroundings of our final hotel.
Day 7: Farewell Koh Samui
ITINERARY: Wake to your final morning on beautiful Koh Samui and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the tropical surrounds of NH Collection Samui Peace Resort. After an unforgettable week of ocean swimming, colourful reefs, tropical islands and marine encounters, our adventure comes to an end. For guests flying home today, airport transfers can be arranged by the hotel to take you to Koh Samui Airport, approximately 20 minutes away.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Please note your tour price does not include flights to/from Thailand We are offering our clients a service to book their international flights and any other travel plans during their holiday. If you would like our Flights Specialist to organise these requirements please email us at flights@lifesanadventure.com.au with your requirements.
PRIVATE GROUPS:
Departure date of your choice is subjective to availability. A minimum group size of 12 is required. Based on twin share – see details about Single Supplement and upgrade extras.
Please contact us for more details on (02) 9975 4553 or email: walks@lifesanadventure.com.au
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SOLO TRAVELLERS & EXTRAS:
The following extras can be purchased with your tour:</strong>
If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room, we will attempt to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we can’t find you a match of the same gender by around 12 weeks prior to the tour, you will be charged the single supplement cost.
For those wanting to guarantee their own room, a single supplement cost will be charged at the time of booking.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Please enquire
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BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Before you book please read our Booking Terms and Conditions. Click here.
SALE TICKET CONDITIONS:
* Super Earlybird, Earlybird and Spot Special Sale Tickets: Must be paid in full at time of booking. Refunds or cancellations are not permitted for Sale Tickets however, transfers to another date are permitted 12 weeks or more prior to departure. We advise taking out travel insurance in case unexpected circumstances prior to the trip, prevent you from joining this tour. Early bird or Spot Special discounts cannot be used in conjunction with another offer. We have partnered with Cover-More to provide travel insurance to our guests. To get a quote or purchase travel insurance directly with them Click here. To receive these special discounts, full payment must be made at the time of initial booking.
* Those who have travelled with Life’s An Adventure previously, receive a past passenger discount of $100. This discount will automatically be deducted from future bookings when you book online using the same email address used for past bookings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
* Prices are per person in Australian dollars and include GST.
* A deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your booking. (unless taking advantage of Earlybird or Spot Specials in which full payment is required at time of booking).
* Note: If you are booking within 120 days of your departure date – we will require full payment at the time of booking
* Prices are based on twin share of rooms. If you are travelling solo you may be required to share with someone of the same gender. If this is not suitable you can request to pay a single supplement, however, limited single rooms are available per trip so are on a request basis.
* Credit Card fees apply or contact us for bank transfer payment options. The following fees apply. Australian Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 1% +$0.20 per transaction, International Credit Cards including Visa and Mastercard 3.4% + $0.30 per transaction (payments in AUD).
* Payments must be made online via our NAB (National Australia Bank) secure payment page via credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or over the phone.
* We advise taking our Travel Insurance to cover items such as cancellation of tour due to minimum numbers not met, or adverse weather conditions, injury, evacuation, delayed flights, illness, etc. Click here
* Credit for cancelled activities. If a tour activity has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances a credit for this missed activity can be applied to any future bookings. Click here.
