Dive schools and charter companies are located mainly in Bophut and Chaweng. Although the dive spots tend to be an hour or more speedboat trip away, most of the dive companies are based on Samui rather than Koh Tao, as from a tourist’s perspective, there is more to do on Samui so it makes a better base to explore the area.
Many dive companies offer PADI dive courses, with training in resort swimming pools, before venturing into the Gulf of Thailand’s clear waters. Once you are qualified, join a dive charter to explore excellent diving locations not far from Samui. These include Ko Tao, also known as turtle island, Sail Rock as well as the Angthong Marine Park. See tropical fish, rays, dolphins and corals and even the elusive whale shark is not an uncommon sight on dive excursions.
The Samui archipelago is generally good for diving most of they year, other than during the monsoon season (Mid October to Mid December) when visibility decreases, and currents are stronger. Dive by the motto, ‘Take only photos, leave only bubbles’ and respect the underwater environment. Take all rubbish away with you, and leave shells and coral where you found them. If every diver had to take even one souvenir, there would be nothing left for divers in the future.
Always practice safety when diving, and go with a reputable company. Bangkok Samui Hospital on the ring-road in Chaweng houses a hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of divers’ decompression sickness.
Underwater-world lovers will like the small bays of Coral Cove and Crystal Bay, between Chaweng and Lamai, which is about the best snorkeling activities that Samui has to offer without leaving the island. Alternatively, the best snorkeling option would be to take a longboat trip, only a few hundred metres across to Ko Tan and Ko Matsum, two small islands off the southern harbour of Thong Krut. Here the snorkeling is even better than the Ang Thong Marine Park. The ‘Around Samui’ trip on the Naga stops at these islands for some snorkeling as it circumnavigates the entire island.
Serious snorkelers may want to book a day snorkeling trip to Koh Tao, about 90 minutes by ferry from Samui, and known as one of the best snorkeling and dive locations in South East Asia.
Some tour operators offer Kayaking trips to the Angthong National Marine Park. Explore unusual rock formations, hidden caves and inlets. See marine and bird life without disturbing it, and see where pirates used to hide their loot. Kayaks are available to rent on most beaches, for about 200 Baht per hour. This is a great upper body exercise and an interesting way to see the shoreline. Single and double kayaks are available, and most will provide life jackets.
Jet skis are available to rent on Chaweng, Lamai, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Bophut beaches. Rates vary but average between 700 – 1,000 Baht for half an hour. Be sure to check your jet ski well for scratches and dents before signing the form, just as one would do before hiring a car. Look out for swimmers and only speed up once clear of the swimming area to avoid accidents.
Samui’s weather conditions make it an ideal sailing location year round. Northeasterly winds are predominant between December and April, with stronger westerly winds from May to November. Several sailing charter companies exist on the island, ranging from small mono-hull yachts and catamarans to large Turkish Gullets and Indonesian Junks that offer joining trips or private charter. Speedboats offer tours to Koh Tao and to the Angthong National Marine Park, or are also available to charter. The Samui Regatta is held end May, beginning June each year. Forming part of the Asian circuit, it is growing in numbers of competitors and spectators each year.
Stand up paddling (SUP), is the latest water sport activity to hit Samui’s shores. Unlike surfing, what’s great about this pass-time is that no waves are required. This is good news as Samui has little waves other than during the monsoon season.
SUP involves standing atop an oversized surfboard and paddling as if on a gondola. It is an easy sport to learn for beginners, as the large boards are stable, and with little wave action, it’s hard to capsize. Those that have gained a little experience can move on to a smaller and faster board. Some boards can be converted to windsurfers, with a clip in sail, making them very versatile. Naish SUP, located at the top end of Chaweng beach in front of OP Bungalows, offers boards for rent and for sale as well as lessons. Paddle out to Koh Matlang, a small island a few hundred metres off shore. A reef a little further out creates a small wave for those that have mastered the flat, shallow water.
As Samui generally doesn’t have strong winds, kite-boarding is more popular than windsurfing, as less wind is required. Kite-boarders can often be seen at the point in front of the W Retreat, where Mae Nam meets Bophut, as well as along Mae Nam beach, Nathon, and Hua Thanon in the south east, depending on the prevailing winds.
Windsurfing is a popular water sport that is done by amateurs and professionals alike. To do it, you sail a surf board over the water by using your body weight to push or pull a sail, and setting your course to catch both waves and wind. During your holidays learn and enjoy windsurf on the beautiful beach of Koh Samui.
Windsurfing is an autonomous sport. That means you are the one who is responsible for ensuring that you get back each time you head out. With that in mind, below are a few thoughts to help you sail safely
The two single most important factors in windsurfing safety, which should apply pretty much whenever you go windsurfing: Avoid offshore winds Sail with other people.
Although generally speaking, Samui has calm waters, during October to December, 3-4 foot beach breaks can be found. The most popular surf spot is at Chaweng Beach, where surfboards and body-boards can be found for rent along the beach in surf season. As there are no dedicated surfing areas, be aware of bathers as well as jet skis who will be enjoying the rare waves too. There’s a little-known reef break outside Kamalaya resort in Laem Set in the South that can produce long and fast waves on the right day. Surfing on Samui is a case of watching the weather.
Interested in chasing the catch of the day? Board a genuine Thai fishing boat which offers plenty of shade, with all equipment supplied including your rod, lines, trawling gear, bait and lures.
Fresh cold drinks supplied all day as well as a Thai boat lunch and fresh tropical fruits. Not to mention the bragging rights if you snag the fish of a lifetime!
Types of fish to expect include Barracuda, Cobia, Shark, Mackerel, Sailfish, Snapper, Grouper, Trevally, to name a few!
If you are not into scuba or don’t have the time to invest in under water activity that require lengthy training or complicated equipment, then Sea-walking is just for you.
The ease of the sea–walking system enables practically anyone, including non-swimmers, children and the elderly, to be immersed in a world previously limited to those with advanced skills or certifications.
All you need to do is wear a big brass diving helmet, which resemble those used by astronauts when they land on the moon. Made of clear glass, the face of the helmet allows the wearer to clearly see everything around him in the water.
Air is pumped into the helmet through a special tube, allowing the user to breath easily and comfortably. Sea-walking helmets are designed for both adults and children aged seven and above.
Sea-walking guests should bring their own swimsuit, towel and a spirit of adventure.
This tour operator is fairly new on the island but is already becoming one of the favorites.
Offering a unique speed boating experience, Dolphin Tour Samui operate small half day and full day group tours, exploring Koh Samui’s coastline, visiting hidden caves, island hopping, shopping, snorkeling and most importantly pink dolphin watching.
What also makes this tour operator special is they are actively involved in the Wild Dolphin.