25 Apr 2023
This tour is well worth the extra money! It was fantastic! We booked it because it looked like a smaller tour than most of the other snorkel tour operators (we had 10 total guests; most other boats we saw had upwards of 70). And even that detail alone would have been enough to make sure think it was worth it--but Royal Mariblue exceeded our expectations. The boat was very comfortable, and the crew took such good care of us. At the first stop, the crew took us through the national park payment turnstile (most of the other operators didn't seem to pay for your entry, entry was included with Royal Mariblue). Then they took us to a spot where we could leave our things and they would stay with them while we either went in the ocean or hiked up to the view point. They recommended we snorkle first because there was a line at the viewpoint. While some of the crew guarded our belongings, others took us in the ocean and found the sharks and made sure everyone go to see them. They were constantly keeping tabs on us and making sure we were safe, not lost, and having fun. Later, when we were in the bay with the big turtles, they also made sure everyone got to see if the turtles if they wanted to. They served us lunch, which was delicious. One of the later stops, in a more secluded bay, they set out a paddleboard and kayak and we took turns. Then at the sunset spot, they served satay and refreshing mojito mocktails (no alcohol). The crew seemed really happy, and like they were enjoying themselves. My friend and I spent 9 days island hopping between Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Koh Samui, and our tour with Royal Mariblue was definitely one of the highlights from the trip. At the end of the tour, the crew collected everyone's WhatsApp contact info and sent all the GoPro videos and pictures they had taken throughout the trip; so even if you don't bring an underwater camera, you'll be able to get photos of the sharks, turtle, fish and yourself swimming with them!