Island Hopping & Snorkeling to Sattahip’s Hidden Gems: Samae San, Koh Kham & Nemo Island

Just 20 minutes south of Bang Saray lies Thailand’s best-kept marine secret: a pristine cluster of island sanctuaries governed under the Royal Thai Navy’s Marine Conservation Project.

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Unlike neighboring Pattaya or Koh Larn, commercial development—including jet skis, high-rise resorts, and overnight stays—is strictly banned here. What remains are crystal-clear coastal waters, vibrant clownfish anemone beds, and quiet white-sand beaches preserved in their natural state.

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Whether you want a calm island escape or an underwater photography adventure, here is your ultimate insider’s guide to exploring Koh Samae San, Koh Kham, and Nemo Island.

1. The Destinations: Which Island Should You Visit?

Koh Samae San (เกาะแสมสาร)

The largest island open to day visitors. Samae San is managed directly by the Royal Thai Navy as an eco-tourism destination. Visitors disembark at Hat Luk Lom, a striking white-sand cove featuring turquoise waters and dramatic limestone rock backdrops.

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• Best For: Families, kayakers, and nature walks.
• On-Island Facilities: Shaded wooden pavilions, clean restrooms, basic snack stalls, kayak rentals ($100\text{ THB}$100 THB/hour), and navy-guided shore snorkeling ($50\text{ THB}$50 THB).DiveJourney

Koh Kham (เกาะขาม Undersea Park)

A small, crescent-shaped island famous for its wooden cliffside boardwalks, shallow coral beds, and dramatic high-tide sandbar. Water visibility here is exceptional during the high season, allowing you to walk right into shallow snorkeling zones from the shore.

• Best For: Couples, shallow-water snorkeling, and relaxing away from crowds.Trip.com
• On-Island Facilities: Environmental center, glass-bottom boat tours ($40\text{ THB}$40 THB), basic beach bites, and kayak rentals.

“Nemo Island” (Koh Raet & Offshore Reefs)

“Nemo Island” isn’t a land-based destination where you sunbathe on a beach, but a series of shallow offshore anemone sanctuaries near Koh Raet and Koh Chuang. Here, dense colonies of Clark’s and Saddleback clownfish thrive in shallow waters.

• Best For: Snorkelers, underwater photography, and private boat charters.
• Key Feature: Local charter captains carry underwater cameras to capture photos of you swimming right beside resident clownfish.

2. Best Time to Go & Weather Seasons

3. How to Visit: Navy Ferry vs. Private Charter

You can access Sattahip’s marine reserves using two distinct modes of transport:

Option A: The Navy Ferry (For Koh Samae San & Koh Kham)

If you want to spend the day relaxing on land, the Navy passenger ferries run directly from Khao Ma Jor Pier in Sattahip.

• Ticket Prices:
  • Foreign Visitors: $600\text{ THB}$600 THB (Includes round-trip ferry crossing and basic island entrance).แสมสารไกด์
  • Thai Nationals: $300\text{ THB}$300 THB (Adults) / $220\text{–}250\text{ THB}$220–250 THB (Children).แสมสารไกด์
• Ferries: Outbound boats depart between 09:00 AM and 11:00 AM; return ferries run between 01:00 PM and 04:00 PM.
• Important Booking Note: Daily numbers are strictly capped to protect marine life. Advance online registration or early morning arrival at the pier kiosk is essential on weekends.Thai Holiday Guide+ 1

Option B: Private Speedboat Charter (For Nemo Island Reefs)

If you prefer an exclusive experience with direct access to offshore reefs, chartering a local speedboat from Samae San Fishing Pier is the way to go.

• Charter Rates: Range from $4,000\text{ THB}$4,000 THB (for up to 6 guests, 3-hour trip) to $8,000\text{ THB}$8,000 THB for half-day custom charters.
• What’s Included: Private boat captain, life jackets, snorkeling masks, Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUP), soft drinks, and professional underwater photos taken by the crew.
• Extra Fees: Marine protection entry fees ($90\text{–}200\text{ THB}$90–200 THB per person, cash only) are collected at maritime checkpoints.

4. Essential Visitor Rules & Eco-Etiquette

Because these islands are military-protected marine parks, strict environmental regulations apply:

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1. Bring Physical Passport/ID: You must present a valid passport or Thai ID card at the military checkpoint before boarding.
2. Zero Single-Use Plastic: Styrofoam containers, plastic bags, and single-use packaging are strictly banned on island shores.
3. No Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on both Navy ferries and island beaches.
4. Reef Protection: Do not step on coral formations or wear long swim fins in shallow coral zones. Coral-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged.
5. Day-Trips Only: Overnight stays are prohibited—the last boats depart the islands by 04:30 PM.Thai Holiday Guide

5. Suggested 1-Day Sattahip Itinerary

• 08:30 AM: Grab breakfast in Bang Saray village and take a 20-minute drive down to Khao Ma Jor Pier.
• 09:30 AM: Board your pre-booked boat out to Koh Samae San or Koh Kham.
• 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM: Explore the island’s coastal trails, rent a kayak, and join a navy-guided reef snorkel session.DiveJourney
• 01:30 PM: Enjoy a simple lunch of fresh grilled chicken and papaya salad at the beachside pavilion.
• 03:00 PM: Take the return ferry back to the mainland pier.
• 04:30 PM: Stop at Khao Chi Chan (Buddha Mountain) on your drive back to Bang Saray, followed by a fresh seafood dinner along the Bang Saray fishing pier.

Looking for somewhere to stay near by

Bangsaray Villa Resort

Bangsaray Villa Resort Just 20 Mins away in the quiet fishing village of Bangsaray. A private Resort of 3 Two Bed Villas with a large pool.