Koh Samui attracts visitors from around the world to relax to the sound of waves crashing, palm trees swaying, and the symphony of nature by its sandy beaches. However, nothing beats dipping your toes into the vast sea and getting a taste of adventure.
Soak yourself under the sun and sea as you explore the best water adventure sports in Koh Samui’s pristine sea. There is something to do for everyone in this popular tourist location, even if you can’t swim! Whether it is parasailing or kayaking, you will have a great time getting wet and wild on this paradise island in the Gulf of Thailand.
Get A Bird’s Eye View With Parasailing
Be ready to be lifted up as high as 100 meters when you are parasailing Koh Samui’s coastal waters. Strapped to a parachute known as a parasail wing, you will get a gorgeous bird’s eye view of the tropical beaches with a cool sea breeze. There is parasailing available on Lamai Beach and Lipa Noi Beach.
Jetski Around Koh Samui’s Beaches
Jetskiing is a popular water sport and you can rent a jetski in Koh Samui at these locations such as Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Choengmon Beach, and Bophut Beach.
Do note that solo riders have to be aged 18 years and above to rent and jetski Koh Samui’s waters. Riders are responsible to check for any cosmetic damages on their vehicle before signing the rental form.
Scuba Diving Koh Samui’s Best Dive Spots
Like most islands within the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is also a diver’s heaven with numerous dive spots for beginner and advanced divers. There are several dive schools that offer beginner scuba diving Koh Samui classes and even PADI certification.
During your dive trip, you may spot moray eels, trevallies, glassfish, and the reef sharks among the island’s marine ecosystem. We recommend doing a research on reputable dive schools for the best instructions before booking your adventure ticket.
Stand-Up Paddling (SUP) By The Lake
Also known as paddleboarding, Koh Samui has several SUP instructor-led locations at Chaweng Lake, Chaweng Beach, Hat Mae Ngam, and Taling Ngam. It is a good segway into surfing as you learn to balance on the paddleboard and maneuver in calmer waters.
This is a fun water sport in Koh Samui that everyone can do while training their core strength!
Sea Kayaking at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
If you are not up to extreme water sports, then take the time to explore the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park’s 42 islands through kayak expeditions. These beautiful rock formations are a must-visit location where you can spot hidden caves, lagoons, exotic wildlife, and a majestic view of the lush greeneries.
You will need more than a full-day tour to explore this protected reserve!
Private Boat Tour For A Special Getaway
If you prefer to stay dry throughout your trip, taking a Koh Samui private boat charter is a perfect way to spend your day. You can island hop to the sister islands such as Koh Phangan or explore Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park.
You can also get yacht or boat rentals in Koh Samui for some privacy or host a little party of your own while cruising around the islands.
Flyboarding Like A Super Hero
If you enjoy the flight in parasailing, then it is time to turn up your game with flyboarding where you can control your flight above water. You can re-enact superhero moves by doing a somersault or flying up to 9 meters above the water and then diving back in!
But if doing thrilling moves isn’t your cup of tea, you can also float casually. Kids and adults are welcome to try this exciting activity found either on Lamai beach or Bo Phut beach.
Surfing The Waves At Chaweng Beach
Koh Samui’s monsoon season is from September to November which makes it ideal for surfers who want to catch the big waves. During the winter season, February is the most optimal month to surf on clean waves.
There are some surf spots in Koh Samui, the most popular beach for surfing being Chaweng Beach, followed by Silver Beach.
If you are a first-timer, rest assured that there are surfboards and bodyboards available for rental and friendly local surfers who will help you out.
If you want to turn your surfing up a notch, try it on an electronic surfboard known as an e-Foil!
Fishing Near Bo Phut Village
Koh Samui was once the bread-and-butter for fishermen so it makes sense for fishing to be a favorite local pastime and an activity you should try in Koh Samui.
There are several deep-sea fishing tours that depart from Big Buddha Pier near the popular Fisherman’s village so you will catch something when you are out there!
If you prefer a more zen-like fishing experience, you can also fish by the lake. Samui Fishing Park and TopCats are the top fishing lakes on the island and they provide rental fishing equipment as well. Try it might be your lucky day for a big catch!
Kitesurfing Along The Beach
If you enjoy parasailing and surfing, then kitesurfing is your calling. Kitesurfing uses the power of the wind to ride along the waves, allowing the surfer to go faster (and even fly!). Unlike kiteboarding which can surf in either direction on the board, kitesurfing only maneuvers in a single direction.
There are kitesurfing schools at Lamai Beach and Nathon Beach.
FAQ
Can You Swim In Koh Samui?
You can swim in Koh Samui near beaches like Lamai Beach, Maenam Beach, Bo Phut Beach, and Silver Beach where the water is calm and serene. These beaches are also the best places for water sports on the island.
What Is The Minimum Age Required To Do Water Activities In Koh Samui?
The minimum age to do most water activities in Koh Samui is around 12 years old to participate independently. Certain establishments may allow individuals younger than the minimum age if there is adult supervision.
However, for jetski rentals, the renter has to be at least 18 years old to ride solo.
Has Koh Samui Had A Tsunami?
There has never been a tsunami in Koh Samui. The previous tsunami attack in 2004 from the Indian Ocean did not affect Koh Samui as both Thailand and the Malaysian peninsula acted as natural barriers to the Gulf of Thailand.
Conclusion
There are many things to do in Koh Samui but the water sports scene on this island hits differently with its numerous locations to explore and is worth every penny.
