Honestly koh samet has superior underwater visibility compared to closer options like koh larn but tour operators straight up lie about direct speedboats from pattaya. You need to go via ban phe pier which adds time but the snorkeling quality justifies every minute of extra travel. Plus you save money compared to those overpriced day tours.

Real transport breakdown: pattaya to ban phe costs around 350 thb total using public songthaews or buses, takes 2-4 hours depending on connections. Ferry from ban phe to samet takes 40-45 minutes by traditional wooden boat (na dan pier) or 10-15 minutes by speedboat if youre in a hurry. Total journey can stretch to half a day but underwater visibility hits 10-15 meters compared to other nearby islands' murkier 3-5 meters on good days.

Best snorkel spots are ao wai and ao kiu na nok on the eastern beaches away from the day trip crowds. Gear rental costs 150 thb per day from beach vendors. Coral coverage around 70% hard coral with healthy populations of parrotfish, angelfish, and occasional reef sharks in deeper sections beyond the swimming areas. Go early morning before afternoon winds chop up the surface.

Trust me on this one - ban phe fresh market near the pier has incredible seafood for post-snorkel meals. Grilled fish costs 80-120 thb and tastes infinitely better than anything youll find in tourist pattaya. The extra travel time becomes part of the adventure when you factor in proper food.