Updated June 17, 2025
Koh Samui has a wide variety of activities to suit all its guests both in the surrounding waters and on land. Many land-based sports are available on the island, but Koh Samui’s visitors are just as interested in exploring the clear waters through aquatic activities.
Guests staying at the best high-end villas on Koh Samui would be pleased to know that Koh Samui is a treasure trove for water sports and other aquatic activities besides snorkeling and diving. Some of these activities are easy and fun for the whole family, while others are worth the try for guests who are more daring with their adventures.
Related article: Top Activities for Teens in Koh Samui
7 Aquatic Sports in Koh Samui Worth Trying
These aquatic sports are among the most surprising activities that you can try on Koh Samui. These activities can be booked in advance for villa guests by Guest Experience Services, who can coordinate with local contacts to arrange for an unforgettable experience. Many of these activities can also be considered appropriate for the whole family.
1. Kayaking
Photo: kohsamuitours.com
Kayaking is a gentler way to venture into the waters off Samui. The basics are simple and very easy to learn. Kayaking is a good upper body exercise and an enjoyable way to explore the shoreline. Kayaking expeditions can be organized in advance at Ang Thong National Marine Park, where you can see birds and marine life and explore hidden caves, among other attractions.
2. Stand-up Paddleboarding
This is a new and an increasingly popular water board sport in Koh Samui. Stand-up paddleboarding works on core strength and is an enjoyable way to cruise the small waves around the island. It’s a simple and easy sport to learn as the large board is stable and difficult to capsize. Many schools offer SUP classes throughout the island, so you can get started easily.
3. Windsurfing
The popularity of windsurfing on Koh Samui cannot be underestimated. It’s an activity that’s well-suited to the wave and weather conditions on the island, and depending on your skill level you can choose to just glide through the waters or attempt skillful maneuvers. Windsurfing schools on the island are also on hand to give lessons to sport novices.
4. Sailing and Boating
Photo: Thai Yachting Business Association
Samui is ideal for sailing all year round. The Northeastern winds prevail between December and April while the stronger Western winds are predominant from May to November. In addition, the annual Samui Regatta is a leg of the Asian circuit and is growing in popularity, both among the competitors and spectators.
5. Jet Skiing
Regardless of the time of year, there is always a great opportunity to learn how to jet ski on Koh Samui. You can hire jet skis at Lamai, Chaweng, Choeng Mon, Bophut and Hua Thanon beaches. As a safety precaution, be sure to carefully examine your jet ski for dents and scratches before signing the hire form.
6. Flyboarding
Flyboarding is a thrilling water activity that is available on Koh Samui that will help you realize your dreams of flying like a superhero. The flyboard will allow you to soar over the water up to 9 meters, as it is connected to the water jet that protrudes from a jet ski through a long flexible hose. The propulsion will shoot you into the sky before you plunge into the water.
7. Kiteboarding
Photo: Full Moon Party Thailand
Kiteboarding gives you an opportunity to actually fly above the waves. The mild winds around Koh Samui are conducive to flyboarding since it makes mid-air maneuvering easier. Kiteboarders have great fun in Samui and can be seen as far as Hua Thanon depending on the weather and the prevailing winds.
Related article: Top 10 Must Visit Beaches When in Koh Samui
Enjoy The Water Sport of Your Choice on Koh Samui
Before you embark on any water sport on Koh Samui, it is important to understand that you still need to take appropriate safety precautions. Be sure to review all waivers and safety guidelines thoroughly, and make sure that you wear and secure all the recommended protective gear. Also try to avoid doing your sport of choice in high-traffic areas where lots of swimmers and boaters are present to avoid collisions.
Once you have all the basics down to a T, give any of these sports a go and get ready for thrilling adventures and unforgettable memories in the waters of Koh Samui. At best, you will have a new favorite sport to pursue; at the very least, you will have a few more stories to tell your family and friends about your trip to Koh Samui.
Explore unexpected activities with our Koh Samui Travel Guide.
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Featured photo: Pelago
