Not every day on Samui is a wind day — and not everyone in your group wants to fly a kite. A sit-on-top kayak is the easiest way to get on the water: no lesson, no experience and no wind needed. This guide covers where we paddle from, when the water is calmest and how to plan a trip.
📖 3 min read · Updated September 2026 · By Sergei Sharvarok · Founder & Head Instructor
Where You Paddle From
We rent kayaks from the same beach base as our kite school, so the location follows the season:
| Season | Base | What the paddling is like |
|---|---|---|
| December – April | Nahai Beach, south-east coast | A quiet 2 km sandy beach with shallow, flat water and no waves. Paddle along the bay towards the fishing boats of Hua Thanon village. |
| May – October | Nathon Beach, west coast | Next to Nathon town and the ferry pier, looking out towards the mainland. Evening paddles here face the sunset. |
Both bases are easy to reach: Nahai is 10–15 minutes by car from Lamai and about 25 minutes from Chaweng; Nathon is around 30 minutes across the island.
Prices
| Time | Price | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 500 THB | A first try, kids, a quick paddle before lunch |
| 2 hours | 900 THB | Exploring the bay at an easy pace |
| 3 hours | 1,200 THB | Longer coastal trips with stops |
Single and double kayaks are available. Paddles and life jackets are included. Book on the kayaking page or directly on WhatsApp.
Best Time of Day
- Morning — the calmest water of the day on both coasts, before any sea breeze fills in. Best for families and first-timers.
- Midday — hot and bright. Bring a hat, a long-sleeve top and more water than you think you need.
- Late afternoon — at Nathon the sun sets over the sea, which makes this the most popular slot from May to October.
On windy kite days the water at the spot gets choppy and busy with kites. Those are the days to kayak early in the morning — or to book a kite lesson instead.
Staying Safe on the Water
- Wear the life jacket — it is included, and it is non-negotiable for children.
- Stay inside the bay and within sight of the beach; tell us your plan before you go.
- Check the weather: from October to December tropical showers can arrive fast.
- Sit-on-top kayaks are very stable and self-draining. If you tip over, you simply climb back on from the side.
Combine It With Other Activities
Kayaking is a favourite with families where one person is taking a kite lesson. Others in the group can paddle, try stand-up paddle (from 400 THB per hour) or book an e-foil session — the electric hydrofoil that needs no wind at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to kayak?
No. Our sit-on-top kayaks are stable and easy to paddle. You get a short briefing on the beach before you go out.
Can children join?
Yes, in a double kayak with an adult. Children must wear the life jacket at all times.
How much does kayak rental cost on Koh Samui?
At Kite Club it is 500 THB for 1 hour, 900 THB for 2 hours and 1,200 THB for 3 hours, life jacket and paddle included.
Where do I rent the kayak?
From our beach base at Nahai Beach (December–April) or Nathon Beach (May–October).
Book a Kayak
Single or double, 1 to 3 hours. Message us your preferred day and time.
💬 WhatsApp +66 99 312 9042