Pattaya: Coral Island Tour with Indian Lunch / Thai Lunch

Pattaya: Coral Island Tour with Indian Lunch / Thai Lunch

If you’re visiting Pattaya and craving a break from the city’s lively streets, a day trip to Coral Island offers a chance to relax on beautiful beaches and enjoy a bit of water fun for just around $7 per person. This 6-hour excursion, organized by XPLORE HOLIDAYS SOUTH ASIA, takes you from your hotel to crystal-clear waters, with options for snorkeling, water sports, and a tasty lunch — either Indian or Thai, depending on your preference.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its affordability and the straightforward approach to giving travelers a quick escape to calmer waters. The inclusion of round-trip transport and lunch at such a budget makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious travelers. Plus, the chance to indulge in water activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling adds a splash of adventure to a relaxing day.

However, there is a caveat to keep in mind. This tour has a somewhat mixed reputation, with some reviews expressing disappointment, especially regarding the quality of activities or the experience’s authenticity. The rating of 3.2 out of 5 from 23 reviews suggests that while many find it enjoyable, others feel it falls short of expectations, often citing issues with overpromising or feeling like a “fool.”

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a low-cost, half-day escape with the flexibility to enjoy beaches, water sports, and a decent lunch without breaking the bank. If you’re after a relaxed outing that offers some sun and surf without the fuss of more elaborate tours, this one could fit your needs.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $7, this tour offers great value, especially with included transport and lunch.
• Relaxing Beaches: The main highlight is the peaceful, soft white sand of Coral Island, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
• Water Sports Options: Activities like parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling are available, appealing to those seeking a bit of adventure.
• Tasty Lunch Choices: You can enjoy a flavorful Indian or Thai meal, adding a culinary element to your day.
• Limited Dive Facilities: For deep-sea diving, you’ll need to bring your own gear since there are no local dive shops.
• Mixed Reviews: Be aware that some travelers felt the tour did not meet their expectations, especially regarding activity quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Look at the Coral Island Tour

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers round-trip transfer, a boat fee, and a lunch—either Indian or Thai, depending on your choice. Sometimes activities are included if you select the appropriate option, but it’s important to note each activity is done just once. Drinks beyond water, extra food, or additional water sports are not part of the package, so if you’re craving extra, plan to pay on your own.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins with a hotel pickup, where your guide will contact you about the exact time. From there, you’ll head to Pattaya Beach to board a boat. Once you arrive at Coral Island (also known as Koh Larn), you’ll notice that the island’s main charm is its calm, inviting beaches, especially Ta Wan Beach, where most visitors choose to relax and soak up the sun.

For water sports enthusiasts, the nearby waters are lively with activities like parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing. While these are fun, it’s good to remember that the tour does not include deep-sea diving, which requires bringing your own gear because there are no dive shops in the area.

After soaking up the sun and swimming in the clear, gentle waters, you’ll head to a local restaurant for your Indian or Thai lunch. The reviews specifically mention the deliciousness of the food, making the meal a nice highlight—especially if you’re craving flavorful, satisfying cuisine after some water fun.

Post-lunch, the boat will take you back to Pattaya, wrapping up the trip. The entire experience is designed to be a relaxing, budget-friendly escape that combines beach lounging with light adventure.

What Travelers Say

According to reviews, many travelers appreciate the value of this trip, particularly the price point. One reviewer noted, “Don’t buy any activities there, simply making fool out of people,” indicating some skepticism about the actual offerings of water sports or activities. Still, others enjoy the stunning views of the beaches and the chance to snorkel amidst marine life.

The Indian lunch is a plus for those with a craving for spicy, flavorful dishes. However, it’s worth mentioning that some reviews suggest the experience might feel a bit rushed or not as authentic as hoped. Given the small group size—limited to 15 participants—you’ll find a more intimate setting, but this also means availability can be limited during peak seasons.

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Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is included, with pickups arranged in advance. The tour operates in small groups for a more personal experience, but note that Jomtien pickups cost an extra 500 Baht. This setup is ideal for travelers who prefer a more relaxed, less crowded outing.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a camera to capture the day.
• Wear swimwear under your clothes for easy access to water activities.
• Remember, smoking and alcohol are not allowed on the boat or in marine areas.
• Be prepared to bring your own diving equipment if deep-sea diving is on your wish list.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits budget travelers and those wanting a quick, no-frills beach escape. It’s perfect if you value stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere over elaborate activities or luxury amenities. Families or groups seeking a fun, affordable day without a lot of fuss will appreciate the small group setting and straightforward itinerary.

If you’re looking for more extensive water adventures or a more polished experience, you might find some of the other tours with higher ratings more suitable. But if your priority is relaxing on beautiful beaches with good food and some water fun at an unbeatable price, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Coral Island tour from Pattaya offers a relaxed, affordable escape with a solid balance of beach leisure and water activities. While it might not deliver a high-end experience, it provides stunning views, delicious food options, and an opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s famous beaches without a hefty price tag.

If you’re someone who’s happy to go with the flow and prioritize fun and sun over perfection, this trip can be a great choice. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews—some travelers love the simplicity and value, while others feel it’s a bit overhyped.

Overall, for a quick, budget-friendly beach day, this tour can serve as an enjoyable outing, especially if you’re eager for some sun, sea, and a tasty meal in a relaxed setting. Just be sure to manage your expectations and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Coral Island.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, it can be a good option for families wanting a simple, relaxing day at the beach. Just keep in mind that water activities are limited to those included in the package, and young children should be supervised closely.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a camera. You may also want to carry cash for extra drinks or activities not included in the tour.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?
The tour offers Indian or Thai lunch options, but specific dietary preferences are not mentioned. It’s best to inquire in advance if you have special needs.

How long is the boat ride?
The total tour duration is about 6 hours, including transfer times and beach time, but the actual boat ride is a core part of the experience—likely around 30-60 minutes each way.

Can I snorkel?
Yes, snorkeling is available and highly recommended. The marine life and coral are highlights, although you’ll need to bring your own equipment since there are no dive shops nearby.

Is deep-sea diving available?
No, there are no dive shops on the island, so diving gear must be brought along if you wish to explore underwater depths.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible in case your plans change.

In the end, this Coral Island tour offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to enjoy Thailand’s famous beaches. While it’s not perfect—some reviews hint at overpromising—it provides enough fun, sun, and good food for a relaxing day that won’t dent your wallet. Perfect for those who want a casual day on the sand without fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here: