Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket

Experience the Best of Phuket’s Underwater World with a Full-Day Snorkeling Adventure to Racha Noi and Racha Yai

Imagine spending a day floating above crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and school after school of tropical fish. That’s exactly what this full-day snorkeling trip from Phuket offers, visiting two of Thailand’s top marine sites: Koh Racha Noi and Koh Racha Yai. At just over $100 per person, it’s a solid value given the length (about 8 hours), the well-organized itinerary, and the quality of the experience.

What we love about this tour is the intimate feel of the guided snorkeling under the watchful eye of experienced guides like Chad or Steven, who make safety and fun their priorities. Plus, the included Thai-style meals and fresh fruit turn this into more than just a water trip — it’s a full-day cultural and natural escape.

One potential consideration is the boat ride — it can be a bit long, around two and a half hours each way, and on choppier days, the crossing might cause seasickness for some. So, if you’re sensitive to rough waters, prepare accordingly.

This tour is best suited for families, nature lovers, and snorkelers of all experience levels who want to see a variety of marine life, enjoy a comfortable boat ride, and have a hassle-free day with hotel transfers included.

Key Points

• Includes hotel transfers and meals, making it convenient and stress-free.
• Professional guides ensure safety and enhance your snorkeling experience.
• Two main snorkeling sites offer a variety of fish and coral with excellent visibility.
• Comfortable big boat with space to walk around and socialize.
• Challenging boat ride might not suit everyone, especially on rough days.
• Ideal for families and nature lovers who want a full day of water adventure without diving.

Explore Phuket’s Underwater Marvels: A Deep Dive into the Racha Islands Snorkeling Tour

If you’re dreaming of discovering some of Thailand’s clearest waters, this full-day snorkeling trip to Racha Noi and Racha Yai is a pretty good option. It combines comfort, stunning marine scenery, and tasty Thai food — all within a manageable day. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if it’s right for you.

The Itinerary and What You’ll Experience

This tour kicks off early at 8:00 am, with pickup from many of Phuket’s popular areas—Patong, Karon, Kata, Chalong, Rawai, and Nai Harn. From there, you board a large, comfortable boat that can carry up to 15 snorkelers and divers, giving you room to walk around, chat, and enjoy the views on the way out.

The first stop is Koh Racha Noi, known for its excellent visibility and calm waters. Here, you’ll enjoy two snorkel sessions—a relaxed morning snorkel that offers an easy introduction to the vibrant underwater world, often described as “gorgeous” and “amazing” by travelers. Many reviews highlight the crystal-clear water and abundant marine life, including barracuda, triggerfish, octopus, and even sea turtles.

After the first snorkeling, a hearty breakfast is served on board, often described as good quality with fresh fruits, coffee, and snacks. Then, it’s time for the second session at Racha Noi, where the coral reef and fish populations continue to impress.

Post-lunch, the boat moves to Koh Racha Yai, a slightly more challenging site that offers a third snorkeling stop. Travelers often note that this site can be a bit more demanding, with deeper water and potentially more currents, but the rewards—more colorful fish and larger marine creatures—are worth it. Many reviewers, like Jani, raved about the “immersion into schools of reef fish” and “stunning coral.”

Comfort, Safety, and Group Size

One of the most appreciated features is the large boat with ample space. It’s designed to prevent the bouncing and bumping typical of smaller vessels, making it more comfortable for those prone to seasickness. Most reviews agree that the crew is professional, attentive, and friendly. For example, reviewers have praised guides like Chad for their helpfulness and knowledge, which adds confidence and enjoyment to the experience.

However, a minority of reviews mention that the boat can get hot, and some found it uncomfortable, especially if traveling with children or on very hot days. Seasickness can also be an issue, so taking precautions like seasickness tablets is advisable.

The group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring you won’t feel overcrowded and that guides can give personalized attention, a big plus for both snorkelers and families.

Food, Drinks, and Overall Value

The included meals and snacks are a standout. Breakfast on departure, followed by lunch, typically Thai dishes like papaya salad, minced chicken with basil, and a comforting Thai soup, have earned praise for their flavor and variety. Many travelers mention that the food exceeded expectations, especially considering it is served on a boat in the middle of the sea.

Throughout the day, fresh fruits, drinking water, coffee, and tea keep everyone refreshed. Soft drinks are also available, and alcohol is not included—so plan accordingly if you want a beer after snorkeling.

The price of about $101 per person reflects good value considering the included round-trip transfers, meals, equipment, insurance, and guided supervision. It’s a hassle-free package that saves you the trouble of organizing logistics and equipment yourself.

Authentic Encounters and Real Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews highlight the guides’ professionalism and the quality of the snorkeling spots. For example, Valerie raved about snorkeling at all three locations, noting “it was absolutely gorgeous,” and appreciated the comfortable boat ride.

On the flip side, some travelers found the long boat ride less enjoyable, especially if the weather was rough. Jeffrey W’s experience with seasickness and a choppy crossing reminds us that conditions can vary; being prepared with seasickness medication can make all the difference.

A few reviews pointed out that the majority of the boat’s clientele are divers, which sometimes leaves snorkelers feeling a bit on their own. The guides’ focus on diving might mean less hand-holding for snorkeling newbies, but the safety measures and supervision are solid.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book at least two weeks in advance, as this tour tends to fill up.
• Bring seasickness tablets if you’re prone to nausea, especially on rough days.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a t-shirt if you’re sensitive to the sun, as the open boat can get quite hot.
• Prepare for a long day: early pick-up, 2.5-hour boat ride each way, but the experience makes it worthwhile.
• For those with limited time or less confident swimmers, the guides are helpful and attentive, but a certain degree of independence is expected.

The Sum Up

This Phuket snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded experience, blending comfortable transportation, expert supervision, and beautiful marine environments. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a full day of underwater discovery without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves.

If you’re someone who appreciates good food, friendly guides, and scenic views, you’ll find this trip ticks a lot of boxes. The marine life and coral reefs are genuinely impressive, and the inclusion of hotel transfers makes it a practical choice for those staying in Phuket.

While the boat ride can be long and sometimes bumpy, the overall value and scope of the experience make it a worthwhile outing — especially if you want to see vibrant fish and coral in calm, protected waters. It’s a day that combines adventure with comfort, learning with leisure, and snorkeling with Thai hospitality.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickups are included from Patong, Karon, Kata, Chalong, Rawai, and Nai Harn hotels, making it a hassle-free start to your day.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience lasts about 8 hours, including transportation, snorkeling, meals, and breaks, starting at 8:00 am.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel transfers, breakfast, lunch, snacks, fresh fruits, drinks (water, coffee, tea), snorkeling equipment, and personal accident insurance.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how?
Absolutely. The guides offer professional supervision, and most reviews mention they felt safe, even for beginners.

What should I bring?
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a T-shirt for sun protection, and any personal medications like seasickness tablets.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It can be, but consider the boat’s heat and the longer ride. Some reviews mention children being uncomfortable in the boat, so use your judgment based on your child’s comfort with boat trips.

What about the weather?
The tour requires good weather. Poor conditions may lead to cancellation or rescheduling, with options for a different date or a full refund.

Are the snorkeling spots suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, but the second site at Racha Yai can be more challenging, with deeper water and currents. Guides are attentive, but basic swimming ability is recommended.

What do travelers say about the food?
Many reviewers rave about the Thai dishes served onboard, describing them as flavorful, well-seasoned, and a highlight of the day.

If you’re eager to experience some of Thailand’s most glorious marine scenery with knowledgeable guides, good food, and a comfortable boat, this Racha Islands snorkeling trip offers an authentic, memorable day out. Just remember to prepare for the boat ride and pack your sun protection!