Phuket: Coral & Racha Islands Day Trip By Speedboat

Discovering Phuket’s Coral & Racha Islands by Speedboat

This tour whisks you from Phuket to two of Thailand’s most sought-after islands: Coral Island (Kahung Beach) and Racha Island. For around $54 per person and lasting about 8 hours, you’ll experience a day packed with snorkeling, beach lounging, and some surprisingly delicious local Thai lunch. Your journey kicks off with hotel pickup—a real plus in a place where logistics can be tricky—and takes you on a scenic speedboat ride along Phuket’s southern coast.

What immediately impresses us about this trip are two things: First, the small, manageable size of the islands makes exploring feel intimate rather than crowded. Second, the guides’ attention to detail and friendly service help make the experience genuinely smooth and enjoyable. That said, a possible hiccup to consider is the roughness of the boat ride—if you’re prone to seasickness, pack some meds. This experience is perfect for those who love snorkeling, relaxing on beachfront chairs, and want a cost-effective way to see Phuket’s marine life.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy water activities, are okay with a full day outdoors, and appreciate organized logistics with included meals. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike seem to find this trip a good balance of adventure and relaxation.

Key Points

• Two Islands in One Day: Visit Coral Island and Racha Island, each offering a different vibe and scenery.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: Vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, starfish, and other sea creatures.
• Hassle-Free Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket makes logistics simple.
• Included Lunch & Hydration: Enjoy a generous Thai meal and drinks on Kahung Beach.
• Flexible Free Time: Ample opportunity to relax, swim, or explore at your own pace.
• Tour Guides & Safety: Friendly guides fluent in English and Thai, plus safety gear provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Coral & Racha Islands Day Trip

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins early, with hotel pickups starting around 7:00 am to 8:30 am. This range gives you time to settle in before heading to Ao Chalong Pier, the departure point, where a briefing about safety and the day’s schedule takes about half an hour. This prep sets a relaxed tone—your guides are clearly prepared and eager to make the day enjoyable.

Next, you board a speedboat for a about 45 minutes of scenic cruise along Phuket’s coast, heading toward your first stop at Racha Island. This small island is famed for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches. You’ll spend roughly three hours here, giving plenty of time to snorkel, swim, or walk along the sand. Many reviews praise Racha Island for its gorgeous scenery, though some note it’s quite small—so don’t expect a sprawling resort experience, but rather an intimate escape.

After Racha, the boat takes you to Coral Island (Kahung Beach), where a lunch at Kahung Restaurant awaits. The meal is described as delicious, with some reviewers specifically mentioning the good quality and Thai flavors. Post-lunch, you’re free to snorkel, relax on a beach chair, or try watersports like parasailing or banana boat rides for an extra fee.

The return journey is about 45 minutes by speedboat, and you’ll arrive back at Chalong Pier with enough time to take a leisurely 15-minute walk around or shop before heading back to your hotel. The entire experience, with round-trip transfers and guided commentary, wraps up after roughly eight hours.

What You’ll Love About the Experience

One of the best parts of this trip is the small group size and the organized flow. Guides like “Alex” or “Jami” are often praised for their efficiency and friendly demeanor. Reviewers have highlighted how guides manage to get everyone to the best snorkeling spots early—which means avoiding crowds and getting better views of marine life.

The snorkeling itself is a highlight. Many travelers praise the vivid coral reefs and the chance to see colorful fish and starfish up close. A reviewer mentions that the speedboat ride can be a bit rough, but it’s all part of the adventure, and guides are attentive to safety.

Another favorite element is the lunch on Kahung Beach, which gets good reviews for its quality and variety—a pleasant surprise given the remote setting. The included beach chairs, water, fruits, and soft drinks make relaxing easy.

The One Caveat: Seasickness & Time Constraints

A common concern is the roughness of the boat ride, especially at high speeds. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, bring medication or consider whether a more stationary boat trip suits you better. Plus, some reviewers wished they had more time at Racha Island, as the snorkeling and relaxation there are too brief—some would prefer a longer stay or additional stops.

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The Value of This Tour

At just $54, this trip offers exceptional value. It combines transportation, guided snorkeling, a lunch, and equipment—all organized to make your day as smooth as possible. Many reviews note the good quality of guides, the well-planned itinerary, and the beautiful scenery as reasons why it’s worth the price.

While there are optional extra charges for certain transfers or watersports, the core experience remains accessible and straightforward. For travelers on a budget but eager to see Phuket’s underwater world and beaches without the hassle of planning, this tour delivers quite a lot for the cost.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for water lovers who want a full day of snorkeling, beach lounging, and island exploring. Families with kids who are comfortable in the water will find plenty to enjoy, while solo travelers and couples report having a fun, well-organized day. If you’re someone who values friendly guides and good logistical support, you’ll appreciate how smooth everything runs.

However, if you’re seasick or prefer very longer stays at each island, you might want to consider other options or extend your time on-site. Also, if you’re looking for a luxury experience or extensive island amenities, this tour may feel somewhat basic—though the authentic beaches and vibrant coral reefs more than compensate.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring your passport or ID for check-in.
• Pack sunscreen, hat, and light clothing—the sun on the water can be intense.
• Consider motion sickness remedies if you’re sensitive to boat rides.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early for pick-up, especially if staying in areas like Kamala.
• The tour operates in English and Thai, so language won’t be a barrier.
• Be aware that extra charges apply if your pickup is outside designated areas or for certain water sports.
• Confirm your pick-up time via email after booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour fee?
Your fee covers hotel pickup in Phuket, all transfers, the speedboat ride, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, life jacket), a lunch on Kahung Beach, drinks, fruits, a knowledgeable tour guide, and accident insurance.

What about food and drinks?
A Thai-style lunch is included, along with drinks and fruits throughout the day. Many reviewers mention the lunch as tasty and satisfying, perfect for refueling after swimming and snorkeling.

How long do we stay on each island?
At Racha Island, you get about 3 hours to snorkel and explore. On Coral Island, including lunch, you also have around 3 hours for activities or relaxation.

Is the boat ride rough?
Some reviews describe the speedboat ride as rough or bumpy, especially at high speeds. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand.

Can I do watersports?
Yes, watersports like parasailing, banana boat rides, and scuba diving are available at extra charge on Coral Island.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, sunscreen, hat, swimsuit, towel, and waterproof camera. Extra cash may be useful for optional watersports or souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s generally suitable for children comfortable in the water but not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

How flexible are the timings?
The schedule is fixed, but the tour allows ample free time for swimming or relaxing. Be punctual for pickups to avoid missing parts of the day.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility helps if your plans change unexpectedly.

Final Thoughts

This Coral & Racha Islands day trip offers a straightforward and enjoyable way to experience Phuket’s marine environment without the stress of planning every detail. The friendly guides, beautiful scenery, and well-organized logistics make it a solid choice for anyone looking to combine adventure and relaxation in a single day.

While it’s not a luxury expedition, the value for money and opportunity to snorkel among colorful fish and coral mean it’s worth considering for your Phuket itinerary. It’s especially ideal if you want a manageable, guided experience with included lunch and the chance to see stunning islands with minimal hassle.

For travelers eager to get a taste of Thailand’s underwater world and enjoy beach time without breaking the bank, this tour ticks many boxes.

You can check availability for your dates here: