Phuket Two Islands Trip to Coral & Raya Island by Speed Boat

Exploring Phuket’s Two Islands by Speedboat: Coral & Raya Island Tour

If you’re visiting Phuket and craving a day away from the crowds, the Coral & Raya Islands tour offers a scenic escape by speedboat. For just under $100, you’ll spend roughly eight hours exploring two stunning islands—Coral Island (Koh Racha Yai) and Raya Island—with plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and simply soaking up the sunshine.

What we love about this tour are two things in particular: first, the fast-paced speedboat gets you to these islands quickly, so you maximize your time in crystal-clear waters. Second, the included snorkeling gear and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages mean you can comfortably explore colorful reefs without the hassle of renting equipment separately.

A notable consideration is that, according to some reviews, the actual time spent on Raya Island may be shorter than expected—there have been reports of a brief stay there, with more time spent at Coral Island. This might affect your expectations if you’re eager to spend extended hours on Raya.

This trip suits travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic views—ideal for those who want to visit multiple islands in a day without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a laid-back, authentic experience with friendly guides, this tour could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Speedy transfer: Fast boats significantly reduce travel time between islands, giving you more beach time.
• Snorkeling included: All gear provided with unlimited drinks make it easy to explore marine life comfortably.
• Flexible options: You can relax or engage in water sports (though some activities are at your own expense).
• Shorter stays at Raya: Be aware that some travelers feel they didn’t spend as much time on Raya Island as hoped.
• Comfortable transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Suitable for most travelers: With a maximum group size of 15, the experience feels intimate and manageable.

Full Review of the Phuket Islands Speedboat Tour

The Quick Journey to Paradise

We love how this full-day tour begins with a convenient hotel pickup, saving us from the hassle of navigating busy piers. Being picked up from our hotel and transferred to Chalong Pier in the morning ensures a relaxed start. The journey by speedboat is quick, making the most of your precious vacation time. The modern vessel runs smoothly, and the boat offers enough space for comfort—a big plus when you’re sharing the ride with a small group.

Coral Island: White Sands and Watersport Fun

Our first stop is Coral Island (Koh Racha Yai), a renowned spot for clear waters and soft sand beaches. Arriving around 10 am, you get about an hour and a half to enjoy the beach and water activities. The reviews emphasize this as a “short stay”—so don’t expect hours of lounging, but enough time to swim, snorkel, and snap some photos.

The snorkeling gear provided makes exploring the reef accessible even for beginners. We found the waters pleasantly warm and the coral reefs teeming with fish, which truly enriches the experience. Some travelers, like Melissande, mention that they wish they had more snorkeling equipment available, such as tubes for better breathing or masks, but overall, the gear is adequate for casual exploration.

Lunch at Raya Island: A Tropical Feast

At around 12:30 pm, the boat departs for Raya Island, a less crowded and more tranquil location. The highlight here is the buffet lunch served at the local restaurant—fresh fruit, salads, rice, and Thai specialties. It’s a satisfying meal with enough variety to cater to most tastes. One reviewer appreciated the “great buffet lunch”—a highlight of the day.

After lunch, you’ll head to Patok Bay, Loh Bay, or Siam Bay—some of the island’s best spots for snorkeling among colorful coral reefs and fishes. The two to three hours allocated for this part of the trip provide ample opportunity to swim, sunbathe, or just relax. The calm waters here are perfect for floating and unwinding.

Authentic and Relaxed Experience

One of the most appreciated aspects is the guided commentary—our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, helping us identify marine species and sharing interesting facts about the islands. This added educational value makes the trip more than just a beach day.

While some travelers mention that their stay at Raya was shorter than expected, most agree that the quiet beaches and vibrant reefs made the visit worthwhile. The calm waters and beautiful scenery make it a perfect spot for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

Return and Reflection

The boat departs Raya at around 3:30 pm, heading back to Chalong Pier. Arrival back at the pier is around 4:30 pm, after which the hotel transfer makes getting back to your accommodation straightforward.

Practical Considerations

The tour’s price of $99.90 includes transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, and insurance. Considering the convenience, small group size, and all-inclusive nature, it offers good value. However, keep in mind that activities such as sea sports are at your expense, and the short stay at Raya may not satisfy those eager for a more prolonged experience.

The group is limited to 15 travelers, which feels intimate and allows for personalized attention. The timing can be affected by weather or traffic delays, so leaving a little buffer is wise. Also, if you’re pregnant or have mobility issues, you might want to consult with the tour provider beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to see two islands in one day without the hassle of organizing transport or equipment. It’s perfect if you’re after snorkeling, beach lounging, and authentic guided commentary—especially if you’re traveling with family or a small group.

However, if you’re seeking more time on Raya Island, or specific water activities like scuba diving or more extensive snorkeling, you might find this tour somewhat limited. It’s an ideal option for those who appreciate convenience, comfort, and a relaxed pace.

The Sum Up

The Phuket Two Islands Trip to Coral & Raya Island is a practical and enjoyable way to explore some of Phuket’s best beach and snorkeling spots. It offers a well-organized, all-in-one package that balances comfort, activity, and scenery. The small group size and knowledgeable guides contribute to a personalized experience, making it a reliable choice for travelers wanting an authentic day in the sun.

While the shorter duration on Raya Island might disappoint some, the quality of snorkeling and the quiet beaches more than compensate. It’s a value-packed outing suitable for those who want a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure without breaking the bank.

This tour provides a good snapshot of Phuket’s coastal beauty and is perfect for first-time visitors or those looking for a stress-free, scenic escape—just remember to pack your sunblock and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfer, speedboat transportation, snorkeling gear, lunch, and insurance.

How long do we spend on each island?
You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at Coral Island and around 3 hours at Raya Island, including lunch and snorkeling time.

Are activities like sea sports included?
No, activities such as sea sports are at your own expense. The tour provides snorkeling gear but not additional water sports equipment.

Is there hotel pickup outside Phuket?
Yes, free pickup is available within a 3 km radius of Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches. Outside this area, an extra surcharge applies.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun tan lotion, a spare T-shirt and shorts, beach towel, swimming suit, and a camera to capture the memories.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
If you are pregnant or have health issues, it’s best to consult beforehand. The tour involves boat rides and water activities that might not suit everyone.

What happens if I arrive late?
Late arrivals more than 10 minutes after the scheduled pickup risk being considered no-shows and may be charged a 100% cancellation fee.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes less than 24 hours before are not accepted.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity might be postponed or canceled for safety reasons. The guide will inform you of any adjustments.

Is this tour noisy or crowded?
Given the small group size (max 15) and early start, it tends to be a more intimate experience with fewer crowds than larger tours.

By choosing this tour, you’ll enjoy a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, discovering Phuket’s beautiful coastlines with the comfort of guided, small-group travel. Perfect for those who want a quick, scenic escape with minimal hassle.