A speedboat on the way to Racha and Coral Islands from Phuket

Day trip to Racha and Coral islands

Two islands in one day from Phuket: snorkeling on a reef, white beach, lunch buffet and return in the afternoon.

Check availability and price

Prices

From 1,900 THB, booked in advance.

What varies between the options is the vessel, the travel time and the comfort at sea. Differences in route or departure point, if any, are noted with each option.

What is the difference between the options

The optionVesselAdultChild
SpeedboatSpeedboat1,900 THB1,400 THB
Speedboat + transferSpeedboat2,000 THB1,500 THB
CatamaranCatamaran2,400 THB1,600 THB
Catamaran + transferCatamaran2,500 THB1,700 THB

All the details in the table are taken from the cards below it.

Important information:

  • The transfer costs only 100 THB on top of the price without the transfer. It's almost always worth taking it.
  • Booking at least one day in advance, until 23:00 Thailand time.
  • Shore diving and scuba diving are add-ons from the operator which are booked separately and are not included in any ticket here. Ask us and we'll confirm a price by date.
  • The insurance covers Only accidents involving bodily injury related to the tour. Lost or damaged items are not covered.
  • What to wear: Shorts and a shirt, light cotton clothing and non-slip shoes.

What the day looks like

Two islands, two snorkeling stops

A speedboat on the way to Racha and Coral Islands from Phuket
A speedboat on the way to Racha and Coral Islands from Phuket

The day begins Around 07:45 with hotel pickup (for those who took the transfer), and departure from Chalong Pier It's around 09:00.

The sailing to Racha Island Takes about half an hour by speedboat and longer by catamaran. Racha is a small island south of Phuket, with some of the clearest water in the area.

At 10:00 stop for snorkeling At a spot with a coral reef. The water is relatively shallow and visibility is good, and it's the main stop of the morning.

At 12:00 lunch buffet at the restaurant on the island, followed by Free time on the beach, swimming, sunbathing or walking.

At 13:15 departure to Coral Island, and there you make a second snorkeling stop at 13:35. Coral is closer to Phuket and its beach is busier.

At 16:00 return to Chalong Bay, and from there to transfers back to the hotel.

Visibility

A small island south of Phuket, with some of the clearest water in the area. Snorkeling and lunch buffet.

Coral Island

Closer to Phuket, busier. The second snorkeling stop of the day.

A buffet on the island

Lunch at a restaurant, followed by free time on the beach.

Snorkeling included

A mask is included in the price. Dives are a separate add-on from the operator.

Speedboat or catamaran

This is the real choice on this page

The route is identical in both, the same islands, the same stops, the same meal. What changes is the vessel, and that changes the day more than it seems.

Speedboat Fast: you reach the island in half an hour, leaving more time in the water. On the other hand, it's Bouncing over the waves, the seating is more cramped and in choppy seas it's a bumpy ride.

Catamaran Slower but much more stable. It has an open deck, a place to sit and move around, and the sailing itself becomes part of the experience rather than something you just get through.

The difference is 500 THB for an adult and 200 for a child. For those who suffer from seasickness, families with young children, and those with a sensitive back, the catamaran is worth every penny.

those who want maximum time in the water and don't mind the bumpiness, The speedboat is the choice, and it's also the cheaper.

Who this suits

And what is the alternative

This suits those who want a classic sea day Without going too far: two islands, two snorkeling stops and a white beach, all within one comfortable day.

Suitable for families: Especially on the catamaran. The two snorkeling stops are short enough, and the free time on the beach fills in the rest.

Less suitable For those looking for quiet islands. Racha and Coral are visited islands, and in season they're busy.

Anyone looking for Clearer water and fewer people, the Similan Islands are a longer, more expensive day, and they have their own page.

and those who want the dramatic view of the limestone cliffs, The James Bond islands tour In Phang Nga Bay it's a completely different day.

What to bring and what to wear

A full day on the water

Swimsuit under your clothes, a beach towel and a change of clothes. You change on the boat or on the island.

Non-slip shoes, the deck is wet, and the piers on the islands are slippery.

Sunscreen Waterproof, and in quantity. A full day on the water with reflection off the water burns faster than you feel.

A sealed bag for the phone and camera. Even on deck you get wet from the spray.

and those prone to Seasickness, a motion sickness pill before sailing, or simply choosing the catamaran.

Seasons, weather and cancellations

When it's worth it and when it's not

November to April This is the best season on the Andaman coast: the sea is calm, the water is clear and snorkeling is at its best.

May to October: The rainy season. The tour still goes out most days, but the sea is choppier and underwater visibility decreases.

In high seas the tour is canceled by the operator or the port authority, and then you get an alternative date or a full refund. This is not your decision and does not count as a cancellation on your part.

Rain alone doesn't cancel the trip, it comes in short bursts and the boats continue.

Booking at least one day in advance, until 23:00 Thailand time.

Gallery

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

What to know before you book

What's the difference between the speedboat and the catamaran?
The route is the same. The speedboat is fast and arrives in half an hour but bounces on the waves; the catamaran is slower but much more stable, with an open deck and a place to sit. The difference is 500 THB Per adult.
Is it worth taking the transfer?
Almost always. It costs 100 THB only, on top of the price without the transfer.
What's included in the meal?
A lunch buffet at a restaurant on Racha Island, along with soft drinks, water, coffee, tea and seasonal fruit throughout the day.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes, including a mask. There are two snorkeling stops, one at Racha Island in the morning and one at Coral Island in the afternoon.
Can you dive?
Shore diving and scuba diving are add-ons from the operator, booked separately and not included in any ticket. Ask us and we'll confirm a price by date.
What time does it start and end?
Hotel pickup around 07:45, departure from Chalong Pier at 09:00, and return to Chalong Bay at 16:00.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit, towel, a change of clothes, waterproof sunscreen, a sealed bag for the phone and non-slip shoes.
Suitable for families with children?
Yes, especially on the catamaran. The snorkeling stops are short and the free time on the beach fills in the rest.
What about seasickness?
The catamaran is much more stable than the speedboat. If you're prone to that, the difference is worth it, or take a motion sickness pill before sailing.
What happens if it rains?
Rain alone doesn't cancel the trip; it comes in short bursts. High seas do cancel it, and then you get an alternative date or a full refund.
When is the best season?
November to April, calm sea and clear water. From May to October the tour still goes out but underwater visibility decreases.
How far in advance should you book?
At least one day, until 23:00 Thailand time.