Deep-water fishing from a boat

Fishing trip from Phuket — Racha Island

A deep-water fishing day about 18 km south of Phuket: tuna, barracuda and mackerel, a fresh fishermen's meal on the beach, and free time on Racha Island.

Check availability and price

Prices

From 2,000 THB, when booked in advance.

Important information:

  • The types of fish vary by season and by luck. No one can guarantee a catch, and that's part of the point.
  • The trip is subject to weather and sea conditions and it may change accordingly.
  • Hotel pickup between 07:00 and 07:30, and return in the evening. You should arrive 15 minutes before pickup time.
  • Cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Later cancellation or a no-show is charged in full.
  • Suitable for families and children of all ages. Booking ahead to secure a spot is recommended.

The two packages

The difference is whether you're fishing or accompanying

The full fishing package Includes professional gear and active participation. This is the package for those who come to fish.

The companion package It's the same boat, the same route and the same meal, without the fishing itself.

This solves a real problem: As a couple or family, not everyone wants to fish. Instead of one giving up the day, each person takes the package that suits them, and both are on the same boat.

The difference between the two is 500 THB, and it's entirely the gear and participation.

What the day looks like

Pickup at 07:00, return in the evening

Deep-water fishing from a boat
Deep-water fishing from a boat

Hotel pickup is between 07:00 and 07:30, and from there a sail to the fishing area, about 18 km south of Phuket, in the area of Visibility.

The morning is devoted to the fishing itself. The method is Trolling fishing in deep water, and the guide teaches it on the boat — no prior experience needed.

At 12:30, a fresh fishermen's meal, and if you caught something, you can cook from your personal catch.

In the afternoon you continue fishing and receive Free time on Racha Island's beach, and in the evening you return to the hotel.

What do you catch there

and why no one guarantees

The waters in this area give Tuna, barracuda, mackerel and sailfish, and that's a wide range.

but the types of fish vary by season and by luck, and that's written here intentionally. A fishing day that comes back with a small catch is a normal fishing day, not a malfunction.

What is guaranteed is the sailing, the meal and the beach, so even those who caught nothing leave with a full day.

and those who did catch something can take the catch home, or cook it as part of the meal.

When is it best to depart

Season, sea and weather

The sea decides

The trip is subject to sea conditions and may change. In the monsoon season there are days when boats do not go out at all.

The catch varies by season

The types of fish depend on the season and luck. No one guarantees a catch, and that's written intentionally.

Book in advance

The boat has limited spots, and booking ahead is recommended.

15 minutes before

You should arrive a quarter of an hour before pickup time. The boat doesn't wait.

Why Racha Island specifically

About 18 km south of Phuket, and that changes the type of fishing

Racha Island sits in the open sea, south of Phuket, and the waters around it are significantly deeper than those in Phang Nga Bay.

This is exactly what allows Deep-water fishing, big predators are found there and not in the shallow waters between the islands.

and the beach itself is a real bonus. After hours on the boat, a stop at Racha Island's beach gives the break that turns the day into a full day and not just a fishing trip.

The distance also means it's Not an island tour: There's no jumping between stops — there's one destination and plenty of time in the water.

What happens with the catch

Cook on the beach or take home

What you catch belongs to you. Both options are open: cook from the catch as part of the fishermen's meal on the beach, or take it home.

and those considering taking it home should check in advance how the hotel handles it. Not every place has a free fridge or kitchen, and fresh fish on a hot day in Phuket isn't very forgiving.

The meal itself is served in any case, even if nothing is caught. It's part of the package and doesn't depend on the catch.

and those who took the companion package eat the exact same meal, the difference between the packages is the fishing, not the food.

How this compares to an island tour

Two completely different products, and both are a full day at sea

Island tour is movement: five or six stops, snorkeling at each, and a tight schedule. Fishing tour It's the opposite — one destination, hours of quiet, and one activity.

Those who have only one day in Phuket and want to see as much as possible, Island tour.

Those who've already done an island day, or are looking for a different pace, Fishing. It's also the day when you photograph the least and talk the most.

and there's an important practical difference: On an island tour you go ashore every hour. On the fishing tour you stay on the boat for consecutive hours, and that's what turns seasickness from a discomfort into a real problem for those who are sensitive.

Who this suits

And who should think twice

For those who want a day at sea that isn't an island tour. This is a completely different pace — fewer stops, more quiet, and much more time on the water.

And for families, including children — the companion package also allows those who didn't fish to be there.

Less suitable for those who suffer from seasickness. It's a whole day on a boat in deep water, and unlike an island tour there are no frequent stops on land.

and less suitable for those looking for beaches and snorkeling — there's one beach at the end, and it's not the main point.

What to bring

The operator's list, and one item that's the most important

Seasickness medication

A whole day in deep water. Those who are sensitive: take Before before departure, not after you start feeling it.

Sunscreen and a hat

There's no shade on a fishing boat, and the sun's reflection off the water doubles the exposure.

Comfortable clothes

and clothes you don't mind smelling of fish by the end of the day.

Camera

And if there is one: waterproof. The catch and the beach are the photos.

How trolling fishing works

The method you learn on the boat, and why it's suitable for beginners

Trolling fishing It's dragging bait behind a slow-moving boat. The bait looks to the fish like a small fish fleeing, and that's why the method works on fast predators like tuna and barracuda.

The advantage for beginners: You don't need to know how to cast a rod, identify a spot or read the water. The boat does the work, and the guide prepares the gear.

What is required of you is The moment the fish bites. Then the rod bends, and the guide explains how to reel in without tearing the line. This is the part that requires attention, and it lasts minutes.

Between one catch and the next there's quiet, and sometimes a lot of it. Those who arrive with that expectation enjoy the day; those who expect nonstop action are disappointed.

Gallery

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

What to know before you book

How much does a fishing tour in Phuket cost?
Full fishing package 2,500 THB and a companion package 2,000 THB. The difference is the gear and active participation in the fishing.
What's the difference between the two packages?
The fishing package includes professional gear and active participation. The companion package is the same boat, the same route and the same meal without the fishing itself, for those who come for the sailing and scenery.
Do you need fishing experience?
No. The method is trolling fishing in deep water, and the guide teaches it on the boat.
What fish do you catch?
Tuna, barracuda, mackerel and sailfish. The types of fish vary by season and by luck, and no one guarantees a catch.
Can you take the fish?
Yes. You can take the catch home, or cook it as part of the fishermen's meal.
What are the tour hours?
Hotel pickup between 07:00 and 07:30, a meal at 12:30, and return in the evening. It's best to arrive 15 minutes before pickup time.
Where do you sail to?
to the Racha Island area, about 18 km south of Phuket.
Suitable for children?
Yes, at any age. The companion package also allows those who didn't fish to be on the boat.
What about seasickness?
It's a whole day on a boat in deep water and there are no frequent stops on land. Those who are sensitive should take medication before departure.
What happens if the sea is rough?
The trip is subject to weather and sea conditions and may change accordingly.
Can it be cancelled?
up to 48 hours before the departure date. Later cancellation or a no-show is charged in full.
Is the transfer included?
Yes, round trip from the hotel, in both packages.
What is trolling fishing?
Dragging bait behind a slow-moving boat. The bait looks to the fish like a small fish fleeing, and that's why the method works on fast predators like tuna and barracuda. No experience needed — the guide prepares the gear.
How far do you sail?
About 18 km south of Phuket, to the Racha Island area. The waters there are much deeper than those in Phang Nga Bay, and that's what allows deep-water fishing.
What do you do with the fish you caught?
You can cook from the catch as part of the meal on the beach or take it home. It's worth checking in advance if the hotel has a fridge — fresh fish on a hot day in Phuket isn't forgiving.
What's the difference from an island tour?
An island tour is five or six stops at a packed pace. Fishing is one destination and hours of quiet. And in fishing you stay on the boat for consecutive hours, without going ashore.
Do you eat even if you didn't catch anything?
Yes. The fishermen's meal is served in any case and doesn't depend on the catch, and those who took the companion package also eat the same meal.
Is there free time on the beach?
Yes, on Racha Island in the afternoon — after hours on the boat, this is the break that makes it a full day.