Racha (Raya) and Coral Island Day Trip from Phuket: Guide

Two Islands, One Easy Day

If you want clear water and good snorkeling without a long boat ride, the islands south of Phuket are hard to beat. Coral Island (Koh Hey, also written Koh Hae) is a short speedboat ride from Chalong Pier. Racha Yai, often called Raya Island, sits further south in open water and is known for some of the clearest water near Phuket. A combined day trip lets you do both: beach time on Coral Island in the morning, then snorkeling, lunch and free time on Racha.

This guide walks through how our Raya and Coral Island Snorkeling Tour runs, from hotel pickup to the ride home. For background on each island, see our separate guides to Koh Racha and Coral Island.

Racha, Raya or Rayah?

You will see the same island written many ways: Koh Racha, Racha Yai, Raya Island, Rayah. They all refer to the same place. "Yai" means big, and there is also a smaller Racha Noi further south, which is mostly visited by dive boats. A day trip like this one goes to Racha Yai.

Coral Island has the same problem: Koh Hey, Koh Hae and Coral Island are all the same island, named after the reefs around it.

The Day at a Glance

Times below come from the tour schedule. On the day, the exact timing and the snorkeling bay depend on sea and weather conditions.

• 07:30 to 08:45: hotel pickup by minibus, depending on your area. The exact time is confirmed the evening before.
• At Chalong Pier: morning coffee and tea while the group gathers.
• 09:30: the speedboat leaves Chalong Pier.
• 10:00 to 11:30: Coral Island. Swim, relax on the beach or try optional sea sports.
• 12:00 to 13:00: snorkeling at Racha Island.
• 13:00 to 15:00: buffet lunch at a seaview restaurant, then free time at Patok Bay.
• Around 16:00: back at Chalong Pier, with soft drinks and fresh fruit on the way, then transfer to your hotel.

The boat rides are short, around 30 minutes, which is one of the main reasons this trip works so well for families and anyone who worries about seasickness. If that is you, our seasickness tips for boat tours are worth a read too.

Stop 1: Coral Island

Coral Island lies about 9 km from Chalong Pier. It has two main beaches, Banana Beach and Long Beach, both with white sand and calm, shallow water that is easy for swimming. The morning stop is a good chance to relax before the snorkeling part of the day.

Coral Island is also the place for sea sports. Parasailing, banana boat rides, sea walking and even driving a speedboat are offered here. These are optional and not included in the tour price, so bring cash if you want to try one. Prices are set by the operators on the island.

Stop 2: Snorkeling at Racha Island

Around midday the speedboat heads to Racha. Snorkeling is at one of three bays, chosen on the day based on conditions:

• Patok Bay: the main bay on the west side, with a white sand beach and very clear water. It is also where you spend your free time after lunch.
• Lah Bay: another bay on the island where boats stop for snorkeling.
• Siam Bay: on the northeast side, often quieter than Patok Bay.

The guide picks the bay where the water is calmest and clearest that day. Letting the guide choose is a good thing: it means you are snorkeling where conditions are best, not where the schedule says you should be.

What you might see

Racha's reefs have plenty of colorful reef fish. Clownfish in anemones are a favorite with kids, and you can often see parrotfish, wrasse and schools of small fish close to the surface. Sightings change every day, so treat anything bigger as a bonus.

Snorkel gear

Mask, snorkel and life jacket are included. Fins are not included but can be rented on board for 100 THB per pair, and you can add them when you book. Fins help if you are a confident swimmer and want to cover more reef. Beginners are often happier without them, floating in a life jacket.

Lunch and Free Time

Lunch is a buffet with fresh fruit at a seaview restaurant on Racha Island. After lunch you have free time at Patok Bay to swim, sunbathe or snorkel again from the beach. This long, unhurried stretch in the middle of the day is what makes the trip feel like a beach day rather than a rush between photo stops.

Price and What Is Included

The tour costs 2,400 THB per adult and 1,700 THB per child (ages 4 to 11).

Included

• Round-trip hotel transfer by minibus
• Speedboat with full insurance
• Morning coffee and tea
• Buffet lunch at a seaview restaurant
• Soft drinks and fresh fruit on the boat
• Mask, snorkel and life jacket
• Licensed English or Chinese speaking guide

Not included

• Fins (100 THB rental)
• Sea sports at Coral Island such as parasailing, banana boat and sea walking
• Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses

Who Is This Trip For?

This is one of the easiest island days from Phuket. It suits:

• Families: short boat rides, calm beaches and a relaxed schedule.
• First-time snorkelers: life jackets and a guide in the water make it approachable. See our tips for non-swimmers on island tours.
• Couples: more beach time and fewer crowds than the big-name trips.
• Visitors with limited time: you are back at your hotel in the late afternoon.

One important rule: pregnant guests are not allowed on this trip. For other health questions, please contact us before booking.

Raya and Coral vs Phi Phi

Phi Phi is the famous name, and it is worth seeing at least once. But it is a longer day with more time on the boat and more people at each stop. Racha and Coral are closer, the rides are shorter and there is more time in the water. Many visitors do Phi Phi on one day and Racha on another. If you want Phi Phi with an extra beach stop, look at our Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour.

Best Time to Go

November to April usually brings the calmest seas and the best visibility around Racha. During the rainy season from about May to October the sea can be rougher and visibility lower, but trips still run on many days because the islands are close to Phuket. If the weather turns, the guide adjusts the program. Our guide to the best time for snorkeling in Phuket goes into more detail.

What to Bring

• Swimsuit, shorts and a light T-shirt
• Beach towel and slippers
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A camera or phone in a waterproof pouch
• Cash for fins, sea sports or drinks

FAQ

How long is the boat ride to Racha Island?

The speedboat rides on this trip are around 30 minutes each, with Coral Island as a stop on the way.

Is there a national park fee?

No national park fee is listed for this tour. Your costs on the day are only optional extras such as fins, sea sports and drinks.

Can non-swimmers join?

Yes. Life jackets are included and you can snorkel while floating in one. Coral Island's shallow beaches are also easy for non-swimmers.

Which bay will we snorkel at?

Patok Bay, Lah Bay or Siam Bay, chosen on the day based on conditions.

Ready to go? Pick a date on the Raya and Coral Island tour page, or browse all our Phuket tours.