Famed for its exotic beaches, colourful night markets, and white marble Big Buddha, Phuket is also a popular jumping off point for boat tours around the island.
(Photo: TripGuru Thailand / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Located in southern Thailand, a visit to Phuket stimulates the senses like few other places. Bursting with intoxicating sights, sounds and smells, it draws huge numbers of tourists every year with its promise of buzzing nightspots, delicious seafood and plenty of coastal activities to enjoy. Among the latter are a wide number of organised boat day tours that can be booked in advance online. We’ve picked out 5 of the best below.
James Bond Island & Canoe Tour by Longtail Boat
Situated in Phang Nga Bay, northeast of Phuket, James Bond Island – once known as Khao Phing Kan and made famous in 1974 thanks to the movie The Man with the Golden Gun – is one of the jewels in the region’s crown. This 10-hour adventure by canoe and longtail boat offers the chance to visit the island’s magical rock formation, as well as stop off at some of the area’s other main attractions. Swim around the Talu Cave, spot statues, carvings, and monkeys at Wat Suwan Khuha, and experience the flavours of Thai food during a local lunch. Hotel drop-off and pick-up are both included in the tour price. From $67 per person.
Coral and Racha Islands Hype Luxury Catamaran
(Photo: Hype Boat Club / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Taking the beach club concept to sea, this slightly shorter ocean-going experience by luxury catamaran could be for you. Over the course of 7 hours, you’ll discover the white sandy beaches of two beautiful islands, Coral Island and Racha Island, sunbathe on comfortable day beds while you sip on exotic drinks, and enjoy a sunset party complete with live DJ in the middle of the Andaman ocean. Inclusive of the trip is also a sumptuous buffet of tapas, Thai food, and sushi. The tour starts and ends at Chalong Pier. From $120 per person.
Phang Nga Bay the most Luxurious Sunset Tour with DJ
Take a dip in the pristine waters, explore an ancient cave, and close the experience dancing to tunes served up by a live DJ on this 9-hour luxury cruise. Traversing the waters around Phang Nga Bay on a high-spec catamaran, you’ll also get to see the islands featured in a James Bond film, and sit down to a delicious sunset dinner on board ad you head back to Phuket. The boat will also have its own paddleboards and water slides, as well as an open sundeck where you can soak up the rays before watching the sun set. The tour ends early evening. From $163 per person.
Raya Island Tour by Speed Boat from Phuket
(Photo: Sunleisure World / Courtesy Viator)
Marvel at the magical scenery of Raya Island, one of Phuket’s great hidden gems, with the wind in your hair on this exhilarating 6 to 8-hour speedboat tour. During the trip, you’ll be offered the chance to try out snorkelling in Siam Bay and Khon Kae Bay, delving deep to witness the rich underwater seaworld. Afterwards, you can kick back and relax on the sandy shore and soak up your stunning surroundings. The small-group tour is limited to a maximum of 15 guests, with round-trip hotel transfer and all snorkelling equipment also included. From $47 per person.
Private Boat Tour in Phuket
For a more intimate and exclusive boat trip experience, this private tour for up to 15 may well fit the bill. In the company of your select group of family or friends, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Chalong Pier where you’ll board your boat for the day. You’ll then set off to the captivating environs of Raya Island for sightseeing, swimming and snorkelling at Siam Bay and Khon Kae Bay, and relaxing on a sandy beach while enjoying some fresh fruit and cool refreshments. Late afternoon, you’ll head back to your starting point. As this tour is private, there are also options to customise the trip.. From $1,008 per group (max 15 people).