Half-Day Trip to Koh Hey: Snorkeling & Relaxation

Discover the Koh Hey Half-Day Snorkeling & Relaxation Tour

If you’re eyeing a quick escape from Phuket’s bustling beaches, the Half-Day Trip to Koh Hey offers a straightforward way to enjoy some sunshine, snorkel in calm waters, and unwind on a quiet island. This small-group tour keeps things intimate, with a maximum of 15 travelers, making it easier to connect and enjoy personalized attention. It’s designed for those who want a hassle-free experience, including round-trip transport and basic snorkeling gear, all packaged into about four hours of island time.

One thing we really appreciate about this tour is its simplicity and flexibility. You’re not locked into a rigid schedule—after about two hours on Coral Island, the rest of your day is free to explore or relax at your own pace. The convenience of hotel pickups and provided gear makes it accessible and straightforward, especially for travelers who want a budget-friendly yet enjoyable outing. However, a notable consideration is that the tour doesn’t visit the much-hyped Banana Beach, which might disappoint those expecting that specific destination.

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing, no-fuss snorkeling experience combined with some leisure time on a scenic island. Families with young children, first-time visitors to Phuket, or anyone wanting a quick, budget-conscious getaway will find it particularly suitable.

Key Points

• Small Group Size: Max 15 travelers for a more personal experience
• Included Gear: Masks, snorkels, beach chairs provided for convenience
• Round-Trip Transport: Hotels in Phuket are included, with some extra surcharges for remote areas
• Flexible Timing: Approximately 4 hours of island time, free afternoon afterward
• Accessible for Most: Suitable for travelers aged 4 to 65, with a focus on novice snorkelers
• Simple and Cost-Effective: At $47.46 per person, it offers good value for a quick escape

An Honest Look at the Experience

Getting Started: Ease and Convenience
The tour begins around noon with hotel pickups in Phuket, a real plus for travelers who want to avoid organizing their own transport. The pickup service covers most areas, although there are surcharges for some locations like Layan Beach and Naiyang Beach. This makes the experience accessible without the hassle of taxi hunting or ferry schedules. Once at Chalong Pier, you’re introduced to your guide and quickly boarded onto a speedboat heading for Koh Hey.

The Boat Ride: Quick and Comfortable
The boat ride itself takes about 20 minutes, offering a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and get a preview of the island’s scenery. The speedboat is small, which helps keep the group intimate, but it also means you’re close to fellow travelers—a point to consider if you prefer more space.

Coral Island (Koh Hae): The Main Stop
The primary highlight is Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae. Here, the focus is on enjoying easy snorkeling in shallow waters, perfect for novices and children. The waters are calm and clear, with coral formations just off the shoreline, making it great for a quick dip without needing advanced skills. The island is only around 9 kilometers from Phuket, so the journey is short and sweet.

The reviewers’ insights shed some light: one noted that the island is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling, with good spots for beginners. The provided gear—masks, snorkels, life jackets—make it straightforward, and the beach chairs are a thoughtful touch for those wanting to relax after swimming.

What’s Missing? The Banana Beach Confusion
One common complaint from travelers is the misconception that they are visiting Banana Beach. One reviewer pointed out that the trip does not take you to Banana Beach, nor is it accessible from where you’re dropped. The confusion seemed to stem from the tour’s description, but the reality is you’ll visit Coral Island’s beaches—not Banana Beach itself. Clarifying this beforehand helps prevent disappointment.

Snacks, Water, and Relaxation
The tour includes snacks, fruits, and drinking water, which are perfect for keeping your energy up. Beach chairs are available, allowing those who prefer to lounge and soak in the views. The overall vibe is laid-back, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Duration and Flexibility
After about two hours on Coral Island, the boat returns to Chalong Pier, giving you roughly four hours total on the island. The itinerary is flexible enough that you could spend more or less time depending on conditions and personal preference. The rest of the day is yours to explore Phuket or relax.

What Travelers Should Know

Transportation and Extra Charges
While the tour includes hotel pickups, some areas incur a surcharge—like Naiyang Beach or Mai Khao Beach—costing around 200 Baht per person. For those staying at luxury resorts like JW Marriott Phuket, there’s a higher surcharge of 1,800 Baht for round-trip transfer. It’s worth considering this cost when planning your budget.

Timing and Weather
Departure is scheduled for noon, and the timing is approximate, subject to weather conditions and tide schedules. Poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling, but the tour provider offers full refunds or alternate dates, making it low-risk.

Age and Group Size
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate setting. The minimum age for speedboat travel is 4 years old, and the maximum is 65, so it’s suitable for most family groups and individuals alike.

What to Bring
To maximize your comfort, remember to pack sunglasses, sun lotion, a spare T-shirt, a beach towel, swimwear, and a camera—so you can capture those memorable moments. Remember, the tour doesn’t include drinks unless specified, so bringing your own water might be wise.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Real Experiences
One guest expressed confusion, noting that “this does not take you to the famous Banana beach,” which highlights the importance of setting the right expectations. Others appreciated the stunning views and ease of snorkeling, especially for beginners. The included gear and beach chairs were well received, making the experience comfortable and straightforward.

What Could Improve
Some travelers felt that the tour was a bit too brief, wishing for more time on Coral Island or a visit to a different beach. The lack of access to Banana Beach was a letdown for those expecting that specific location, emphasizing the need for clear pre-tour information.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This half-day trip suits those looking for a budget-friendly, low-stress adventure to see coral reefs and enjoy a quiet beach. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, families with children, or anyone who wants a quick, scenic break from Phuket’s more crowded beaches. If you’re expecting a full-day cruise or visiting a specific beach like Banana Beach, this may not meet your expectations. Still, if your goal is relaxation, snorkeling, and easy access to island scenery, this tour delivers nicely.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an accessible, cost-effective way to experience coral snorkeling and island relaxation without the fuss of complicated logistics. Its small-group setting ensures a more personalized experience, and the included gear adds convenience. While it doesn’t take you to Banana Beach—despite some misconceptions—Coral Island’s gentle waters and scenic beaches remain a worthwhile spot to unwind.

If you’re traveling with family, new to snorkeling, or simply want a quick island escape in Phuket, this experience is worth considering. Just be sure to clarify your expectations regarding the actual destinations involved, and bring your sense of adventure—and some sun protection!

FAQs

Does this tour include transportation from all Phuket areas?
Most areas are covered for pickup, but some remote locations like Layan Beach and Naiyang Beach require a surcharge of about 200 Baht per person. For high-end resorts such as JW Marriott, the surcharge is higher, around 1,800 Baht.

Can I visit Banana Beach on this trip?
No, the tour does not take you to Banana Beach. The itinerary focuses on Coral Island and its beaches, which are different spots. Clarifying this beforehand can help manage expectations.

How long do I spend on Koh Hey?
You’ll have roughly 2 hours on Coral Island for snorkeling, relaxing, or exploring, within a total of about 4 hours including transport.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age for speedboat travel is 4 years old, making it suitable for families. The shallow waters and calm environment are also beginner-friendly.

What should I bring for the trip?
It’s best to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a spare T-shirt and shorts, a beach towel, swimwear, and your camera to capture moments. Drinks aren’t included, so bringing water is advisable.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Is this tour good value for money?
At around $47.46 per person, it offers a decent price for a half-day trip with gear, snacks, and hotel transfers—particularly for those seeking a relaxed, hassle-free experience.

This snorkeling trip to Koh Hey is a straightforward way to enjoy some of Phuket’s calmer waters and scenic beaches without the fuss. While it might not satisfy those seeking a full-day adventure or a visit to Banana Beach, it provides a practical, relaxing snapshot of island life perfect for a quick escape.