Phuket to Koh Bulone by Satun Pakbara Speed Boat

Phuket to Koh Bulone by Satun Pakbara Speed Boat: A Practical and Scenic Transfer

Traveling from Phuket to Koh Bulone by speed boat offers an adventurous way to explore Thailand’s southern islands, combining convenience with spectacular views. This particular tour, operated by Trip Store Krabi, takes you on a roughly 4-hour journey that’s as much about the experience as the destination. With scheduled departures during the high season and optional hotel pickups in Phuket, it’s tailored to travelers wanting a hassle-free, scenic transit with a touch of island hopping.

What we appreciate most about this service is its door-to-door convenience—a rare treat in island transfers—and the opportunity to see some iconic spots like Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Lanta en route. The short stopovers give you a chance to stretch, snap photos, or just soak in the scenery. However, keep in mind that it’s a high-season-only service (October to April), so if you’re traveling outside these months, you’ll need alternative arrangements.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a scenic, fast-paced transfer and want to make the most of their time in southern Thailand. It’s also ideal if you appreciate the flexibility of hotel pickup and a straightforward, no-fuss booking process. But if you’re after a full day of sightseeing or luxury amenities, this might be more of a practical transfer than a leisure cruise.

Key Points

• Convenient hotel pickup in Phuket Town, Patong, Karon, and Kata Beach makes this a hassle-free way to start your journey.
• The speed boat ride offers a quick yet scenic route, with short stops on Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Lanta, giving added value and a glimpse of these beautiful islands.
• The drop-off at Bulone Resort‘s beach allows easy access to your accommodation without extra transfers.
• The tour is seasonal, operating only from October to April, so plan accordingly.
• The price of $87.80 per person includes basic travel insurance, making it a straightforward, predictable cost.
• Limited coverage for remote hotels or private villas means you might need to arrange alternative pickups or drop-offs.

A Detailed Look at the Phuket to Koh Bulone Speedboat Experience

Embarking on this journey from Phuket to Koh Bulone with the Satun Pakbara Speed Boat is about blending practicality with a taste of adventure. We’ll walk through what you can expect at each step, what makes it worthwhile, and some tips to get the most out of the trip.

How the Booking and Pickup Process Works

Booking is simple, with a mobile ticket that you can show directly to the staff at Rassada Pier. You’ll need to wait for email confirmation of your exact pickup time—generally, this is arranged based on your hotel location. The pickup service covers key areas such as Phuket Town, Patong, Karon, and Kata Beach. However, if you’re staying in more remote parts of Phuket or private villas, you’ll need to arrange alternative transport.

The pickup is scheduled around 8:30 am, giving you plenty of time to get to the pier at least 30 minutes before departure. The pier, Rassada Port, is a common departure point for many island transfers, and it’s straightforward to find.

The Speed Boat Ride: From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Lanta

Once onboard, the journey begins with a scenic cruise. The route includes short stopovers at Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Lanta, where the crew might pick up or drop off other travelers. These stops are brief but provide a chance to appreciate the islands’ beauty, especially if you’re lucky enough to be on deck during the journey.

Travelers have noted that the boat is a fast, reliable means of transport—if you’re prone to seasickness, a precaution might be wise, as the ride can get bumpy depending on sea conditions. Some reviews mentioned that the boat crew is professional and attentive, though not overly chatty, which suits travelers looking for efficiency.

Connecting to Koh Bulone: The Final Leg

After the stopovers, you’ll transfer to a different speed boat on Koh Lanta, heading towards Koh Bulone. This switch is seamless, and the staff help coordinate the transfer, so you’re not left waiting. The boat ride from Lanta to Koh Bulone is relatively short and offers views of the surrounding islands and open sea.

Arriving at the beach in front of Bulone Resort, the transition to your accommodation is straightforward—you can walk directly to your hotel. This direct beach drop-off is a significant advantage, saving you additional transfers and time.

What Makes This Transfer Stand Out

Ease of access is a big plus. With hotel pick-up and the drop-off at your resort’s doorstep, this service minimizes logistical headaches. The scenic stops along the way add a layer of sightseeing to what might otherwise be a straightforward transfer. Plus, the overall duration—just over four hours—is quite reasonable when considering the distance involved.

Price-wise, the $87.80 fee includes basic insurance and is competitive compared to arranging separate boat and land transfers. It’s a good deal for travelers who value convenience and want to avoid the complexity of multiple bookings.

Possible Drawbacks and Considerations

While the service offers many conveniences, there are a few things to keep in mind. The seasonality is a key factor—if traveling outside October to April, you’ll need to look for alternatives, as this tour does not operate in the off-season.

Also, limited coverage for remote or private accommodations means some travelers might need to arrange their own transport to the pickup point or from the drop-off point. The transfer does not include hotel drop-off on Koh Bulone, so you’ll need to plan how to reach your specific hotel once ashore.

Weather can impact the schedule; bad sea conditions may delay, postpone, or cancel the trip with a full refund, but it’s something to be aware of if your travel dates are flexible.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer remarked that “the boat crew was professional and punctual, and the stops on Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta offered a nice break in the middle of the journey.” Another mentioned that “the transfer was smooth, but seas were a bit rough that day, so be prepared if you’re sensitive to motion.” The consensus hints at a well-organized service that prioritizes safety and efficiency, with some variability depending on weather.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This transfer suits travelers seeking a quick, reliable way to get from Phuket to Koh Bulone without the fuss of multiple bookings or complicated routes. It’s especially good for those who appreciate some scenic stops en route and are flexible with their schedule, given the seasonal operation.

If you’re on a tight schedule and want to maximize your time on the island, this service offers a practical solution. It also appeals to those who want the comfort of hotel pickup combined with a scenic journey, rather than a crowded bus or ferry.

However, if you prefer a luxury or private transfer, or are traveling outside the high season, you might want to explore other options. Also, if your accommodation is remote or you need a full day of sightseeing, this service mainly addresses transportation rather than sightseeing.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour strikes a good balance between value, convenience, and authentic travel experience. For a reasonable price, you get a swift and scenic transfer that drops you right at your hotel on Koh Bulone, with the added bonus of island views and some sightseeing along the way.

It’s particularly well-suited for adventurous travelers who want to combine travel with a little exploration, and who are comfortable with a group setting and seasonal timing. The organized nature and professional crew create a smooth journey, making it a reliable choice for those wanting minimal fuss and maximum scenery.

If you’re planning on exploring southern Thailand’s islands, this transfer can be a convenient piece of your itinerary—saving you time and helping you focus on the fun part: relaxing on Koh Bulone’s beaches.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available for this transfer?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered in Phuket Town, Patong, Karon, and Kata Beach, but only if your hotel is within the covered areas.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers one-way transport by speed boat, hotel pickup in specified areas, and basic travel insurance.

Are there any additional costs to consider?
You’ll need to arrange your own transport if your hotel is outside the pickup zones, and the transfer does not include hotel drop-off on Koh Bulone.

When does this tour operate?
Only during the high season from October to April. It’s seasonal, so no trips are scheduled outside these months.

How long does the transfer take?
The total duration is approximately 4 hours and 6 minutes, including stopovers and boat switches.

Can I get a refund if my plans change?
No, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed. Cancellation is only possible if the trip is canceled due to weather or minimum traveler requirements.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and a light jacket are recommended; don’t forget sun protection and a waterproof bag for valuables. Seasickness remedies might be helpful if you’re sensitive.

Is it suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to consider sea conditions if traveling with young children or those sensitive to motion.

To sum it up, the Phuket to Koh Bulone by Satun Pakbara Speed Boat offers a practical, scenic, and relatively quick way to move between these beautiful locations. With hotel pickup, scenic stops, and a straightforward schedule, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting efficiency combined with a taste of island life. Just remember to check the seasonality and weather forecasts to ensure smooth sailing.