Phuket Two Islands Trip to Coral & Raya Island by Speed Boat

Phuket Two Islands Trip to Coral & Raya Island by Speed Boat: A Detailed Review

If you’re dreaming of escaping into quiet beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine waters, this full-day speedboat tour from Phuket might be just what you need. It promises visits to two beautiful islands—Coral Island and Raya Island—where swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing are the main activities. While the trip is generally well-reviewed, with plenty of praise for the knowledgeable guides and efficient organization, there are a few snags to consider if you’re planning your adventure.

One of the things we really appreciate about this tour is its timing and structure. It packs in two island visits in one day, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed. Plus, the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off adds a layer of convenience that busy travelers will love. However, some reviewers have noted that the actual time spent at Raya Island can be quite short—often less than two hours—which may leave those hoping for a longer stay feeling a bit disappointed.

This trip is best suited for water enthusiasts, snorkelers, and travelers who want a quick, well-organized way to see some of Phuket’s most accessible marine destinations. If you’re looking for a relaxing day on the beach with opportunities to snorkel and enjoy fresh seafood, this tour hits the mark. But if you’re after a more in-depth experience or more time on the islands, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Efficient itinerary with visits to Coral and Raya Islands in one day, maximizing your time on the water.
• Guided commentary that enhances the experience with insights about the islands and marine life.
• Snorkeling gear and unlimited beverages included, making it easy and comfortable to explore underwater.
• Short stay at Raya Island may not satisfy those wanting a longer, more relaxed visit.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience, especially for busy travelers.
• Mixed reviews on the duration at Raya Island, with some feeling it was too brief.

The Journey Begins: From Phuket to Coral Island

Your day starts early, with a pickup from your hotel between 8:00 and 9:00 am, depending on your location. The pickup process is smooth, and the ride to Chalong Pier takes about 30 minutes. Once there, you’ll see the sleek speedboats waiting, ready to whisk you away on your aquatic adventure.

The boat ride to Coral Island is approximately 30 minutes, and the scenery along the way is lively, with the sea sparkling under the Thai sun. The ride itself is lively but stable, with a lively crew providing safety instructions and some amusing commentary about what’s ahead. We found the guides to be quite friendly and knowledgeable, adding a personal touch that many travelers appreciated.

Coral Island: Sun, Sand, and Snorkeling

Arriving at Coral Island around 10:00 am, the setting immediately feels inviting. This island is known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters, perfect for those wanting to relax or get active. The stop here lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to swim, sunbathe, or try some water sports (though these are at your own expense).

Guests who reviewed this part of the trip highlighted the beauty of Coral Island, with one reviewer mentioning, “the island is very pretty and the people are very friendly despite all the travelers.” This suggests it remains a popular, lively spot, but still retains a sense of natural charm. The shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs make snorkeling here worthwhile, especially with the gear provided for free.

Some travelers noted that the beach can get crowded, which is typical for popular spots. If you love a quiet beach experience, arriving early might give you a bit more solitude before the crowds arrive. Plus, if you’re into water sports, be prepared to pay extra, as activities like jet skiing or paddleboarding are not included.

Transition to Raya Island: Lunch and Leisure

At around 11:30 am, it’s time to say goodbye to Coral Island and head to Raya Island, about an hour away by boat. The journey itself is part of the fun, with the crew providing commentary on local marine life and the islands’ history.

The highlight here is the buffet lunch at Raya Island’s restaurant, served around midday. Reviewers have praised the meal as satisfying, with fresh fruit and a variety of dishes to suit different tastes. It’s a good chance to recharge before more water activities.

After lunch, around 1:00 pm, you’ll be taken to Patok Bay, Loh Bay, or Siam Bay—popular snorkeling spots. Here, you’ll have roughly an hour of free time to explore underwater or simply relax on the beach. The snorkeling gear is included, and the reefs are said to be plentiful with colorful fish and coral, making this a highlight for snorkelers.

One reviewer mentioned, “we enjoyed snorkeling at Patok Bay, and the marine life was so vibrant,” which confirms that Raya Island offers decent underwater scenery. However, some guests felt the time here was too limited, especially if they wanted to stay longer to explore more or sunbathe.

The Return Journey and Final Thoughts

By 3:30 pm, the boat departs from Raya Island back to Chalong Pier. The ride offers a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery once more. The overall trip duration is around 8 hours, with the transfer back to your hotel wrapping up by late afternoon.

While most reviews are positive, some mention that the time at Raya Island can be quite short, with one reviewer noting they had a “short stay at Raya Island and spent more time on Coral Island,” which might feel rushed for those wanting a more leisurely experience.

Practical Details and Tips for Your Trip

• The tour costs about $99.90 per person, which is quite reasonable given the inclusions like snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel transfers.
• The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a fairly intimate experience but still lively.
• The tour operates from 8:00 am, so being ready and waiting 15 minutes early is recommended.
• Remember to bring essentials like sunglasses, sunblock, a spare T-shirt or shorts, a beach towel, and a camera.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but pregnant women or people with certain health issues should consider the boat ride and water activities carefully.
• For guests staying outside the 3-mile radius of Patong, Karon, or Kata Beach, an extra surcharge applies for pickup.
• The activity is weather-dependent, so check for updates if storms or heavy rain are forecasted.

Authentic Experiences and Reviewer Insights

Many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides who added value with insightful commentary about the islands and marine life. One review specifically praised the guides’ friendliness and expertise, noting that this made the trip more engaging and informative.

However, some travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the short stay at Raya Island, feeling that more time would allow for a more relaxed experience or additional snorkeling. A reviewer mentioned that despite the tour being advertised as a full-day visit, the limited time on Raya left some feeling a bit rushed.

It’s worth noting that the tour offers unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, keeping everyone hydrated, and snorkeling gear is provided, which adds to the value. Yet, some indicated that equipment like masks and snorkels might not cover all preferences, especially if your snorkeling style is more advanced.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a convenient, guided day out on the water with the chance to snorkel and relax on beautiful beaches. It’s perfect for those who appreciate organized tours with included transport and aren’t overly concerned about spending a lot of time on each island.

If you’re looking for a short, activity-packed day with friendly guides and good value, this trip fits the bill. However, if longer beach days or more extensive snorkeling are your priority, you might want to explore other options or consider adding extra time at the islands independently.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

For around $100, this speedboat tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to see two of Phuket’s popular islands. The convenience of hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and included lunch makes it a solid choice for a casual, water-focused day. The guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude significantly enhance the experience, making it more engaging and informative.

That said, the limited time at Raya Island could be a downside if you’re eager to explore underwater more thoroughly or relax longer on the beach. Still, for those wanting a brief but memorable escape into Phuket’s marine scenery, this trip hits the right notes.

Overall, it’s a balanced, value-packed option that suits travelers who prefer organized, guided experiences over independent island-hopping. Be prepared for a busy day and potential crowds, but enjoy the scenic boat rides, vibrant coral reefs, and the chance to unwind on two beautiful Thai islands.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Phuket to Coral Island?
The boat ride from Chalong Pier to Coral Island takes about 30 minutes, offering a quick and scenic journey across the water.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers, a speedboat ride, snorkeling gear, lunch, and insurance. Beverages are unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

Is there enough time at Coral Island?
You’ll have approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at Coral Island, which is enough to swim, relax, or try some water sports at your own expense.

How long do we stay at Raya Island?
The stay at Raya Island is about 3 hours, including lunch and snorkeling time. Some reviews suggest this can feel a bit rushed.

Are snorkeling masks and snorkels provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, but some reviewers wished for more variety or better equipment, especially for serious snorkelers.

Is hotel pickup available outside Patong, Karon, or Kata?
Yes, but an extra surcharge applies for hotels outside a 3-mile radius from these areas.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring sun protection, a towel, a spare T-shirt or shorts, your camera, and swimwear. It’s also wise to carry some cash for extra activities or souvenirs.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made later will not be refunded.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
Most travelers can participate, but pregnant women or those with health issues should consider the boat ride and water activities carefully.

This speedboat trip to Coral and Raya Islands offers a lovely day out on the water, perfect for those wanting a snapshot of Phuket’s marine beauty without overextending their schedule. With friendly guides, scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and a tasty lunch, it balances adventure and relaxation nicely. Just keep in mind the short time at Raya Island if longer beach lounging is your goal.