Phuket Island Hopping Tours
Racha and Coral Island sit closer to Phuket than Phi Phi, so the boat ride is shorter and the sea is usually calmer, making a half-day or full-day trip easy to fit in. Further out, the Similan Islands make a full-day trip for clearer water and bigger reefs, open roughly mid-October to mid-May.
Boats range from a straightforward speedboat to Coral Island to a catamaran with music and water toys, or a quieter sailing catamaran that ends at Promthep Cape for sunset. The Banana Beach, Coral Island (Koh Hey) tour runs by speedboat from Chalong Pier.
6 experiences to choose from.
How to choose
Racha and Coral Island
Racha and Coral Island (Koh Hey) sit close enough to Phuket for a half-day trip. The Banana Beach tour above runs by speedboat with snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch and a beach stop, while several catamaran tours combine Racha, Coral Island and Promthep Cape in one day with more deck space and onboard extras.
Catamaran, party boat and sailing options
NOAH and Aeolos both run catamaran tours pairing Coral and Racha islands: Aeolos at a slower, more personal pace with a sunset finish at Promthep Cape, and NOAH with a DJ and a water slide on board. Rhapsody's party boat adds live music and water toys to the same Racha, Coral Island and Promthep Cape route for a livelier group day.
Similan Islands and when to go
The Similan Islands lie further out and make a full-day trip by luxury catamaran; Dream Voyager and Flash No.7/Moonlight both run the route with two snorkeling stops and the national park fee included. The park is open roughly mid-October to mid-May and closed the rest of the year, so Similan trips only run in season.
For the closer islands, November to April has the calmest seas, and some sailings adjust or pause in rough weather from May to October. Alwani is licensed by the Department of Tourism, licence 34/03534. See more of the coast on a Phi Phi Island tour, or the full range on Phuket tours.
Compare at a glance.
| Type | Typical length | From |
|---|---|---|
| Speed catamaranMost islands in one day, with extras on board | 10 hours | ฿3,500 per person |
| Party boatA livelier, group day with music and water toys | 8 hours | ฿3,818 per person |
| Speedboat to Coral IslandShortest crossing, good for a half day or young kids | 5 hours | ฿1,900 per person |
Each price is the lowest current price for that type.
Questions before you book.
What's the difference between Racha/Coral Island tours and Phi Phi tours?
Racha and Coral Island sit closer to Phuket, so the boat ride is shorter and the day can run as a half-day trip. Phi Phi is further out and usually a full-day trip with more islands and stops.
When are the Similan Islands open?
The Similan Islands National Park is open roughly mid-October to mid-May and closes for the rest of the year to protect the reefs. Tours to Similan only run while the park is open.
Is Coral Island the same in Phuket and Pattaya?
No. Phuket's Coral Island is Koh Hey, reached from Chalong Pier. Pattaya has a different island that also uses the English name Coral Island, so check the city on the tour page before booking.
Which boat has the calmest ride?
A catamaran generally gives a steadier ride than a speedboat, since it sits wider and lower in the water. This matters most from May to October, when the sea can be rougher.
Do these tours include snorkeling gear and lunch?
Most do. Masks and snorkels, a buffet lunch and soft drinks are included on the Racha, Coral Island and Similan tours; exact inclusions are listed on each tour page.
How late can I book an island hopping tour?
Online booking closes 24 hours before the start time. After that, message us on WhatsApp and we will check availability with the operator directly.