The Grand Racha Island Snorkeling Tour 2024

Racha Island Snorkeling Tour – Calling All Eco Lovers!!

You’ll be Astounded at the Sight as You Approach Racha Yai – it’s Spellbinding!

Snorkeling enthusiasts rejoice! Koh Racha Island is an incredible island hop day trip destination that bestows a blissful underwater adventure, and Coral Seekers Phuket will take you there! Prepare yourself for an exceptional day aboard a private charter speed boat headed for some bountiful snorkeling at Racha Island.

The underwater world surrounding the island is home to rich marine life – coral reefs, tropical fish like angelfish, butterfly fish, and scorpion fish, as well as reef sharks and moray eels, fingers-crossed, and resident sea turtles.

Racha Yai Island is approximately 12 km (7.5 miles) south of Phuket. It is part of the Racha Islands group, Racha Noi and Racha Yai, being the larger and more visited of the two. It is about 4.5 k㎡ in size and is characterized by lush vegetation, beautiful beaches, and the water color and clarity is simply stunning.

Snorkeling at Racha – Day Trip Best Spots

Racha Yai Island is known for its snorkeling (and diving sites) and boasts five main beach areas ideal for great snorkeling sessions.

Patok Beach lies along the west coast, a deep U-shaped bay adorning white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Patok Beach is the main beach and is typically the arrival point of visitors to the island – a popular starting point for snorkeling excursions on Racha Yai. Patok Beach is a great place for novice snorkelers who might spot marine life just a few meters from the shoreline.

The beauty of a Coral Seekers private charter is that you can steer clear of the busyness and find ideal snorkeling spots – hidden gems – around the island. You can dip in and out of the water to your heart’s content from the boat.

Siam Bay on the north side of Racha Yai is regarded by many as Maya Bay’s (Koh Phi Phi) rival in terms of its beautiful beach and setting. It is a longer and less crowded bay than Patok and also offers stunning clear waters and excellent opportunities for snorkeling with coral gardens and a diverse array of marine life.

Down the east coast lies three small beaches: Lah Bay, Ter Bay, and Kon Kare Bay. These are ideal spots for both the beginner and the experienced, with a variety of coral formations and marine life – you can often see various colorful fish, sea cucumbers, and even the occasional sightings of larger marine species. Lah Bay is a narrow beach with a shallow reef where various small tropical fish swim about. A little further down the coast lies Ter Bay and Kon Kare Bay, which is a very popular snorkeling spot.

Snorkeling Trip Tips For a Great Snorkeling Session Off Racha Yai Island

Snorkeling Equipment

Snorkeling masks are typically made in neutral colors and are not intended to attract or deter marine life. Steer away from overly fun and bright masks like a fresh fruit snorkeling mask, as fun as it is. A well-fitted mask with a tight seal ensures a clear view underwater, while well-sized snorkeling fins help you move effortlessly and confidently. Our snorkel gear is good quality, and we ensure that the snorkeling equipment fits well, but by all means, bring your own kit if you prefer.

Eco-Conscious Tourism – Respect the Marine Environment

Thailand’s tourism takes its toll on the fragile ecosystems. While snorkeling, be mindful of not touching or damaging the coral reefs or marine life. And of course, absolutely no littering. Take only photographs and leave only footprints.

Use eco sunscreen or reef-safe sunscreen, formulated with environmentally friendly and non-harmful ingredients. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs when they wash off into the ocean.

Stay hydrated, ideally bringing a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of drinking water throughout the day – many forget, being in water all day!

Racha Island Snorkeling Tour – The Coral Seekers Difference

Corals Seekers day trips include a private transfer from your Phuket hotel. On arrival at the Coral Seekers Beach Club, we warmly welcome you with pre-departure refreshments, during which a boat safety briefing will take place, with a life jacket fitted, and you meet your boat captain. We also give you a brief snorkeling guide for Racha Yai Island and offer proper snorkeling techniques for those who are not experienced snorkelers.

We take care of all your needs throughout the day. Stay recharged with refreshments, soft drinks, and fruit, and at lunchtime, delicious local Thai food can be served.

Other Coral Seekers Private Charter Day Trip Destinations

We take guests across the Andaman Sea to the stunning islands, nearby and further afield. Koh Yao, Bon, Maiton, Hong, Lipe, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, James Bond, Krabi, the Similan Islands…. and many more island destinations!

100% Private and Customizable & 24 Hour Full Refund

Experience an exceptional Racha Island snorkeling private adventure with our exclusive private tours and personalized itineraries. Immerse yourself in a bespoke adventure meticulously crafted to your preferences, ensuring every moment is flawless, from the moment we collect you by private transfer to the time we transport you back to your hotel in style.

Discover incredible islands, with natural spectacles of crystal clear sea, a view point or two, snorkeling spots, marine life, colorful fishes, attractive coral reefs, and secluded beaches, at your own rhythm.

This is your aquatic adventure, and we will create the best snorkeling day trip to Racha Island through an unforgettable exclusive tour with a team that strives to bring service excellence.

Enjoy the confidence of a 24-hour full refund, which we will guarantee, for your peace of mind.

Racha Yai Snorkeling Tour FAQs

Where do Phuket boat trips normally depart from?

Phuket day trips typically depart from various locations around the island, depending on the specific tour, activity, or destination. Some common departure points include Chalong Pier, Rawai Beach, Ao Po, and Boat Lagoon Marina, among others. We avoid large boat departing points for snorkeling groups and day trippers leaving from these busy areas in Phuket. Coral Seekers offers an exclusive, queue-free, and relaxed departure from Ao Yon Beach.

Is scuba diving good at Racha Yai?

There are several good scuba dive sites at Racha Yai. It is a popular diving destination in the Andaman Sea, particularly for those visiting from Phuket. If you want to join a large dive boat, most dive operators recommend that scuba divers pre-book scuba diving trips to guarantee availability during your visit.

Where are the best spots to both snorkel and dive in Phuket?

Some of Phuket’s many beaches offer good snorkeling and diving opportunities. Notable spots for snorkeling are Ao Sane, near Naiharn, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, particularly Kata Noi, Laem Singh, Yanui, and, while not on Phuket, Coral Island is a very short boat ride from Phuket and is known for its excellent snorkeling.

Are there any resorts on Ko Racha Yai?

There are a few resorts on Racha Yai. The following resorts are five-, four-, and three-star: The Racha (5-star) Rayaburi Racha Island Resort (4-star) and Ban Raya(3-star).

Inclusions

• Land transfer from hotel and drop-off included.
• Private charter quality speedboat with crew.
• Sole use of the boat during the charter period (no sharing with other groups).
• English-speaking guide provided.
• Soft drinks, fruit, and snacks included.
• Snorkeling equipment provided.
• Life jackets available.
• Insurance included.
• Stand up paddle board available.

Price

Sample Itinerary

• 8:30am Air-con minibus pickup from your location on Phuket. Pick up time is noted at 08.30 a.m., but earlier times can be arranged for a slight surcharge.
• 9:00am Arrive at the marina or Coral Seekers’ beach club location at Ao Yon. Meet your tour guide, discuss the day's charter and board your private speedboat. *Arrival time may vary - based on your Phuket accommodation location.
• 9:30am Arrive at Coral island and visit for sightseeing, swimming or just relaxing on the beach.
• 12:00pm Enjoy your delicious picnic lunch.
• 1:30pm Cruise around nearby Islands for swimming, snorkeling or relaxing.
• 3:00pm Board your speedboat and begin your cruise to Phuket
• 4:00pm Arrive back at the marina or Ao Yon Beach.
• 5:30pm Arrive back to your resort/villa via air-con minibus. *Arrival time may vary based on your Phuket accommodation location.