Maiton Island is a private island about 9 km off Phuket’s south-east coast, with coral reefs visited on snorkelling trips. Before booking, check whether your itinerary includes an offshore stop or permission to go ashore: a Maiton boat trip does not automatically include beach access.
The resort may be closed, and island landings need current confirmation. If beach time matters to you, ask the supplier to confirm authorised access for your travel date before paying.
What Is Maiton Island?
Maiton is also written as Mai Ton or Ko Mai Thon. It is a separate destination from the Similan Islands and is not part of Mu Ko Similan National Park.
For day visitors, access to the privately owned island is restricted. Any landing should be arranged through a licensed tour with permission to dock. Do not arrange an independent landing or assume that booking a private boat gives you access to the beach.
How to Get to Maiton Island from Phuket
You reach Maiton by boat from Phuket. The Tourism Authority of Thailand gives an approximate speedboat journey of 20 minutes from Phuket port. Some tour itineraries quote around 25 minutes from Chalong Pier, but the crossing depends on your departure point, boat and sea conditions.
Ask for the exact pier, check-in time and expected crossing time for your booking. Allow separately for travel from your accommodation, check-in and boarding.
For help planning the journey to your meeting point, see our guide to getting around Phuket.
Beach Access and Resort Status
At least one Maiton tour operator’s website currently carries a notice that the island and resort are closed until further notice. Other travel listings still describe island visits, so check locally rather than relying on an advertised beach itinerary.
Offshore snorkelling and landing on the island are different arrangements. Ask your supplier whether landings are permitted on your date and whether its tour has that permission. Confirm any toilets, changing facilities, meals or other onshore services separately.
Do not plan an overnight stay without direct confirmation that the resort is operating and accepting guests.
What Does a Maiton Island Day Trip Include?
Some itineraries stop off Maiton for snorkelling without landing. Request the current programme and written inclusions before choosing a trip.
- Does the trip stay offshore, or include an authorised landing?
- Where is the planned snorkelling stop?
- Are masks, snorkels, life jackets and supervision provided?
- Are meals, drinking water and hotel transfers included?
- Does the itinerary visit other islands, and how much time is allocated to Maiton?
- What are the arrangements for route changes or cancellations caused by weather?
Browse our Phuket island tours and ask which current options include Maiton. Use our contact and shop information to check the itinerary and access arrangements.
Snorkelling and Preparing for the Day
Boat trips offer snorkelling around Maiton’s coral reefs. Ask where your boat plans to stop and whether the conditions suit your swimming ability. Do not count on clear visibility or particular wildlife sightings.
Tell the crew if you are inexperienced or not confident in the water. Ask about supervision, wear a suitable life jacket and follow the crew’s briefing. Keep your fins clear of the reef, and never touch or stand on coral.
Pack swimwear, a towel, sun protection and a dry bag for essential belongings. Check equipment arrangements beforehand, particularly if you need a specific mask fit or life-jacket size.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Maiton Island from Phuket?
Maiton Island is about 9 km off Phuket’s south-east coast. Allow roughly 20 minutes by speedboat from Phuket port; some Chalong itineraries quote about 25 minutes. Confirm the crossing time for your departure point and allow extra time to reach the pier and board.
Can you visit Maiton Island independently?
Do not plan an independent landing. Maiton is privately owned, and day-tour landings require an authorised tour with docking permission. Choose a licensed operator and confirm that landing is available on your date; an offshore boat trip does not include beach access automatically.
Can you snorkel at Maiton Island?
Yes, boat trips offer snorkelling around Maiton’s coral reefs without necessarily landing on the island. Confirm the planned stop, equipment and supervision with your operator. Follow the crew’s instructions, wear a suitable life jacket and avoid touching or standing on coral.
Is Maiton Island part of the Similan National Park?
No. Maiton lies off Phuket’s south-east coast and is not part of Mu Ko Similan National Park. The Similan Islands are a separate destination in Phang Nga province.