Khai Island One Day Tour by Speed Boat Special Maithon – Phuket New Generation Tour

This Khai Island one day tour by speedboat departs from Phuket’s Asia Marina Pier and combines Maithon Island snorkeling (with a chance of dolphins) with the three Khai islets — Khai Nai, Khai Nui and Khai Nok — in full-day or half-day formats, with English, Chinese or Thai speaking guides. Arranged by our family-run, TAT-licensed agency at Chalong Circle, just 20 minutes’ boat ride from the islands.

Khai Nok, Khai Nai or Khai Nui — which islet is actually for you?

Every listing lumps “the Khai Islands” together. Across our counter we split them, because they suit different people:

• Khai Nai (Cat Island) — the swimmer’s islet. Clear, shallow, calm water where kids can wade safely, plus the resident cats that give it its nickname. If your group is small children and grandparents, this is your main stop.
• Khai Nui — the snorkeler’s islet. Tiny, with the best little coral patch and fish life of the three. Mostly a swim-from-the-boat stop rather than a beach stop.
• Khai Nok — the photographer’s islet. The classic white-sand-and-granite-boulder postcard beach. It photographs beautifully, but it’s also where every boat stops, so it’s the busiest of the three.

This tour’s trick is adding Maithon Island on the full-day version — a deeper, richer snorkeling reef than any of the Khai islets, and the stretch of water where dolphins are sometimes spotted. No promises on the dolphins; when it happens it makes the whole trip.

What does the full day look like?

08.20–08.30 — hotel pickup, transfer to Asia Marina Port.
10.00 — depart by speedboat to Maithon Island.
10.30 — Maithon: coral reef, colourful fish, the deepest and best snorkeling of the day.
11.15 — on to Khai Nai for snorkeling, swimming and beach time.
12.30 — lunch on Khai Nai.
14.30 — Khai Nok: swim, snorkel, relax on the white-sand beach.
17.30 — back at the pier and transfer to your hotel.

Short on time? The half-day versions

Morning: pickup 07.15–07.30, depart 09.00, visit Khai Nai, Khai Nui and Khai Nok, back by 13.00.
Afternoon: pickup 11.30–11.45, depart 13.30, same three islets, return 17.30.

The half-day skips Maithon and the dolphin stretch — it’s the trade-off for keeping half your day free. If a shorter, easier itinerary is the whole point for you, compare our dedicated Khai Islands half day tour; if you want maximum beach hours, the Khai Islands full day tour is the relaxed version without the deeper Maithon snorkeling focus.

Is this tour right for you?

We send families here more than anywhere else: only 20 minutes from pier to the islands, shallow safe water at Khai Nai, and paddle boarding and cat-cuddling between swims. Guides are available in English, Chinese or Thai — tell us which you need when you book. It’s also our usual answer for guests who felt queasy on long crossings before: this is the shortest boat ride to real snorkeling that Phuket offers.

Who it’s not for: divers and serious snorkelers who’ve already done the Similans (the reefs here are pretty, not spectacular), and anyone allergic to crowds at midday — Khai Nok gets busy between about 11.00 and 14.00. The half-day morning departure gets you onto the beaches before the rush; that’s the honest timing tip we give everyone. Many guests also pair Khai with Phi Phi in one trip — read our guide to what a Phi Phi tour includes before deciding, and browse all options on our Khai Islands tours page.

What should you bring?

Swimwear worn under clothes, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a dry bag for phones. Water shoes help on Khai Nok’s rockier edges. Seasickness is rarely an issue on this short crossing, but if you’re sensitive, take a tablet before the pier — the ride is fast and can bump in the afternoon breeze.

FAQ

How far are the Khai Islands from Phuket?

About 20 minutes by speedboat from Asia Marina Pier — the shortest island trip you can do from Phuket, which is why it suits families with young children.

Will we see dolphins on this tour?

Sometimes, on the full-day version around Maithon Island. It’s a genuine chance, not a guarantee — we’d rather be honest than promise wildlife.

Which Khai islet is best for small children?

Khai Nai (Cat Island). The water is shallow, clear and calm, so kids can wade and feed fish close to shore while adults snorkel nearby.

Can we get a Chinese or Thai speaking guide?

Yes — this tour offers English, Chinese or Thai speaking guides. Tell us your preference on WhatsApp when you book and we’ll arrange it.

How much does the Khai Island day tour cost?

Boat prices in Phuket change daily, so we don’t publish fixed prices. Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size for today’s best price.

Photos