Raya Yai Island + Coral Island

The Raya Yai Island + Coral Island tour is a full-day speedboat trip from Chalong Pier, Phuket (depart 09.30, return around 16.30). You spend the core of the day swimming and snorkeling at Patok Bay and Kon Kare Bay on Raya Yai — with buffet lunch and pool access at Ban Raya Resort — then finish with an hour on Coral Island’s beach. Arranged by our TAT-licensed family agency at Chalong Circle.

Why is Raya Yai the island that works all year?

Here is the fact we lean on every green season: Raya Yai (also written Racha Yai) keeps genuinely clear water even in the monsoon months, when trips to more exposed islands get cancelled or turn to soup. Its deep, sheltered bays face away from the swell, and the sandy bottom keeps visibility high — which is why dive schools use it as their year-round training ground. If you are in Phuket between May and October and want to be sure your island day actually looks like the photos, this is the trip we point to first.

How does the day run?

• 07.00–08.45: Hotel pickup by air-conditioned minibus.
• 09.30: Speedboat from Chalong Pier to Raya Yai Island.
• 10.15: Arrive Patok Bay — swimming, snorkeling and beach time.
• 12.30: Buffet lunch at Sa-Biang restaurant, then snorkeling over the coral and fish of Kon Kare Bay.
• 14.30: Cruise to Coral Island for an hour of swimming and relaxing.
• 16.15–16.30: Arrive Chalong Pier and transfer to your hotel.

Included: hotel transfer from the main areas, injury insurance, mask, snorkel and life jacket, English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, soft drinks and fruit on board, beach chair at Kon Kare Bay, island transfers by vehicle, and use of the swimming pool and wifi at Ban Raya Resort and Spa — a rare perk on any day trip. Operator’s rule: no pregnant women, children under 1, or guests over 70.

Is this tour right for you?

Snorkelers who want fish-rich, clear bays; families who like the safety net of a resort pool between swims; and green-season travelers hedging against weather. The 45-minute open crossing to Raya is the one demand it makes — take a tablet if you are seasick-prone.

If you want wilder, emptier beaches and a dolphin chance, step up to the three-island Raya Noi, Raya Yai and Maiton trip. If a short crossing matters more than reef quality, keep it simple with the Coral Island full day tour.

What should you bring?

Swimwear worn from the hotel, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, dry bag, and a little cash. Underwater visibility at Kon Kare Bay rewards a phone in a waterproof pouch — the fish come close enough to fill the frame. The resort pool means kids can rinse the salt off before the ride home; pack a spare dry shirt for them.

Honest advice from our counter in Chalong

Do the snorkeling at Raya before you settle into the pool — Kon Kare Bay after lunch is the best water of the day, and the Coral Island hour at the end is for winding down, not for starting over. Guests who reverse the order always wish they hadn’t. We are a family-run shop near Chalong Circle, TAT licence No. 34/03373 — visit us or compare trips on our Raya Yai Island tours page. Boat prices in Phuket change daily; message us for today’s price.

Frequently asked questions

Does this tour run in the rainy season?

Usually yes. Raya Yai’s sheltered bays keep clear water year-round, making this one of the most weather-proof island trips from Phuket. Individual days can still be adjusted for safety.

What is included at Ban Raya Resort?

Use of the swimming pool and free wifi at Ban Raya Resort and Spa is included, along with the buffet lunch at Sa-Biang restaurant and vehicle transfers on the island.

How is the snorkeling at Raya Yai?

Kon Kare Bay offers clear water, coral and dense tropical fish over a sandy bottom — easy conditions that suit beginners and still entertain experienced snorkelers.

How long do you stay on Coral Island?

About one hour at the end of the day — enough for a final swim and photos before the 15-minute hop back to Chalong Pier.

How do I book and get today’s price?

Message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999. Boat prices in Phuket change daily, so we confirm the current rate, pickup time and availability in one quick chat.

Photos