Night Fishing – Coral Island (Squid Fishing) – Nikorn Marine

The Night Fishing at Coral Island trip by Nikorn Marine is an evening boat tour from Chalong Pier, Phuket, running roughly 15.30 to 22.00. You cruise out past the sunset, bottom-fish and squid-fish in the calm water behind Coral Island (Koh Hey), and eat dinner on board — often including what you just caught. We arrange it from our TAT-licensed family tour shop at Chalong Circle.

What makes a night trip different?

By 16.00 the day-trip crowds are heading home, and the sea south of Phuket goes quiet. That is exactly when this boat heads out. You get the sunset over the Andaman on the way to Coral Island, then a warm, dark, calm evening of fishing with the lights of Phuket on the horizon. Squid are attracted to the boat’s lamps after dark, so the fishing gets better as the night goes on — the opposite of most tours, which fade after lunch.

Guests tell us the surprise highlight is dinner: the crew can prepare your catch on board as tom yum soup, fried, or even as sashimi. Nothing you eat on this trip was frozen.

How does the evening run?

• 15.30: Check in at the Nikorn Marine office, Chalong Pier.
• 16.00: Depart Chalong and enjoy the sunset on the cruise toward Coral Island.
• 17.00: Anchor behind Coral Island and start bottom fishing. Dinner is served on board, then squid fishing begins as darkness falls.
• 22.00: Return to Chalong Pier.

The program flexes with tide and weather on the day — the captain positions the boat where the fish are, not where the brochure says.

Is this trip right for you?

Yes if you want something different after a week of beaches: fishing folk, couples who like sunsets more than sunbathing, night owls, and older kids who will be thrilled by pulling up a squid. No fishing experience is needed — the crew baits, untangles and coaches all evening. It is also a good pick for non-swimmers, since nobody has to get in the water at all.

If your group wants daytime beaches instead, the classic Kahung Beach day trip by speedboat visits the same island in daylight, and the sunset sailing cruise to Kahung Beach and Promthep Cape gives you the golden hour without the fishing rods.

What should you bring?

A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt — it cools down on the water after dark. Bring any personal medication, a little cash for drinks, and motion tablets if you are sensitive; the water behind Coral Island is sheltered, but the ride out can have some movement. Wear shoes you do not mind getting wet. Leave anything valuable at the hotel.

Honest advice from our counter in Chalong

Squid fishing is seasonal luck, not a guarantee — some nights the bucket fills fast, other nights the fish win. We tell guests to treat the catch as a bonus on top of a sunset cruise and a fresh seafood dinner, and nobody comes back disappointed with that mindset. Moonless nights tend to fish better than full-moon nights, so ask us what the calendar looks like when you book.

We are a family-run agency near Chalong Circle (TAT licence No. 34/03373) — visit our shop or browse more trips on our Coral Island tours page. Boat prices in Phuket change daily; message us on WhatsApp for today’s price.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need fishing experience?

No. The crew supplies all tackle, baits your line, and shows you the squid-jigging technique. First-timers regularly out-fish the veterans.

What happens to the fish and squid I catch?

The crew can cook your catch on board for dinner — tom yum, fried, or sashimi-style. Whatever is not eaten is yours to discuss with the crew.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Older children who can sit through an evening on a boat usually love it. It runs until about 22.00, which is late for toddlers, so for small kids we suggest a daytime Coral Island trip instead.

Will the sea be rough at night?

The boat anchors in the sheltered water behind Coral Island, which stays calm most evenings. The program can shift with tide and weather, and the captain always picks the most comfortable spot available.

How do I book and get today’s price?

Message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999. We confirm availability, pickup details and today’s rate in one quick chat — boat prices in Phuket change daily.

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