Racha & Kahung Beach (Coral Island) by Speedboat – Nikorn Marine

The Racha & Kahung Beach tour by Nikorn Marine is a full-day speedboat trip from Chalong Pier, Phuket, that combines snorkeling at Racha Island in the morning with beach time and optional sea sports at Kahung Beach on Coral Island in the afternoon, returning around 16.15. We arrange it daily from our licensed family tour shop at Chalong Circle.

Why do we like this two-island combination?

Most Coral Island trips give you one island. This one gives you the best of two very different islands in a single day, and the order matters. You snorkel Racha in the morning when the water is clearest and the light is best for seeing coral, then you arrive at Kahung Beach after lunch when the tide and the mood suit lazy swimming and sea activities. Guests tell us it feels like two holidays in one day.

Racha Island (locals say Raya) sits about 40 minutes south of Phuket and is known for water so clear you can see the bottom from the boat. Coral Island (Koh Hey) is only 15 minutes from Chalong, so the ride home at the end of the day is short — a detail tired families appreciate more than they expect to.

What does the day actually look like?

• 08.00–09.00: Hotel pickup and transfer to Nikorn Marine’s welcome lobby at Chalong Pier.
• 09.30: Speedboat to Racha Island. Snorkel over coral and tropical fish at Kon Kae or Siam Bay, depending on conditions.
• 10.30: Move to Patok Bay on Racha for the white-sand beach and the postcard view.
• 12.30: Cross to Coral Island.
• 13.00: Thai lunch at Kahung Beach Restaurant.
• 14.30: Free time — swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or add sea sports such as parasailing, banana boat, sea walking, beach diving, clear kayak or paddle board (extra charge, pay on the island).
• 16.00: Depart Coral Island.
• 16.15: Back at Chalong Pier and transfer to your hotel.

Is this tour right for you?

We send guests on this trip when they want real snorkeling and a proper beach afternoon without choosing between them. It suits couples, friends and families with school-age children who are comfortable on a speedboat for 40 minutes at a stretch.

It is not the best pick for everyone. If you have toddlers or grandparents in the group who mainly want sand and shallow water, a shorter Coral Island full day tour keeps the boat time to 15 minutes each way. And if you would rather sail than speed, the same operator runs this route as a relaxed catamaran version that comes home at sunset.

What should you bring?

Swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel, sunscreen (reef-friendly if you can find it), sunglasses with a strap, and a dry bag or zip-lock for your phone. Seasickness tablets are cheap at any Phuket pharmacy — take one 30 minutes before departure if you are unsure; the crossing to Racha is open water and can be bouncy from May to October. Leave valuables at your hotel.

Honest advice from our counter in Chalong

Two things we tell every guest. First, the morning Racha snorkeling is the highlight — do not skip it to sleep in; afternoon-only trips see Coral Island at its busiest. Second, sea sports at Kahung Beach are paid on the spot and queues build after 14.00, so decide what you want to do at lunch and book with the beach staff straight away. Boat prices in Phuket genuinely change day to day, which is why we quote by chat rather than printing numbers — message us for today’s price.

Booking through a real local agency matters on days when weather shifts. We are a family-run shop near Chalong Circle (TAT licence No. 34/03373), five minutes from the pier this boat leaves from — you can visit us before you book. See more options on our Coral Island tours page, or read our honest comparison of Klook vs a local tour agency.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the boat ride to Racha Island?

About 40 minutes by speedboat from Chalong Pier in normal conditions. The return leg from Coral Island back to Chalong takes only about 15 minutes.

Can non-swimmers join this tour?

Yes. Life jackets are provided and worn during snorkeling stops, and Kahung Beach has calm, shallow water where you can wade. Tell the crew you are a weak swimmer and they will keep an eye on you at Racha.

Are the sea activities at Coral Island included?

No. Parasailing, banana boat, sea walking, beach diving, kayaks and paddle boards are optional extras paid directly on the island. Snorkeling gear, lunch and hotel transfer from the main areas are included.

Is this trip suitable for young children?

Children who handle a 40-minute speedboat ride comfortably do fine. For toddlers we usually suggest a Coral Island-only trip instead, because the crossing is much shorter.

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.

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