The five trips at a glance
Piers can change from one operator to the next, so the pier on your ticket is the one that counts. This is the usual pattern.
| Trip | Usual pier | Best months | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phi Phi and Khai Nok | Royal Phuket Marina, Ao Po or Rassada | November to April | First-timers, beach and snorkelling |
| James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay | Ao Po or Royal Phuket Marina | All year, calmest November to April | Scenery, families, older travellers |
| Similan Islands | Thap Lamu, in Phang Nga | Mid-October to mid-May only | Snorkellers, clear water |
| Racha and Coral Island | Chalong | November to April | A shorter day, swimming |
| Coral Island and Promthep sunset sail | Chalong | November to April | Couples, a relaxed afternoon |
Seasons are general patterns. The sea and the national parks have the final say.
When to go
The Andaman Sea is at its calmest from about November to April. Skies are clearer, the water is flatter and boats run to plan. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings swell and rain squalls. Many trips still run, but they can be shortened, rerouted or cancelled on the day.
The Similan Islands are a special case. The national park closes every year, usually from mid-May to mid-October, and no tourist boats go there during that time. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered, so it is often the most reliable trip in the wet season. For month-by-month detail, see Phuket weather by month.
How to choose
- One day only, want the famous views: Phi Phi or James Bond Island.
- Calm water, young children or grandparents: Phang Nga Bay, or the sunset sail. Big boats in a sheltered bay are gentler than a speedboat on open sea.
- The best snorkelling: the Similans, in season. Racha Yai is a good, closer second.
- You don't want an early start: Racha and Coral Island, or the afternoon sunset sail from Chalong.
- Bad back, pregnancy or recent surgery: speedboats can slam hard over waves. Ask the operator about a larger, slower boat, or choose a trip in sheltered water.
Getting to the pier
Phuket's piers are spread out. Chalong is in the south, near Rawai and Kata. Rassada sits beside Phuket Town. Ao Po and Royal Phuket Marina are on the east coast, and Thap Lamu is not in Phuket at all, but about 85 km north in Phang Nga. Going to the wrong one is the classic way to miss a boat.
Many tours include a hotel pickup in a shared minibus. If yours does not, or you would rather travel on your own schedule, we drive you there in a private car at a fixed price. If you don't have a boat ticket yet, ask us and we can recommend a licensed local operator. Our piers compared guide covers every pier in detail.
| Pier | From airport | Private car from |
|---|---|---|
| Chalong | 44 km | ฿1,280 |
| Rassada | 38 km | ฿1,040 |
| Ao Po | 28 km | ฿1,230 |
| Royal Phuket Marina | 26 km | ฿1,220 |
| Thap Lamu | 85 km | ฿1,680 |
Fixed price per car, one way. From a hotel, send your address and we confirm the fare before you book.
What to bring on any boat day
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. There is very little shade on a speedboat.
- Swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel and a change of clothes.
- A dry bag or a waterproof phone pouch.
- Cash in small notes. National park entry fees are often paid separately on the day.
- Motion-sickness tablets if you need them, taken before you board.
Before you book anything
Check what your ticket includes: hotel transfer, lunch, snorkel gear and park fees vary. Note the meeting time and the exact pier name, and send both to us when you book a car. Don't plan a boat trip for your last day. If the sea cancels it, you will want a spare day, and you won't want to race a flight. More on the islands themselves is in our piers and islands guide.
In this guide
Guide
Phi Phi island day trip from Phuket, with Khai Nok
What a Phi Phi and Khai Nok day trip from Phuket is really like: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, the season, who it suits and how to reach the pier.
Guide
James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay: a day trip from Phuket
A James Bond Island day trip from Phuket explained: Khao Phing Kan, Koh Panyee floating village, sea canoeing in the hongs, the season, who it suits and the pier.
Guide
Similan Islands day trip from Phuket
Planning a Similan Islands day trip from Phuket? The park season, islands 4, 8 and 9, Sail Rock, snorkelling with turtles, the early start and the drive to Thap Lamu.
Guide
Racha Island and Coral Island: a day trip from Chalong
Racha Yai and Coral Island (Koh Hey) from Phuket: clear water, snorkelling and beaches close to Chalong pier. How long it takes, who it suits, and how to get there.
Guide
Coral Island and a Promthep Cape sunset, by sailing catamaran
A half-day sail from Chalong: an afternoon on Coral Island, then the sunset off Promthep Cape from a catamaran. What to expect, who it suits, and getting to the pier.
Questions
Do you sell island tours?+
No. We are a private transfer company. We drive you to the pier and pick you up afterwards. If you don't have a boat ticket yet, ask us and we can recommend a licensed local operator.
Which island day trip is best for a first visit?+
Most first-timers choose Phi Phi or James Bond Island. Phang Nga Bay is calmer, and Phi Phi has more beach time.
Are the Similan Islands open all year?+
No. The national park usually closes from mid-May to mid-October. Outside that season no tourist boats go there.
Can you take us from the airport straight to a pier?+
Yes, if the timing works. Send us your flight and the boat's meeting time, and we will tell you honestly whether it is realistic.
