Routes / Coral and Racha Islands
Coral and Racha Islands
The clearest water within an hour of the marina
This is the half day that works. Coral Island sits twenty minutes off the south coast and Racha is another half hour beyond it, which means the boat is at anchor within an hour of leaving rather than three.
The water at Racha is the clearest anywhere near Phuket. On a good day you can see the anchor on the bottom in fifteen metres, and the snorkelling off the northern bays is genuinely good rather than merely acceptable.
It is the route we suggest for families, for groups with small children, and for anyone who wants to be back in time for dinner. It is also the only route that makes sense on a five hour charter without feeling rushed.
A typical day
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09:00 Depart the marina
Twenty minutes south to Coral Island.
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09:30 Coral Island
Banana Beach on the quieter side, away from the speedboat jetty.
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11:00 Racha Yai
Half an hour further south, and a noticeable step up in water clarity.
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12:00 Snorkelling and lunch
Anchored in one of the northern bays, with the best reef of the day underneath.
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13:30 Head back
An hour north with the afternoon still ahead of you.
Coral and Racha Islands
Yachts for this route
Coral and Racha Islands: common questions
Is five hours long enough?
Yes, for this route. The crossings are short, so most of the five hours is spent at anchor rather than moving.
Is the snorkelling better than Phi Phi?
At Racha, usually yes. The water is clearer and the reef is less trafficked, though the scenery at Phi Phi is more dramatic.
Is this suitable for young children?
It is the route we suggest most for families. Short crossings, calm anchorages and shallow water to swim in.
Can we extend it to eight hours?
Yes, and doing so lets you add a second anchorage at Racha Noi or spend longer in the water at each stop.
Charter to Coral and Racha Islands
Tell us your date and we will plan the route around your group.