Set out on a captivating full-day adventure to the picturesque islands of Racha, Raya, and Maiton with Phuket’s premier snorkeling tour. Aboard a comfortable catamaran, you’ll bask in the sun, learn about crystal-clear waters, and explore breathtaking locations like Pirates Beach and Banana Bay. Savor a delectable buffet lunch on Raya Island, complemented by refreshing beverages throughout the day. With a maximum group size of 45, this tour ensures a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides, making it an ideal choice for families and friends seeking an unforgettable aquatic escapade. Prepare to be captivated by the natural beauty and serene tranquility that these islands have to offer.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Northern Thailand.
Key Points
- This full-day excursion from Phuket takes visitors to three picturesque islands – Raya Noi, Raya, and Maiton – for activities like sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
- The tour includes a buffet lunch, refreshments, and all necessary equipment like snorkeling gear, with a maximum group size of 45 for a more intimate experience.
- Knowledgeable guides accompany travelers throughout the tour, and the tour fee covers national park fees, life insurance, and transportation.
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and certain medical conditions may limit participation, so it’s essential to consider health and physical limitations.
- Reviews indicate positive feedback on the friendly staff and enjoyable experience, but some concerns have been raised about not visiting Maiton Island as promised.
Tour Overview
The Racha, Raya, and Maiton Islands Snorkeling Tour departs from Phuket and takes guests on a full-day excursion aboard a comfortable catamaran.
The tour visits three idyllic islands – Raya Noi, Raya, and Maiton. At each stop, travelers can enjoy activities like sunbathing on Pirates Beach, swimming, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Banana Bay and around Maiton Island.
A delicious buffet lunch is served on Raya Island. The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, national park fees, life insurance, snorkeling gear, and refreshments like soft drinks, fruits, and bottled water.
With a maximum of 45 participants, the tour offers a more intimate and less crowded experience than some other options.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Northern Thailand.
Inclusions
The tour includes a knowledgeable guide to accompany travelers throughout the day.
Visitors will also receive a national park fee, life insurance, and snorkeling equipment for exploring the vibrant marine life.
A buffet lunch, complete with vegetarian options, is provided on Raya Island. Refreshments like soft drinks, fresh fruits, snacks, bottled water, coffee, and tea are readily available.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 45 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
Pickup and Meeting Details
Pickup time for the tour is scheduled between 07:30-07:45 am, with participants meeting at their hotel lobby or a designated pickup point.
An infant car seat is available for families traveling with young children.
Those coming from the Khaolak area will incur an extra charge of ฿500 per person.
The tour operator emphasizes that the schedule and operations are subject to weather and sea conditions, which may affect the tour.
Guests are advised to consider their health and physical limitations, as the tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions.
Health and Safety Information
According to the information provided, the snorkeling tour may not be suitable for all travelers. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children under 3 years old can participate for free. For children aged 4-11 years, there is a child price. However, the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with back problems, heart issues, or serious medical conditions.
| Suitable Travelers | Unsuitable Travelers |
|---|---|
| Most travelers | Pregnant travelers |
| Children 0-3 years (free) | Those with back problems |
| Children 4-11 years (child price) | Those with heart issues |
| Those with serious medical conditions |
Despite these limitations, the tour seems to be accessible to a wide range of participants.
Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have left a total of 2 reviews for the Racha, Raya, and Maiton Islands Snorkeling Tour, awarding it an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars.
The positive feedback highlights that the tour staff were friendly, the experience was enjoyable, and the tour felt less crowded compared to others.
However, some guests claimed the tour didn’t actually visit Maiton Island as promised. Plus, a few reviewers expressed concerns about the perceived value for money.
The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start, with the price starting from $77.89 per person.
Departure and Duration
The tour departs from Phuket with a pickup time between 07:30-07:45 am. From there, guests are transported to the departure point to board the comfortable catamaran vessel for a full-day adventure. The tour duration lasts the entire day, providing ample time to explore the islands of Raya Noi, Raya, and Maiton.
| Island | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Raya Noi | Sunbathing on Pirates Beach | 1-2 hours |
| Raya | Swimming, snorkeling in Banana Bay, buffet lunch | 2-3 hours |
| Maiton | Snorkeling | 1-2 hours |
Depending on the weather and sea conditions, the tour may be affected, so guests are advised to be flexible. The maximum capacity for this tour is 45 participants.
Islands and Activities
This full-day snorkeling tour takes visitors to three picturesque islands off the coast of Phuket.
The first stop is Raya Noi, where travelers can sunbathe on the aptly named Pirates Beach.
Next, the tour heads to Raya Island, where a buffet lunch with vegetarian options is served.
Afterward, snorkeling in Banana Bay offers the chance to see vibrant marine life.
The final destination is Maiton Island, where more snorkeling opportunities await.
Throughout the day, refreshments like soft drinks, fresh fruits, and snacks are provided, along with bottled water and coffee/tea.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 45 participants to ensure a comfortable and uncrowded experience.
Vessel and Capacity
The tour is operated aboard a comfortable catamaran, a vessel well-suited for the journey across the Andaman Sea.
This spacious and stable catamaran can accommodate up to 45 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
The catamaran’s design provides ample deck space for sunbathing, relaxation, and easy access to the water for snorkeling activities.
With its comfortable seating, shaded areas, and onboard facilities, the catamaran offers a pleasant and enjoyable mode of transportation throughout the day’s island-hopping adventure.
The limited group size also allows for a more seamless and attentive service from the tour staff, enhancing the overall tour experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Group Size for the Tour?
The tour typically accommodates a maximum of 45 participants. This group size allows for a comfortable and enjoyable experience while providing personalized attention from the tour guide and easy access to the snorkeling and other activities.
Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Listed Price?
There are a few additional costs beyond the listed price. The tour provider charges an extra fee of ฿500 per person for pickups from the Khao Lak area. Plus, weather and sea conditions may affect tour operation and incur extra costs.
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?
Passengers can bring their own snorkeling equipment, but the tour provides complimentary snorkeling gear. Using the provided equipment ensures it’s properly fitted and maintained for the best snorkeling experience.
Are There Opportunities for Other Activities Besides Snorkeling?
Yes, the tour offers opportunities for other activities besides snorkeling. The itinerary includes sunbathing on Pirates Beach and swimming. There’s also a buffet lunch provided on Raya Island during the full-day excursion.
Are There Any Restrictions on What I Can Bring on the Tour?
The tour allows passengers to bring personal items like cameras and sunscreen, but there may be restrictions on items that could disturb the natural environment or other guests. Passengers should check with the tour operator for specific policies.
Recap
The Racha, Raya, and Maiton Islands Snorkeling Tour from Phuket offers an unforgettable full-day adventure. Participants can enjoy sunbathing, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and a delicious buffet lunch. With a maximum group size of 45 and knowledgeable guides, the tour provides a personalized experience perfect for families and friends. It’s a great way to explore the stunning islands and marine life off the coast of Phuket.