Racha Island and Coral Island is located off the South coast of Phuket, and was a great day out to experience to stunning islands, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. It was reasonably for the priced, however, you can only snorkel at Racha Island. Wouldn’t book specifically for the snorkeling and Coral Island’s name is deceiving as there was nothing to see off the main beach (Long Beach).
Pros
Cons
Snorkel Video
Snorkel Review
Highlights
Coral present
3-4 Meters Average Depth
Good visibility
East to medium difficulty
Cafe’s at Islands
Tours approx $30-$40 USD
Sea Urchins Present
Unlikely
When:
Who:
Tour Cost:
Star Rating:
Cost:
Racha (Raya) Island and Coral Island are two separate islands South of Phuket. There are three Racha islands with Racha Yai being the most popular for excursions, restaurants, and some hotel resorts.
I was staying in Phuket’s Old Town and got a transfer to Chalong Pier in the South of Phuket. I booked a half-day trip that I booked through Klook, which cost $35.00 US Dollars. The trip included one snorkel spot, lunch, and beach time at both islands. After a short boat ride to Racha Island, we stopped off at the North-West snorkel spot of Lah Bay.
Racha Island
The snorkel spot was about 50 meters from the rocky shoreline where several boats docked. The coral reef filled the sea bed and then transitioned into a rocky sea bed up to the shoreline. There were very few snorkelers in this area, and the tour guide said that this was the best snorkel spot on Racha (Raya) Island. This is also a Dive spot and divers can be seen while snorkeling as the coral reef is 4-5 meters down.
Snorkel Spot
The coral reef was mainly made up of Boulder coral which packed the sea bed, with other corals including Blue coral, and Brain coral dotted throughout. There was also Massive Boulder coral which towered over the coral reef and was quite spectacular. Some fish were swimming throughout the reef, as the reef was a little far down the visibility was good, but a bit dark. The coral reef was about 3-4 metres deep, but had raised sections of coral. The coral meets a rocky shoreline of the tropical beach.
Coral Reef
There were many Giant Clams burrowed into the coral, they can be found on their own and in large patches. The clams range in vibrant colours and are clearly visible within the coral reef. The Clams are sensitive to movement and have dots which are eyelets and can sense when to close up.
Safety Tip:
Do not get too close to the rocky coastline as it can cause injury. Be aware of the sea urchins in the coral reef. Also on Coral Island if you go in the waters be aware of Sea Urchins.Do not get too close to the rocky coastline as it can cause injury. Be aware of the sea urchins in the coral reef. Also on Coral Island if you go in the waters be aware of Sea Urchins.
There was a large school of Parrotfish that swam through the coral reef feeding on the algae off the coral. This was a cool experience as these were large Parrotfish and I was able to swim with them while snorkeling.
Top Tip:
I wouldn’t book this trip specifically for snorkeling, but it is a nice day out for the price. This is a popular trip so the beaches can be busy.
There was Massive Boulder coral which is very cool and towered over the coral with patches of sea moss. You could also see Blue-Green Chromis and Golden Gregory Damselfish swimming above the Blue coral shown below, if you go closer they will hide in the ridged coral. I also spotted a Lined Butterflyfish and a Variegated Lizardfish perching on the coral.
Coral Island
Coral Island’s main beach is called Long Beach which has a Beach Bar, seating, and the option for water activities including Kayaking, Parasailing, etc. It was busy with many tourists in the main middle section of the beach. Be aware this is not a snorkel spot, there are many passing and docked boats in the area and not suitable or safe for snorkeling. I had a little dip off the far right of the beach which was stunning and there weren’t many tourists. As shown below, I saw a few patches of coral and some fish, there were Sea Urchins. But if I went again I wouldn’t bother.
Summary
Overall this snorkel spot was good for a 30-minute snorkel if you travel to Racha Island and Coral Island. However, this trip is more suited to a balance of snorkel and beaches. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive snorkel in Phuket I’d recommend the Surin Islands. If you’re more interested in stunning beaches then the Similan Islands or Bon Island.
Tour Guide Options
Tours to Racha and Coral Island cost from $30-$90 US Dollars. There are better snorkel locations off of Phuket, including Koh Phi Phi and Surin Islands. However, these tours can be more expensive ranging from $70.00-$100.00.
Best Snorkel Spot
The best snorkel spot was at Racha Yai Island, the very north of the three Islands. You can snorkel in the popular Siam Bay, however, the best snorkel spot was on the North West of the island, off of Lah Bay.
What We Saw
(Seen on March, 2023)
| Singular Bannerfish | Redfin Butterflyfish |
| Lined Butterflyfish | Variegated Lizardfish |
| Giant Clam | Parrotfish |
| Collared Butterflyfish | Green-Blue Chromis |
| Golden Gregory | Imitator Damselfish |
| Common Comet Star | Blue Sea Star |
| Long Spined Sea Urchin | Boulder Coral |
| Massive Boulder Coral | Table Coral |
| Blue Ridged Coral | Brain Coral |
Popular Marine Life
Parrotfish
Starfish
Giant Clam
Butterflyfish
Golden Gregory
Coral Reef
Massive Boulder coral
Boulder Coral
Table Coral
Brain Coral
Blue Ridged Coral
Local Map
The islands are located South of Phuket, a short 30-minute boat ride from each other.
Racha Yai Island Snorkel Spot
Coral Island Long Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
The only way to get to the islands is by boat on an organised tour. The islands are a 30-45 minute boat journey from South East Phuket.
Tours to to the islands cost from $30-$90 US Dollars. There are better snorkel locations off of Phuket, including Koh Phi Phi and Surin Islands. However, these tours can be more expensive ranging from $70.00-$100.00.
I went on a tour that I booked through the Klook app, it was for a full-day tour to both islands. The tour cost $35.00 and included lunch, 1x snorkel at Racha Island, and Beach time at Long Beach, Coral Island.
You can only snorkel at Racha Yai Island, Coral Island surprisingly isn’t suitable for snorkeling with water sports activity and many passing and parking boats makes it unsafe for snorkelers. At Racha Island, you can see a packed coral reef mainly made up of Boulder coral, with Giant Clams, and Star Fish dotted throughout. There were some reef fish including Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Bannerfish, Damselfish, and more.
Luke
FOUNDER
Luke is a passionate snorkeler who started Snorkelverse to live his dream of combining his passions for snorkeling, marine life, protecting marine ecosystems, and helping others.
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