Phuket islands offer pristine beaches and the most breathtaking views. Whether you are a first-time visitor are someone who wants to make the most of your next Phuket visit, we believe this guide about the Phuket island tour will be handy.
Why Take a Phuket Island Tour?
An island tour in Phuket is an exciting trip if you have an explorer spirit. It allows you to enjoy the full tropical experience by exploring dramatic scenery and iconic landmarks. On some remote islands, sea activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving are better than on a crowded beach. You will see more diverse marine life and crystal clear waters on the remote islands.
Best Time to Visit Phuket for an Island Tour
The best time to visit Phuket for an island tour is the high season from (November to April). At this time, the water is calm and clear which is ideal for water activities. However, you will expect to see a lot of crowds during this time. Therefore, some island tour companies provide early morning tours for those who want to avoid the crowd during this time.
Travelers can expect fewer crowds and lower prices during the low season compared to the high season. However, each season has its pros and cons. Certain water activities such as snorkeling or diving might be affected by the weather conditions. In some cases, most tour companies will change the dates of their island tours depending on the sea conditions and rain during the low season.
Top Islands to Visit Around Phuket
Phuket is the perfect gateway to Thailand’s most breathtaking islands, each offering a unique experience. Among them, Phi Phi Islands & James Bonds Island are highly popular among tourists. However, other must-visit hidden gems such as Ko Lanta, Racha Islands, Similan Islands, and Coral Islands are worth visiting.
Phi Phi island is known for its towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and lively beach atmosphere. Maya Bay, famous for the movie “The Beach” is a must-visit. Phi Phi offers a mix of adventure and leisure for travelers who want to relax on the soft sandy beaches and those who want to explore hidden lagoons.
The island’s dramatic limestone karst formations jutting out of emerald-green waters make it one of Phuket’s most photogenic spots. Visitors can explore nearby sea caves by kayak. If they have time, they could also visit the floating fishing villages, and take in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
Coral Island is a paradise for snorkeling and anyone who wants to do various sea activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, and so on. It has two main beaches on its north side: Long Beach and Banana Beach. According to Tripadvisor, Banana Beach ranks second as the best beach in the world.
Similan Islands are a protected national park, open from mid-October to mid-May. Similan Islands are the dream island destination for snorkelers and divers. It offers a diverse marine life including sea turtles and manta rays. There is a breathtaking viewpoint like famous sail rocks. Due to conservation efforts, visitor numbers are limited, so booking in advance is essential for this once-in-a-lifetime island experience.
Types of Island Tours in Phuket
There are many types of island tours available in Phuket. We can categorize them by the type of boat, duration of the tour, and itinerary or activities offerings.
Boat Options: The most popular boat options for island tours options are speed boats, long tail, and catamarans. Speed boats are the most common as it is fast and efficient to cover multiple islands in a single day.
Long tail boats are not ideal for island hopping, you will mostly see them in closer destinations from the island like exploring lagoons. Some companies such as Andaman Signature & Seven Marine, even provide the island tour with private boats & yachts for a more luxurious experience.
Duration & Time of the tour: The most common options include half-day and full-day tours. Some nearby islands such as Khai islands and coral islands are ideal for half-day tours while Phi Phi, James Bond & Phang Nga Bay tours are mostly full-day. Sometimes, you will see specific tour options such as sunrise or sunset tours.
Itinerary & Activities: Different tours offer different activities, so choose one that matches your interest. Common activities include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and cave exploration. Some tour operators even offer local culture and sightseeing to the nearby villages.
Booking a Phuket Island Tour
After you finished considering which kinds of island tours you want to do, now it is time for booking. As there are many international and local tour companies, you can book the island tours both online and offline. You can easily book the most popular island tours from Sawasdee Phuket too.
Before booking the tour, there are things to consider. Firstly, you need to adjust the inclusion and exclusions in your packages such as renting a kayaking boat and snorkeling mask. You need to confirm rescheduling or refund options in case of bad weather. To enjoy a more personalized experience, consider options like a small group tour. After checking everything, you can be sure to have a wonderful island tour experience ahead.
What to Pack for Your Phuket Island Tour
As you will hop from island to island. Make sure to carry the essential things you might need.
Essential Things to carry: Don’t forget to carry multiple swimsuits and light-weight breathable clothes for the island tour. As Phuket’s sunny days are hot, sunscreen is essential. Make sure to carry coral-safe sunscreen if you are planning to dive near the coral reefs. You may also need the beach towel and dry bags to easily carry your important things around the island.
Accessories: Sun hats and sunglasses will be handy when you need them the most. Also, a waterproof bag for your mobile phone is important too. Reusable water could also be good for the environment. Make sure to carry both flip-flops and shoes as you can use flip-flops on sandy beaches and shoes for exploration on the islands. You need to carry snorkeling masks if you plan to do snorkelling but most tour operators provide snorkeling masks and accessories.
Safety Tips for Island Tours
You must check weather conditions if you are planning to island tour during the low season. Choosing a licensed operator is essential because they ensure your safety such as carrying enough life jackets for every guest and someone to look after guests during sea activities. Respecting marine life and coral reefs is also essential for being more smart travelers, and supporting eco-tourism.
Insider Tips for the Best Experience
To make the most of your Phuket island tour, planning can make all the difference. Book your tour ahead to avoid last-minute hassle. For a smoother trip, choose a reputable tour operator with positive feedback, like Sawasdee Phuket. If you love to take photographs, bring a waterproof camera or a dry bag to protect your gear. Lastly, make sure to check the itinerary with your tour operators and which services are included. It will make clear to you what to carry and what to expect before you go. If you want to avoid the crowd, consider an early morning or late afternoon tour.
After reading this guide, we believe you will get something valuable for you. If you are looking for a reputable local tour agency, contact Sawasdee Phuket for more information. So, why wait? book now for your ultimate island tour adventure.
