5 Top Spots for Island hopping, Snorkelling and Diving around Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is the perfect place to get your diving qualification. The water conditions here are impeccable. PADI offer a freediving open water course at basic, silver and gold levels. Their packages include trips around the Racha islands which are known for pristine visibility underwater and soft silky white sandy bottoms with a series for both hard and soft corals. The island hopping and free diving or recreational diving experience with the outcome of becoming a certified diver is an appealing prospect in such a beautiful location.
Top 5 spots to island-hop, snorkel and dive around Phuket, Thailand
1. Coral Island
Coral Island, also referred to as Koh Hey, is an idyllic little island just under 20 minutes from South Phuket if you take a boat from Rawai Beach. The two most popular beaches, Banana Beach and Long Beach, are home to sweeping long bays with soft light sands and both offer much relaxation. The atmosphere is busier in high season and around midday but is a fun and family-friendly attraction by day and a tranquil escape by nighttime. The waters are shallow by the beaches so are perfect for snorkelling and scuba diver beginners. There are also plenty of water sports to try here!
2. Racha Islands
The Racha Islands are located just 20 kilometres south of Phuket and consist of twin islands Racha Noi and Racha Yai. These two serene islands were once a kept secret but now have risen to fame. Nearby, Koh Phi Phi, thanks to the film “The Beach” which bolstered its popularity, was closed down due to over-tourism. In contrast, the Racha Islands remain pristine and idyllic. Crystal clear waters catch the rays of the sun and here you’ll find the best snorkelling and scuba diving conditions with vibrant coral reefs and schools of colourful fish. It’s one for the family to make a splash in, friends to explore or a romantic escape.
3. Maiton Island
Maiton Private Island is just off the east coast of Phuket and spans 2.5 kilometres with long, sweeping gold sands dotted with tall palm trees. The beach is privately owned so tours and boat hires are the best way to access the shores here. It is unspoilt by the masses and so is the quietest and most peaceful place to visit. A swim or picnic lunch here on a boat trip would be a real treat to indulge in!
4. James Bond Island Luxury Sunset Cruise
Several different cruise companies sail to James Bond Island, a famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay an hour away from Phuket, and most do it in style! From bottomless drinks to buffet meals, from catamarans to yachts, James Bond Island, Lawa Island, and others neighbouring these islands are stunning sites and perfect snorkelling spots. James Bond Island’s international fame and place on the tourist map was paved by its starring role in the James Bond movie, “The Man with the Golden Gun”. The striking sheer number of sharply cut limestone cliffs and the dazzling bright emerald-green water deservedly catches anyone’s attention. Sunset remains the ultimate time to experience this exciting outing and to feel like you’re on a movie-style mission yourself, but certainly with less exhilaration and much more relaxation in the luxury conditions.
5. Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Tour
Maya Bay, situated in the heart of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, off the coasts of both Krabi and Phuket, is known for its silky soft white-sand beach and jaw-dropping limestone cliffs surrounding it. The crystal clear waters are abundant with schools of tropical fish and so it is a dream for snorkelling. Venturing inland to see the lush greenery and stunning scenery from within has been indefinitely closed as tourism grew but the boat tour trips allow the site to at least to be seen and admired from the water. It is advised to go in a long boat for an authentic approach and to go early in the morning to beat the crowds of boat traffic and make the most of the water. Often, the tours will organise all the transport onshore too from Phuket, with bus services and private taxis to take you anywhere you need to be! Hassle-free and very much affordable, this is a tour of islands and an unforgettable underwater experience!
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