Racha Islands private boat tour from Phuket

The trip

Racha Yai and Racha Noi are the easy win: short crossing, white sand, and water clarity that rivals the Similans in season. Perfect when you want a full island feel without a long day on the water.

Racha Yai has the beach restaurants and the snorkel bays; Racha Noi, further south, is wilder and quiet outside peak hours. Because the crossing is only about an hour, the day is mostly swimming, snorkelling and beach - not travel.

How it usually runs: a private day trip of 6-8 hours, from ฿24,900 for the whole boat, frequently paired with Coral Island or a dolphin stop at Mai Ton on the way home.

Why go private instead of joining a group tour

Group snorkelling trips land on the same beach at the same hours. On a private charter the captain picks the bay that fits the wind and the crowds that day, you swim when you want for as long as you want, and lunch is when you are hungry - not when a schedule says so. For families it is the relaxed way to do the islands: no whistles, no headcounts, your own shade and your own pace.

A typical day on the water

• 09:00 - pickup at your hotel and transfer to the pier
• 09:30 - departure, easy one-hour crossing south
• 10:30 - first snorkel stop in a clear bay of Racha Yai
• 12:30 - lunch at a beach restaurant on Racha Yai (or on board)
• 14:00 - second snorkel or dive stop, or the wilder shores of Racha Noi
• 15:30 - slow cruise home, dolphin stop at Mai Ton if they are around
• 16:30 - back at the pier, transfer to your hotel

Every charter is private, so this is a starting point, not a fixed schedule - your captain adjusts it to the wind, the water and your pace.

What it costs

As a guide for a private day charter to the Racha Islands:

• Sailing catamarans for up to 20-30 guests - from ฿24,900 per day
• Power catamarans - ask for current prices
• Speedboats for small groups - ask for current prices
• Motor yachts - ask for current prices

Prices are for the whole boat, not per person, and include the crew, fuel for the standard route, soft drinks and snorkelling gear. Send us your date and group size on WhatsApp and we reply personally with the exact price for your trip, usually within a few hours.

In pictures

Highlights

• Snorkelling right off the beach at Racha Yai
• Quieter, wilder Racha Noi further south
• Often combined with Coral Island or Mai Ton
• Short crossing - more time swimming, less time travelling
• Diving and snorkelling straight off the boat

When to go

Racha works almost all year. November to April brings the flattest crossings and the clearest water - in season the visibility rivals the Similan Islands, without the long journey. In the green season the crossing can be choppier, but the bays on the sheltered side of the islands stay swimmable on most days.

Questions guests ask

How much does a private boat to the Racha Islands cost?
A private sailing catamaran starts from ฿24,900 for the day, for your group only. Speedboats and power catamarans cost more depending on size and season. Every quote is confirmed personally on WhatsApp before you book.

How far are the Racha Islands from Phuket?
About 12 nautical miles south, roughly an hour depending on the boat - the shortest crossing to a real island escape.

Is it good for snorkelling and diving?
Yes, right off the beach at Racha Yai or straight off the boat. In season the clarity rivals the Similans.

Is it good for children?
Very: short crossing, sandy gently shelving bays, and a day that runs entirely at your pace.

Can it be combined with other islands?
Yes - many charters add Coral Island, or a dolphin stop at Mai Ton on the way home.

Which boats fit

Everything from sailing catamarans to speedboats; the shortest good day out.

Sailing Catamarans · Power Catamarans · Speedboats

Also see: Phang Nga Bay by private yacht · Coral & Mai Ton Islands · Phi Phi Islands by private boat · Day trips from Phuket