Phuket: Coral Island Day Trip by Speedboat & Buffet Lunch

Taking a trip to Phuket isn’t complete without experiencing its most iconic spots like Coral Island. This day-long adventure, operated by Nikorn Marine, offers a quick escape to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a lively island atmosphere. While this tour can be a fantastic way to spend a day relaxing and exploring, it’s important to know what to expect, especially given the mixed reviews it’s received.

What we love about this experience? First, the 15-minute speedboat ride to Coral Island is a swift, exciting way to start your day. Second, the stunning vistas of white sands and blue waters make it worth the trip, especially for lovers of nature’s simplicity. Third, the Thai buffet lunch with sea views provides a pleasant break, offering both good variety and a chance to soak in the scenery. That said, a potential consideration is the size of the group, which can be quite large and sometimes crowded. This tour suits travelers seeking a well-organized, straightforward day of lounging, snorkeling, and island fun, especially those who appreciate natural beauty and don’t mind a busy environment.

Good To Know

• Fast-paced but comprehensive: A 7-hour trip packing beach time, snorkeling, and a buffet lunch.
• Short transfer times: Only 15 minutes by speedboat from the mainland.
• Ideal for relaxing: Plenty of free time on the beach and options for water activities.
• Group size can be large: Expect a busy, lively environment with other travelers.
• Guides and staff: Generally considered knowledgeable, enhancing the experience.
• Weather-dependent: Like all ocean trips, the tour may change based on tides and weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Transport

Your day begins early, with pickup from one of seven different locations around Phuket, including popular beaches like Patong, Kata, and Rawai. This flexibility is great, but remember to be ready 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup. The journey from your hotel to Ao Chalong Pier takes about an hour by van, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery or catch a quick nap.

Once at the pier, it’s just a 15-minute speedboat ride to Coral Island, which is surprisingly swift considering how much of the trip is dedicated to relaxing once you arrive. The boat ride itself is an exhilarating start, giving you a quick burst of adrenaline and a glimpse of the turquoise waters surrounding Phuket.

Coral Island (Kahung Beach)

Upon arrival at Kahung Beach, the main hub of Coral Island, you’re greeted with white sands and lively beach bars. This spot is popular among visitors for its beautiful scenery and variety of sea activities. There’s plenty of space to relax, swim, or participate in water sports such as scuba diving, sea walking, parasailing, or renting a kayak or paddleboard (note that these activities come with additional fees). According to reviews, the island is often bustling, but the views and atmosphere make up for the crowd.

One reviewer mentioned, “While the boat is crowded, the island is beautiful,” which aligns with the common experience of lively, social beaches in Thailand. However, some visitors find the beach left a bit neglected in parts, which might be frustrating if you’re expecting pristine, untouched nature.

Snorkeling and Leisure

Around 11 am, you’ll typically be taken a short speedboat ride to a designated snorkeling point. This is usually free and offers an opportunity to view vibrant marine life, especially if the weather cooperates. For those who prefer to skip the snorkeling, there’s plenty of leisure time on the beach to swim, relax, or take photos.

One traveler pointed out that “at your leisure on the beach,” you can choose whether to snorkel or just soak up the sun. The snorkeling spot is a key highlight for many, revealing the stunning underwater world just minutes from the beach.

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Lunch and Relaxation

At noon, it’s time for the buffet lunch served at Kahung Restaurant. The meal offers a good variety of Thai dishes, with many guests appreciating the sea views while eating. The quality is generally considered decent, especially given the buffet setting, with reviews describing the food as “well-organized” and “delicious enough.”

The buffet includes rice, noodles, chicken, seafood, and fresh fruits, giving most travelers enough fuel to continue their island adventures. If you’re a foodie, you’ll value the convenience of a plentiful meal after a morning of activities.

Afternoon Return

Post-lunch, there’s still a few hours left for more swimming, relaxing, or engaging in optional water activities. Around 3 pm, it’s time to head back to Ao Chalong Pier via speedboat for the return journey. The trip finishes with a straightforward transfer back to your hotel or designated drop-off point, with most travelers arriving by late afternoon.

The Overall Experience

This tour offers a convenient way to see Coral Island with minimal hassle. The organized pickups, short transfers, and structured schedule make it suitable for travelers who prefer a no-fuss adventure. The knowledgeable guides add value, helping navigate the day smoothly and answering questions.

However, the experience isn’t without its downsides. Some reviews mention that the large group size can lead to a crowded atmosphere, especially on the beach and during water activities. One review from a disappointed traveler even called the experience a “scam,” due to a missed pickup, which highlights the importance of booking through reputable providers and confirming arrangements.

Still, many guests, like Michelle from the UK, rated it a “fantastic experience,” praising the stunning scenery and well-organized itinerary. Others appreciated the opportunity to snorkel freely — one reviewer suggested exploring Banana Beach after the main trip, which indicates some travelers seek more personalized island time.

Transportation and Group Size

Expect efficient, if basic, transport — a van for about an hour, followed by a swift 15-minute speedboat. The group size can be sizable, so if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, this might feel a bit crowded. The tour’s popularity means you’ll likely share the island with many others, which can impact the feeling of solitude or pristine nature.

Pricing & Value

While the specific cost isn’t provided here, considering the inclusions — transfer, boat ride, buffet lunch, and snorkeling — this tour tends to be good value for those wanting a comprehensive day out. The optional activities like scuba diving or parasailing come with extra charges, so if these are high on your list, budget accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a structured, lively day with plenty of opportunities to relax, snorkel, and enjoy beautiful scenery without extra planning. It suits those who prefer organized group excursions over independent island hopping. Families, first-time visitors to Phuket, or anyone looking for a quick escape from the city will find this a suitable choice.

The Coral Island day trip by speedboat offers an accessible, fun way to enjoy some of Phuket’s most picturesque beaches. Its short travel time, well-organized schedule, and lively atmosphere make it a good pick for those who want a straightforward beach day with options for water activities. The buffet lunch with sea views adds a relaxing touch, while the friendly guides enhance the overall experience.

However, it’s important to be aware of the large crowds and potential weather changes that can affect the day. If you value solitude or a more tailored experience, this may not be your best bet. Still, for a lively, scenic, and hassle-free day out, this tour offers solid value.

This trip is best suited for travelers wanting convenience, beautiful scenery, and a taste of island life, especially if they’re happy sharing the space with many others and enjoy the buzz of a popular tourist spot.

How long is the transfer from Phuket to Coral Island?
The van ride from your pickup point to Ao Chalong Pier takes around 1 hour.

How long is the speedboat ride to Coral Island?
The speedboat ride from the pier to Coral Island is approximately 15 minutes.

What activities are included on this tour?
You can relax on the beach, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the buffet lunch. Water activities like scuba diving, sea walking, parasailing, and others are available at extra cost.

Is lunch included, and what’s served?
Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is included, served at Kahung Restaurant with sea views. It features a variety of dishes including rice, noodles, chicken, seafood, and fruits.

Can I participate in water sports?
Some water sports are available at additional fees, such as scuba diving, parasailing, banana boat rides, and paddleboarding.

Are the trips suitable for children?
Children under 4 years old are not recommended. The tour is best suited for older kids and adults who can handle water activities and busy environments.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your passport, sunglasses, hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, and cash for any extra activities.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour may be affected by weather and tides, which could lead to schedule changes or cancellations.

How many people usually join this tour?
Group sizes can be large, especially during peak season, making the environment lively and bustling.

In all, this Coral Island day trip offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and scenic beauty — perfect for those wanting a straightforward escape to one of Phuket’s best beaches.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby