Phuket Racha & Ko He Full-Day Sailing Tour

The main choice here is not just which islands to visit, but how you want to get there. The Mojito is a sailing catamaran, so the journey is slower than a speedboat ride, with more room to sit back, enjoy the sea views, and let the day unfold.

I like two things in particular: the longer stop at Racha Island, which gives you time for a beach visit and a swim, and lunch at the BanRaya Resort rather than a hurried meal on the boat. The crew-led handline fishing on the return trip is another welcome change from the usual beach-and-boat routine.

The trade-off is time. This is a full day, with an early pickup and several hours on the water, and island time is split across stops rather than spent all in one place. The catamaran is described as stable and comfortable, but a slower boat does not guarantee a seasick-free ride.

At a glance: the details that matter

• A slower, roomier ride: The Mojito is a sailing catamaran, not a speedboat. Expect a more relaxed pace and time on deck between islands.
• Two island stops: The day includes free time at Coral Island and several hours around Racha Island, including Patok Beach or Ter Bay, Kon-Kea Bay, and a short White Sand Beach stop.
• Lunch on Racha: A Thai buffet is served at the 4-star BanRaya Resort. Vegetarian or vegan meals need to be requested at least one day ahead.
• More than beach time: Snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, a water slider, and handline fishing are included. Coral Island motorized activities cost extra.
• A very long day: Shared hotel pickup runs between 7 and 9 a.m. depending on your location. The return to your hotel is listed for roughly 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Check your package price: The tour summary lists a starting price of $74.30, while the Day Tour option is shown from $92.29. Confirm the price for your date and chosen package before booking.

The catamaran makes the journey part of the day

From Chalong Pier, the boat heads first toward Coral Island, then continues to Racha Island. The catamaran’s slower pace is central to the appeal: you get a longer stretch of open-water scenery, a breeze, and room to settle in instead of making the island crossings as quickly as possible.

The Mojito is described as clean and stable, with roomy seating and a relaxing setup that includes a net at the bow. That does not mean you should expect a private yacht. Groups can reach 46 people, and one account described around 40 passengers aboard, so the boat may feel lively when full. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and do not count on finding a quiet corner throughout the day.

The operator advertises the boat as comfortable even in rainy-season conditions. Still, the itinerary can change or be cancelled because of weather, and a smooth ride cannot be promised at sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider that the boat is slower than a speedboat, not that it is immune to rough water. One account specifically cautioned that the slower ride may not suit people who get seasick.

Guides speak English, Chinese, and Thai, though the mix of languages and the guides on board can vary by departure. Names that have come up include Wun, Amy, Ava, Mina, Meena, and Mao Mao. Guides have been praised for keeping the group organized, helping people feel safe in the water, and taking photos. Some departures have also had a photographer on board, but you should not assume that service is guaranteed.

Coral Island is the first taste of beach time

After arriving at Chalong Pier around 9:10 a.m., you register and have a light morning tea with coffee, tea, cookies, and water. The boat departs at about 9:40, reaching the waters around Coral Island at approximately 10:10.

You get free time here, with the option to pay separately for activities such as parasailing, banana boats, jet skis, or sea walking. Those extras can change the cost of the day, so decide in advance if you want to try one. The included water activities are a different set, provided later in the tour.

At 11:30, you return to the boat and head for Racha Island. Coral Island is a short opening stop, not the day’s main event. If your priority is a long, unbroken stretch of beach time, this split schedule may feel a little stop-and-start.

Racha Island brings the longest pause

The boat reaches Patok Beach or Ter Bay at about 12:20. From there, you transfer by a local island vehicle to the BanRaya Resort restaurant for lunch. The ride and change of setting add a little variety, but they also mean you are not simply stepping off the yacht onto a beach and staying there.

Lunch is a Thai buffet described as Muslim-friendly, served at the resort rather than onboard. That is a practical advantage if you prefer a proper sit-down meal to snacks while the boat moves. The trade-off is modest choice: the buffet has been described as having only five or six dishes, so it is sensible to share allergies or special meal needs at least a day before departure. The operator asks for vegetarian or vegan requests a day ahead as well.

After lunch, the schedule moves to Kon-Kea Bay at about 1 p.m. You have free time to swim, take photos by the well-known swing, or buy food and drinks for afternoon tea. This is a useful stretch to slow down after the morning’s transfers and meal.

At 3 p.m., you transfer to White Sand Beach for around 30 minutes. This is a short stop, but it gives you a chance to enjoy the pale sand, take a swim, or get a few photos before boarding again. The itinerary gives Racha more time overall than Coral Island, though the Racha portion is divided among the resort, bay, and beach rather than spent in one place.

Snorkeling and water activities depend on the day

At around 3:30 p.m., the boat heads to a snorkeling area near Racha Island. Snorkeling equipment and a disposable mouthpiece are included, along with a life jacket and towel. You can also use a paddleboard and water slider, and staff provide handline fishing equipment.

Keep expectations sensible. The clarity of the water and the number of fish you see can vary with conditions and the number of people in the water. Some days offer clear water and memorable marine life; on a crowded departure, the view may be obscured by swimmers. The activity is an included chance to get in the water, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The paddleboard and slider are shared equipment, not a private set for every person. One account noted only one paddleboard on the boat, so you may need to take turns. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the guide and use the life jacket. The crew has been praised for keeping a close eye on people who need extra support, but you should still follow their instructions.

Sunset fishing is a gentler way to finish

The return journey begins at about 4:30 p.m., with a scenic route past Promthep Cape. The boat does not land there. Instead, the cape is part of the view from the water, and the group may try handline fishing along the way.

Fishing is a simple activity rather than a promise of a catch. Some people have caught fish, while others have enjoyed the quiet and sunset even without one. When a catch is brought aboard, the crew may prepare it with a spicy sauce, but do not plan dinner around catching your own.

If weather and timing cooperate, the boat reaches the area near Promthep Cape around 5:30 p.m. and you may catch the sunset from the water. The scheduled return to Chalong Pier is about 6:30 p.m., followed by a transfer to your hotel or personal address. The actual door-to-door day can run longer, especially if you are staying far from the pier.

What the price does and does not cover

The advertised starting price is $74.30, while the Day Tour package is also listed from $92.29. Since those figures differ, check the price for your date and the package shown at checkout rather than treating the lowest figure as a guaranteed fare.

For the price, the value lies in bundling hotel transfers, the catamaran ride, a resort buffet, snorkeling equipment, towels, water, seasonal fruit, snacks, and several activities. That is more useful than comparing the fare with a bare boat transfer. The included English, Chinese, and Thai-speaking guide service also helps make a full-day group itinerary easier to follow.

There are extra costs to budget for. Coral Island parasailing, banana boats, jet skis, and sea walking are not included. Food and drinks during afternoon tea at Kon-Kea Bay are also at your own expense, as are tips and personal purchases. If you bring luggage, the stated handling charge is 200 THB per piece.

The meal is a welcome part of the package, though it is not a gourmet feast. The buffet selection is limited, and food can feel far apart if you are hungry after swimming. Bring cash for personal spending, and tell the operator about allergies or special meal needs at least one day before the trip.

Plan for an early start, sun, and a long day

Hotel pickup is shared and scheduled between 7 and 9 a.m. The exact time depends on where you are staying and is confirmed the day before. Be ready five minutes early; pickup may be earlier or later than expected because the vehicle collects other people.

The itinerary ends at Chalong Pier around 6:30 p.m., with hotel transfers listed through roughly 7:30 p.m. A long ride back is possible if your hotel is far from the pier. One account staying in Bang Tao described getting home around 9 p.m., so avoid scheduling a tight dinner reservation or another evening activity.

Pack swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and cash. A towel and life jacket are included, but sun protection is your responsibility. Bring any personal medication you need, and remember that weather may alter the schedule without advance notice.

The tour is for participants aged 2 and older, with children aged 2 to 3 free when accompanied by a paying adult. Participants must be under 55. The activity is not recommended for people with impaired mobility or certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy, and pregnant women are not permitted. Pets are prohibited.

Who should book this sailing day?

I would choose this tour if you value the ride as much as the islands. It suits you if you like a slower pace, want hotel transfers and lunch built into the day, and prefer several chances to swim, relax, and take photos over a fast run between beaches. It can also work well for families with older children who are comfortable with a long day and group travel.

Look elsewhere if your top goal is maximum time on one beach, a small private group, or a quick crossing. The boat can carry up to 46 people, the schedule is packed across multiple stops, and water visibility is never certain. People who are prone to seasickness should also weigh the slower catamaran ride carefully.

Before booking, compare the price shown for your date, check the hotel pickup area, and contact the operator early about dietary needs or different pickup and drop-off hotels. If a long, scenic day on the water sounds like part of the holiday rather than just transportation, this is a worthwhile way to see both Coral and Racha.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It runs for most of the day. Hotel pickup is scheduled between 7 and 9 a.m., the return to Chalong Pier is listed around 6:30 p.m., and hotel drop-off is listed between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from Chalong Pier. Shared hotel pickup is included, with the exact time depending on your hotel location.

How much does the tour cost?

The tour information gives a starting price of $74.30 and shows the Day Tour package from $92.29. Check the price for your date and selected package before booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai buffet lunch is served at the 4-star BanRaya Resort on Racha Island. The meal is described as Muslim-friendly.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan food?

Yes. Tell the operator at least one day before travel if you need a vegetarian or vegan meal. You should also report food allergies or other special meal requests in advance.

Are Coral Island water activities included?

No. Parasailing, banana boats, jet skis, and sea walking are listed as extra-cost activities. The included activities are snorkeling equipment, a water slider, a paddleboard, and handline fishing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a disposable mouthpiece are included. Water conditions and visibility can vary.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and cash. A towel and life jacket are provided.

Can children join the tour?

Participants must be at least 2 years old. Children aged 2 to 3 can join free when accompanied by a paying adult. Participants must be under 55.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The schedule may change or the tour may be cancelled because of weather conditions. The operator may offer rescheduling or a full refund if it cancels for unforeseen events or extreme weather.