Off the coast / Water activities

The best time to enjoy off the coast activities in Phuket is between November till April, when it tends to have less rain and clear blue sea. 

Snorkelling can be enjoyed in sheltered bays all around Phuket. It is particularly enjoy¬able at easily accessible reefs at Patong, Karon and Kata Beaches. Mask, snorkel and fins can be rented on a daily basis from shops all over the island. Scuba Diving Expeditions regularly leave Phuket for dives around neighbouring islands i.e. Mu Ko Phi Phi in Krabi province and Mu Ko Similan in Phang-Nga province. 

Sea Kayaking or Canoeing tours mainly take place in neighbouring Phang-Nga Bay and Krabi province, where mangrove swamps and island grottoes are accessible only by kayak. 

Phuket is also one of Thailand’s best spot to sail. There are several yacht or sailboat renting operators offering crewed, barefoot, and motor yacht or sailboat. Some of them offer luxury super yacht with full board services. Ao Po Grand Marina, north of Phuket, offers 24-hour access and zero tide restrictions. It is home to most of yacht service shops and facilities.

If you don’t have much time or don’t want to spend so much, island hopping tour could be an option for you. Most of the tour operators offer a day tour to Phang Nga Bay, Ko He (Coral Island), Ko Lon, Mu Ko Phi Phi and Mu Ko Similan. The tours should be pre booked as some of the islands are located within the Marine National Park and only open on a seasonal basis.