REVIEW · PHUKET
SCUBA Diving tour Racha and Coral islands full day tour
Book on Viator →Operated by The Orca Travel · Bookable on Viator
Speedboat days in Phuket beat waiting around. This full-day tour strings together white-sand beaches and snorkeling breaks at Racha and Coral islands, with scuba options that suit both amateurs and licensed divers. The main trade-off is the schedule is tight, so you’ll move often and spend fewer hours on any one beach.
What I like most is that the price bundles real costs like national park fees plus lunch, and they also provide the core snorkeling/scuba gear on the boat. One thing to consider: this is weather-dependent, so if conditions are rough, the plan can shift or the day can be canceled.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Phuket’s Racha & Coral full-day tour: what’s special about this route
- Price and what you really get for $50.20
- Getting set up in the morning: pickup, boat time, and expectations
- Stop-by-stop plan: the full day route
- Ko Racha Noi (arrive 08:45): beach and beginner-friendly snorkeling time
- Banana Bay (arrive 09:40): another swim-and-sun break
- Ko Racha Yai (arrive 10:00): Patok Bay beach time
- Kon Kae Bay or Ter Bay (arrive around 12:00): boat snorkeling in clear water
- Coral Island (arrive 13:10): lunch at the resort plus sea activities
- Maiton Private Island (arrive 14:30): calm bays and up to 1 hour in the water
- Back to Chalong (arrive 16:30): wrap up and return transfer
- Scuba for amateurs and licensed divers: how the tour handles different levels
- Snorkeling rhythm: you’ll be in and out, and that’s the point
- Boat ride and small-group feel: max 30 travelers
- Food breaks that keep the day from feeling miserable
- Who should book this (and who might want a different day)
- A note on cancellations and weather (so you’re not surprised)
- Should you book this Racha and Coral full-day tour?
- FAQ
- What islands are included in the Racha and Coral full day tour?
- What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?
- Is hotel pickup and transfer included?
- Is scuba available for both beginners and certified divers?
- What snorkeling or scuba equipment is provided?
- Is lunch included, and what food is served?
- How big is the group?
- Do I get a mobile ticket?
- What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather or low demand?
Key highlights at a glance

- Racha Noi, Banana Bay, Racha Yai, Coral Island, and Maiton in one fast, well-paced day
- Scuba options by depth: amateurs up to 15 meters, licensed divers beyond 15 meters
- Snorkeling gear provided (mask, mouthpiece, life jacket and other equipment)
- Lunch is included at Coral Island Resort, plus snacks and drinks served during the day
- Small group size with a maximum of 30 travelers
Phuket’s Racha & Coral full-day tour: what’s special about this route

This is the kind of Phuket day trip that makes sense when you want a lot of coastline without the hassle of planning a boat hopping strategy yourself. You get multiple reef-and-beach stops across Racha and Coral, plus time on calmer swimming bays.
The best part is the variety. You’re not just sitting on one island for hours. You’ll bounce between different shorelines and water types—some for sunbathing, some for easy snorkeling from the boat, and one day segment built around Coral Island’s resort area.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Phuket.
Price and what you really get for $50.20

At $50.20 per person, this tour sits in the value end of the Phuket island-day market. The math works better because it’s not just “transport to an island.” Your day includes hotel transfer, national park fees, a professional guide, and lunch.
They also include the equipment that usually adds friction (and extra expense) when you travel independently. You’ll get the snorkeling mask, mouthpiece, life jacket, and other needed gear provided free by the company.
The value is especially good if you want both surface time (snorkeling, beach breaks) and the chance to do scuba. Many “cheap” tours will focus on one or the other.
Getting set up in the morning: pickup, boat time, and expectations
The day starts around 7:30 am with pickup, and the full duration is about 10 hours. The itinerary’s first arrival is 08:45 on Ko Racha Noi, which gives you enough time to get to the pier, check in, and settle before you hit the water.
This matters because island hopping is a time game. You don’t want to show up hungry, late, or stressed. I’d treat this like an early day: have a simple breakfast, bring sun protection, and be ready for a packed flow.
Stop-by-stop plan: the full day route

Here’s how your day is structured, with the key details that affect your comfort and enjoyment.
Ko Racha Noi (arrive 08:45): beach and beginner-friendly snorkeling time
You’ll reach Ko Racha Noi at 08:45, then get around 1 hour of free time. This is your first chance to swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, and take photos.
Why this stop works: Racha Noi is a clean on-ramp. If you’re new to snorkeling, it’s a great place to get your rhythm before later swim segments. If you’re more confident, you can spend the whole hour focused on the water.
The main drawback: it’s your first stop of the day, so the hour can feel like it arrives fast. If you tend to “ease in,” give yourself permission to start slow.
Banana Bay (arrive 09:40): another swim-and-sun break
Next comes Banana Bay at about 09:40. You’ll have another 1 hour for snorkeling and beach downtime.
This is the tour’s second “reset” moment—nice if you want to take photos, cool off between swims, and not feel rushed immediately after boarding. If you’re the type who gets seasick, it’s a relief to have frequent stops rather than one long stretch.
Ko Racha Yai (arrive 10:00): Patok Bay beach time
You arrive at Ko Racha Yai at 10:00, and the schedule gives you 50 minutes. The focus here is more beach time than a complicated activity plan: sunbathing, relaxing, and swimming around the Patok Bay area.
Why it matters: different islands give different vibes. Some spots are better for reef viewing; others are better for straightforward shoreline time. This is the shoreline-friendly section of the day.
A consideration: 50 minutes is not a long beach lunch. If your plan is to work on a serious tan, you’ll likely want to keep an eye on the clock and do your sun time in two shorter chunks.
Kon Kae Bay or Ter Bay (arrive around 12:00): boat snorkeling in clear water
Around 12:00, you’ll reach Kon Kae Bay or Ter Bay for snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear water. Time here is about 40 minutes.
This is also where the day gets a small food boost: fresh fruits, cookies, soft drinks, and drinking water are served on the boat. It’s a nice way to top up energy before the lunch segment.
Tip: if you’re planning to do scuba later, don’t treat this as a free-for-all. Enjoy the water, but stay aware of how you’re feeling so you’re comfortable during the main underwater portion.
Coral Island (arrive 13:10): lunch at the resort plus sea activities
You’ll reach Coral Island at 13:10, then spend about 40 minutes there. Lunch is included at the Coral Island Resort.
This stop is a mix of practical and fun. You get fed, you get beach time, and you can also enjoy sea activities—but any additional activities beyond the included portion are not included in the tour price.
Why people like this: lunch in the middle of the island run makes the day feel more humane. It’s also your buffer before the last major swim segment.
A simple consideration: keep your valuables secure. At resort-style beaches, things can move quickly—people, towels, bags, and the normal chaos of vacation mode.
Maiton Private Island (arrive 14:30): calm bays and up to 1 hour in the water
Next is Maiton Private Island at 14:30, with about 1 hour for snorkeling and swimming in the island’s bays.
This is a good place to reset again. After Coral Island, it can feel like your day is “always on,” so that extra hour helps you slow down and focus on water time rather than transferring, checking schedules, and eating.
Back to Chalong (arrive 16:30): wrap up and return transfer
You’ll reach Chalong pier around 16:30 and then transfer back to your hotel. The whole day is designed so you’re not stuck late at sea, which is great if you have dinner plans or need an early night.
Scuba for amateurs and licensed divers: how the tour handles different levels

One of the big selling points here is that the program isn’t only for certified divers. The structure is built for both amateurs and professional licenses.
For amateurs, there’s a possibility to scuba up to 15 meters. If you’re licensed at a professional level, the plan allows for more than 15 meters.
How to interpret that as a traveler: your actual underwater depth depends on your qualification and the dive plan that day. This setup is valuable because it reduces the “wrong tour for my level” problem. Instead of you paying for something you can’t fully use, you have a path that matches your skills.
What I’d watch: if you’re nervous about scuba, don’t try to be a hero. Choose comfort over bravado. And if you’re only here for snorkeling, the schedule still gives you plenty of time in the water.
Snorkeling rhythm: you’ll be in and out, and that’s the point

This tour is clearly designed around frequent water contact. You’ll have multiple time blocks across different spots, rather than one long snorkeling session where you burn out.
Gear help is a big reason it feels approachable. You won’t be scrambling to source a mask or life jacket. You’ll get mask, mouthpiece, life jacket, and other equipment provided free.
You’ll also likely do some snorkeling from the boat on at least one segment, especially around the Kon Kae/Ter Bay portion where the water is highlighted as especially clear.
Practical comfort tip: bring sun protection and rinseable stuff. Even with gear provided, your skin will pay the price if you treat a full sun day like a mild afternoon.
Boat ride and small-group feel: max 30 travelers

This has a maximum of 30 travelers, which matters on an island day. Smaller groups tend to move more smoothly at boarding and during transitions between stops.
The tour also includes a professional guide, which helps with safety and pacing. It’s also helpful when you want to know where to go once you’re at the water.
Based on what people report, the speedboat itself is part of the positive vibe—comfortable enough for a full day and fast enough to make the schedule work.
Food breaks that keep the day from feeling miserable

You’ll get lunch included at Coral Island Resort, and you’ll also have snacks and drinks served on the boat during the day. The Kon Kae or Ter Bay segment includes fresh fruits, cookies, soft drinks, and drinking water.
This is more than a nice-to-have. Island days can turn into dehydration and crankiness fast. With food and drinks built into the flow, you’re less likely to feel like you need to pay extra just to stay comfortable.
Who should book this (and who might want a different day)
This tour is a good fit if you:
- Want an affordable way to see multiple islands in one day
- Like a balance of beach time and snorkeling
- Want the option of scuba without paying a premium on a specialized only-divers trip
- Have limited time in Phuket and want a full itinerary, not a half-day
It may not be ideal if you:
- Want slow travel with long beach stays
- Get overwhelmed by tight timing and frequent movement between stops
- Are very sensitive to sea conditions, since the day is weather-dependent
A note on cancellations and weather (so you’re not surprised)
This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The tour also depends on a minimum number of travelers.
If you’re traveling with strict plans, I’d double-check your dates early and keep your messaging channel ready. The operator uses WhatsApp for contact, and people report fast replies when questions come up.
Should you book this Racha and Coral full-day tour?
If your goal is a value-packed Phuket day with Racha beaches, Coral Island time, snorkeling breaks, and a chance at scuba, I think this tour is worth serious consideration. The key reason is the bundle: transport, park fees, lunch, gear, and guide support are all included, which makes the day feel less like a patchwork expense.
I’d say book it if you like structure and want to cover a lot of water and shoreline in one go. Pass if you’re hunting for a quiet, unhurried beach day or you hate schedules. And whatever you choose, aim to travel with flexible expectations about weather—this itinerary lives or dies on the sea.
FAQ
What islands are included in the Racha and Coral full day tour?
The tour visits Ko Racha Noi, Banana Bay, Ko Racha Yai (including Patok Bay), a snorkeling stop at Kon Kae bay or Ter Bay, Coral Island, and Maiton Private Island.
What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?
The start time is 7:30 am, and the duration is about 10 hours.
Is hotel pickup and transfer included?
Yes. The tour offers pickup, and hotel transfer is included in the price.
Is scuba available for both beginners and certified divers?
Yes. Amateurs have a possibility to scuba up to 15 meters, and professional licenses can scuba more than 15 meters.
What snorkeling or scuba equipment is provided?
The company provides snorkeling mask, mouthpiece, life jacket, and other equipment used during the tour at no extra cost.
Is lunch included, and what food is served?
Lunch is included at Coral Island Resort. Also, on the boat during the Kon Kae Bay or Ter Bay snorkeling stop, fresh fruits, cookies, soft drinks, and drinking water are served.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.
Do I get a mobile ticket?
Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather or low demand?
It requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of travelers, and if that minimum isn’t met you’ll be offered a different experience/date or a full refund.























