Bangkok Rayong Islands Snorkeling Trip: An Expert’s Review

Alright, so, you’re considering a snorkeling day out from Bangkok to the Rayong Islands? It’s almost something a lot of visitors look at for a speedy break from the city, right? That said, very keep reading, as I will walk you through my experience and help you figure out if it’s a good plan for your precious vacation time.

What’s the Big Deal About Rayong Anyway?

Rayong, is that, a province just southeast of Bangkok, doesn’t grab the headlines like Phuket or Krabi, that is true. Yet, it has got something pretty attractive: relative ease of access from Bangkok, more or less. Too, it has got islands. Islands can have, often, cleaner waters than you might find closer to the mainland. So, people checking out this specific day outing typically look at escaping Bangkok’s frenzy for, arguably, bluer seas and some time with coral, anyway.

The Speedboat Promise: Fast and Fun?

Okay, the term “speedboat” definitely brings up snapshots of speeding across turquoise waves, might be. The benefit is basically cutting down on travel time. Getting to Rayong from Bangkok takes some hours by road, that said. Shaving off transit time means more time chilling on islands and in the water, I mean, that’s the theory, isn’t it? However, how comfortable is that? Expect a rather bumpy ride, possibly, based upon sea conditions. People with back problems should seriously think hard if this part is really for you.

Snorkeling Spots: What Can You Actually See?

Right, you probably expect crystal-clear visibility and an abundance of sea creatures? Sometimes, that is possible. I saw, arguably, some colorful fish and some okay-looking coral, in fact. Do not expect something close to the Similan Islands or someplace famous like that, even though. The underwater life, to be honest, is fairly standard. The water clarity just depends so much on the time of year and recent weather. After some heavy rain, it may be rather murky. That’s the truth.

What’s Usually Included? (And What’s Not)

Basically, most day trips include: Transportation from Bangkok and return, often, in a comfy van, in fact. Lunch, generally a Thai meal; equipment for snorkeling (mask, snorkel, fins); life jacket (mandatory); and, very, typically some refreshments on board (water and soft drinks). Anyway, so, double-check what’s not included, such as: Park entrance fees (sometimes), alcoholic beverages (almost never), and tips for the crew (customary, in Thailand). Do think about bringing some extra cash for those possible extra expenses, like your, because you want that satisfying end to your outing.

A Look at a Possible Itinerary

This just may change slightly from one operator to the other, right? Still, the general sequence of events usually looks like: Early morning pickup from your Bangkok hotel. Drive to Rayong (2-4 hours based on the traffic). Board the speedboat and, arguably, head to the first island for snorkeling. Afterwards lunch, either onboard or on the beach, clearly. More snorkeling or time relaxing on another island, typically. And afterwards, speedboat back to the pier. Finally, get back to Bangkok late evening, after that. This can become a tiring outing, that’s important to remember, even though it has many amazing highlights.

Who is this Day Outing Good For?

So, that may work out really well for: Those pressed for time. If you just have a day to escape Bangkok, you know, this crams a lot in, arguably. First-time snorkelers, that’s definitely something to mention. The sites aren’t too intense, so they can be okay for beginners, so. Families with older kids, might be. Small children can struggle on the speedboat and during longer snorkeling spells, I feel. Anyone just after a taste of Thailand’s islands without traveling far, really.

Possible Downsides? A reality check

It is not all sunlight and, I think, sparkling water: Can be quite touristy, specifically during the high season. You might share the snorkeling spot with other boatloads of visitors. Water clarity may sometimes be disappointing, based on recent weather and currents. The speedboat journey can be uncomfortable for some people, as mentioned. It may feel rushed; more time in transportation than actually on islands, you might find.

Making the most of your trip

To definitely boost the fun: Check the weather forecast before booking, since, is that, sunny skies help the water clarity a fair bit, in other words. Bring seasickness pills if you often feel nauseous on boats. Apply reef-safe sunblock frequently; the sun, basically, is very intense on the water. Put on a rash vest or t-shirt for extra sun protection while you are snorkeling, that way, because repeated sun exposure while you are busy and distracted, in reality, is harmful. Carry a waterproof bag to keep your phone and valuables safe and dry, and stuff.

Are there alternative snorkeling tours to consider?

You have got several choices for some alternative tours for people that love snorkeling! Here’s something you might look into: Koh Tao: Okay, Koh Tao might be, a little far if you want it easily reached from Bangkok (you would have to take a connecting flight, and so on). Yet, its popularity among divers and snorkelers happens because of an awesome amount of sea life and superb underwater visibility. Keep in mind: It has the potential for lots of transit. The Similan and Surin Islands: That calls for longer travel up to Phang Nga province (a flight is often needed, maybe). Nonetheless, those islands happen to be famed as some of the top snorkeling locations to find, often, in Thailand, by the way. The clear waters are usually a beautiful, sparkling blue, but still. Koh Lanta: So, here we come to another location much further down south of the beautiful country, so far in fact it could mean additional transit for your party. This happens to be more relaxed than places elsewhere while delivering great options for snorkeling close to beaches!

So, is this outing really worth it?

It depends on whatever you’re trying to find. For someone tight on vacation time wanting a speedy tropical fix coming from Bangkok, yeah, arguably. Simply handle your expectations about perfect oceans and secluded beaches. Should you appreciate quality snorkeling above everything, there are many, more fulfilling alternatives further away, of course.

Summary

Are you mulling over an exciting and speedy trip from the heart of Bangkok over to Thailand’s coastal islands on a speedboat and maybe some Rayong exploration underwater with just a snorkel? Look to this outline here when planning!

• Ease of access is what it is known for since they sit in very close proximity and feature only a few hours in travel time compared against many others further afar – giving all folks shorter transit times when going by automobile or even shuttle/charter service on site if wanted either beforehand online ahead upon booking, after considering available transport choices locally here.
• Be honest with the details since it is worth the money so everyone might experience wonderful times out swimming coupled plus underwater wildlife watching activities taking full opportunity getting wet in calm sea water surroundings – it must include things most desired without overemphasizing unnecessary specifics unless really vital!
• Check your climate details often while securing any bookings. In any case the weather may decide if what is said concerning underwater visibility corresponds towards exactly something experienced there for realsies at times in order never go down an unsatisfactory path overall just given inadequate observations related weather related!