Phuket Maiton & Coral Island Snorkeling Trip Review: Is it Worth it?

Thinking about booking a snorkeling trip around Phuket? Maybe, the Maiton, Coral, and Racha Islands are on your list. I mean, with crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life, it’s almost hard not to be tempted, right? So, that’s why a trip like this can seem like an ideal getaway. Now, I did one of these tours recently, and, honestly, I’ve got a lot to share, so too it’s almost about what worked, what didn’t, and whether it’s really worth your cash and time. This isn’t just some basic rundown; I want to give you the real deal to aid your decision-making.

What to Expect from the Phuket Snorkeling Trip

So, first things first, is that most of these snorkeling trips pack a lot into a single day. Like, you might begin with a hotel pickup, then a boat ride out to the islands. You’ll get time for snorkeling, of course, is that potentially at several spots, maybe even some beach lounging, and, possibly, even a provided lunch. Very, very usually, these tours aim to give you a taste of multiple islands. Now, you can often expect the tour to feature destinations such as Maiton Island (also referred to as “Honeymoon Island”), Coral Island (Koh Hey), and Racha Island (Koh Raya). Now, these spots are, supposedly, known for their snorkeling sites and appealing beaches.

Now, what kind of boat you get often just depends on the tour you select. Very, very possibly, you will find yourself on a speedboat, which is reasonably fast but can also get fairly bumpy depending on the sea conditions. Or, it could be a larger, slower boat. Typically, the tour operators usually supply the snorkeling gear, and often they include things like life jackets. Keep in mind that what is offered, though, can change, so it’s smart to confirm with the tour provider directly when booking.

Maiton Island: A Quick Stop

Visiting Maiton Island always sounds great in theory, that is, known for its peace and quiet and the potential to see dolphins. As I was saying, the reality, yet, can sometimes be a little different. We got to Maiton, that is, but the stop felt awfully short. That, to be honest, we spent more time on the boat trying to spot dolphins than actually enjoying the island. Anyway, seeing dolphins isn’t always a sure thing, and on our trip, we only caught a really quick glimpse of them far away. It might be just a little frustrating when you’re expecting to see them up close.

Snorkeling close to Maiton was just average, really. Maybe, the visibility wasn’t incredible, and I did not think there were tons of fish, very. It might be that I had fairly high expectations, however it did not totally wow me. I want to stress, I mean, if you are truly wanting a tranquil, amazing snorkeling location, then perhaps just lower your expectations a tiny bit for Maiton.

Coral Island (Koh Hey): Activities Galore

Coral Island, in contrast to Maiton, honestly felt far more lively. Actually, this island really does have a wider variety of things to do. Now, I will stress, apart from snorkeling, you are able to try parasailing or sea walking if you’re searching for something with additional action. This may very well appeal to different tastes.

The snorkeling off Coral Island was a little bit better than at Maiton, but keep in mind that it’s still not the finest you’ll see near Phuket, in a way. Like your beach tends to get rather busy, and that will impact water clarity. Anyway, If you’re okay with crowds and also wish to try out various activities, Coral Island makes a suitable visit.

Racha Island (Koh Raya): The Highlight?

Racha Island was easily the spotlight of this tour for me, similarly to many other guests. We, obviously, went to a spot known for its clear waters and dynamic marine life. Now, it really did feel like a real upgrade from the other spots.

As a matter of fact, the snorkeling at Racha Island was awesome. The visibility was far better, and I was able to see so, so many colorful fish. Honestly, the coral seemed healthier here, too. The beaches, very, like the one we stopped at, had softer sand and cleaner water when you look at them compared with Coral Island.

The thing that does separate Racha Island tends to be that it offers a far more enjoyable experience if you love snorkeling or simply chilling on a more peaceful beach, alright? First, I should stress, this really made the whole tour more worthwhile.

Snorkeling Conditions: What to Really Expect

Okay, therefore, let’s have an actual chat concerning the snorkeling itself because, honestly, it may be hit or miss. Anyway, visibility depends a ton on the weather, the time of year, and, too it’s almost, just luck. The tour companies, by the way, cannot really promise perfect conditions.

Basically, the gear given may be basic. First, before heading out, ensure that the mask fits nicely so there aren’t any leaks. As a matter of fact, you could bring your own gear if you happen to be a dedicated snorkeler who places a high value on convenience and hygiene.

Like your water temperature can often be pleasant, but always being aware of currents is really worth doing. Naturally, the tour guides, of course, usually give a briefing, so definitely focus on this. Very, very usually, snorkeling is closely monitored to ensure everyone remains safe.

Food and Drink: What’s on Offer?

The lunch on the tour I took tended to be okay, not spectacular. By the way, it generally was a simple buffet with Thai dishes like rice, noodles, plus some kind of chicken or vegetable dish. Next, drinks like water and soda are usually included.

I will stress, if you have particular dietary needs, ensure you inform the tour operator beforehand because, really, choices may be restricted. Anyway, it’s also not a bad plan to carry a few treats with you, just in the event that you find the food unsatisfactory or should you get hungry between meals. Just a little tip is that the quality of food will vary greatly. As I was saying, do not expect gourmet eating.

The Crowds and the Environment

Now, let’s speak concerning the crowds because, that is, Phuket is without a doubt a popular destination. Of course, anticipate that these island trips will likely be full, more or less, especially throughout peak season. Actually, the beaches can easily get filled, and that can detract just a little from your experience.

First, a major consideration has to be the impact of tourism on the local ecosystems. Or, to put it another way, pick tour operators who show a dedication to responsible tourism. It could be that they follow responsible practices like not feeding the fish, reducing waste, plus respecting the marine life. You know, if you can, support those, in short, who value sustainability.

Is This Snorkeling Trip Right for You?

So, should you go on this snorkeling trip, okay? Honestly, everything is dependent on what you’re seeking. As I was saying, if you desire seeing a couple of various islands in a day and so aren’t too worried about in-depth snorkeling at just about every spot, next it could be an okay choice. In short, I should stress, this trip is typically best suited to folks that are after a little sampling of what Phuket has to offer.

In a way, those who have restricted time might think that this type of tour suits them, very. It could be that you get to look at some really cool islands in only a day. Now, I want to point out, if snorkeling is really your number one objective and so you would like pristine waters plus an abundance of marine life, it might be a smart move to consider focusing your time on Racha Island (or other destinations noted for better snorkeling), alright? Like your extra travel time to and from places far from the tourist crowds really could well be worthwhile in that circumstance.

Now, if you decide to take this trip, just know, that is, that it really is a mix of things, honestly, from rapid island visits to some snorkeling, all in all. It might be that going in having practical expectations may likely allow you to take more joy from your experience.

Some Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Snorkeling Adventure

So, I wanted to share a few ideas to make sure your snorkeling experience will be as amazing as it could be. Honestly, these ideas should always help, irrespective of which tour you select.

• Bring Sunscreen: I mean, the sun in Phuket can really be fierce, by the way, so applying high-SPF sunscreen is an absolute must. As a matter of fact, be sure it’s reef-safe to guard the coral.
• Stay Hydrated: As a matter of fact, the heat and all of the activity is certainly going to make you thirsty, okay, so carry a water bottle and also stay hydrated all day.
• Wear a Rash Guard: I mean, this can help to protect from the sun and perhaps any stings from jellyfish. I will stress, they’re light-weight and make a significant difference regarding comfort.
• Bring a Waterproof Bag: It might be a smart idea to protect your possessions, like your phone and camera, you know, in the event they get wet. Basically, a water-resistant bag actually is perfect.
• Seasickness Preparation: Finally, if you’re vulnerable to seasickness, take some medicine just before the trip. In fact, bumpy boat rides are really quite normal.