Raya Islands and Maiton Speedboat Tour: Deep Snorkeling and Dolphins (from Phuket or Khao Lak)
A speedboat day south of Phuket, to the two Raya islands (also spelled Racha) and Maiton. Raya Noi is the far, wild one: deep clear water, the site the dive boats use, and the best coral of the day at Banana Bay. Raya Yai is the gentler sister, with sheltered bays and lunch on the beach. The day closes circling Maiton Island, home to a resident pod of wild dolphins.
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Raya Islands Tour from Phuket: Deep Snorkeling at Raya Noi, Dolphins at Maiton
South of Phuket the water gets deeper and clearer, and the two Raya islands are the reason most snorkelers come this way. Raya Noi is the smaller and far more remote of the two: no resorts, steep rock dropping into open sea, and visibility good enough that dive boats work here all year. You stop at Pirates Beach for white sand, kayaks and paddle boards, or a walk up to the viewpoint, then snorkel at Banana Bay over what is considered some of the most intact coral in the area.
Raya Yai is the larger island and an easier place to spend the middle of the day: wide sheltered bays, a buffet lunch ashore and a second snorkeling stop just offshore. The day ends at Maiton, also known as Honeymoon Island. Nobody lands here, the boat circles slowly while everyone watches the water, because these are the feeding grounds of a resident pod of wild dolphins that often comes alongside.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFSS05 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Khao Lak, Phuket |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Group |
| Boat | Speedboat |
| Guide Language | English |
| Interests | Sea & Islands, Snorkeling |
| Available Period | All year round |
| Availability | Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel reception for the minivan transfer to Leam Nga pier (pickup from Khao Lak on request, with a supplement).
Check-in at Leam Nga pier. Snacks and drinks on arrival, snorkeling equipment handed out (fins and beach towel included) and introduction to your guide.
Departure by comfortable speedboat towards the southern islands, running over clear open water.
A stop at one of the wildest beaches in the area: white sand and nothing built on it. Time to rest, kayak, paddle board or walk up to the viewpoint.
Snorkeling among brightly colored tropical fish, over reef considered some of the most intact in the region.
Buffet lunch served on the island, followed by free time to rest on the beach or explore the surroundings.
A second stop in open water off Raya Yai, over abundant marine life and colorful coral.
A slow circuit of Maiton island, without landing, to look for dolphins. With a little luck you will see them playing close to the boat, in their own habitat.
Expected arrival at the pier. At the end of the day, transfer to your hotel.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- Round-trip transfer between your hotel and the pier
- National park fee (included)
- Buffet lunch, drinks, snacks and fruit (3 meals included: light breakfast, lunch, snack)
- Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
- Fins and beach towel
- Paddle board and canoe at Raya Noi
- Professional guide and staff trained in first aid
- Government accident insurance
Not Included
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any extra activities not listed
Useful Tips
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Wear comfortable shoes or sandals for walking on the rocks
- Carry some cash (Thai baht) for extras
- Not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems
- Do not touch or collect coral and shells: the archipelago is a protected area
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an excursion is right for me?
Every tour and activity is described in detail in your personalized itinerary. For each excursion you will find precise information on:
- Difficulty level: easy, moderate or demanding.
- Duration: from half a day to a full day.
- Requirements: minimum level of fitness, recommended age and accessibility.
Please also bear in mind that sea excursions by speedboat are usually not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems. Travelers with disabilities should be accompanied by someone who can assist them when needed. If you have any doubts or specific requirements, your Travel Consultant is always at your disposal for personalized advice.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions make an activity dangerous or inadvisable, the excursion will be:
- Rescheduled: we will try to move the activity to another day of your trip.
- Replaced: if rescheduling is not possible, we will offer an alternative activity of equal value.
- Refunded: if neither rescheduling nor replacement is possible, you will receive a full refund for the excursion you were unable to take.
Please remember that rain during the wet season rarely spoils an entire day. You will always be informed in advance of any changes.
What are the pick-up times?
All meeting and pick-up details are clearly stated in your final travel documents (which you receive about 3 weeks before departure).
- Time: we will let you know the exact pick-up time. Please be ready at the agreed place at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Pick-up point: in most cases the pick-up takes place directly in the lobby of your accommodation (if it lies within the areas covered by the service). If it does not, we will tell you the nearest meeting point.
What should I bring with me on the excursions?
For every excursion we provide a list of recommended items. In general, we always suggest:
- Suitable clothing: for example, long pants and no low-cut tops when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, light and breathable clothes for hot areas, a swimsuit, or comfortable shoes for light trekking.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: water, especially on hot days.
- Vouchers and documents: where required, a copy (digital or printed) of your booking voucher.
Are meals or drinks included during the tours?
It depends on the excursion. The description of each tour in your itinerary clearly states whether the following are included:
- Lunch, dinner or snacks.
- Water or other drinks.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you book, so that we can inform our local partners in advance.
Can I cancel or change a single excursion?
Yes, but specific terms apply. Cancellation and amendment conditions vary from one activity to another.
You will find the exact details for each excursion in the Terms and Conditions attached to your quotation. If you need to make a change or a cancellation, please write to us at info@thailandfantastic.com as soon as possible.
Are young children and infants allowed?
It depends on the activity. Some excursions, especially those by boat or those requiring physical effort, may have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Any such restriction is stated in the tour description.
Please always tell us the exact age of every participant, children in particular, when you request a quotation.
