THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Escape Phuket’s crowds for a full-day catamaran to Racha Yai and Koh Hey — snorkel clear reefs, kayak from Banana Beach, and enjoy a seaside lunch. This practical day trip pairs easy water activities with reliable island transfers.
Escape Phuket’s crowds for a full-day catamaran to Racha Yai and Koh Hey — snorkel clear reefs, kayak from Banana Beach, and enjoy a seaside lunch. This practical day trip pairs easy water activities with reliable island transfers.
The catamaran slips from Chalong as sunlight flattens the bay and the city slips behind you — engines hum, trade winds lift, and the horizon opens toward two islands that have long been a refuge from Phuket’s bustle.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by MY Holiday Centre · Phuket, Phuket
The catamaran slips from Chalong as sunlight flattens the bay and the city slips behind you — engines hum, trade winds lift, and the horizon opens toward two islands that have long been a refuge from Phuket’s bustle.
Racha Yai (Raya Yai) and Koh Hey (Coral or "Banana" Beach) sit on limestone shelves and coral outcrops where currents shape crescent beaches and clear, shallow reefs. These islands have been local fishing grounds for generations; their reefs and sandbars formed from ancient coral growth and seasonal monsoon-driven sediment. Onshore, seafood eateries and small resorts reflect Phuket’s southern coastal culture: practical, hospitable, and focused on the sea.
Expect a day of modular activities — guided snorkeling at Racha Yai’s clear shallows, a beachside set lunch at Banana Beach, and optional kayaking or free time to swim and sunbathe. The islands’ reefs can be lively with parrotfish and wrasse; currents and visibility vary by season, so guides choose spots that suit conditions.
Practical guidance: hotel pickup is commonly included from central Phuket areas; plan for a full-day outing (roughly nine hours). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and a light waterproof layer for unexpected squalls. If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative measures before boarding; life jackets and basic snorkel gear are provided, but experienced snorkelers often bring their own masks for fit.
Timing your visit for the dry season (November–April) yields calmer seas and better visibility, while the low season can deliver fewer crowds but choppier water. Leave space in your schedule for relaxed transfers — the islands reward patience with quiet beaches and clear water that invite slow exploration.
easy.
9 hours.
Suitable for casual fitness — you should be comfortable swimming short distances and getting on/off a boat
Yes — basic masks, snorkels, and life jackets are typically provided; bringing your own mask improves fit and comfort.
Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from central areas like Patong, Kata, Karon, and Phuket Town; confirm your pickup point when booking.
Life jackets are provided and guides supervise swim stops, but non-swimmers should remain near the boat or shore and supervise children closely.
Lunch is set-menu beach restaurant fare; contact the operator ahead of time to request vegetarian or allergy-friendly options when available.
Racha Yai and Koh Hey have long served local fishers and, more recently, day-trippers; the islands’ names reflect their roles — Racha meaning 'king' and Koh Hey known for its curved, banana-like beach.
Operators often encourage reef-safe sunscreen and no-touch snorkeling; follow guide instructions to limit reef damage and avoid anchoring on coral.
MY Holiday Centre operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The catamaran slips from Chalong as sunlight flattens the bay and the city slips behind you — engines hum, trade winds lift, and the horizon opens toward two islands that have long been a refuge from Phuket’s bustle.
The catamaran slips from Chalong as sunlight flattens the bay and the city slips behind you — engines hum, trade winds lift, and the horizon opens toward two islands that have long been a refuge from Phuket’s bustle.
Racha Yai (Raya Yai) and Koh Hey (Coral or "Banana" Beach) sit on limestone shelves and coral outcrops where currents shape crescent beaches and clear, shallow reefs. These islands have been local fishing grounds for generations; their reefs and sandbars formed from ancient coral growth and seasonal monsoon-driven sediment. Onshore, seafood eateries and small resorts reflect Phuket’s southern coastal culture: practical, hospitable, and focused on the sea.
Expect a day of modular activities — guided snorkeling at Racha Yai’s clear shallows, a beachside set lunch at Banana Beach, and optional kayaking or free time to swim and sunbathe. The islands’ reefs can be lively with parrotfish and wrasse; currents and visibility vary by season, so guides choose spots that suit conditions.
Practical guidance: hotel pickup is commonly included from central Phuket areas; plan for a full-day outing (roughly nine hours). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, and a light waterproof layer for unexpected squalls. If you’re prone to seasickness, take preventative measures before boarding; life jackets and basic snorkel gear are provided, but experienced snorkelers often bring their own masks for fit.
Timing your visit for the dry season (November–April) yields calmer seas and better visibility, while the low season can deliver fewer crowds but choppier water. Leave space in your schedule for relaxed transfers — the islands reward patience with quiet beaches and clear water that invite slow exploration.