Boat Rental Chalong — 2027 Guide: Coral Island, Racha Yai and Short Trips from Southern Phuket

Chalong is a bay on the south-east coast of Phuket and the main departure point for boats in the south of the island. Every morning speedboats, longtail boats, fishing boats and catamarans leave the long Chalong Pier, and several hundred sailing boats and yachts lie at anchor in the bay. The southern islands are close: Coral Island is about twenty minutes away, Racha Yai less than an hour. This guide is for guests who want a shorter, more relaxed day at sea. For a general overview of Phuket, boat types and trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay, see our Phuket boat rental guide.

Chalong Pier and the bay

• Chalong Pier: a long jetty running from the shallow bay out to deeper water, where speedboats, longtails and fishing boats take on guests.
• Boarding: larger catamarans often lie at anchor, so guests are taken out to them by tender. The bay is shallow and the difference between high and low tide is noticeable.
• Getting there: 15–20 minutes by car from Kata, Karon and Rawai, 30–40 minutes from Patong, about an hour from the airport.

Short trips from Chalong: the southern islands

Distances are approximate, from Chalong Pier:

• Koh Lone (about 3 NM): an island at the mouth of the bay with quiet beaches, for a first swim or a short afternoon.
• Coral Island (Koh Hey) (about 5 NM, 15–20 minutes by speedboat): Banana Beach with restaurants and water sports, and coral close to shore. The entrance fee is 100 THB per person.
• Promthep Cape and Koh Man (about 6 NM): the southernmost cape of Phuket with its lighthouse, and a small island off Nai Harn beach, a beautiful route towards sunset.
• Koh Maiton (about 9 NM east): white beaches and clear water; boats anchor off the shore for swimming and snorkelling.
• Koh Khai Nok and Khai Nai (about 12 NM east): small islands with white sand and shallow water.
• Koh Racha Yai (about 13 NM south, 35–45 minutes by speedboat, about 1.5 hours by slower boat): Batok Bay with exceptionally clear water, one of the best snorkelling spots around Phuket.
• Koh Racha Noi (about 20 NM): an uninhabited island, the target of fishing trips.

Typical combinations: a morning half day (09:00–13:00) to Coral Island or Maiton, and a full day to Racha Yai and Coral Island or Maiton and Coral Island.

Chalong or Phi Phi and Phang Nga?

From Chalong you can also go to Phi Phi (about 25 NM) and Phang Nga Bay (more than 30 NM), but that is a different kind of day:

• Duration: at least seven hours by fast boat, and up to 12 hours on power catamarans. Four hours are enough for the southern islands.
• Price: the same boats cost more, and national park fees are added: Phi Phi 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, James Bond Island 300 and 150 THB.
• Sea: the route to Phi Phi crosses open water, so from June to October trips may be cancelled because of waves.
• Who it suits: families with small children and anyone who wants more swimming than travelling are better off with the southern islands; Phi Phi and Phang Nga are for those who want limestone scenery and don't mind a long day.

Prices in our listings

We have more than twenty boats in Chalong, from longtails to a 90-foot motor yacht. Prices are for the whole boat with captain and crew:

• Classic Thai-Style Experience (Longtail A): a traditional 13.4 m longtail for 1–6 guests (up to ten, 1,000 THB per extra guest). Morning half day 12,900 THB, afternoon 14,900 THB, full day 21,500 THB; fruit, drinks, mask and snorkel and a paddle board included. View the listing.
• Nautitech P 47ft Catamaran: a 14.3 m sailing catamaran for 1–15 guests (up to 30). Morning half day from 21,900 THB, full day from 31,900 THB; from 15 December to 31 January 25,900 and 38,900 THB. View the listing.
• Small Fishing Boat Charter: a fishing boat for up to eight people, 09:00–17:00: Racha Yai 18,000 THB, Racha Noi 20,000 THB, with lunch, sashimi from the catch and fishing gear. View the listing.
• Luxury Speedboat 37ft: a 400 hp speedboat for 1–6 guests (up to 12). Seven hours on the southern routes 28,900 THB, Phi Phi or Phang Nga 33,900 THB; in high season 36,400 and 41,400 THB. View the listing.

Lunch is usually not included: you eat on the island or pre-order a set menu. 7% VAT is included in the price of the longtail and the speedboat, while on the fishing boat it is charged on top.

Rules and tips

• A licence is not needed: all boats are rented with a captain and crew.
• Passport: for travel insurance the operator usually asks for its details, so keep a photo on your phone.
• Cash in baht for entrance fees and lunch on the island.
• Sunscreen: sunscreens with oxybenzone and similar ingredients harmful to coral are banned in Thai marine national parks; bring one without them.
• Weather: the operator checks wind, waves and tide in advance and may cancel or change the route.

Season and weather

• November – April: the main season, which has just started. The north-east monsoon brings dry weather, a calm Andaman Sea and the best water clarity around the Racha islands.
• Peak: from mid-December to the end of January, and with some owners also in mid-February around Chinese New Year. Prices are higher, so book early.
• May – October: the south-west monsoon, showers and bigger waves on open water. Chalong Bay stays sheltered, short trips to Coral Island and Maiton are often possible, and prices are lower.

Boat rental in Chalong with Crystalium Booker

See all boats on the Chalong page or send us your date, number of people and preferred route via the contact page. We check the date with the owner, you pay us the booking (that is our commission), and you pay the rest to the owner on the day of the rental. Do you rent out a boat in Chalong or elsewhere in Phuket? List it with us.