About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team took this speedboat jaunt to Coral Island (Koh Hey), a quick 15-minute blast from Rawai Beach got us to Kahung Beach—a proper white-sand setup with clear turquoise water and decent snorkel potential. The island sits close enough to Phuket that it's a half-day escape rather than a full adventure, and it caters to both sunbakers wanting to zone out on the beach and people keen on optional water activities like snorkelling, parasailing, and beginner scuba. The vibe is relaxed but touristy; you'll see families and backpackers in equal measure. Tour runs 6–7 hours total.
Highlights
- Speedboat ride itself genuinely quick and fun—no dragging
- White sand and clear water live up to the photos
- Snorkel gear included; marine life decent for Phuket waters
- Beach chair and shade sorted—not roughing it
- Optional activities let you dial intensity up or down
- Veg, gluten-free, and halal meals available if pre-booked
- Travel insurance bundled in—removes one admin headache
- Close enough to Rawai that minimal faffing to departure point
What to expect
You'll meet the group at Rawai Beach early, get kitted up with a life jacket, and barrel out on a speedboat that actually shifts—no slow cruise. Fifteen minutes later you're stepping onto Kahung Beach, which is compact but genuine: soft sand, decent visibility in the shallows, and a handful of reef fish if you snorkel. Most people stake a spot on the provided beach chairs, swim, and drift. If you're keen, snorkelling happens in the mornings when the water's calmest; parasailing and banana boats run throughout the day but add cost and queuing. The island itself isn't wild or unspoilt—there's a beachside bar and a few stalls—but it's orderly and feels safe for families.
Pacing is relaxed; you're not being herded through tight schedules. The main surprise is how shallow and sandy the snorkelling is—don't expect vast coral gardens, but small reef patches with parrotfish and wrasse. If the sea's choppy, visibility drops fast. Pack sunscreen; the beach is fairly exposed.
What travellers say
- Fast, genuinely thrilling speedboat—not a slow ferry
- Close to Phuket; minimal travel time from Rawai
- Snorkel gear and beach chair included in price
- Clear shallow water—ideal for families and non-swimmers
- Optional activities let you skip or splurge as you wish
- Travel insurance included removes admin worry
- Island crowded and touristy; not remote or quiet
- Snorkelling basic—small reef patches, not vast gardens
- Fins not included; extra cost if you want them
- Optional activities pricey; early starts not for late risers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a legit half-day break from Phuket without eating a full day. The speedboat ride is genuinely fun, not just transport—it's part of the experience. Snorkel kit included saves hiring elsewhere. Beach chair means you're not sat on sand all day. It works well for families, non-swimmers (shallow water), and anyone wanting optional thrills without commitment. Travel insurance throws in peace of mind.
The island is touristy and crowded in peak season—you're one of dozens of speedboat groups there. Snorkelling is basic; if you're an experienced diver, skip it. Fins aren't included, which is annoying if you want better propulsion. Optional activities (parasailing, scuba, banana boats) cost extra and can be pricey. Early starts (typically 8–9 a.m.) aren't ideal for night owls. The beach is exposed; sunburn is real. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have spinal injuries, or are very unfit—the speedboat bounce and water-entry rules apply. Alcohol's banned, which some won't mind.
Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and cash for extras (food, drinks, activities). Wear quick-dry clothes or a rashie. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Moderate fitness needed for boat entry and water confidence. Peak times are weekends and school holidays; quieter mid-week.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.