About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team hired a private longtail boat to Koh Hey, we got exactly what we wanted: zero group itinerary, zero rushing. You and your captain set the pace—beach time, snorkeling spots, whatever calls to you. Koh Hey sits maybe 15km off Phuket's coast, a low-key island with decent coral and fish, ringed by other travellers doing the same thing. The boat's yours for 4–6 hours, which means you can linger on a quiet stretch of sand or drift between reefs without someone checking their watch. It's pure flexibility, which suits some travellers brilliantly and leaves others wanting a bit more structure.
Highlights
- Your own captain steers clear of crowded tour-boat routes.
- Snorkel straight off the boat when the mood takes you.
- Beach chairs and water included—set yourself up for hours.
- Works for solo travellers, couples, or small groups.
- No fixed schedule means you control the rhythm.
- Life jackets and masks provided; safety kit on board.
- Island entrance fee paid separately keeps per-person costs transparent.
What to expect
Lily arrived at the meeting point under her own steam—no hotel pickup, so budget for a tuk-tuk or grab to the pier. The captain met us, confirmed what we wanted to do (snorkel, beach time, explore), and off we went in a traditional wooden longtail. The ride itself takes maybe 20–30 minutes, a bit bouncy but scenic. Once at Koh Hey, we anchored in a shallow bay with decent visibility; the coral was patchy but we spotted wrasse, parrotfish, and the occasional larger reef dweller. The island's sandy and relaxed—nothing fancy, just open space, a few beach vendors, and fewer tourists than the main Phuket beaches. We drifted between two snorkel spots, grabbed lunch (our own food or beach stalls), and sprawled on the chairs until it was time to head back.
What travellers say
- Total control of itinerary and pace—your call entirely.
- Snorkel gear, water, chairs all included in package.
- Experienced local captain knows quieter reefs and sites.
- Private experience keeps group dynamics simple and relaxed.
- Flexible booking and refund policy if weather cancels.
- Coral and marine life decent but not exceptional.
- No transfers included; you find your way to pier.
- Bumpy boat ride not ideal for poor back or stomach.
- Island entrance fee surprise if you forget to budget it.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Private charter means zero group-tour hassle and complete control of your day. Snorkelling gear and basics (water, chairs, life jackets) are included. Ideal for travellers who hate rigid schedules or tourist-herded experiences.
Coral and marine life are decent but not exceptional—reefs show wear. Koh Hey itself gets crowded in peak season; you're not escaping crowds entirely, just the boat tours. No transfers means you arrange your own ride to the pier. Island entry fee (100 baht per person) isn't included and catches people off guard. Not suitable for anyone with back injuries, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or pregnancy. The longtail engine is loud and the ride can be choppy for sensitive stomachs. Bring your own snacks or rely on casual beach vendors—no quality food service. Most travellers should be fine physically, but the boat motion is real. Book ahead in high season; last-minute slots may not exist.
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.