Snorkeling in Phuket: Private Longtail Boat to Banana Beach

Snorkel the reefs near Banana Beach, then soak in the boat's jacuzzi while the sun drops over the Andaman Sea

A private longtail boat charter from Phuket takes you to Banana Beach Koh Hey and the reefs around Coral Island for snorkeling and fishing, with an onboard jacuzzi, towels, snorkeling gear and a live English or Thai-speaking guide included. The boat departs from Phuket, runs 7 hours, and ends at Promthep Cape for sunset. Pickup from your hotel is included. Tacos, sparkling wine and seasonal fruit are served on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat trip to Banana Beach

• Board PRAPIS 1 private boat
• Cruise across Andaman Sea
• Relax in onboard jacuzzi
• Swim and snorkel coral reefs
• Try fishing behind Coral Island
• Arrive at Banana Beach
• Unwind on white sand
• Explore Banana Beach surroundings
• Enjoy sunset at Promthep Cape

The experience

You have a free afternoon in Phuket and want to get off the beach strip without renting a car or joining a group. A private longtail boat solves that: the captain picks you up from your hotel, and you're on the water within the hour. The boat is yours alone: no strangers, no fixed schedule beyond the 7-hour window, no waiting for other passengers to finish their photos.

The route takes you 15 minutes across clear water to Banana Beach Koh Hey, a crescent of white sand backed by forest and ranked #1 Best Beach in Asia on review sites. Before you land, the boat stops at the reefs around Coral Island. Snorkeling gear is on board. You slip in and spend as long as you want on the coral. If you'd rather fish, the boat carries rods and tackle. The water here is calm enough that both happen on the same afternoon. Between stops, you can soak in the onboard jacuzzi while the crew brings out tacos, sparkling wine and seasonal fruit.

Banana Beach is yours to walk, swim or simply sit on. There's no schedule pushing you back to the boat. When the light starts to go, the captain heads to Promthep Cape for the sunset: Phuket's most photographed viewpoint, and one you reach by water instead of fighting the road traffic. The boat returns you to your hotel as the day ends.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and return.
• snorkeling and fishing equipment.
• onboard jacuzzi.
• towels and cool towels.
• tacos, sparkling wine and seasonal fruit.
• beach chair at Banana Beach.
• first aid and travel insurance.
• live guide in English or Thai.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 13:30 and 14:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Banana Beach

Is this one for you?Book this private charter if you want to snorkel and fish on your own schedule without joining a group. The boat is yours alone for the full 7 hours, and you choose how long to spend at each stop. Choose a shared group tour instead if you prefer to meet other travelers or want a lower price.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

80 verified traveler reviews

5 ★74

4 ★5

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

How far is Banana Beach from Phuket by boat?

Banana Beach Koh Hey is 15 minutes from Phuket by longtail boat. The journey crosses the Andaman Sea to a white sand beach backed by forest, with clear water for swimming and snorkeling.

What snorkeling spots does the boat visit?

The boat stops at the reefs around Coral Island before heading to Banana Beach. You snorkel the coral in calm water, with snorkeling gear provided on board.

Is fishing included, or do I have to pay extra?

Fishing equipment is included on the boat. You can fish in the calm waters behind Coral Island at no extra cost, or skip it and snorkel instead: both happen on the same afternoon.

What's included in the price?

The charter includes private transportation from your hotel, snorkeling and fishing gear, towels, the onboard jacuzzi, tacos and sparkling wine, seasonal fruit, a beach chair at Banana Beach, first aid and travel insurance, and a live guide in English or Thai.

When does the boat return to Phuket?

The full tour runs 7 hours from pickup. The boat ends at Promthep Cape for sunset, then returns you to your hotel as the day closes.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

The boat and all transportation are wheelchair accessible. However, the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.