Snorkeling in Phuket: Sunset Cruise to Koh Hey by Catamaran

Sail out at sunset, snorkel the reef behind the island, eat dinner as the light fades.

A sunset cruise from Phuket to Koh Hey (Coral Island) by sailing catamaran includes snorkeling equipment, a full dinner on board, and round-trip hotel transfers from Patong, Kata, Karon and other nearby areas. You depart from Ao Chalong Pier in the late afternoon, snorkel behind the island, swim and try sea sports on the white sand beach, then return to the boat for dinner while watching the sun drop behind Promthep Cape. The guide speaks English or Chinese, and the whole experience runs five to six hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise and island activities

• Depart from Ao Chalong Pier
• Snorkel, swim, and jump from yacht
• Relax with sea-sport activities on beach
• Enjoy dinner while watching sunset

The Experience

The catamaran leaves Ao Chalong Pier in the late afternoon and carries you out to Koh Hey, a small island off Phuket's coast known for its reef and clear water. Once you arrive, the snorkeling happens behind the island where the coral sits—you get a face mask, tube and life jacket, all provided. The water is shallow enough to stand in if you need to, and the reef is close enough that you do not spend hours swimming to reach it.

Between snorkeling sessions, you have free time on the beach. Some people swim, others try the sea sports available on the sand, and some just sit under the shade. There is no schedule pushing you through each activity—you choose what to do with the hours. On the way out or back, you can fish from the catamaran if that interests you. Fruit and drinks are available throughout the afternoon.

Dinner happens on board as the light changes. The meal is a full one, not a snack, and you eat while watching the sunset drop behind Promthep Cape. Timing depends on the tide and the weather, so the exact moment shifts with the season, but the boat is positioned to catch it. By the time you head back to shore, the day has turned to dusk.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (face mask, tube and life jacket).
• dinner on board.
• fruit and drinks.
• round-trip hotel transfers from Patong, Kata, Karon, Kalim, Tri Trang, Rawai and Nai Harn.
• English or Chinese-speaking guide.
• accident insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?If you are staying in Patong, Kata, Karon or nearby areas without a car, the hotel pickup removes the need to arrange your own transport to the pier—you board from your hotel and return there after dark, so the whole day stays simple.

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Top questions

What is the water like for snorkeling at Koh Hey?

Koh Hey has a reef behind the island where the water is shallow and clear enough for snorkeling. The face mask, tube and life jacket are provided, and you can stand in the water if you need to.

Does the price include hotel pickup?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are included from Patong, Tri Trang, Rawai, Nai Harn, Karon, Kata and Kalim. Transfers from Kathu, Phuket Town, Cape Panwa, Kamala, Laem Hin, Siray Bay, Bang Tao, Boat Lagoon and Koh Kaew carry an extra charge per person.

Can I bring my children on this cruise?

Children are welcome from age 4 and up. A child ticket is available for ages 4 to 11, and younger children can join the tour as well.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my cruise?

If the tour must be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, the operator will inform you in advance and offer a different tour date, an alternative tour, or a full refund.

Is there a guide on the boat?

Yes, a live guide speaks English or Chinese throughout the cruise and helps with snorkeling, activities and meal service.