Snorkeling Racha Island & Mai Ton: Private boat with dolphins

Racha Island's best reefs and a chance at dolphins, all in one boat

A private boat snorkeling tour to Racha Island (Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi) with a live guide, snorkel gear and all transport included. You snorkel two reef sites (Mai Ton Island and Siam Bay) walk the white-sand beaches of Racha, and stop for dolphins on the return, normally in late afternoon when pods are most active. Lunch at a beachside restaurant is your choice and cost. Everything else is arranged.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour to Raya and Mai Ton Islands

• Arrive, check in, receive briefing
• Snorkel and explore Mai Ton Island
• Search for dolphins around Mai Ton Island
• Snorkel at Siam Bay, Koh Racha Yai
• Walk white sandy beach and explore bays
• Have lunch on Koh Racha Yai beach
• Relax with fruit and refreshments on secluded beach
• Watch sunset and return to pier

The experience

The day starts at the office with a briefing, coffee or tea, and a chance to stow anything you don't need on the boat. Then you head out to Mai Ton Island first, also called Honeymoon Island, where you'll snorkel in clear water and hunt for clownfish and other reef life. The guide takes the boat around the island in search of dolphins, which frequent the area and sometimes play in the boat's wake if you time it right. Late afternoon is when they're most likely to show.

Next is Siam Bay on Koh Racha Yai, where the water is so clear the boat looks like it's floating on air. You snorkel off the boat in what the operator calls some of the best water in the area, then walk onto the white sand and explore the other bays and beaches: Patok Bay and more. This is where you'll find restaurants if you want lunch. The cost is separate, but the stop is built into the day so you're not rushed. After a full day of snorkeling, you head to a secluded beach for fresh fruit and cold drinks, watch the sunset if you want, then make the short journey back to the pier.

The guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and one additional language, so the briefing and commentary work for mixed groups. You get snorkel gear, water, snacks and all transport in the price. Just bring a towel and sunscreen. The boat is private, so the pace and stops are yours to shape within the day's structure.

What’s included

• Private boat transport to Racha Island and Mai Ton.
• snorkel equipment for both reef stops.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• fresh fruit and refreshments at the final beach stop.
• live guide in multiple languages.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by 5 Star Marine

Is this one for you?Book this if your group speaks English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic or the fifth language the guide offers: the commentary and safety briefing work without translation. The private boat means you set the pace at each stop and don't wait for other groups to finish snorkeling.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and Thai.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like at Racha Island?

Racha Island has some of Thailand's best snorkeling reefs. You'll snorkel at Mai Ton Island and Siam Bay, both known for clear water and abundant marine life like clownfish and other reef fish. The water is described as crystal clear, and you snorkel directly off the boat at both stops.

Will we actually see dolphins at Mai Ton Island?

Dolphins frequent Mai Ton Island, and the guide times the stop for late afternoon when pods are most active and likely to approach the boat. There's no guarantee, but the timing is chosen to give you the best chance of spotting them playing near the boat's wake.

How long is the full day and what time do we start?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours total. You start with a briefing at the office, then head out to the islands. The exact start time isn't specified in the itinerary, so confirm that when you book.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included, but the tour stops at Koh Racha Yai where several beachside restaurants are available. You choose where and what to eat, and the stop is built into the day so you have time without feeling rushed.

What snorkel gear do I need to bring?

Snorkel equipment is provided, including mask, fins and snorkel. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, and wear reef-safe sunscreen if you have it. The boat stores any luggage you don't need during the tour.