Racha Island Fishing Day Trip & Snorkeling from Phuket

Summary

Phuket Game Fishing with Local Crew & Fresh Lunch

Spend your day fishing for tuna or marlin with local guides off Phuket, then enjoy fresh-cooked lunch on board near Racha Island. Swim or snorkel in clear waters before heading back with new stories (and maybe a sunburn) you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry if you’ve never held a rod — the sea teaches everyone,” our captain grinned as he handed me the gear, his hands already smelling faintly of bait and salt. We’d left Chalong Pier just after nine, the sun already warming up the deck but not yet too much. The boat’s engine hummed underfoot while our guide, Lek, started setting up the trolling lines. I tried to copy his knot but mine looked like a bird’s nest — he just laughed and fixed it for me. There was this easy rhythm between the crew, like they’d been doing this together forever.

The ride out to Racha Island took about 45 minutes — enough time to watch Phuket’s coastline fade into that hazy blue line and feel the spray on my face. It’s quieter than I expected out here, except for the gulls and someone playing Thai pop quietly from their phone. When we got to the fishing grounds, Lek showed us how to spot signs of tuna in the water (I’m still not sure I ever saw what he did). My first catch was... well, nothing at first, then suddenly a small trevally that looked almost too pretty to eat. The crew cheered anyway, which made me feel like I’d landed a monster.

Lunch was cooked right on board — grilled fish with rice and some spicy sauce that made my nose run in a good way. We anchored near Racha Island where the water really is clear enough to see your toes disappear into blue. Some people went snorkeling (the masks are included), others just floated or lay in the sun. I tried both but mostly ended up watching little reef fish dart around my ankles. There was this moment when everything felt quiet except for someone laughing at a joke in Thai I didn’t catch — I still think about that silence sometimes.

The afternoon was more fishing on the way back — trolling lines trailing behind us while we swapped stories about almost-catches and sunburns starting to show up on noses. By four we were back at Chalong Pier, salty and tired in that good way you get after a day outside. If you’re looking for a game fishing trip from Phuket that feels real — not rushed or crowded — this one’s worth it, even if you don’t know your knots yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fishing and Snorkeling at Racha Island

• Pick up and transfer to Chalong Pier
• Depart from Chalong Pier and troll to Raya Islands
• Lunch on board, swim, relax, and snorkel
• Bottom fishing and trolling back to Chalong Pier
• Arrive at Chalong Pier and transfer to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Racha Island fishing tour from Phuket last?

The tour lasts about 7–8 hours, departing around 9am and returning by 4pm.

Is lunch included on the game fishing trip?

Yes, lunch is freshly prepared onboard using your catch and served near Racha Island.

Do I need prior fishing experience?

No experience is needed; local guides help beginners with all equipment and techniques.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes, snorkeling masks and life jackets are available for all guests to borrow during the tour.

What kind of fish can be caught on this trip?

You may catch marlin, tuna, wahoo, barracuda, trevally, or even sailfish depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included in the booking?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers from Patong, Kata, or Karon are included in your booking.

Can children join this fishing tour?

Children aged 4–11 can join; there are different prices depending on whether they fish or not.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions are advised not to join this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Patong, Kata or Karon areas; all fishing equipment plus mask and snorkel; expert guidance from a local maritime crew; insurance coverage; fresh-cooked lunch onboard using your own catch along with seasonal fruit and drinks before heading back in the late afternoon.