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    About Racha Islands - Racha Yai & Racha Noi

    The Racha IslandsRacha Yai and Racha Noi — are among the most beautiful and crystal-clear water destinations near Phuket. Known for their bright turquoise bays, white-sand beaches, and excellent visibility, the Racha Islands are a favourite for guests who want a premium snorkelling and swimming experience away from Phuket’s busy shoreline.

    Simba Sea Trips offers the Racha Islands on selected private charters, giving guests a personalised and flexible way to explore these postcard-perfect locations. While many operators arrive when the bays are crowded, Simba’s timing and small-group approach help guests enjoy the islands in quieter, calmer conditions.

    Racha Yai — Clear Water & Calm Bays

    Racha Yai is famous for its incredibly clear water, often with visibility of 15–20 metres. The reefs here are home to parrotfish, angelfish, sergeant majors, blue-spotted rays, and the occasional cuttlefish gliding over coral. The island’s sandy-bottom bays create bright turquoise pools that are perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and photography.

    Racha Noi — Deep Blue Water & Remote Feel

    Further south lies Racha Noi, a more rugged and dramatic island known for deeper water and powerful colour contrasts. While snorkelling depends on the day’s conditions, Racha Noi offers some of the most striking seascapes near Phuket — steep cliffs, quiet coves, and a wild, untouched feel. On the right day, the clarity is unbelievable.

    Both islands feature quiet beaches and calm pockets of water ideal for relaxing between snorkel sessions. With Simba Sea Trips, guests can enjoy the Racha Islands at their own pace — choosing how long to swim, explore, relax on the sand, or simply take in the views.

    The Racha Islands are close enough for an easy day trip, yet far enough to feel like a completely different world — making them one of the best private-charter destinations available from Phuket.

    Small Group Tours

    Best Time to Visit

    The clearest water and best snorkelling conditions around Racha Yai and Racha Noi occur from November to April, when seas are calm and visibility is at its highest.

    These islands can still be visited year-round, but clarity varies with seasonal winds.

    Getting There

    The Racha Islands lie south of Phuket and are reached by boat in 30–60 minutes, depending on conditions.

    Simba Sea Trips visits Racha Yai and Racha Noi on selected private charters, offering flexible timing and quieter snorkelling stops.

    Swim in some of Phuket’s clearest turquoise water
    Racha Yai is known for bright, shallow bays with exceptional visibility.

    Snorkel coral patches and see colourful reef fish
    Common sightings include parrotfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, anemones, and the occasional ray.

    Experience the wild beauty of Racha Noi
    This more remote island offers deeper water, dramatic cliffs, and striking colour contrasts.

    Relax on soft-sand beaches between snorkel sessions
    Racha Yai has calm, sheltered bays ideal for swimming and beach time.

    What Our Customers Say

    Excellent

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    4.9 based on 4116 reviews

    trustpilot
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    Awesome day out

    We had a fantastic day tour with excellent communication and friendly, professional staff. The trip was well-organised, with a light breakfast, fresh fruit and drinks, and a delicious Thai lunch on a remote island. Highlights included a unique cave tour, relaxing canoeing, photo stops at James Bond Island, refreshing swims, and time on a deserted beach. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience with our small group of eight and highly recommend this company.

    User
    joanmP7742LI

    04 October 2025

    starstarstarstarstar

    Amazing Tour

    Excellent morning out! Early rise but beat the crowds, plenty of time to spend exploring. Noi noi, our guide, was fantastic!! Not one to miss, if you want a great day at Phi Phi

    User
    Jane C

    03 October 2025

    star

    Horrible felt rushed paid alot for nothing

    I was disappointed in this trip. I went last year and this tour was amazing. Moe was guide last year she was just fun and just full of life. This year I brought my mom thinking it would be the same. The prices went up from last year. The tour felt rushed, we didnt go to all the islands, the guides didnt take pictures of the families or friends, it was just not exciting at all. The mood just felt somber. They rush you when your eating lunch because your grab is there. Just the whole things was a mess and thr group was alot bigger this year. It was a waste of money.

    User
    Happiness48869993911

    01 October 2025

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