The Racha Islands — Racha 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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