Long Beach, Banana Beach and headland snorkeling — Phuket’s easiest family day trip, just 20 minutes from Chalong.
Coral Island, known in Thai as Koh Hey, sits just 9 km south of Chalong Pier — a 20-minute speedboat ride in almost any sea conditions. This proximity is its biggest asset: there is no significant open-water crossing, the swells that affect Racha and Phi Phi barely reach this close to Phuket, and if a child gets sick or upset you’re back at the pier in 20 minutes.
The island has two main beaches with real facilities: sunbeds, beach restaurants, showers and toilets. For families with toddlers or anyone who needs actual amenities, this matters. Racha is wilder and more scenic, but Coral Island is the place where a 3-year-old can have a comfortable, enjoyable day without running out of shade or a toilet.
On a private charter, your captain can position the boat off the headland between the two beaches — away from the longtail drop zones where 30–50 group-tour boats arrive by 10am — giving you quiet water over the best reef on the island. That positioning advantage is why a private charter to Coral Island makes sense even though the island itself is accessible to everyone.
Coral Island is one of the few destinations near Phuket where a half-day trip genuinely works without feeling rushed. Depart Chalong at 8am, snorkel the headland for 90 minutes, swim and relax on the beach, have a late breakfast, and be back by 1pm. The afternoon departure (2:30pm to sunset) also works well for guests who want a beach escape without committing a full day.
A private charter lets you time each stop, avoid the longtail crowds, and snorkel the spots group tours miss entirely.
400m of sand on the western side with gentle beach entry, restaurants, sunbeds and watersports. Best in the morning before the longtail flotilla arrives at 10am. Your captain anchors off the quieter southern end.
Smaller, quieter, east-facing beach with no jet skis or banana boats. Better for snorkeling off the northern rocks. No restaurants — bring provisions. Group tours rarely come here.
The rocky point between Long and Banana Beach. Parrotfish, wrasse, occasional reef sharks at 3–8m depth. A private charter anchors directly here — group tours walk past it on the beach and rarely snorkel it.
The sheltered bay position means Coral Island rarely has significant swell. Children can walk in from the beach in waist-deep water, making it the safest first snorkel experience for young kids near Phuket.
Half-day or full day — both work perfectly here.
Air-conditioned minivan collects you from your hotel and drives to Chalong Bay Pier.
Board the boat. Fresh fruit and cold drinks waiting. 20-minute ride across calm water — you can see the island before you’ve finished your coffee.
Anchor off the rocky headland before the crowds arrive. The reef is at its best in the morning light. Snorkel gear provided; captain guides the best entry points.
Move to the quiet southern end of Long Beach. Swim, relax in the shallows, optional watersports if the group wants them.
Full-day charters: fresh Thai lunch served at anchor. Half-day option: eat at one of the beach restaurants before returning.
Cross to the quiet eastern beach. No jet skis, no crowds. Better snorkeling off the northern rocks for those with energy left.
Cold drinks and soft music. Paddleboards out for anyone who wants them. The afternoon light on the island is beautiful.
20-minute ride back. Van waiting for hotel drop-off.
Coral Island is a short run — all three boats reach it easily. Choose by group size.
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