However, there are many other stunning experiences on offer in Phuket. There is some fantastic snorkeling to the south of the island at Racha Noi, for example. Several speed boat tours go to the closer island of Racha Yai but the uninhabited Racha Noi offers great snorkeling and scuba diving with very few people. The great thing about Racha Noi is the fact it has well protected bays on both the east and west sides and so offers well protected diving and snorkeling all year round.
During the monsoon season of April through October the weather comes from the west, while during the high season (November through April ) it comes from the east. Having several bays on both sides means the few boats there can spread themselves out – with a bit of luck sometimes there may be just one or two boats per bay in high season, while you could possibly find yourself as the only boat in low season.
Unknown locations
The warm shallow waters that are much less disturbed by mass crowds and boat traffic offer a huge variety of marine life for both divers and snorkelers. The great advantage of this trip is both divers and snorkelers can be on the same boat at the same time at the same locations. The calm aquarium like conditions are also a top location for those wanting to get a taste of scuba diving for the first time.
There is so much life to see in the shallows that makes it an ideal location for all. If you are really lucky between the months of November and April you have the chance to see the Manta Ray here as well as the odd whale that turns up too. This makes Racha Noi a much better experience as it gets you away from the crowds. Also, most of the boats that go there are dive boats which are much more comfortable than the small speed boats – with the added bonus of usually providing a full buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, meaning fresh pancakes with fruits and maple syrup on the way home! Furthermore you can relax on the sun deck between dives or snorkeling, while a nice shaded cabin area allows you to cool off, if needed. In my mind this makes for a very civilised day while allowing you to truly get the best of Phuket’s island excursions.
My advice is to check with the main, established dive centres on the island that have their own boats for the best, most up to date information on the marine life situation at that particular time; operators such as Patong Dive Center or Love Diving will not only know the current conditions due to regularly venturing to these more unknown locations, but they also can offer advice on so much more other than diving.
‘Pirate-style’
Another useful name to remember is the Khai islands. These are more a “pirate-style” desert islands that can be crossed in a minute or so, with bamboo restaurant for snacks, cool drinks and ice creams. The good thing with the Khai Islands is they are close enough by speed boat for a half-day drip in either the morning or afternoon, meaning you can truly maximise every minute of your holiday. You can be snorkeling on a tiny tropical island in the morning before boarding the flight home in the afternoon. The tiny size of these islands means a natural limit to the numbers of people and related snorkeling. Sandy beach on all sides, they offer a real paradise location.
The good thing with the warm tropical water off Phuket is the fact there is very little in the water that’s harmful. No dangerous sharks and very few jelly fish, and even then it is very rare to actually see them. There is, however, an abundance of fantastic marine life there for all to see. From the masses of reef fish, including Clown fish, Angel fish, Banner fish and Parrot fish to Hawksbill Turtles and the possibility of the odd Manta Ray, it makes for some great experiences while avoiding the crowds.
The same can be said for the beaches too. There are so many beaches, bays and coves around Phuket that once you get away from the popular spots you can often find little corners of paradise that still exist around the island. The major advantage with these small, quiet beaches is a lesser number of people, meaning a distinct lack of tourist-related activity such as jet skis and parasailing, which often results in being able to encounter more wildlife and marine life.
Even as Phuket has boomed in recent years, there are still some truly fantastic spots to encounter and marvel at natural beauty, while abundant wildlife on land, at sea and in the skies above is there to enjoy if you just step off the beaten track.