Island Life: Coral Island, Phuket
Enjoy a day to remember with a trip to beautiful Coral Island, off the coast of Phuket.
The islands of Thailand are famous with good reason. The warm weather and laid-back vibes make for a fantastic place to relax and enjoy yourself. Some of these islands are world-renowned like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samui, but there are also some little-known gems which are equally as beautiful and well worth a visit.
Coral Island is just such an island. Just 15 minutes off the coast of Phuket, it boasts lovely beaches and great snorkeling and makes a great day trip from the holiday centers of Patong and Karon.
Setting the Scene
Imagine a long ribbon of golden sand stretching out as far as the eye can see. Lush green forest stretches along the coast behind you and the clear blue water of the Andaman Sea laps at your toes. Fish dart in the shallows and vibrant coral plays host to a huge array of marine life, all waiting to be explored. Cold beers are on sale and the sunsets are epic. Welcome to Coral Island!
A Full Day Out
Your day trip will start early, so make sure you get an early night the day before and don’t be tempted by a jaunt down Bangla Road! Your transfer will take you to a speedboat jetty where you’ll meet up with other tourists. Don’t panic if it looks like quite a lot of people, there are enough boats for everyone and we have some recommendations to beat the crowds once you’re there.
There are two main beaches on Coral Island, Long Beach and Banana Beach. Your boat will probably drop you at Long Beach but don’t worry, you can easily walk to Banana Beach in about 10 minutes so you won’t miss out on any of the fun.
What to Do on Coral Island
Long Beach is a watersports playground so bring your sense of adventure. You can get soaked with a ride on a banana boat or explore the cliffs up close in a hired kayak. If you’re feeling particularly brave then head out into the bay for a parasailing session, at 600 baht it’s a slightly pricier option but the views from the air are spectacular.
When you’re tired of all the action then take a wander to Banana Beach for some relaxation. The snorkeling here is world-class and your tour guide should lend you all the gear you need. Spend some time lazily paddling across the bay and checking out the coral that gives the island its name. Make sure you know the timings for lunch and your return boat transfer. It’s easy to lose track of time here, and while it’s lovely you may not want to miss your ride home!
Bodegan Insider Tip
Coral Island is very beautiful and as a result can be very popular. You probably won’t have it to yourself! Banana Beach is a quieter choice than Long Beach, so head there if you want to get away from the masses. The ends of both beaches are quieter than the central areas as well. If you really want to escape then hire a sunbed from the Coral Island Resort, or even stay the night to get a dawn experience all to yourself.
Make sure you pack the high factor sunscreen and a t-shirt to protect your back while snorkeling as burning is all too easy in the Thai sun. Check the weather forecast to make sure that the seas will be calm, and then look forward to a great day out.
What’s the cost?
There’s a great choice of companies in Phuket offering day trips to Coral Island, so spend a bit of time comparing what they offer and making sure you get a good deal. Budget about 1000 baht per person for a basic package of boat transfers and lunch, and about 1500 baht for a day with tons of activities thrown in. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit on the price or to ask for some extras to be thrown in. As long as you do it with a smile on your face it’s all good! Talk to our staff at Bodega Phuket if you have any questions!
