Rustling Palms on Raya Coral Island
Ko Raya is the perfect destination if you're looking to escape the more popular and busier Phuket. On this 4 day trip to the peaceful island of Ko Raya, you'll find picture-perfect bays, white beaches, waving coconut palms and a turquoise sea with some fantastic coral reefs. It's also a great place to learn to dive, so you can book an introductory dive during your stay.
relaxing
Racha Yai is one of the nicest islands to simply get away from everything and relax. Less boats and tourists visit this island and Jet Skis & Para sailing are officially banned.
The beaches are white powdery sand with plenty of space to spread out. The sun lounge chairs for rent are spaced a good distance apart from each other and there is only one row unlike the crowded beaches of Phuket and Coral Island where the chairs are sometimes 5-6 deep.
Chairs are also available at Lah Bay on the other side of the island, with a restaurant only a few metres from the water.
snuba
Racha Yai's coral reefs and shallow depths make it a great location for SNUBA. SNUBA combines the ease of snorkeling with the excitement of diving. SNUBA is popular with families, couples, and small groups looking to combine a day of snorkeling with something a little more adventurous and exciting. Ages 8+ can try SNUBA and there is no certification required to participate. Professional dive guides accompany the tours, provide instruction before and guide guests underwater. SNUBA is offered only through licensed SNUBA Recreational Centers.
ALOHA SNUBA Thailand offers SNUBA Underwater Tours to Racha Yai. Reservations are recommended.
scuba diving
Racha Yai is Phuket's best-known scuba diving site, with its sloping rocky reefs and its plentitude of solid coral forests. There is also Ter Bay where there is an exciting wreck in the depths of 25-35 meters. The area south Racha Yai, Racha Noi, is a haven for experienced divers as the depths are greater and the currents stronger. The overall topography is strikingly different from Racha Yai with huge granite boulders. The diving in Racha Noi compared to Racha Yai is definitely more challenging but the rewards are far greater.
snorkeling
One of Phuket's best kept secrets is the wonderful snorkeling at Koh Racha Yai. Perhaps due to the extra distance from Phuket or the Island's lees familiar or attractive name means that there are significantly less visitors to this island than almost every other island around Phuket. The physical layout of Racha Yai offers places to snorkel no matter what time of year it is. Even on days when there are large waves, there will be a protected cove to snorkel in.
Water clarity and visibility is some of the best in Phuket. The water has a turquoise color and has a lot of marine life. The depths range from a few meters and deeper. Most snorkeling is done from speedboats or from the shore in Batok Bay and Raya Bay. Walk across the island to less crowded Lah Bay, or to Kon Kare Bay.
Tour & activity operators
swimming
The waters around Racha Yai and Noi are crystal clear and turquoise in color. Swimming near the beaches and in the bays is a great way to spend the day. The water is warm and inviting. Bungalow Bay has an area sectioned off for swimming. Use caution when swimming outside of designated swimming areas off shore as there are a number of dive boats and speedboats that come in and out of the bays. Currents inside the sheltered bays are usually not and issue, but use caution when swimming out further from shore. Ask a dive operator or instructor for advice on the current conditions.