Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket

Posted By : Robert_M
In terms of comfort, the description says this is family friendly boat, but the kids were very uncomfortable in the boat because is was so hot on board. The boat was not really a big boat like it was generally advertised, although it was much bigger than a speed boat. Additionally, everyone else on the boat was there for scuba diving rather than snorkeling, and most of those divers were smokers, meaning everywhere on the deck had people smoking around the kids.

Additionally, after we were brought to the pier, we were told last minute that there were deadly Portuguese Man o’ War spotted in the areas we were being taken to snorkel, but that if any were in the area we would not be let out of the boat to snorkel there. At the second stop, the guide from the boat who was with my 6 year old daughter failed to notice a Portuguese Man o’ War in the area she brought her to, and the next thing I know is that my daughter is being brought back to the boat crying in excruciating pain. I’m told by the guide it’s one of these deadly jelly fish but there is no real treatment on board. They are unprepared. They mistakenly put vinegar on her sting, which makes it worse for this type of sting from this particular jellyfish. Thankfully the jellyfish only stung her hand, and she eventually recovered. Had the tentacles made more contact with her body, she literally could have died. Allergic reactions from such stings can also cause a person’s throat to swell shut. This was an absolutely horrible experience.
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Posted On : 2024-06-27 19:03:42

Posted By : 215breannaj
Our tour guide, Aup (?), was amazing. Even though we were the only official snorkelers and everyone else were divers, he always paid special attention to us throughout the whole trip, not just at the specific dive places. He was really good at pointing out the good sights and was knowledgeable when we asked him about the animals and such. They gave us lots of food, lowkey more than i expected, that was really good. The swim spots themselves were amazing. even though one of them was obviously catered for the divers, it was still amazing as a snorkeler. At these islands there was hardly anyone there, atleast when we went. at 2 of the spots we were the only boat in the coves.
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Posted On : 2024-05-29 22:27:43

Posted By : bradleycG3445LU
I was signed for a snorkeling tour and was loaded on to a fully kitted out Scuba dive boat. In transit most of the attention was based around getting all the scuba divers kitted up and briefed. During this first couple of hours no- one approached me- it’s my only criticism of the tour- at some point I was thinking I had been loaded onto the wrong boat - As I was the only snorkeler on the tour and had not been approached by any staff member like all the rest of the passengers had been. Just someone to say initially that just for someone to acknowledged me, and let me know ‘ I would be assisted when we got to the first dive point in 2 1/2 hrs’
As we arrived at the first dive point, I was given my equipment, introduced to my 2 young guides and enter the water subsiding my anxiety of being on the wrong boat.
My two guides, communicated well in English and were helpful and offered good knowledge on the locations, reefs, marine life we were seeing. They made my day pleasant.
The tour director also reached out during the dives to offer some advice and banter which was welcomed.
Truly some amazing hard coral reef, and thousands of different species of marine life. Great visibility. A sight to definitely witness
The food on board was great, variety and abundant. Plenty of water and other refreshments.
Overall an exceptional tour. I highly recommend.
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Posted On : 2024-05-16 01:38:42

Posted By : 654frederikn
Firstly, we did not receive what we paid for. In the description and title, it states that we would go to Racha Noi to snorkel, but we didn’t go there. Instead, we snorkeled twice at the same spot (three times in total at Racha Yai), which we were not informed about before we were on the boat. Thus, we didn’t get to see Racha Noi. We have been told afterwards that it was due to “engine failure”, which of course is bad luck if right. But why should we pay the full price then? They don’t care and didn’t even give us the decision to cancel.

Other than that, the food was okay, and the divers are main characters.

Conclusion: Poor trip considering the price, we are disappointed.

Also, please note that the crew tried to make us feel bad by letting us know that not leaving any tip wouldn’t be okay - a trip this expensive shouldnt be like this way…
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Posted On : 2024-04-04 08:52:14

Posted By : I9242JWronaldw
A beautiful day at sea with a great crew. The boat is a diving ship with everything you need for diving. We were just snorkeling. The spots were nice, they were well looked after. It wasn't too crowded either, there was no stress. The crew consisted mainly of Australians and the instructions were easy to understand. Recommended.
Highly recommended trip, good crew, taking care, not so crowded spots. It was a great experience.
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Posted On : 2024-03-20 00:21:58

Posted By : Jacqui_M
Great snorkelling with amazing fish and stunning coral. Crystal clear, warm water, good food, very efficient transport, helpful and attentive staff. A fantastic day.
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Posted On : 2024-03-08 02:45:38

Posted By : ru10435
It was a perfect day for snorkeling. 3 great locations, not crowded. Accompaniment, service, catering, great.
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Posted On : 2024-02-23 14:31:37

Posted By : martin_w
Everything was close to topnotch!
Very kind and supportive crew. Lots of food and refreshments.
Snorkeling was good and we snorkelers was given a lot of time to do our thing. The snorkling spots are good. Not world class, but fair. Visability was ok.
I do recommend this tour.
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Posted On : 2024-02-10 01:08:54

Posted By : David_S
Excellent tour in every way!! The staff was very welcoming, professional, and experienced. We felt safe an all times. We were picked up promptly at our hotel and transferred to Chalong Pier where we were greeted by the tour staff and escorted onto the boat. The whole operation was super organized. The boat, Freedom Dolphin, is large with plenty of room to move around in or out of the sun. There are 2 bathrooms. 25-30 divers were on the boat. We, and one other couple, were the only snorkelers. I am 70 yrs old and the other snorkelers were in their 60s. I am not the best swimmer and have not snorkeled since I was in my 20s but that did not slow me down for having an experience of a lifetime thanks to the caring staff dedicated to just the snorkelers. I cannot thank Ouart (sp?) and Bee enough for their patience and kindness that made me feel comfortable and confident at all times. They stayed with us throughout the 3 snorkeling stops guiding us to the best spots to see many, many fish and coral formations. It was awesome! On top of that, the boat staff provided breakfast, snacks, lunch and beverages throughout the day. If was fascinating for us to watch and learn from the divers who were at different levels of training. We met and talked with the boat's captain, many of the dive instructors, and fellow travelers. We highly recommend this interesting, safe, organized and fun tour!!!
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Posted On : 2024-01-25 18:59:35

Posted By : Travel04388805991
The snorkeling is linked to a scuba diving trip but as my family are a little too young for that the snorkeling was perfect and a great introduction to swimming in the reefs of Thailand.
The boat we were on was the Freedom Dolphin and I have to say it is kept in an excellent condition and the organization is great. My compliments to the Capitan and crew for running an excellent trip.
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Posted On : 2023-12-24 02:49:34