Racha Island (Raya Island) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Racha Island. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Full-Day Beginner Scuba Course with Private Tuition, Racha Yai

• SSI | Padi Open Water Course in Phuket

• Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket

• Raya Island / Mai Ton Island Private Boat Tour

• Racha & Coral Island Day Trip by Speedboat - Lunch Included

Technically, visiting Racha Island is free—it’s about 14 miles (20 kilometers) south of Phuket. The best way to explore this tropical wonderland is on a snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, or free-diving tour. Guided island tours start at around US$50 per person.

Yes, Racha Island is worth visiting. You'll be able to escape the crowds of Phuket, and you'll be surrounded by white, sandy beaches and warm, turquoise water. It's pretty much paradise—and it's a paradise for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing, too. What's more, it's just a quick, scenic 14-mile (20-kilometer) boat trip from Phuket.

Per one customer who booked the Full-Day Beginner Scuba Course with Private Tuition, Racha Yai, "This was the most amazing experience and can highly recommend. My first time diving, and I cannot speak highly enough of my instructor Nim. ...If you're looking to do your first dive in Phuket, I can definitely reassure you if you choose this tour, you are in great hands."

Racha Island (Raya Island) looks like a postcard of a beach paradise come to life. Located about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, the island has white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

The best times to visit Racha Island (Raya Island) are the driest times, typically from November to February. Keep in mind that it’s often cheaper to visit during the rainy season, or shoulder seasons. You will still have warm weather and beautiful scenery, just lots of extra precipitation.

Many visitors travel to Racha Island (Raya Island) by boat from Phuket. From the Phuket airport, head south by car for about an hour to either Rawai or Ao Chalong Pier. Then, you can board a boat to Racha Island.

Yes, Racha Island is safe for kids. The water is clear and calm, and the sand is soft and inviting. There are several resorts with attached restaurants. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen for the whole family, as the sun can get strong at certain parts of the day.

When snorkeling or diving the warm waters at Racha Island (Raya Island), look for turtles, schools of barracuda, and all sorts of other marine life. The island’s shallow reefs sit atop a white sandy ocean floor, so it’s easier to spot colorful fish in their surroundings.

Private and group tours go to Racha Island (Raya Island) mostly to snorkel and dive, although some tour operators offer fishing and trolling trips. Speedboat and catamaran tours are available, and some tours include lunch, drinks at sunset, or other luxuries.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Racha Island. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Phuket:

• Phi Phi Islands

• Maya Bay

• James Bond Island

• Phang Nga Bay

• Big Buddha Phuket

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Phuket.