Phuket Island Hopping — Where to Go and How to Get There
Phuket island hopping is the practice of visiting multiple islands across the Andaman Sea on a single day-tour or multi-day charter, departing from one of Phuket’s east-coast marinas. From Phuket, five distinct destinations are within reach by speedboat: the Phi Phi Islands (1 hour 10 minutes south, including Maya Bay and Bamboo Island); Phang Nga Bay (about 1 hour north-east, home to James Bond Island and Hong Island); Krabi (1 hour 30 minutes east, including Koh Hong, Railay Beach, and Koh Poda); Coral Island (30–45 minutes south, including Mai Thon and Rang Yai); and the Racha Islands (approximately 45 minutes south, including Racha Yai and Racha Noi).
Most visitors choose one destination per day. The departure point matters: tours that leave from Boat Lagoon Marina on Phuket’s east coast reach all five destinations directly, without needing a road transfer to Krabi or Phang Nga town.
Why Island-Hop from Phuket?
Phuket sits at the centre of the Andaman's most-visited day-trip cluster. Within a single sailing day from Boat Lagoon Marina, you can reach five distinct destinations — from the UNESCO-protected limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay to the protected snorkel reefs of Coral Island. No internal flight needed. No road transfer. Each destination has its own character, and the right one for your trip depends on what you're after — postcard scenery, calm snorkel water, a longer-distance adventure, or a quiet local-island day. Simba Sea Trips has operated boat tours from this base since 2005. We cap every boat at a maximum of 18 adults — well below the 30 to 60-passenger mass-market norm in our area. The smaller group means more space, faster snorkel access, less queue time at busy attractions, and an unrushed day on the water.
Five Destinations, One Base
Pick a destination, choose join-in or private charter, and explore the Andaman with a captain who has been operating these waters since 2005.
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands sit one hour 10 minutes south of Phuket by speedboat — the region’s most famous postcard view. Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and the snorkelling sites at Bida Nok and Phi Phi Don are all reachable in a single day. Our tours depart pre-sunrise to reach Maya Bay before the crowds. From ฿5,310.
Phang Nga Bay
A 400 km² UNESCO-protected expanse of limestone karsts rising from emerald water, roughly an hour north-east of Phuket. James Bond Island is the headline stop, but the bay’s real character lives in its hongs — hidden lagoons reached by sea-canoe through cave tunnels — and the floating village of Koh Panyee. From ฿4,500.
Krabi
Closer to Phuket by sea than by road — roughly 50 km direct by speedboat versus 180 km via highway. Our private charter departs Boat Lagoon Marina and reaches Koh Hong, Hong Lagoon, Railay Beach, Chicken Island, and the hidden hongs of Phra Nang in 1 hour 30 minutes. No road transfer required. From ฿41,690 group total.
Coral Island
Coral Island (Koh Hae) is one of Phuket’s closest snorkel destinations — roughly 30 to 40 minutes south of our base. Calm reef bays, white-sand beaches, and clear water naturally protected from the open Andaman by Phuket itself. Often combined with Mai Thon and Rang Yai. Best for families and mixed-experience groups. From ฿34,870 group total.
Racha Islands
Racha Yai and Racha Noi sit south of Phuket in some of the Andaman’s clearer water, known for white-sand bays and snorkel reefs with consistently good visibility. Racha Yai is the more developed of the pair; Racha Noi is rougher and deeper, for advanced snorkellers. Reached in roughly 45 minutes. Available via private charter.
The Simba Sea Trips Difference
Whichever destination you choose, the experience is shaped by how the tour is operated. Simba caps boats at 18 adults, departs early to beat the crowds, and includes everything you'd otherwise pay extra for. Here's what makes the Simba experience consistently different.
Smallest group sizes
With an average group size of around 14-16 guests, and capped at approximately 18 adults, there is room to move, stretch out, and enjoy the view in comfort.
Early departures to beat the other arrivals
By departing at the crack of dawn, Simba tours reach the highest density attraction such as Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon in the absence of most boats, and to work within time slot restrictions instead of against them.
An Expert, Safety Conscious and Helpful Crew
Staff have been carefully selected and offer a wealth of experience of the Phi Phi Islands destination. All crew members are English-speaking and ensure that the safety of our traveling party is of the highest priority.
No hidden costs / all-inclusive pricing
Hotel transfers, light breakfast, snacks and soft drinks, snorkel gear, national park fees, accident insurance, are all typically included, so there are no surprises on the day.
More Andaman destinations from Phuket
Each destination has its own character. Browse the individual pillar pages for full itinerary detail, sub-destination guides, and tour options.
Practical Information for Phuket Island Hopping
Best Time to Visit
High season (roughly November to April) brings sunnier skies, calmer seas, and clearer underwater visibility — ideal for island hopping, snorkelling, and sunrise tours. Low season (May to October, locally called green season) has more varied conditions, but trips still run when conditions are safe — and the lush cliffs are at their best for photography. Simba monitors forecasts closely and adjusts routes or makes weather calls when needed, always with clear communication.
Departure Point: Boat Lagoon Marina
All Simba Sea Trips depart from Boat Lagoon Marina (Soho Pool Club) on the east coast of Phuket. The address is 23 Boat Lagoon Marina, Soho Pool Club, Moo 2, Koh Kaeo, Ampur Mueang, Phuket 83000. Hotel transfer is included in every tour.
Day Trip or Overnight?
Most Simba guests experience each destination as a day trip from Phuket — convenient, fully guided, and fits cleanly into a broader holiday itinerary. Those particularly enchanted by a destination (most commonly Phi Phi or Phang Nga) sometimes choose to stay on a nearby island after their tour to enjoy sunrise/sunset views from land. Either way, the boat experience is the same: organised, small-group, with full hotel transfer logistics handled for you.
Hotel Transfers and Logistics
Every tour includes hotel pickup and return transfer within the Phuket pickup zone. Pickup times vary by destination — Phi Phi Sunrise leaves the marina at 6 AM (hotel pickup from 5 AM); Phang Nga Bay tours typically depart at 7 AM; Locals Island Tours can depart at 9 AM or 1 PM. We coordinate directly with your hotel reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
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