Pattaya : Coral Island Tour by Speedboat with Indian Lunch & Pick Up from Hotel

A Practical Look at the Pattaya Coral Island Speedboat Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Pattaya, the Coral Island Tour by Speedboat offers an accessible way to stretch your legs beyond the city’s busy streets. This organized trip takes you from your hotel directly to one of Thailand’s most popular nearby islands, Koh Larn, with the promise of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a delicious Indian buffet.

What we especially like about this experience is the combination of convenience, value for money, and the chance to enjoy a personalized group size—fewer crowds, more attention. The scenic speedboat ride is a highlight, giving you a quick adrenaline rush as you glide across the water. Plus, the inclusion of vegetarian food options makes it friendly for different dietary needs.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention disappointing organizational issues, such as delays, crowded conditions, and aggressive activity sales pitches. If you’re someone who values a smooth, straightforward day out with relaxed beach time, this may not be the perfect fit. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, active day trip with good food and beautiful views, this tour could serve you well.

This tour best suits travelers eager for a half-day escape from city crowds, those who appreciate organized transport, and anyone interested in trying watersports (for an extra fee). Adventure seekers should be aware of potential sales pitches and crowded conditions, especially during peak seasons.

Key Points

• Convenient Pickup and Drop-off: Hotel transfers make it easy to start your day stress-free.
• Scenic Speedboat Ride: Expect quick, exciting crossings with beautiful water views.
• All-Inclusive Food: Indian vegetarian buffet included, perfect for diverse dietary preferences.
• Option for Watersports: Extra charges apply for jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats.
• Small Group Experience: Max 10 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention.
• Some organizational concerns: Delays and crowded conditions are common according to reviews.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides several practical conveniences that add value to the experience. For just $8.63 per person, you get round-trip transportation, a speedboat ride to Coral Island, and a buffet lunch featuring Indian vegetarian dishes. The air-conditioned vehicle and guides speaking English and Hindi help make the journey smoother, especially for Indian travelers or Hindi speakers.

Seats and safety gear: Life jackets are provided, and beach chairs are available, allowing you to lounge comfortably once on the island.

However, keep in mind that water sports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats are not included and will incur additional costs if you want to try them. Sea diving is also absent from this package.

The Itinerary in Detail

Hotel Pickup and Transit

Most travelers are picked up from their Pattaya hotels between 9:30 and 10:00 am. This early start helps maximize your time on the island. The transportation is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable, though some reviews indicate that the overall experience can be marred by delays and crowded conditions.

Pattaya Beach and Speedboat Ride

Your trip begins at Pattaya Beach, a bustling hub where you board a speedboat to Coral Island. The boat ride is approximately 30 minutes and offers lively water views. Reviewers mention that the ride can be somewhat turbulent, with some describing it as a “rough boat ride” that can be uncomfortable if you’re prone to seasickness.

Coral Island (Koh Larn) – First Stop

Arriving at Koh Larn, you’ll have about an hour to walk along the pristine white sands, swim in the clear waters, or simply relax. Reviewers frequently highlight the beautiful beaches and vibrant turquoise color of the sea, which is perfect for photo opportunities and cooling off after the boat ride.

Tawaen Beach – The Main Attraction

The tour’s highlight is Tawaen Beach, the most famous on Koh Larn. Here, visitors can enjoy marine sports like banana boats, jet skis, or simply bask in the sunshine. One reviewer notes, “It’s a gorgeous beach & water,” but also cautions about the crowds and pushy vendors.

Timing here is roughly an hour, which some reviewers feel is enough to relax or indulge in water activities. Be aware that some visitors have expressed frustration with sales pitches for extra activities, sometimes lasting over an hour, which can cut into your leisure time.

Lunch and Departure

The included Indian buffet lunch is served after the water activities, providing vegetarian options that many reviewers praise for taste and variety. One reviewer commented, “delicious Indian food,” which is a relief for vegetarians or those wanting familiar flavors.

Following lunch, the group is scheduled to return to Pattaya, often experiencing some delays. Some reviews mention poor organization or hostile staff at activity booths, which can diminish the overall experience.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

While the tour aims for a relaxed, fun-filled day, the reality can be more chaotic. Some travelers report delays of up to two hours just to reach the island, and others mention a sales pitch-heavy experience, where vendors try to push water sports or parasailing.

A notable review by Niraj_J describes feeling rushed and frustrated, with poor customer service from outsourced operators. Conversely, a reviewer like Bhavin_C appreciated the timely pickup and delicious food, calling it a “paisa vasool” experience (value for money).

The crowds can be overwhelming during peak times, especially at Tawaen Beach, which is well-known for its lively atmosphere. Some travelers suggest that taking the ferry directly might be a better option if you prefer more relaxed beach time without the sales pitches and crowds.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Arrive early and be ready for delays; the schedule can shift unexpectedly.
• Prepare for rough boat rides if you’re sensitive to seasickness—consider taking medication beforehand.
• Set expectations for water sports sales pitches, which can be lengthy and aggressive.
• Bring cash if you want to try extra watersports; these are paid separately.
• Dress comfortably and pack sunscreen, a hat, and swimwear.
• Confirm dietary preferences in advance; vegetarian options are included, but check if special requests are needed.
• If you prefer a quieter experience, consider the ferry option, which some reviews favor over the speedboat.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is a solid pick for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore Coral Island without fuss. It’s particularly suitable for Indian travelers or Hindi speakers, given the language support provided. If you’re looking for organized transportation and a hassle-free day, this tour ticks those boxes.

However, if crowds, delays, or aggressive sales pitches are deal-breakers, or if you’re seeking a more relaxed, less commercialized beach day, you might want to explore alternative options like booking a ferry directly or choosing a different tour.

The Sum Up

The Pattaya Coral Island Speedboat Tour delivers good value with its combination of scenic transport, stunning beaches, and tasty vegetarian lunch. Its small group size fosters a more intimate environment, and the inclusion of guides speaking English and Hindi helps communication.

That said, travelers should be prepared for possible delays, crowded conditions, and sales pitches—common gripes among reviews. If you’re after a fun, active half-day with picture-perfect beaches and don’t mind the commercial aspect, this tour offers a straightforward way to tick that box.

It’s best suited for adventurers on a budget who want a quick escape, but those craving peace and quiet might find the crowds and sales pitches a bit overwhelming. Overall, it offers authentic beach vibes with the convenience of organized transport, making it worth considering if these trade-offs align with your travel style.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
Approximately 6 hours, including hotel pickup, travel time, and beach time.

Is the price per person really $8.63?
Yes, that’s the listed price, which covers transport, boat ride, lunch, and basic amenities. Extra watersports cost extra.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?
Yes, a vegetarian Indian buffet is included, and the reviews mention it being delicious and varied.

What about water sports?
Water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats are not included in the package and will require additional payments if you choose to participate.

Is it suitable for kids or families?
The tour suits families comfortable with moderate physical activity and boat rides, but some reviews note rough boat conditions and crowds, so discretion is advised.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, a maximum of 30 travelers, with some tours operating with smaller groups for a more personal experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is dependent on good weather. If canceled due to weather conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In summary, this tour offers a practical, budget-friendly way to enjoy Coral Island with the essentials—beach, boat, and food—while managing expectations about crowds and sales pitches. Perfect for those who prioritize convenience and value over tranquility and exclusivity.