Phuket: Game Fishing and Trolling Boat Trip with Lunch

Experience a Day of Fishing, Snorkeling, and Relaxation in Phuket’s Paradise

When it comes to combining adventure with a taste of local life, the Phuket Game Fishing and Trolling Boat Trip with Lunch offers a compelling option. This 8-hour journey promises a mix of adrenaline, stunning views, and some well-deserved downtime — perfect for those who love fishing or just want to enjoy a day on the water.

We love the chance to fish in Racha Island’s clear blue waters, the opportunity to enjoy fresh sashimi made from your catch, and the scenic cruising around the island that offers excellent photo opportunities. However, some reviews highlight that the fishing can be unpredictable, and gear quality isn’t always top-tier.

This tour best suits travelers looking for a relaxed yet active day, particularly those interested in fishing, snorkeling (though gear isn’t always provided), or simply soaking in Phuket’s marine beauty. If you’re after a full-on luxury experience, this might not be the first choice, but for authentic fun and good value, it’s worth considering.

Key Points

• Fishing in Racha Island’s clear waters offers a real chance to hook tuna or mahi.
• Lunch onboard features fresh sashimi made from your catch, adding a delicious, personalized touch.
• The tour includes scenic cruising and optional swimming in calm, beautiful bays.
• Gear quality varies, so patience and flexibility are helpful.
• Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience more enjoyable.
• Weather and tide conditions may impact the trip, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from This Phuket Fishing Adventure

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting bright and early, the tour kicks off with pickup from your Phuket hotel, with multiple options including Kata, Karon, Rawai, and others, making it easy to join the trip regardless of your location. The scheduled pickup around 7:45AM ensures you’re ready for a day on the water.

Once at Ao Chalong Pier, you’ll meet your guide from Nikorn Marine. After a short briefing, the boat departs around 8:30AM for Racha Island, a renowned spot for fishing, snorkeling, and simply relaxing amid turquoise waters.

Morning: Trolling and Bottom Fishing

The first part of the day involves trolling, where the boat moves slowly to attract fish like tuna or mahi-mahi. This activity is best suited for those who enjoy the thrill of the chase, though reviews suggest success isn’t guaranteed. One reviewer, Alexandr from Belgium, shared that they caught multiple tuna and a large mahi, highlighting the thrill of an abundant day.

In the meantime, the boat’s crew will assist with bottom fishing, using spinning reels or handlines. It’s a more relaxed, patience-testing activity with the chance for a surprise catch. However, some comments mention that gear isn’t always in prime condition — reels might be old or difficult to operate, and baiting practices may be inconsistent.

Midday: Lunch and Leisure

Around 1PM, lunch is served onboard, with a buffet featuring fresh fish caught earlier — sometimes prepared as sashimi right on the boat. This is a highlight for many: having fresh, self-caught sashimi can be a memorable culinary experience. One guide even offers to cook your fish on the boat, adding a personal touch.

Post-lunch, there’s an opportunity to swim or relax. The waters at Racha Island are known for their clarity, and although snorkeling gear isn’t always provided, some travelers enjoy a quick dip. Be aware that the bay can have jellyfish, so caution is advised if you decide to swim.

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Afternoon: Cruising Back and Final Relaxation

After a few hours of fishing and relaxing, the boat departs Racha Island around 2:45PM for the return cruise, with trolling en route. The journey back to Chalong pier offers more chances for pictures and enjoying the scenery.

The tour wraps up by 4:30PM, with drop-offs at your hotel or nearby locations. This makes for a packed but manageable day, balancing activity with downtime.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

The Highlights

• Stunning scenery and calm waters make for a beautiful day on the water, with many reviews praising the views and peaceful cruising.
• Guides are friendly and helpful, often praised for their good attitude despite some language barriers. Tobias from Germany mentioned that the guide was “very nice,” adding to the overall enjoyment.
• Fresh sashimi for lunch is a big plus — a real treat that captures the essence of local fishing culture.
• Flexible pickup options from multiple Phuket beaches add convenience, especially for travelers who prefer not to travel far for such experiences.

The Challenges

• Fishing results can be hit or miss, especially if weather or tide conditions aren’t ideal. Megan from Australia expressed disappointment about the fishing success, noting only one small tuna after hours of trolling.
• Gear quality is inconsistent, with some reviews mentioning reels that are difficult to operate or baiting that’s not always frequent.
• Limited snorkeling gear and the jellyfish presence in some bays mean that swimming may not always be as enjoyable or safe as hoped.
• Weather dependence: the trip occurs rain or shine, but rough seas could make the experience less comfortable or more challenging.

Why the Tour Provides Good Value

The price covers an entire day of activities — fishing, cruising, lunch, and transportation — which makes it a reasonable choice for an adventure-packed day. For fishing enthusiasts, catching tuna or mahi can be a highlight, especially when paired with a fresh sashimi lunch. For those who just want a day on the water with scenic views, the cruise itself offers plenty of photo opportunities and relaxation.

The buffet lunch, sometimes prepared with your catch, adds a personalized touch that many other tours don’t include. Plus, the guided experience, despite some language barriers, tends to be friendly and accommodating. The overall cost/benefit ratio is favorable for travelers wanting a well-rounded, authentic water adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal if you’re keen on fishing, looking to enjoy cruising and scenic views, or simply want a day away from Phuket’s crowded beaches. It suits travelers who are flexible with weather and gear quality and are happy with a more informal, adventure-style outing.

It’s less suited for those seeking luxury amenities, guaranteed catches, or snorkeling gear, as these are not the primary focus. Families with young children under four, pregnant women, or travelers over 65 might find the conditions challenging, as the tour involves some physical activity and boat time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling included in this tour?
No, snorkeling gear isn’t specifically offered, but some travelers choose to swim during free time. Be cautious of jellyfish in the bay.

What should I bring on the trip?
You’ll want essentials like sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, and your passport or ID. Luggage and large bags are not permitted onboard.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled date for a full refund. This flexibility helps if weather turns unfavorable.

Are the guides helpful if I don’t speak Thai?
Guides speak English, Chinese, and Thai. While some reviews mention language barriers, guides are generally friendly and helpful.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 4 years, pregnant women, or those over 65, mainly due to the physical activity and boat conditions.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates rain or shine. However, poor weather or rough seas might affect the fishing or swimming experience.

How long does the tour last?
The full trip lasts about 8 hours, from pickup in the morning to drop-off in the late afternoon.

To sum it up, this Phuket game fishing and boat trip offers a balanced mix of activity, scenic cruising, and local flavor. While the fishing success may vary and gear quality isn’t always perfect, the experience of catching your own fish, enjoying a fresh sashimi lunch, and soaking in the views makes it a worthwhile adventure for those eager to combine sport, leisure, and a taste of island life.

For avid fishers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a day out on the water with authentic touches, this tour provides a practical, enjoyable, and reasonably priced option. Just remember to keep expectations flexible, pack your essentials, and be ready for a fun-filled day in Phuket’s beautiful marine environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: