Khai Island Full Day Tour from Phuket (SHA Plus)

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, soft sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, a trip to the Khai Islands from Phuket might be on your radar. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries provide a clear picture of what to expect. It’s a well-rounded package that promises snorkeling, relaxation, and island hopping—all in one day.

What we love about this tour is how it combines three islands—Khai Nai, Khai Nok, and Khai Nui—into a single adventure, giving travelers a taste of different island atmospheres. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, a sensible lunch, and a small group size (max 15) adds value and comfort. Plus, the knowledgeable guides and comfortable transportation make the day more enjoyable. A potential drawback? The itinerary feels quite packed, which might leave little time for truly relaxing or exploring each island at your own pace. Still, it’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive snapshot of the Khai archipelago.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a full day of scenic views, marine activities, and island hopping, without the hassle of organizing transportation or equipment. It suits those with a moderate budget looking for a balanced experience, but who value convenience and safety. Now, let’s explore in detail what this experience entails—and whether it could be your next memorable Phuket adventure.

• All-Inclusive: The tour covers snorkeling gear, lunch, soft drinks, and insurance, adding up to good value.
• Small Group: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and less crowded experience.
• Multiple Islands: Visit three different Khai islands, each with unique features and underwater scenery.
• Professional Guides: English-speaking guides provide insights, making the experience both fun and informative.
• Flexible Itinerary: The schedule is subject to adjustments based on tide and weather, ensuring safety.
• Limited Relaxation Time: The packed schedule means little downtime, which is worth considering for those seeking a slow pace.

The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickup around 8:20 to 8:30 AM. The ride from your hotel to the lagoon pier in an air-conditioned minibus is smooth and comfortable—a good way to settle in before the day’s adventures. The group size on land is capped at 15 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and manageable.

Once at the pier, the real fun starts with a speedboat ride that whisks you across the water to the first stop: Koh Khai Nui. The boat ride itself is short but exhilarating, with plenty of chances to snap photos of the shimmering sea.

Arriving at Khai Nui around 10:30 AM, you’ll find yourself in a lively underwater world. This island is known for its colorful fishes and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for snorkelers of all levels. The tour includes mask, snorkel, and life jacket, making it easy to get in the water and see the marine life firsthand.

A reviewer commented, “Great colourful fishes and enjoy deeper snorkelling area,” which sums up the appeal. Expect to spend about two hours here, giving enough time to explore, swim, or just relax on the beach. The guides are usually knowledgeable and can point out interesting fish and coral, making it more than just floating around aimlessly.

Around 11:15, the boat departs for Khai Nai, a popular island known for its clear waters and good snorkeling spots. With a beachside lunch at around 12:30, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy traditional Thai cuisine right on the sand. The included lunch and seasonal fruits help keep everyone energized for the afternoon activities.

The reviewer Otavio noted, “The islands are wonderful, but the tour feels a bit rushed, with limited time on each island.” While the schedule is tight, this allows you to sample multiple locations rather than spending a whole day in one place. After lunch, you’ll have additional time to snorkel around Khai Nai, with a speedboat ride scheduled for 1:30 PM.

By 2:30 PM, the boat takes you to Khai Nok, the third island on the itinerary. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities—from more snorkeling to relaxing on the beach. The admission fee of 10 Baht for the national park isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need a small extra cash fee if you wish to explore further or visit designated park areas.

The last stretch of the day runs until around 4:30 PM, when the speedboat departs back to the pier. This final leg offers a chance to reflect on a day filled with sights and sounds of island life.

Transportation is a highlight of this tour. The air-conditioned minibus ensures comfort en route to the pier, and the speedboat provides a quick, scenic ride between islands. The maximum group size of 15 helps keep things organized and more personalized, but water vessels vary in size (speedboats typically hold up to 35 people, but smaller longtail boats can carry only 12).

The tour is designed for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and pickup from Patong. If you’re staying in a different area, check with the provider for additional pickup options.

At $85.69 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. It includes round-trip transfer, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, insurance, and the services of an English-speaking guide. For those wanting to explore multiple islands with minimal hassle, this price makes sense.

However, Otavio’s review pointed out the schedule’s rushed nature—meaning if you’re looking for a leisurely day, you might find the tight timetable a little stressful. Still, for the price and inclusions, many travelers feel it provides a good snapshot of the Khai Islands’ beauty.

One of the most appreciated aspects is the guides’ knowledgeability, which adds context to the snorkeling and island visits. They are usually friendly, engaging, and helpful, making the day smoother.

Make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof camera if you wish to capture the stunning underwater scenes and island vistas. The soft drinks and seasonal fruit provide a refreshing break, but bring extra water if you’re prone to dehydration.

The small group size means you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the limited number of travelers on water vessels ensures safety and comfort. It’s worth noting that the tour can be modified based on weather and tide conditions, which is common for marine excursions.

This experience is perfect for those looking for a full day of island-hopping, snorkeling, and scenic views without the hassle of planning transport or gear. It suits travelers with a moderate budget who appreciate a guided, all-in-one package. If you’re short on time but want to tick off multiple Khai Islands in one go, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you prefer a slower pace, more relaxation time, or to explore islands at your leisure, you might find this schedule a bit too compressed. The tour’s focus on sightseeing and activities makes it more suitable for active travelers rather than those wanting quiet beach days.

For the price, this tour offers a convenient way to experience the stunning Khai Islands with all the essentials taken care of—from transport to lunch to snorkeling gear. The small group size and knowledgeable guides help elevate what might otherwise be a standard tour, adding a touch of personalized service.

The packed itinerary means you’ll likely spend most of your day in transit and activity, but if your goal is to see multiple islands and enjoy marine life, it’s a solid choice. The inclusion of snorkeling and underwater photography opportunities makes it especially appealing for travelers eager to capture their Phuket adventure.

Overall, if you’re after an exciting, well-organized day out with plenty of opportunities for pictures and snorkeling, this tour delivers. Just gear up for a busy schedule, and you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour offers pickup from hotels in the Patong area, making it easy to join without extra planning.

What should I bring for the trip? Bring sunscreen, waterproof camera, hat, and possibly extra water. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you can bring your own if preferred.

Can I relax on the islands? The schedule is quite full, with limited free time. If relaxing on the beach is your priority, this might feel a bit rushed.

What is the maximum group size? The land transport is limited to 15 travelers, but watercraft capacity varies depending on the vessel.

Are meals included? Yes, a beachside Thai lunch, seasonal fruits, and soft drinks are provided.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners? Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and guides are on hand to assist, making it accessible for most skill levels.

What is the weather like? The itinerary can be adjusted based on weather and tide conditions, so some activities might shift or be canceled if necessary.

Is this tour family-friendly? Most travelers can participate, but young children should be comfortable with boat rides and water activities. Check with the provider if in doubt.

To sum it up, this full-day Khai Islands tour from Phuket offers a practical and enjoyable way to explore Thailand’s beautiful marine environment. It’s best suited for active travelers wanting a comprehensive experience, with reliable guides and all essentials included. Expect a busy day, but one packed with photo opportunities, snorkeling fun, and island sights that make it a worthwhile adventure.