Racha Island Fishing Game From Phuket

If you’re considering a day on the water around Phuket, the Racha Island Fishing Game promises a mix of fishing, relaxation, and island scenery. While some travelers find it a family-friendly, well-organized trip, others feel it falls short of serious anglers’ expectations. We’ve gathered all the details to help you decide if this tour aligns with your Phuket adventure plans.

What we love about this experience is the friendly crew, the quality of the included food, and the leisurely pace that offers plenty of time to swim and relax. A potential downside is that fishing can be hit-or-miss, especially if you’re expecting a robust catch or exclusive fishing action. This tour suits those seeking a balanced day of light fishing, island views, and good company—ideal for families, beginners, or travelers wanting a laid-back experience rather than hardcore angling.

Contents show

Key Points

Balanced experience combining fishing, snorkeling, and island relaxation.
Proficient guides and crew enhance safety and enjoyment.
Quality food and drinks included, with options for children and adults.
Group size limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal atmosphere.
Variable fishing success reported; not guaranteed to catch large fish.
Convenient hotel pickup from Phuket’s popular areas.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour operates as a full-day adventure with hotel pickup from Patong, Kata, and Karon, so transport logistics are straightforward. The journey begins early, with pickup around 7:30 am, and departs from Ao Chalong Pier by 9:15 am. Given the approximately 8-hour duration, you’re in for a relaxed, well-paced day, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the ocean and the island scenery.

The tour covers Racha Yai Island, known for its tropical waters and extensive fish populations, including species like Wahoo, Dorado, Tuna, Barracuda, and even Black Marlin or Sailfish in deeper waters. The crew, led by an experienced captain and local fishermen, will teach you the basics of line fishing, bottom fishing, and trawling—whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned angler.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Phuket

The Itinerary

07:30 am: Hotel pickup
09:15 am: Depart from Ao Chalong Pier
10:00 am: The fishing begins with trolling
11:30 am: Arrive at Racha Yai Island
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch served on board, with options for swimming and relaxing
1:10 pm: Return to handline fishing
03:00 pm: Trolling back to Ao Chalong
04:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Arrival at the pier and transfer back to your hotel

The lunch, included in the package, is often praised for its quality, with some reviewers mentioning good snacks, fresh fruits, and beverages. The crew is also noted for being friendly and attentive, with many comments on the professionalism of guides and staff.

The Fishing Experience: Can You Expect a Big Haul?

Reviews show a mixed picture. Some guests, like those who booked with families, appreciated catching small fish—”we got fish! Small ones but that was ok,” said one reviewer. Others, particularly those expecting serious fishing action, found the experience less satisfying. For example, one guest noted, “90% of the time fishing is just trolling while commuting,” and another mentioned, “there hasn’t been a marlin caught in 10 years,” indicating that the fishing might sometimes be more about the experience than reeling in giant catches.

Multiple reviews mention that fishing is not guaranteed to produce large or abundant fish, with some guests only catching very small fish or none at all. This inconsistency is typical of fishing trips that rely heavily on factors like sea conditions and fish availability.

The Equipment and Techniques

The trip uses fishing equipment suited for beginners and casual anglers, including manual line fishing, bottom fishing, and trolling. Guests are taught the basics, making it accessible for those new to fishing. However, reviewers noted that the lures used seemed basic, and in some cases, the equipment was not in perfect condition, affecting the overall experience.

The Snorkeling and Leisure Time

One of the tour’s highlights, especially for non-fishers, is the opportunity to snorkel over colorful coral reefs and relax on the island. Many travelers enjoyed the swimming and snorkeling, describing it as a refreshing break from fishing. The island scenery and clear waters make for a memorable moment, even if the fishing didn’t quite live up to expectations.

There's plenty more to explore in Phuket

Food and Drinks: A Bright Spot

The inclusion of lunch, fruits, and beverages is frequently praised. Reviews mention a “very good lunch” and snacks, which adds significant value, especially since some trips don’t include this. Many travelers appreciated the quality of the food, considering it a highlight of the day. Soft drinks and seasonal fruits keep everyone energized, and the crew’s attentiveness ensures everyone is well fed throughout the journey.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the trip offers a more intimate setting. This means more personalized attention from the crew and a less crowded experience, ideal for families, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed vibe. The small group also allows for better interaction with guides, many of whom are described as knowledgeable and friendly.

Practicalities and Considerations

Price: At approximately $85 per person, the trip is reasonably priced considering the included transport, equipment, food, and the experience itself. However, the value hinges on your expectations: if you’re after guaranteed big catches, you might find the fishing less rewarding.
Timing: The early start helps maximize your day but requires waking up early. The schedule is flexible enough to allow for relaxing afternoons after returning.
Weather Dependence: As with all sea-based trips, weather plays a role. The tour states it will be canceled in poor conditions, with options for rescheduling or refunds.
Additional Transfers: For travelers staying outside Patong, Kata, or Karon, there’s an extra charge (200 Baht round trip) for transfers, which is worth considering.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

One review summed it up well, saying, “Boat was good, staff great, good food, swimming snorkeling great, the fishing wasn’t what it says.” This highlights that while the boat, guides, and food receive positive notes, fishing success varies. Another guest mentioned, “Very nice day! Kids loved the trip,” emphasizing that families and casual travelers find value here.

Conversely, some guests expressed frustration over the lack of large fish or serious fishing action, with comments like “none in three hours trolling” and “the website is totally false advertisement.” It’s clear that expectations should be moderated—this is more of a leisure day than a serious fishing expedition.

This Racha Island Fishing Game tour is best suited for families, beginners, or travelers seeking a gentle, all-rounded day on the water. It offers a good mix of light fishing, snorkeling, and island relaxation, with a friendly crew and good food. If you’re chasing trophy catches or an intense angling adventure, this trip might fall short. However, if your goal is to enjoy a day exploring Phuket’s surrounding waters without the stress of advanced fishing, this experience offers solid value.

The small-group setting creates a cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for those wanting personal attention and a relaxed pace. Just be aware that fishing outcomes are unpredictable, and this trip is more about the overall experience than reeling in giant fish.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup from Patong, Kata, and Karon is included in the package, with an extra charge for other areas.

How long does the trip last? Expect around 8 hours, starting early in the morning and returning by late afternoon.

What fish can I expect to catch? The waters are rich with species like Wahoo, Dorado, Tuna, Barracuda, and others. Larger species like Marlin or Sailfish are possible but not guaranteed.

What is the group size? The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What food is included? A good quality lunch, seasonal fruits, and drinks are provided, with some reviewers highlighting the quality of the meal.

Can I snorkel? Yes, snorkeling is available during the day, and many guests enjoy the coral reefs around Racha Yai Island.

Is the fishing experience suitable for children? Yes, children aged 4-11 can participate, but adults may need to choose the appropriate ticket category based on their fishing interest.

In summary, the Racha Island Fishing Game from Phuket offers a relaxed, family-friendly day with fishing, snorkeling, and good food at a reasonable price. While it may not satisfy hardcore anglers seeking trophy catches, it does deliver a pleasant day on the water with attentive guides and beautiful scenery—perfect for those looking to enjoy Phuket’s waters without overdoing it.