If the point of your day is what is under the water rather than on the beach, Racha is the answer. Racha Yai and Racha Noi consistently offer the best underwater visibility within day-charter range of Phuket — frequently beyond 20 metres — with healthy coral and far fewer boats than Phi Phi.
Racha Yai vs Racha Noi
Racha Yai is the larger, more developed of the two, with sheltered bays, white sand and easy entry snorkelling. It is the standard stop and works for mixed-ability groups.
Racha Noi is smaller, rockier, largely uninhabited and considerably better underwater. It also sits further south in more open water, so it needs a longer fuel run and a faster or larger vessel — worth it if diving or serious snorkelling is the reason you are going.
Combining the route
Most Racha charters pair the islands with Coral Island or Maiton on the way back, which gives you a deep-water snorkelling stop and a calm beach stop in the same day. Prices in the table below reflect those combined 8-hour itineraries.
Best time to go
November to April. Visibility at Racha is the whole reason to go, and it is materially better in high season; the southern exposure also means the crossing is rougher during the southwest monsoon.
Yachts running this route
12 vessels in the fleet run this itinerary. Prices are the starting rate for the route shown, and include crew, fuel, soft drinks, snorkelling equipment and insurance.
| Yacht | Size | Guests | Type | Route | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanny 38 | 38ft | 15 | Power Catamaran | Racha Yai + Coral (8hr) | ฿36,000 |
| Hennessy 40 | 40ft | 15 | Power Catamaran | Racha Yai + Coral (8hr) | ฿36,000 |
| Power Cat 36 | 36ft | 8 | Power Catamaran | Racha Yai + Coral (8hr) | ฿38,000 |
| Oceanland 45 | 45ft | 15 | Power Catamaran | Racha Yai + Coral (8hr) | ฿47,000 |
| Ocean Pearl | 42ft | 20 | Sport Cruiser | Racha + Maiton + Khai (8hr) | ฿47,900 |
| Leopard 51 | 51ft | 30 | Power Catamaran | Racha + Coral (8hr) | ฿74,900 |
| Party Cat 75 FP | 75ft | 50 | Party Catamaran | Racha + Coral (9hr) | ฿80,000 |
| Princess 58 | 58ft | 10 | Motor Yacht | Racha + Maiton (8hr) | ฿110,000 |
Common questions
Which is better, Racha Yai or Racha Noi?
Racha Yai has the better beaches and easier snorkelling and suits most groups. Racha Noi has clearer water and better marine life but is more exposed, needs a longer run, and suits confident swimmers and divers.
How good is the snorkelling at Racha?
Racha consistently offers the best visibility of any day-charter destination from Phuket, often exceeding 20 metres in high season, with healthy hard coral and reliable reef fish.
What does a Racha Islands charter cost?
Private charters to the Racha Islands start from ฿36,000 per day, typically as a combined 8-hour itinerary with Coral Island. Crew, fuel, soft drinks, snorkelling equipment and insurance are included.
Ready to plan it? Tell us your dates and we will match the vessel to your group.