Banana Beach Snorkeling Adventure: A Day in Paradise

Banana Beach on Koh Hey (also called Coral Island) sits on the quieter side of the island, away from the party-boat crowds that fill the main beach. This seven-hour trip runs a small-group speedboat out from Chalong Pier with a full day on the sand and snorkelling stops, with light lunch, shared minivan transfers and snorkelling gear included.

Pickup leaves Phuket hotels around 8:30am for the transfer to Kan Eang @ Pier Restaurant at Chalong Pier. The speedboat departs at 10am and reaches Banana Beach on Koh Hey by 10:20am. You get free time for swimming and beach lounging on the white-sand stretch before the boat repositions to a nearby snorkelling spot at 11:30am, with mask and life jacket provided for underwater sightseeing off the back of the boat. Light lunch follows at Hornbill Restaurant overlooking the water, with drinking water, fresh fruit and a soft drink included. The afternoon is free time on the beach with chairs provided until 5pm boarding, back at Chalong Pier by 5:20pm and onward to your hotel.

A slower-paced option than the three-island speedboat runs, suitable for travellers who want a day at one beach rather than hopping. Snorkelling reef here is modest, fine for beginners but not a destination for serious divers. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and cash for tips (gratuities optional, not included). Additional beverages beyond those listed are extra. Beach chair, speedboat, Phuket hotel pickup by shared minivan (conditions apply), light lunch at Hornbill, drinking water, fresh fruits, soft drink, local guide, snorkelling mask and life jacket are all included. A 4.1 rating across 16 reviews is modest, probably reflecting the pace and lunch portions rather than the beach itself, which lives up to the billing.