Fish hunt plus clear-water snorkeling in one day. This Phuket tour mixes Andaman Sea trolling with a Koh Racha Yai swim stop, so you’re not stuck doing only one thing. I like that you get a real guide, proper gear loans, and a straightforward plan that keeps you moving from the pier to the fishing grounds.

Two things I especially like: the included transfers (from Patong, Kata, and Karon) and the on-board lunch built around what you catch. One possible drawback to plan for: big-game fishing isn’t promised, and if conditions or bites don’t cooperate, the experience can feel more like a mix of fishing and snorkeling than a guaranteed marlin-and-tuna day.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Racha Island focus: swimming and snorkeling time around Koh Racha Yai, known for clear water and reef.
• Gear provided: fishing equipment plus snorkeling mask, snorkel, and life jacket (borrowed on the trip).
• Lunch is part of the day: lunch is served on board, with fruits and other beverages included.
• Hotel pickup is built in: free from Patong, Kata, and Karon; other areas cost 200 Baht round trip.
• Small group size: capped at 15 people, which usually keeps the day feeling organized.
• Big-fish expectations need flexibility: you can target species like marlin, tuna, wahoo, and barracuda, but results vary.

Your Day on the Water Starts in Phuket

This is a “do it all” marine tour: you leave Phuket early, cruise out, fish while you’re underway, then switch gears for swimming and snorkeling around Racha Island. You’re aiming at big species in the Andaman Sea, but you’re also enjoying a classic island day with reef time—so even if the fishing is slower, the water break still matters.

The schedule is built around one smooth loop. You head out for fishing grounds about 45 minutes south of Phuket, then the boat sets out trolling gear during the run. After that, you spend time at Koh Racha Yai Bay for swimming and snorkeling before returning.

A tour like this works best when you’re the type who enjoys being on the water more than you need a specific fish on the deck at the end of the day.

Price and What You’re Really Buying for $80.15

At $80.15 per person, you’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re buying a package that includes round-trip transfer from certain Phuket areas, snorkeling gear loans, fishing equipment, and meals on board.

Here’s where the value shows up:

• Transfers are included from Patong, Kata, and Karon, which can save you time and taxi cost.
• Lunch is on board, and it’s served fresh, with fruits and other beverages included.
• Insurance is included, which matters when you’re out on open water for most of the morning.

Now for the reality check. This isn’t billed as a guaranteed big-game charter. The species list (marlin, tuna, wahoo, barracuda, and more) tells you the target, but the catch can vary depending on bite and conditions. If you’re hoping for the kind of day where every line pulls in a trophy fish, you might feel disappointed when the ocean is quiet.

Getting Picked Up: Patong, Kata, Karon vs. Extra Transfer Areas

Start time is 7:30 am, and pickup is part of the plan. The free hotel pickup applies to Patong, Kata, and Karon, so if you’re staying in those zones, the morning should feel low-stress.

If your hotel is in Rawai, Kamala, Surin, or Cheng Talay, there’s an extra transfer charge of 200 Baht per person round trip. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth factoring into your total budget so you don’t get surprised when you check out.

One practical note: the tour’s meeting point is near public transportation, which can help if your pickup doesn’t feel convenient for your exact address.

Cruise South: Trolling Time Builds the Fishing Chances

After you depart from the pier, you cruise out toward the fishing area, about 45 minutes from Phuket. This is when trolling gear is set up and lines are put to work while the boat moves.

What this means for you:

• Your day isn’t all waiting. You’re fishing during the transit window.
• You’re more likely to cover water efficiently than if the boat stayed put.
• You’ll probably spend a lot of the middle part of the morning actively involved, either by casting/handling lines (depending on how the crew runs it) or just watching the action closely.

This also helps explain why comfort on the boat matters. You’ll spend hours at sea, so if you’re sensitive to cramped quarters, you’ll want to think about whether a smaller fishing vessel style fits your comfort needs.

Koh Racha Yai: Snorkel Bay Time in Clear Water

The “reset” stop is Koh Racha Yai. The boat heads there after the fishing run, and you get a chunk of time for swimming and snorkeling.

The big reason people like this portion is simple: Racha Island’s water can be crystal clear, and the bay has reef. That’s the kind of snorkeling that rewards you for taking your time. Even if you never hook a big fish, you can still end the day with good visibility, coral/reef scenery, and that calm island-water feel.

What to expect practically:

• You’ll likely gear up right on board or near the water.
• You’ll borrow snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) and have a life jacket available.
• The snorkeling window is part of an eight-hour day, so it’s not a slow all-day beach hang. It’s still relaxed, just paced.

If you like reef snorkeling but you also want the excitement of fishing, this stop is the bridge between the two halves of the trip.

Fishing Gear, Rod Rotation, and Big-Fish Reality

The tour provides fishing equipment along with the safety items and snorkeling gear. A professional guide leads the way, supported by a captain and crew described as both maritime experts and fishermen.

Now here’s the honest expectation-setting part. The target species list is impressive—marlin, tuna, wahoo, and barracuda are all mentioned, along with other possible catches like king fish and even shark. But at sea, outcomes swing with bite timing and conditions.

On days when a bite happens, you may find that the crew manages access to the best rod position carefully. One useful detail I’d plan for is the possibility of a rod-first rotation system. That can feel fair and orderly, but if you’re picturing nonstop action on your line the entire time, the pace may not match your fantasy.

Also, big-game fishing isn’t something you can force. If you get mostly smaller fish, the trip can still be fun, but it shifts from trophy fishing to “enjoy the process” fishing.

Lunch on Board: Eating What You Catch

This tour puts food at the center of the day, not as an afterthought. Lunch is served on board, and it’s described as freshly prepared from your catch. That’s a big part of the charm: you’re out fishing, then you’re literally eating the result.

You also get fruits in season and other beverages included. Several people highlight that the crew keeps things moving and makes sure you’re fed and hydrated, which matters when you’re spending hours in sun and sea air.

One extra perk: some folks have reported being able to take their catch home to cook later. The tour clearly centers on eating what you catch onboard, so if taking fish home is important to you, it’s worth asking your crew directly during the trip about what’s practical and allowed.

Either way, lunch here is a real “why this tour” moment. It turns the day from just catching fish into finishing the meal like you earned it.

Boat Comfort: What to Watch For

Not every boat day feels the same. This experience uses a fishing-boat setup, and while many people enjoy the relaxed deck time (sunbathing and chatting are common positives), space can be tight depending on vessel size and group arrangement.

One concern that can come up on this kind of trip:

• cramped seating or limited cabin space
• less room to spread out if you expected a more comfortable charter layout

If you’re claustrophobic, very tall, or you hate tight indoor corners, you should go in with eyes open. The upside is that you’ll likely be on deck a lot during fishing and transit anyway, and the island snorkeling stop offers a natural break.

A good approach: keep your expectations aligned with a working fishing vessel day. This is about catching fish and snorkeling, not luxury lounge comfort.

Best-Fit Travelers (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

This tour fits you well if:

• you want one day that combines trolling fishing and reef snorkeling
• you’re happy with a small-group pace and a crew that runs the day actively
• you enjoy the idea of eating fresh fish prepared onboard

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• you need big-game fishing as a guarantee (it’s targeted, not assured)
• you strongly prefer roomy boat comfort
• you’re very sensitive to motion or tight spaces

Health note: the tour isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. If any of those apply, you should skip this for safety.

Age note: kids 4-11 follow specific ticket rules tied to whether they want to fish. The tour description sets those categories clearly, so check the option that matches your situation.

How to Make This Day Smoother

You can’t control the ocean. You can control how you show up.

Here are a few practical ways to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable:

• Arrive early enough to get settled before 7:30 am departure.
• Wear something you don’t mind getting sea-splashed. You’ll be on the water for hours.
• Use the snorkeling gear provided so you’re not scrambling to find your own mask setup at the last minute.
• Be ready for wind or changing conditions. One of the key weather dependencies is that the tour requires good weather to operate well.

The best mindset is simple: plan to fish and snorkel, and let the catch be the bonus. That’s how you’ll have fun even when the bite isn’t wild.

Should You Book Racha Island Fishing and Trolling from Phuket?

I’d book this trip if your priority is a balanced day: fishing out of Phuket with a serious reef snorkeling payoff at Koh Racha Yai, plus a lunch setup that’s more memorable than typical boat snacks.

I’d skip it if you’re only interested in big-game outcomes, or if you’re likely to feel frustrated by the unpredictability of bites and boat space. This isn’t a calm private island charter. It’s a real fishing outing with a snorkeling stop, and it shines when you like that mix.

If you go in with flexible expectations, you’ll probably leave with a story worth telling: sea time, clear-water snorkeling, and a meal built around the day’s catch.

FAQ

How long is the Racha Island fishing and trolling tour from Phuket?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Free hotel pickup is included from Patong, Kata, and Karon. Other areas have an extra transfer charge of 200 Baht per person round trip.

What snorkeling and safety gear is provided?

Snorkeling gear and lifejackets are available to borrow.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing equipment is included.

Is lunch included, and can I eat the fish I catch?

Lunch is served on board free of charge, and it is freshly prepared (from your catch). Fruits in season and other beverages are also included.

Where do you go for swimming and snorkeling?

The snorkeling and swimming stop is at Koh Racha Yai, in the bay near Racha Island.

What fish species are you targeting?

The tour describes targets that can include marlin, tuna, wahoo, barracuda, king fish, and shark.

Who shouldn’t join this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.