Islands · Off the south coast of Phuket
Coral Island (Koh Hey)
A small island fifteen minutes from Chalong or Rawai, with two beaches and water sports: an easy half day, not a quiet one.
Access
By boat only
Entry
Free
Time to allow
A half day
Best time
Most of the year; one guide finds it busiest from about 10 am to 2 pm
Why go
It is one of the shortest island trips from Phuket: about 15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong or Rawai, about 6.5 km away. A beach, a swim and some water sports, without giving up a whole day.
Not for you if you want a quiet beach between about 10 am and 2 pm, or the best snorkelling: Racha and the Similan are better.
What you will find
Two beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach, are linked by a path of 10 to 15 minutes. The two guides we read disagree on which side each one is on and where the boats land, so we do not say.
On offer: snorkelling, banana boats, parasailing, jet skis, kayaks and introductory dives. Loungers and activities are paid extra. The island is mostly visited for the day.
Getting there
By boat only: a speedboat from Chalong or Rawai, or a longtail from Rawai at a price to agree. Many visitors come on a tour with the crossing and lunch included, sometimes combined with Racha Yai.
Before you go
Entry is free, but loungers and water sports cost extra: ask the price first.
According to one guide, the short crossing runs most of the year; there are still more cancellations on rough days in the monsoon.
Common questions
How long does it take to get to Coral Island?
About 15 minutes by speedboat from Chalong or Rawai.
Is there an entry fee on Coral Island?
No. Entry is free; loungers and water sports are paid extra.
Is Coral Island good for snorkelling?
You can snorkel there, but for the best snorkelling Racha and the Similan are better.