Overview
This route is perfect if you want a bit of everything: some easy sailing, high-quality snorkeling and plenty of time at anchor. Koh Mai Thon offers perhaps the best snorkeling close to Phuket, and Koh Dok Mai adds a more dramatic rock-wall snorkeling experience.
Sailing time: ~3.5 hours total
Exploration time: ~4.5 hours
Morning – Sail East to Koh Mai Thon
- Head out east from Phuket towards Koh Mai Thon, a favorite nearby destination
- Enjoy a good balance between time under sail and time on location
- Stop off Mai Thon’s west or east side, depending on the day’s weather
At Koh Mai Thon:
- Snorkel some of the best coral and reef fish close to Phuket
- Look for a healthy population of small to medium-sized reef fish
- With a bit of luck, you may see the resident pod of dolphins (around 12–15 animals) playing nearby
Midday – Optional Visit to Koh Dok Mai
- Depending on the weather and your group’s wishes, continue 30–40 minutes to Koh Dok Mai
- This is a dramatic rock island rising straight out of the sea
- Enjoy another snorkeling session along the rock walls
Here you might see:
- Larger reef fish and some pelagic species
- Occasional skipjacks, black tip reef sharks and even octopus
Afternoon – Relaxed Sail Back to Phuket
- Hoist the sails for the 1.5-hour return leg to Phuket
- Sit back and relax on deck with one last view of the Andaman Sea
This route is ideal for guests who “want it all” in a single day: a bit of sailing, excellent snorkeling and plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.