Raya Island / Mai Ton Island Private Boat Tour

Mai Ton’s clear water, Koh Racha Yai’s white sand, and a late-day search for dolphins make this a full day at sea with more variety than a beach transfer. You get a private boat for your group, up to 15 people, and the crew can adjust the day to your wishes.

I like the mix of snorkeling and unhurried beach time, and the chance to see Mai Ton from the water rather than just passing it by. The main consideration is that dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, lunch is not included, and the tour description gives different versions of the stop order, so confirm the route at the briefing.

• Three island stops: The stated itinerary includes Mai Ton, Koh Racha Yai, and Koh Rang Yai.
• Private for up to 15: The listed price is $1,103.26 per group, not per person.
• Snorkeling kit included: You also get bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, private transportation, and fees and taxes.
• Plan for most of a day: The experience is listed as 6 to 8 hours, with stops that add up to about seven hours before the check-in.
• Dolphins are a possibility, not a promise: Mai Ton is known for sightings, but wild animals set their own schedule.
• Lunch is on you: Bring a plan for food, and ask the crew what timing makes sense for your group.

A private day among Phuket’s southern islands

This trip is designed for a group that wants its own boat, rather than a seat on a shared excursion. For a family or group of friends, that means you can spend the day together and tell the crew what pace suits you. The maximum group size is 15, though the available boat and setup for your specific booking are worth confirming before you pay.

The outing is built around two different kinds of island time. At Mai Ton, you can snorkel and look for marine life, including clown fish. At Koh Racha Yai, the focus is Siam Bay’s clear water and a stretch of white sand. A final stop at Koh Rang Yai is described as a quieter beach pause with fruit and cool drinks.

There is a small but important distinction in the island names. The tour description refers to the Racha Islands as Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, but the detailed stop plan names Koh Racha Yai, not Koh Racha Noi. If seeing both Racha islands matters to you, ask the operator directly before booking rather than assuming both are included.

Start at 5 Star Marine, then check the day’s route

The day begins at the 5 Star Marine office with check-in and a tour briefing. You can have coffee, tea, or a cool drink while the team explains the plan, and leave luggage you do not need for the boat. That is a useful start: a dry bag or small day bag is easier to manage than hauling all your holiday gear around the islands.

Pickup is offered, and private transportation is included. One group that started early was collected from Surin at 6:30 a.m. and reached the islands ahead of the crowds. That is a useful tip if you value quieter beaches and cooler morning hours. The exact pickup time depends on your arrangements, so ask about it when confirming.

There is an inconsistency in the way the route is described. The detailed stop plan begins with Mai Ton, then goes to Koh Racha Yai, then Koh Rang Yai. The overview describes Mai Ton as a stop on the way home, with dolphin spotting often timed for late afternoon. The order may change with the day’s conditions or the crew’s plan. Use the briefing to confirm which island comes first and when the boat will look for dolphins.

Mai Ton: snorkel first, keep dolphin expectations flexible

Mai Ton, also called Honeymoon Island, is allocated about two hours in the detailed plan. The main activity is snorkeling in clear water, with the crew helping you look for marine life. Clown fish are specifically mentioned, but the number and variety of fish you see will depend on conditions and where you snorkel.

Mai Ton is also known for dolphin sightings. The description says the crew aims to search at a favorable time, often late afternoon, and that dolphins may play near the boat’s wake. Treat that as a possibility, not a scheduled encounter. Dolphins are wild animals, and no responsible plan can promise they will appear or approach.

There are two ways to read this stop: a chance to explore underwater, and a chance to look for dolphins from the boat. If snorkeling is your main goal, ask how much time is set aside for it. If dolphins are your priority, ask how the crew handles the search if the route order or sea conditions change.

Koh Racha Yai: Siam Bay and a white-sand break

The Koh Racha Yai stop gets about three hours, making it the longest stretch in the listed itinerary. Siam Bay is described as especially clear, with the boat appearing to float above the water. You can snorkel from the boat, then head to the white-sand beach after your time in the sea.

That longer stop is a strong point for anyone who does not want an island tour to feel like a string of rushed photo stops. You have time for both snorkeling and a walk or rest on shore. The trade-off is that three hours is still a planned window, not an open-ended day. If your group includes people who want to stay on the beach while others snorkel, tell the crew early so they can help organize the stop.

The boat-based snorkeling approach also means you should be comfortable getting into and out of the water from the boat. Snorkeling equipment is included, but the available information does not specify flotation devices, steps, or individual assistance arrangements. If you are traveling with an older family member or anyone who needs help in the water, raise that before booking and discuss it again with the crew at check-in.

One account of the trip described a concern about support for older people while snorkeling. The company responded that its staff are trained, but the practical lesson is simple: do not leave assistance needs until you are already offshore. Ask clear questions in advance about what help the crew can provide and whether the planned boat suits your group.

Koh Rang Yai: a quieter finish on shore

The last listed stop is Koh Rang Yai, with about an hour and a half set aside. After a day of snorkeling, the plan is to visit a secluded beach, have fresh fruit and cool refreshments, and relax. If the timing allows, you may be able to watch the sunset before the short ride back to the pier.

This is a welcome change of pace after time in the water. It gives non-snorkelers a reason to enjoy the day too, and gives everyone a chance to dry off and sit down before returning. The sunset is not guaranteed by the schedule, though. The actual timing depends on the route and how long the earlier stops take, so consider it a bonus rather than the central feature.

The itinerary’s stop durations total roughly seven hours, including the 30-minute office check-in, which fits the advertised 6-to-8-hour range only approximately. The day can feel long once you add hotel pickup and the return journey. Bring sun protection and a change of clothes if you like having dry things for the ride home.

What the private price buys your group

The stated price is $1,103.26 for a group of up to 15. At full capacity, that comes to about $74 per person. With a smaller party, the per-person cost rises quickly, so this makes the most financial sense when you fill much of the boat or place a high value on having the trip to yourselves.

The price includes private transportation, snorkeling equipment, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, and all fees and taxes. Lunch is not included. That last detail matters on a full-day outing, especially if your group has children, dietary needs, or a preference for eating at a set time. Ask whether you should bring lunch, buy it before departure, or plan to eat after returning; the information provided does not specify a meal stop.

Private does not mean every element is entirely custom. The islands and general activities are laid out, while the crew is described as flexible with the group’s wishes. That flexibility is valuable for a birthday, family gathering, or mixed-age group, but set expectations before you go. Tell the operator what matters most, whether that is more snorkeling, extra beach time, or an early start.

Communication is one of the company’s noted strengths. Shaun and the team are described as responsive before the trip, and the crew is praised for being friendly, organized, and good with children. Shaun is associated with communication and the company; the available details do not name the specific captain or guide assigned to your departure.

Who should choose this tour?

I would consider this outing for a group that wants its own boat, enjoys snorkeling, and is happy to spend much of the day on the water. It can work well for a special occasion because the schedule allows time at several stops, and the crew can respond to group preferences. Families may appreciate the private setup, but parents should still check what support and safety arrangements are right for their children.

It is less suitable if you need a guaranteed dolphin encounter, want lunch included, or are uncomfortable with boat-based snorkeling. It also may not be the best fit for a very small group on a tight budget. For anyone with mobility or medical concerns, the tour information says most people can participate but advises against serious medical conditions. Contact the operator about specific needs rather than relying on that general statement.

Demand appears to build well ahead: the tour is booked about 40 days in advance on average. That is not a rule, but it is a sensible planning signal if you have fixed dates or a special occasion. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Raya and Mai Ton boat trip?

Book it if privacy, snorkeling, and a flexible day matter more to you than a low per-person price. Its best value comes when a group shares the cost, uses the included transport and equipment, and enjoys both time in the water and time on the beach.

Before you commit, confirm whether your route includes Koh Racha Noi, how lunch works, what support is available for anyone who needs help snorkeling, and whether Mai Ton is scheduled early or late on your date. Those answers will make it much easier to decide if this is the right boat day for your group.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour is listed as approximately 6 to 8 hours. The detailed stop times add up to about seven hours, including the 30-minute check-in.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers a private group of up to 15 people. Only your group participates.

Which islands are included?

The detailed itinerary names Mai Ton Island, Koh Racha Yai, and Koh Rang Yai. Koh Racha Noi is mentioned in the general description of the Racha Islands but is not named as a stop in the detailed itinerary, so confirm if visiting it is important to you.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, along with snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, private transportation, and fees and taxes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

Are dolphin sightings guaranteed?

No. Mai Ton is known for dolphin spotting, and the crew may look for dolphins near the boat, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.