It's an early start, but totally worth it as you cruise out to some of Phuket's prettiest islands at first light. After arriving at Royal Phuket Marina, you'll be welcomed with a light breakfast before meeting your guide and boarding the catamaran. Local guide, Nonglak, shares her favourite spot, “for a real castaway feeling you can't beat Khai Nui Island. There's a no footprint policy here, so no shops and facilities, which protects its special, unspoilt nature. Plus, its corals are so shallow and colourful, they're perfect for getting great underwater photos.'
You'll speed along Phuket's eastern shore as the sun peeks over the horizon. Your first stop is Koh Khai Nok, a triangular stretch of soft-white sand surrounded by turquoise waters. Its shallow reefs and colourful fish make it a snorkeller's dream. Next, you'll head to Koh Khai Nui, a quieter, unspoilt island where you might spot angelfish, clownfish and other native reef life. Then, it's on to Koh Naka Noi, a smaller secluded spot to swim, snorkel or simply lounge on the beach.
Your final stop is Koh Rang Yai, an island lined with coconut and pine trees. Here, you'll switch things up with an ATV adventure, riding off-road through jungle trails to explore the island's tropical interior. Nonglak adds, ‘there are some beautiful coastal trails to explore and you can reach quiet corners of the island that are hard to get to by foot.' Finally, after a laidback day with a dash of adrenaline, you'll jump on the catamaran and head back to the marina.
Catamaran cruise
