You do this for two reasons: fishing and snorkeling in one day. This Phuket trip mixes trolling for big-game species with time at Koh Racha Yai, where the water is clear and reefy. The best part is the built-in break from the boat—then lunch follows right away, made onboard from your catch.

I like that the tour gives you real support: borrowed snorkeling gear and lifejackets, plus a professional captain/crew running the fishing. Lunch is also included on the water, so you’re not burning time hunting for food. One possible drawback to consider is that big-fish success is not guaranteed, and the boat setup and comfort seem to depend on the day and group size.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Trolling gear is set out on the way to fishing grounds south of Phuket (about 45 minutes out)
• Snorkeling at Koh Racha Yai is part of the plan, with reef time right in the bay
• Lunch is served onboard and tied to fishing, plus fruits and drinks
• Hotel pickup is included only for select areas (Patong, Kata, Karon); others cost extra
• Maximum group size is 15, but boat comfort can still vary with conditions

Why Racha Island Combines Two Great Days Into One

Phuket has a well-earned reputation for fish, and this tour leans into that with a morning spent on the water south of the island. The idea is simple: you chase fish using trolling methods, then you switch gears and spend time swimming and snorkeling at Racha Island (specifically Koh Racha Yai).

What makes this setup smart is the pacing. You’re not stuck fishing for hours with no reward. You get a change of scenery, calmer water time, and a chance to enjoy the reef zone. Even on less-than-perfect fishing days, the snorkeling stop can still feel like a win.

Price and Value: What $80.15 Buys You

At $80.15 per person for an 8 to 9 hour day, this is priced like a serious half-day-to-full-day experience. The value comes from how much is folded in:

• Round-trip hotel transfers are included for Patong, Kata, and Karon
• Fishing equipment plus mask, snorkel, and life jacket are available to borrow
• Lunch onboard is included (and fruits in season, plus other beverages)
• Insurance is included
• It’s capped at 15 travelers, which matters on small boats

The one cost you should factor in is the extra transfer charge of 200 Baht per person (round trip) if your hotel is in Rawai, Kamala, Surin, or Cheng Talay.

If you’re the type who hates wasting time, this package format is a good match. You show up, gear up, get fed, and spend the day doing water activities without having to organize transport or meals separately.

Morning Logistics in Phuket: Pickup, Timing, and the Start at 7:30 AM

The tour starts at 7:30 am. If you’re in Patong, Kata, or Karon, you’re picked up and brought to the pier. That’s a big deal in Phuket, where getting around can cost time, especially early in the day.

If you’re staying outside those pickup zones, expect that extra 200 Baht per person transfer cost for the listed areas. Also note that the meeting point is described as near public transportation, which can help if you’re coordinating on your own.

A practical thought: wear quick-dry clothes and plan to get sun on you early. This is an outdoor day with water time and boat time before you even settle into the snorkeling stop.

Trolling South of Phuket: Species Targets and Realistic Expectations

After you depart the pier, the boat cruises toward the fishing grounds about 45 minutes away. On the way, the trolling gear is set out, so you’re not waiting around once you’re on the move.

The tour description lists species you might encounter in the Andaman Sea near Phuket, including marlin, tuna, wahoo, king fish, shark, barracuda, and more. That’s the headline. But here’s the key consideration: fishing outcomes depend on conditions, and results can vary.

Some people have had a very fun day with plenty of fish and a great crew. Others felt the day didn’t match what they were expecting in terms of big-game fishing. One theme in the negatives is that the initial messaging can be more cautious than the big-species promise, and some catches may be smaller or more limited.

So go in with two mindsets:

• Treat it as a fishing experience, not a guaranteed trophy hunt.
• Have fun with the process—the moment a fish bites is the point, even if it’s not what you pictured.

Also, keep in mind that on a fishing boat, rod time can become a bit of a group decision. If you’re hoping to hold the rod the whole time, you’ll want to be mentally flexible.

Koh Racha Yai Snorkeling Stop: Clear Water, Reef Time, and Downtime

The trip includes time at Koh Racha Yai, where you get a break from fishing. This stop is about swimming and snorkeling in the bay, and the water is described as crystal clear with reef around you.

The tour includes snorkeling gear you can borrow—mask, snorkel, and life jacket—so you don’t need to pack your own unless you’re picky about fit. If you’re traveling with kids or you want an easier gear setup, this is a nice inclusion.

What I like about the structure here is the reset. Even if fishing slows down, you can still enjoy Phuket’s underwater side: bright visibility, reef shapes, and the simple pleasure of floating and watching fish.

A realistic drawback: the sea can be windy on some days. That affects comfort on the boat, and it can change how enjoyable snorkeling feels. If you’re prone to motion sickness, think about bringing whatever you typically use for boat days.

Lunch Onboard: What You Eat, When You Eat, and Why It Matters

Lunch is served onboard and is free of charge. You also get fruits in season and other beverages.

The coolest part of the concept is that lunch is connected to fishing: you can expect the meal to be prepared using what’s caught, then served at/near Racha Island. That turns the trip from a pure activity into something more memorable. It’s not just catch-and-release tourism.

Some people have specifically noted being able to take their fish home and cook it later, which is a big plus if you love food that feels personal. That said, since it isn’t stated as a universal guarantee, I’d treat it as a bonus rather than a promise. Ask what the plan is on your specific day if this matters to you.

Also, a practical tip: even if you’re not fishing, the included lunch makes the day feel “complete.” You’re not budgeting for meals mid-trip.

Crew and Boat Comfort: Small Group Size, But Not the Same as Luxury

This tour runs with a maximum of 15 travelers and includes a maritime expert captain and crew. That matters because you want experienced people handling safety, fishing operations, and the shift from trolling to snorkeling.

The strong feedback you’ll see focuses on:

• the crew being friendly and helpful
• staying hydrated and fed
• a day that feels relaxed even though you’re on a boat

But there are also hard negative notes about comfort and boat size on certain departures. One person described the boat as very small and uncomfortable, using harsh language about being too cramped. Another mentioned wind being a factor. Taken together, the message is clear: this is a functional fishing boat day, not a guaranteed smooth, roomy luxury ride.

If you’re sensitive to cramped spaces, or you dislike being on a boat for hours, consider that carefully. Your best bet is to go with the expectation of a working day on the water: sun, salt air, and some movement.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a good fit if you want:

• a single day mixing fishing + snorkeling
• included gear so you don’t have to shop or rent
• a guided plan with lunch handled for you
• a smaller group experience (up to 15)

It’s also relevant for divers-without-a-diving-ticket types. You’re snorkeling, not doing scuba.

On the skip side, the tour advises against joining if you’re pregnant or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. If any of those apply, don’t wing it—choose a different day on land or talk to a medical professional first.

Age-wise: children are 4 to 11. The pricing rules in the description are tied to whether you want to fish:

• Adults (12–80) who don’t want to do fishing should choose the price for child
• Children (4–11) who want to do fishing should choose the adult price

So if you’re traveling with kids and only want one person to fish, make sure you pick the right option so the day works for everyone.

Simple Tips to Make Your Day More Enjoyable

You can’t control fish biting or the wind, but you can control your comfort. Here’s what helps on a day like this:

• Sun protection matters early: you’re on the water from 7:30 am.
• Think about motion sickness if you’re prone. Windy conditions can make it worse.
• If fishing is your priority, be ready for rod rotation and don’t assume you’ll hold the line the entire time.
• If snorkeling is your priority, keep your snorkel setup simple and give yourself time to relax in the bay.

And one more mindset shift: this kind of tour feels best when you treat it like a day outdoors, not a factory output for big fish. When you do that, even a modest catch can still turn into a fun, food-included story.

Should You Book Racha Island Game Fishing & Trolling From Phuket?

I think you should book this tour if you want a one-ticket day that combines real fishing time with a snorkeling break at Koh Racha Yai, and you value included gear and lunch. The pricing is reasonable for what’s bundled: transfers (in select areas), safety gear, equipment, food, and a guided approach.

Skip or be cautious if:

• you’re booking mainly for guaranteed big-game fishing results
• you’re very sensitive to cramped boat conditions or rougher sea days
• you’re in a health category the tour warns against

If you’re flexible, enjoy being on the water, and you’re okay with the odds of fishing being unpredictable, this is exactly the kind of Phuket day that can deliver both action and scenery without extra planning.

FAQ

How long is the Racha Island fishing and trolling trip?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:30 am.

Does the tour include hotel pickup in Phuket?

Yes, free hotel pickup is included from Patong, Kata, and Karon. Other areas have an extra transfer charge.

Is there an extra transfer fee for some hotel areas?

Yes. There’s a 200 Baht per person (round trip) extra transfer charge for Rawai, Kamala, Surin, and Cheng Talay.

What’s included for snorkeling and safety?

You can borrow snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel) and life jackets.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Lunch is served onboard for free. You also get fruits in season and other beverages.

Can anyone join, or are there health limits?

The tour advises that guests who are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases are not recommended to join.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience. The tour requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.