Should You Take a Longtail Boat Ride in Phuket?

A longtail boat ride in Phuket is a loud, windy, and genuinely fun way to see the islands up close. Expect a narrow wooden boat with a giant outboard motor, spray in your face when the sea is choppy, and the ability to reach shallow bays and limestone cliffs that bigger boats can’t. Tours usually last 4–8 hours and include stops for swimming, snorkeling, and lunch on a beach. It’s a classic Phuket experience but not a relaxing one — the engines are noisy and you’ll sit on hard wooden benches with life jackets piled at your feet.

The best time is December to April when the Andaman Sea is calmer and the chance of rain is low. From May to October the monsoon often makes the water rough and some routes get canceled. Expect to pay around $40–90 per person for a shared tour and $250–450 for a private boat depending on group size, duration, and whether lunch and snorkel gear are included.

Pick a trip that goes to less-visited islands or a private half-day if your budget allows — you’ll avoid the crowds and actually enjoy the scenery. Skip the cheapest James Bond Island tours that leave from the main piers in high season; they’re packed, rushed, and feel like a floating conveyor belt. Bring earplugs, sunscreen, and a dry bag.