A private longtail makes Koh Hey easy. This is a private longtail boat rental from Phuket that takes you to Coral Island (Koh Hey) fast, usually around 30 minutes, so you can actually spend your time on the beach. I really like that it’s your schedule (4 or 6 hours) with an experienced local Thai captain, and you’re not stuck with other people’s pace. One thing to plan for: the ride can get wet, especially when the sea has waves.

You also get the basics that usually add up—snorkeling mask and life jacket, plus a beach chair and water/soft drinks. The vibe is relaxed, and the boat setup makes it feel safer and more controlled than typical speedier options. The island can feel busy, but the day still works when you have your own boat and a captain who keeps things moving.

If you’re thinking about the value: pricing is per group (up to 6), so this can be a smart splurge compared to paying for separate group seats. Just remember you’ll still pay the Koh Hey entrance fee at the island, and that weather can affect whether you sail that day.

Key things I’d plan around before you book

• Private boat for up to 6: split the cost and keep control of your time.
• 4 or 6 hours: perfect for a half-day reset or a slower full beach stretch.
• Snorkel-ready basics included: mask, life jacket, beach chair, plus water and soft drinks.
• Koh Hey entrance fee is extra: plan for 100 THB per person at the point of entry.
• Bring your own beach vibe: you can add beers, a picnic, and tunes if you want.
• Expect to get wet: water spray is normal on the crossing back and forth.

Koh Hey from Phuket: why Coral Island still works

Koh Hey, also known as Coral Island, is one of those places that’s worth doing because it’s close. The whole concept here is simple: you get to escape Phuket without losing most of the day in transit. In practice, that means you can show up at the island feeling fresh, enjoy a beach segment, and still have enough time left for snorkeling off the shoreline.

The sea color is part of what people love about this spot. It can look different from what you see in Phuket waters, and that alone makes the trip feel like a change of scenery. And since you’re on a private boat, you’re not trapped inside a rigid timetable that ignores how long the waves actually let you enjoy.

Price and value: what $111.81 per group really buys you

This charter is priced per group of up to six passengers, not per person. That matters. If you book for two, the cost per person is higher. If you book for six, the cost per person drops dramatically, and you end up paying for a “private day at sea” experience without turning it into a whole yacht budget.

You also get useful inclusions that protect your day from extra costs:

• drinking water and soft drinks
• snorkeling mask and life jacket
• beach chair
• a first aid kit and accident insurance

Then there are the extra items you should factor in so there are no surprises:

• Koh Hey entrance fee is 100 THB per person, paid at the island
• SUP is optional and costs 300 THB (not included)
• round-trip transfer isn’t included, so you need to get to the meeting point yourself

To me, that package is the value: you’re paying for the boat, the captain, and the key beach time basics. Everything else is either optional (SUP) or a normal on-site fee (entrance).

Your private longtail boat day: what it feels like on the water

You’ll meet at ท่าเรือฉลอง (Chalong Pier) in Phuket. From there, you head out toward Koh Hey by longtail boat. The boat ride is part of the fun, but it’s not a glassy, spa-like cruise. You should expect some spray—one review specifically warned that in July the sea can be rough, so plan on getting wet.

This is also where the captain makes a real difference. Several experiences point to a captain who was careful, prompt, and helpful. One captain named in feedback was Mr. Bao, and the helpful tone matters because it changes the day from stressful to easy. If you’ve ever had a boat day where you feel like you’re managing everything yourself, you’ll appreciate this setup more than you expect.

The good news: because this is your group’s private charter, you’re not playing “find your spot” around other boats and schedules. You’re just doing your thing.

4 hours vs 6 hours: which duration fits your beach style

Choosing between a 4-hour and 6-hour charter is really choosing your pace.

4 hours makes the most sense if you want:

• a clear half-day break from Phuket
• time to relax on the beach
• a chance to snorkel without turning it into a long day

6 hours is better if you want a slower rhythm, with more “doing nothing” time. This is the option I’d pick if your group likes beach time that isn’t timed. It also gives you breathing room if the sea or your energy level slows things down.

Either way, the flexibility is the point. You can tailor the day to how you want to spend it—snorkeling, lounging, exploring beaches, or doing a mix.

Koh Hey experience: beach time, snorkeling, and Banana Beach vibes

Once you reach the island, you’re free to use the provided snorkeling equipment and beach chair. The snorkel setup is basic but practical, and it’s a smart inclusion because you’re not stuck trying to hunt for gear or pay extra on arrival.

A few details that help you plan your time:

• You can explore underwater near the shore using the included mask and life jacket.
• Banana Beach is a highlight area people connect with on Coral Island, and it’s a good target if you want that classic beach-and-water feel.
• The island can be busy, but it’s still manageable when you have your own boat and the staff keeps things moving.

Also, the island is big enough that you’ll find different pockets. That’s useful if your group has mixed moods—one person wants snorkeling first, another wants shade and snacks.

If you’re curious about scuba, the broader idea of the island includes scuba opportunities, even during low season. But this charter doesn’t say scuba gear is included, so you should treat scuba as something you might arrange separately once you’re there.

What’s included on this charter (and what that saves you)

Here’s where the inclusions do real work, not just marketing.

Included for your comfort

• drinking water and soft drinks
• beach chair
• life jacket
• snorkeling mask
• first aid kit
• accident insurance

That checklist means you can leave Phuket without packing a snorkel kit or figuring out a beach setup. The life jacket matters too—especially on a longtail boat day where you’re moving in and out of the water area and don’t want anyone improvising.

I’d also take the “mobile ticket” detail seriously. Having it on your phone helps if you’re arriving from a hotel or doing it as part of a busy Phuket day. Just make sure it’s accessible offline or you can open it at the pier.

What’s not included: entrance fees, SUP, and transfers

This is where a little planning keeps the day smooth.

You must pay Koh Hey entrance fee: 100 THB per person at the point of entry. It’s not included in the charter price, so if you’re budgeting, add it now.

SUP is not included, listed at 300 THB. If someone in your group loves stand-up paddleboarding, it’s optional but not free.

Round-trip transfer is also not included. You come by yourself to the meeting point at Chalong Pier. If you’re staying away from the pier, build time for getting there and consider that you’ll likely need a car/taxi/Grab-style ride.

Safety, comfort, and who should skip this day

This charter is private, and that generally helps with safety because you’re not navigating crowded logistics on and off the boat. The included life jacket, plus the first aid kit and accident insurance, support that “we’ve thought about basics” feeling.

A key note: this experience is not recommended for people who are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. That’s not about comfort alone—it’s about the physical conditions of boat travel and time on the water.

If you’re prone to feeling seasick, you should also consider whether longtail boat rides are your kind of motion. The wet ride detail is common, so pack a plan for staying dry where it counts.

How to prepare: simple packing that matches the reality

Based on how this day is described and what people emphasized, I’d pack for a beach day plus a boat ride.

Practical ideas:

• A dry bag for your phone, wallet, and extra clothing
• A change of shirt you can put on for the ride back
• Sunscreen and something to shade your face
• Water shoes or sandals you can handle with wet sand
• Something small for shade or comfort, if you hate direct sun

And since the format is flexible and private, you can bring your own extras. The plan explicitly mentions you can bring beers, a picnic, and tunes if your group wants a more personal vibe.

Who this private Koh Hey charter is best for

This is a great fit if you want a beach day with control:

• couples who hate big tour crowds
• small groups up to 6 who want privacy without yacht pricing
• families who prefer not to share the boat with strangers (as long as everyone is within the health guidelines)
• anyone who wants snorkeling gear and beach seating included instead of added costs

It’s less ideal if you want a structured sightseeing itinerary with lots of stops. This trip is about the island and the sea time, not a tight list of landmarks.

Tips to get the most out of your 4–6 hour window

Short day, big payoff comes from pacing.

Start thinking about your priorities early:

• If snorkeling is your main goal, plan to use the gear soon after arrival while you’re fresh.
• If you’re mostly beach-lounging, pick your spot and settle in. You’ll get more joy out of the chair time than constantly moving.
• If your group is mixed (one snorkels, one doesn’t), expect to build a schedule around the slower person’s comfort. That’s what private time lets you do.

Also, be realistic about water conditions. The ride is part of the experience, and when the sea is rough, it can mean spray and waves. A rain jacket won’t solve everything, but it can keep the day from feeling miserable.

Should you book this Koh Hey longtail charter?

I’d book it if you want an easy, close-to-Phuket island day where privacy and simple comfort matter. The value comes from the per-group pricing, the included snorkeling basics, and the fact that you can pick 4 or 6 hours to match your mood.

Skip it or rethink it if:

• you don’t want to handle wet boat conditions
• you need round-trip transfer arranged for you
• you or your group falls under the health restrictions listed (pregnancy, high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases)

If your group is up to six people, this is one of those bookings that can feel like you’re paying for an entire day out, not just a ticket. And when you get a steady, helpful captain like Mr. Bao, the day stops feeling complicated and starts feeling like a real break.

FAQ

How many people can the private longtail boat hold?

It’s priced per group for up to 6 passengers, and it’s a private tour with only your group participating.

How long is the charter?

You can choose a 4-hour or 6-hour private longtail boat charter (approximate duration).

What’s included with the charter?

The package includes drinking water and coca-cola, beach chairs, and snorkeling mask and life jacket. It also includes a first aid kit and accident insurance.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee for Koh Hey?

Yes. There is a Koh Hey entrance fee of 100 THB per person, paid at the point of entry.

Is round-trip transfer included from Phuket?

No. Round trip transfer is not included, and you come by yourself to the meeting point.

Where do we meet the boat?

The meeting point is ท่าเรือฉลอง (Chalong Pier), Phuket 83000, Thailand.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks are included, along with life jackets.

Is SUP included?

No. SUP board use is not included and costs 300 THB.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or receive a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Premium Private Phuket key viewpoints & attractions with Local GuidePhuket Cultural Experience60 Minutes Private Mood Massage in PhuketSimon Cabaret Show Phuket Entrance Tickets