Two excellent dolphin-watching excursions operate from Phuket City, focusing on the prime viewing areas around Raya and Maithon Islands. I’m particularly fond of the 8-hour “Raya Island, Maithon Island & Dolphin Spotting Tour” ($61.16) because it combines great value with comprehensive service – you get hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and a quality lunch included. The “Phuket Dolphin Quest” (Kč 2,381) stands out for its generous meal offerings and bonus activities like paddle boarding. While dolphins aren’t guaranteed on either tour, the stunning island landscapes make these trips worthwhile regardless. Let’s examine the specific features of these top-rated tours.
Key Points
- The “Phuket Dolphin Quest” tour offers the opportunity to spot dolphins at Maithon Island, with transportation and snorkeling gear included.
- The “Phuket: Raya Island, Maithon Island, & Dolphin Spotting Tour” provides a chance to see dolphins, though sightings are not guaranteed based on past reviews.
- Both tours include round-trip transfers, water activities, and meals, with the Dolphin Quest tour offering a more comprehensive package.
- Customers have reported mixed experiences with dolphin sightings, and some have expressed disappointment with large group sizes and the quality of meals.
- The tours may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, and a safety briefing is provided before the activities commence.
Phuket: Raya Island, Maithon Island, & Dolphin Spotting Tour
For those seeking to explore the serene islands off Phuket’s coast and potentially catch a glimpse of dolphins, the “Phuket: Raya Island, Maithon Island, & Dolphin Spotting Tour” offers a comprehensive experience.
Priced at $61.16 per person, this 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup, safety briefing, and transportation via speedboat to the islands. Guests can enjoy activities like sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling at the picturesque Pirates Beach and Banana Bay on Raya Noi Island.
After a leisurely lunch on Raya Yai Island, the tour heads to Maithon Island for a chance to spot dolphins. However, as past reviews suggest, dolphin sightings aren’t guaranteed.
While the tour provides stunning natural scenery and a range of water activities, some travelers have expressed disappointment with the lack of dolphins and the large group size.
Read our full review: Phuket: Raya Island, Maithon Island, & Dolphin Spotting Tour Review
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Phuket Dolphin Quest: Racha & Maiton Island Expedition
The “Phuket Dolphin Quest: Racha & Maiton Island Expedition” provides another opportunity to explore the stunning islands off Phuket’s coast while offering the chance to spot dolphins. Priced at Kč 2,381 per person, this 8-hour tour includes round-trip transfers, speedboat transportation, snorkeling gear, and three meals.
Highlights include snorkeling, paddle boarding, and swimming at Ko Racha Noi and Banana Bay, as well as dolphin watching at the exclusive Maiton Private Island.
While the tour generally receives positive feedback, some concerns have been raised about inconsistent dolphin sightings, the quality of meals, and the limited time at Maiton Island.
Certain restrictions also apply, with the tour not recommended for pregnant women, those with high blood pressure, heart problems, or back issues.
Read our full review: Phuket Dolphin Quest: Racha & Maiton Island Expedition Review
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The Sum Up
Phuket offers several excellent dolphin watching tours. The Raya Island, Maithon Island, and Dolphin Spotting Tour provide the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Alternatively, the Phuket Dolphin Quest expedition to Racha and Maiton Islands is another great option. Both tours offer the chance to witness these majestic creatures up close and personal. Tourists visiting Phuket shouldn’t miss the chance to experience these unforgettable dolphin watching adventures.