Watersports in Phuket

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Diving, sailing and the jet-ski scams to avoid

Phuket runs the full range of watersports, but the season decides what is possible: the west coast is calm roughly November to April and rough for the rest of the year.

Here is the list of 13 Watersports in Phuket

1. Snorkeling

Snorkeling

The calm and balmy water of the Andaman Sea is ideal for snorkelling. This fun activity is also one of the easiest and most popular watersports in Phuket. Just dive in to explore the colourful marine life, beautiful tropical fishes, corals, and other sea animals. Level: Easy

2. Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is among the must-try watersports in Phuket as the marine life in this region is considered one of nature's trophies. The marine life is colourful and vivid, brimming with hard and soft corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas, sharks, and giant manta rays and much more.

3. Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayaking

Perfect for the inexperienced and first-timers sea kayaking is the easiest of all available watersports in Phuket. It is a leisurely way of sightseeing in and around the water-bound regions of Phuket. Here in Phuket, you can Kayak around and through nearby islands, limestone caves with stalactites and stalagmites, hongs (accessible on low tides), and karsts.

4. Surfing

Surfing

Surfing is not as popular as the other watersports in Phuket, but it is gradually gaining the admiration of enthusiasts. The activity is enjoyed during the tourism off-season with high tides and fewer tourists around the beaches. You can rent surfboards and ride the high-speed waves at the famous surfing beaches of Karon and Kalim. Affordable surfing lessons are also available for beginners.

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5. Windsurfing

Windsurfing

Those interested in trying challenging watersports in Phuket can give windsurfing a shot. Put the strong winds of monsoon to good use and cruise through the enormous waves. The sport is and requires a lot of strength. You can also enrol in windsurfing courses under certified instructors. Level: Difficult

6. Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is one of the most advanced watersports in Phuket. It requires you to maintain balance on a soft board attached to a steerable kite while gliding over the waves. The right weather conditions for this adrenaline gushing sport are the high speed of monsoon winds. You can use them to your advantage to cruise over the waves and leaping high. Level: Very Difficult

7. Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing

Motorbiking but on water, is what jet skiing is and Phuket's beaches offer plenty of it. You can enjoy a leisurely ride or whiz around at high speeds on the Andaman Sea. You can rent the motorized water vehicle from a licensed operator and smash the waves. The exhilarating experience is worth a try even for non-swimmers. Level: Moderate

8. Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a fun but difficult watersport. Once you get a good grip on it, you can show off with some cool moves as you whiz along the waves. Phuket has wakeboarding parks where you can experience and practice the sport in a safe environment. You need to learn to balance your body on a wakeboard while holding onto a cable tied to a speedboat.

9. Flyboarding

Flyboarding

Flyboarding is one of the newest watersports in Phuket and ranks among the difficult ones. It is a very physically intensive motorsport. The sport is ideal for adventure junkies and is quite addictive. You get to hover over the sea with the help of a powerful jet spray attached to your feet. The high-speed water gushing through the pipes helps you to manoeuvre while performing stunts in the air.

10. Parasailing

Parasailing

Watersports in Phuket such as parasailing let you experience the joy of flying while enjoying the birds-eye view of the sea. There are several operators that provided guided watersports in Phuket. For parasailing, a parachute is attached to a speedboat that takes you along the coastline while you hover over the sea. This is a great activity for couples and families to enjoy together. Level: Easy

11. Banana Boat Ride

Banana Boat Ride

The simplest yet quite entertaining among the watersports in Phuket is the banana boat ride. An inflatable banana-shaped boat is tied to a speedboat that takes it around the Andaman Sea. The boat has seating space for 6 to 8 people, including an instructor. The adventure of this sport lies in trying to stay on the boat while smashing the waves. Banana boating is very kid-friendly, as well.

12. Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding (SUP) has quickly gained popularity in Phuket over the years. The sport requires body balancing skills and physical fitness but can be learned quickly by anyone. You can rent the paddleboarding equipment and take a few lessons. It is fun to battle the waves while surfing and paddling through them. Level: Difficult

13. Sportfishing

Sportfishing

Sportfishing is the ideal sport for those interested in indulging in some leisurely activity in Phuket. Relaxed yet competitive sportfishing is a fun thing to try. Phuket offers many sea fishing spots with wonderful fishes like Blue and Black Marlin, Trevally, Sailfish, Reef Sharks, Dorado, Razorfish, Rainbow Runners, Dog-Tooth Tuna, Mackerel, Jacks, Swordfish and several varieties of Bottom Fish.

Almost all of this depends on which coast and which month. Beaches in Thailand covers where to swim, and islands in Krabi the boat trips next door.

This post was published by Akancha Tripathi

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FAQs on Watersports in Phuket

What is the best watersport to do in Phuket?

Diving or snorkelling on a day boat to the Similans or Racha Yai, if the season allows. For a single afternoon, sea kayaking around the Phang Nga limestone caves is the one people remember.

When is the season for watersports in Phuket?

Roughly November to April, when the west coast is calm and visibility is good. From May to October the monsoon brings swell and rip currents to the west-coast beaches, and many operators move to the east side or stop.

Is it safe to swim off Phuket's beaches?

In season, yes, but pay attention to the red flags in the monsoon months. Rip currents off Patong, Karon and Kata cause drownings every year, and the flags are there for a reason even on a calm-looking day.

What should I know about renting a jet ski?

There is a long-running scam where operators claim damage on return and demand large sums. Photograph the machine thoroughly before you take it out, refuse to hand over your passport, and rent through your hotel rather than off the beach.

Where do I go diving?

Day boats run to Racha Yai, Racha Noi and the King Cruiser wreck year-round in season, and liveaboards go north to the Similan and Surin islands, which are open roughly mid-October to mid-May.

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