Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is surrounded by dreamy blue waters and coastlines of golden beaches, inviting adventurers to experience the thrill of water sports during their stay on the island. If you’re visiting this beautiful island for the first time, here are some of the top water sports you should try for a memorable time out on the water.
1. Scuba Diving
Considered to be one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, Phuket has something for everyone. Both amateur and certified divers can explore a number of diving hotspots, such as the Phi Phi Islands, Racha Yai, and Shark Point. Whichever destination you choose brings captivating encounters with colourful schools of fish, reef sharks and sea turtles. It’s the perfect way to explore the ocean depths, an immersive experience you surely won’t forget!
2. Snorkelling
If you’re completely new to underwater adventures, snorkelling is a less daunting option. Save for a few basic safety instructions, you’ll need very little training, so you should be ready to begin exploring right away! And you’ll have access to quite a few snorkelling spots from Phuket, including Khai Island, Kata Beach and Coral Island. Unlike scuba diving, snorkelling keeps you closer to the surface, but you’ll still be surrounded by the vibrant marine ecosystems that thrive around the island.
3. Parasailing
Rather than take you below the waters, parasailing lifts you above it, giving you a unique view of Phuket’s coastal beauty. You’ll be harnessed to a parachute, which will lift you high up in the air with the help of a speedboat tugging you along. Nothing beats the thrill of floating over the ocean, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the Andaman Sea with the wind against your skin. Patong Beach is considered one of the best spots for parasailing, and it’s easily accessible from any Phuket city hotel you’re staying at.
4. Jet Skiing
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush on the water, jet skiing is your best bet. Jet skis are available for hire at Patong Beach, Kamala Beach and Kata Beach, making it a fairly accessible water sport to try, especially if you’re based at accommodations like NH Boat Lagoon Phuket Resort. As you race across the waters at high speeds, the incredible sense of freedom you feel is unlike anything else – all while still having full control of every turn you take. If you’re feeling confident, riding the waves adds a new level of adrenaline, not to mention the satisfaction of having stuck your landing while keeping balance.
5. Banana Boat Rides
If you’re vacationing in Phuket with family or friends, a banana boat ride is the perfect water sport that combines thrills and giggles. An inflatable, bright yellow, banana-shaped raft will be your vessel, and it’s up to you and the others to do your best to hang on as the raft is dragged along the water by a high-speed motorboat. Witnessing the others inevitably take a tumble into the water will have you in fits of laughter, adding to the fun challenge of trying to be the last one left atop the raft.
