Water Sport Activities in Phuket
Phuket is one of the most famous beautiful beaches that lots of tourists would love to visit and enjoy its lovely sun, sand, and sea. Phuket is located on the Andaman sea which is also a great place for enjoying various kinds of water sport activities in which the water are so warm with calm waves that encourage such safe and exciting water sport activities including sailing, jet skiing, fishing, and so on. There is a plenty of boating and yacht clubs situated along the coast. Many lessons of water sports are available for those who interest in these water activities at any level.
There are a great number of agency tours that offer the exploring trips from Phang Nga to the Southernmost part of Nai Harn. For those who love floating activities and seeing thing around on the sea, canoeing and kayaking are also available. It is a good idea to prepare snorkelling gear for seeing many colorful fishes and nice coral reefs in Andaman sea side.
Jet skiing is simply the most popular water sport activity because it is fun, fast, and easy to learn how to ride it. There are only five beaches that tourists are egally allowed for riding jet skiing; Patong, Kamal, Karon, Bang tao, and Kata.
In the case that waves are too rough for jet skiing, red flags are normally posted to let tourists know. Then, all water activities are restricted. Jet skiing are easy to ride, however, it is highly important that everyone follows the rules of the beach and ride responsibly. All riders and passengers are given life jacket before using jet skiing. Riders must keep their jet skiing within 500 meters of the coastline, and also do not forget about having insurance when desiring to use jet skiing.
Canoeing and sea kayaking is a close to nature touch experience which can be enjoyed by just paddling and floating past beautiful tropical flora, and listening to the voice of various kinds of jungle animals and birds when canoeing around the smaller islands. More choices are also available by doing some adventures of the white water rapids that lie inland and challenge all levels of experience. One of the famous limestone caves style in Phuket, called Koh Hong in Thai is recommended to be explored in inflatable canoes. These canoes are normally designed to navigate the narrow passages like Koh Hong. The stalactites glisten in the warm water when the sun reaches inside the roofless caves. Also, Pha Nga is recommended to go and get the tour around.
Diving in Phuket is known as one of the most beautiful destination that offers the best diving spots in the world. Phuket has got warm waters all year round with a colorful marine life and unique underwater rock formations. Many divers can enjoy sightseeing of manta rays and sharks in the waters around Phi Phi islands. The best spot for diving sites are on the western side of the island which is close to Nai Harn beach. Diving courses are available at all levels around the island in which diving certifications are also given after finishing the courses. Diving daytrips are extremely popular and can accommodate to all levels of scuba divers….more on Diving in Phuket
Fishing is becoming one of the most popular water activities in Phuket. Along the mangrove estuaries and in the deeper regions of the Andaman sea, one can expect to see many kinds of fishes that are popular for fishing game, including King mackerel, sea bass and black marlins. A strict catch-and-release policy is applied to fishing game in Thailand so as to make sure that the environment is kept in its original well-being and encourage a better future opportunities to catch a big fish.
Parasailing is said to be one of water sports that many people see in action and want to try it. This kind of water activity can be seen at all times of the day at Patong beach where the ‘chute” drifting usually happens along the beach. Parasailing normally takes place off beaches and is towed by a speed boat over water. Even though parasailing is quite a thrilling ride, but many people would love to try as it is offer the best views of the whole Phuket west coast. Parasailing can also be enjoyed on other main beaches like Karon beach. It takes about 15 minute per riding if one wishes to fly in the air by using parasailing.
Snorkelling is an excellent activity for families to see underwater world of Phuket. Preparing all necessities for snorkelling including snorkels, masks, sun block, and fin is a must for ensuring the best memorable experience for snorkelling. Lots of exotic fish species, giant crabs, colorful corals are some of amazing marine lives as well amazing rock formations that can been seen underneath the surface of Andaman sea. It is important to follow all safety precautions and always go swimming with a partner for the best safety reason. Undertows are dangerous along the west coast. Do not go swimming when red flags are posted. The best way to enjoy snorkelling is to go on a day tour. Local people know the best spots at off shore islands like Poda and Gai islands which are full of beautiful fishes and coral reefs.
Sailing offers a quite adventurer experience and the chance to see more of Phuket and its surrounding islands. This includes Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le which are featured in the movie ‘The Beach’. Renting a boat and yacht can be arranged to match with any budgets. Day tour are available from Phuket which also allow sailors a great opportunity for good fishing. Joining tours are a good idea for laying back, relaxing, and letting someone else taking care of the helm. There are boats available for charter or else joining a daily sailing of many tours available to tourists. Pha Nga is the best place and very popular for visiting.
Surfing in Phuket is also possible, but it is not quite a popular activity when compared with other water sport activities. The biggest waves are normally in Kata and Nai Harn, but they actually seem to be quite modest for real sufers. Anyhow, it is still good for learning how to surf which some places based at Kata offer lessons and boards for rent when the waves are big enough.
Windsurfing is an alternative way to see the coastline, mountains, beautiful scenic views, and sunset. Patong seems to be the most popular beach for this kind of activity even though there are other beaches that offer windsurfing. Also, lessons are available for anyone who wishes to see Phuket in a new way of perspective. Equipments are prepared by service providers, however, some of the big hotels and independent service providers may offer better quality equipments. During the monsoon season is the best time for windsurfing which start from November to May in each year. It is also important for windsurfers to follow all rules and avoid windsurfing during high tides.
