The top 12 Water Sports in Phuket | Incredible experiences in Thailand

When it comes to water sports, Phuket is an adult playground. Phuket features a stunning coastline with lapping turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and strips of entertainment, along with all the main beach areas and at the various beach resorts, some of the best in South East Asia.

Beyond all that, there is a range of activities to participate in at sea if you venture into those warm blue waters. This guide will help you to organize the best the trip to Thailand, exploring the wide range of activities for having fun in Phuket. This is all water sports activities in Phuket sorted for you in a simple guide.

There are activities to suit every level of adventurer, so read on to see our list of the top 12 water sports and activities in Phuket.

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One of the first water sports you should take a look at is snorkelling. Snorkelling is a great way to glimpse beneath the waves and see what is happening beneath you. If you have not tried it before, Phuket is a great place to have your first experience. Explore the beautiful coral reef and the colourful range of marine life as you swim along, or just below, the water’s surface.

You can’t go deep, as you need to pop back up for another breath, but you are able to dip under the waves without the fear of a nose full of water. Snorkelling can be found at most resorts and beaches, but check out Patong in Kathu, Kata Noi or Paradise beach for great locations and a plentiful supply of vendors.

Scuba Diving

Taking it up a notch, once you have experienced snorkelling, it’s time to check out Scuba Diving. Whilst it might seem daunting at first glance; you can earn a PADI certificate in Phuket. This is to make sure you know what you are doing whilst on holiday before being unleashed with your gear to swim around in the shallow depths of Patong Beach.

Because of the air tanks that you take with you, you are freed from the need to stay near the surface, so you can swim down and explore the animals of the sea bottom and coral reef. 

Sea Kayaking

If you’d rather stay on the water’s surface than go under it, check out sea kayaking. You’ll only be permitted to hear out to sea on calm days, which is true for most of the sea-related activities on this list, so you do not have to fear rough waves too much, but make sure you are comfortable with swimming and that you wear any safety equipment given to you, as it is always possible to capsize.

That aside, sea kayaking is a very leisurely sport, allowing you to explore the stunning limestone caves and towering karsts, amongst other geological features that will leave you snapping images for hours, ready for your social media!

Jet Skiing

A nice middle ground, riding a jet ski is essentially riding a sea motorbike, so relatively easy to get the hang of and a lot of fun. Imagine racing along the surface of the Andaman Sea with a breeze in your face and a spray of water behind you. It is one of the most exhilarating options on the water in Phuket.

Almost all of Phuket’s beaches and resorts offer jet skiing, but Patong beach is one of the best options to jump on a jet ski, although Kata beach and Kamal beach are both good, quieter options. Life jackets will be provided, and if you come off your jet ski, it will promptly stop, so you do not need to be a great swimmer to take up the activity, although we recommend that you only ever enter the water if you feel confident enough to handle the situation.

Wakeboarding

Ready for some real excitement? Take a turn at wakeboarding. Although similar in many ways to kitesurfing, wakeboarding involves trailing behind a speed boat by a rope and handle. Needless to say, as the boat races along, you are pulled behind at quite a pace, and when the boat turns directions, which it will, you’ll swing fast and wide in an arc behind the boat.

That change of direction is the best part, as the feeling of the change in movement is exhilarating. Because the speedboat is a hazard to swimmers, the locations where this can be done are a little more limited, but one of the best options is to head down to the Phuket Wake part in Kathu.

Parasailing

So far, we’ve kept you on or in the water. But how about going above it? Clip on a lifejacket with a parasail attached to it and get ready to be pulled along by a speedboat. You’ll soon be up in the air and taking in the incredible view of the rock stacks, beaches, and resorts.

The good news is that it is easy to do, and many consider parasailing to be one of the best activities to do in Phuket, so make sure to give it some consideration when drawing up your plans for your trip. Head over to Patong Beach in Kathu, Kamala Beach, or Surina Beach to participate.

Flyboarding

While we’ve got you up in the air, how about Flyboarding? This relatively new activity in Phuket allows you to strap on a flyboard and then try to balance and fly around as water is jetted through the vents on the board at your feet.

You can gain heights of up to 15 meters before you inevitably plunge into the sea. Experienced users can control their flight and ever perform tricks such as backflips. Naturally, the best location to find this activity is the busy Patong Beach.

Banana Boat Rides

Available on virtually all beaches in Phuket, banana boat rides are the classic activity that everyone tries at least once. Tied to a speedboat, the banana boat inflatable races along the smooth waters. You’ll usually be able to fit 5 people plus the instructor, who comes along for safety.

It’s a very affordable option, and you shouldn’t wait long for an available ride.

Best Water sports in Phuket

The awesome beaches of Phuket are the perfect adult playground. There are many opportunities for professionals but also beginners. From Paddleboarding to Surfing, those are a few suggestions of what you can do in Phuket to have fun.

Paddleboarding

Stand-up paddleboarding has grown in popularity in recent years and is one of the most popular adventure activities in Phuket. Rent a board at Phi Phi Island and head out into the waters of the Andaman Sea.
It’s great fun for all ages, and though you’ll no doubt spill off numerous times as you fight the waves, when you manage to beat the waves, you will get a great sense of satisfaction.

Surfing in Phuket

This is Not yet as popular as other sports on this list, but surfing has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years.

Head out into the waves of Kalim, Kata, Kamala or Surin beaches to enjoy the ride. Experts will be on hand to teach you how to surf and how to keep yourself safe.

Be sure to go surfing with a certified instructor and follow their advice in order to keep yourself safe. is our favourite spot for kitesurfing and kiteboarding, discovered by mistake. A paradisiac Natural Reserve

4-Waters Adventure trip

Want to head away from the tourist hot spots? Not every water-based activity available in Phuket is at sea.  Take a Kayak inland, rather than out to sea, and visit the mangrove channels and then trek into the forest. Swim in different types of water and pools and bathe in a waterfall. Speak with your beach resort for information on available local adventure trips.

Final considerations about Phuket water sports activities

When you visit Phuket, you will almost undoubtedly be aware of Phuket’s fabulous beaches and the Andaman Sea. With so much to do, be sure to pre-plan your trip so that you don’t miss out on anything. You can visit all year round, but the best time for water sports on the beaches of Phuket is between November and April, while July is the best time for snorkelling and scuba diving.

While we’ve named several beaches on our list for water sports fans, be sure to check out Paradise and Kata beaches alongside Patong beach, as well as take trips out to Racha Noi, Similan and Phi Phi Islands.

To be sure that you are safe in all your activities, be sure to ensure that you only use facilities run by trained and qualified professionals. If in doubt, ask to see certification, or stick to organizers related to the beach resorts, as they will have been vetted for you. Stay safe, and have fun.