Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a popular destination for all water sports aficionados. The clear blue waters and the diverse marine ecosystem make for the perfect setting for various water sports in Phuket, like scuba diving, sea kayaking, snorkelling, etc. The endless number of breezy and windy beaches that Phuket has to offer are the ideal setting for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, etc. The pleasant climate all year round and the amazing marine scenery offers an unmissable experience and the perfect location for water sports.
8 Popular Water Sports In Phuket
1. Scuba Diving
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Scuba diving is one of the most popular water sports in Phuket. With its diverse marine life, clean waters, and amazing water conditions, Phuket is one of the ideal places for scuba diving. If you are someone who loves exploring the underwater world, then this is an unmissable opportunity while visiting Phuket. Enjoy amazing underwater beauty and mesmerising marScuba Divingine creatures ranging from small fishes to majestic sharks. Dive deep and explore the world of soft corals, sea turtles, barracudas, manta rays, whale sharks, and so much more.
Scuba Diving Locations: Similan Islands, Phi Phi Islands, Racha Noi, and Racha Yai Islands, and Patong Beach
Best Time To Do: December to April
Level: Varies from easy to difficult
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phuket For A Memorable Vacation
2. Snorkelling
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Another way to explore the underwater wonders in Phuket is snorkelling. This is one of the easiest and most popular water sports in Phuket. You get to see the gorgeous marine life and the ecosystem, along with its beautiful tropical fishes, amazing corals, and all other enchanting marine creatures. With the clear waters of Phuket, snorkelling offers you the most amazing view of the underwater world without the need to swim at all.
Snorkelling Locations: Laem Singh, Paradise Beach, Patong Beach, Ao Sane and Similan Islands
Best Time To Do: November to April
Level: Easy
3. Surfing
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Surfing is not a very explored water sport in Phuket; however, it is gaining popularity rapidly. For surfing, proper training and understanding of balance are needed. Many water sports shops even provide surfing lessons for beginners in Phuket. So, if you are in the mood to surf in Thailand, Phuket is your place to be. Some places rent out surfboards so you can ride the high waves that some of the beaches in Phuket are famous for.
Surfing Locations: Karon Beach, Kalim Beach, Bang Tao, Kata, Laem Singh, Kamala, Surin Beach, and Nai Harn
Best Time To Do: April to October
Level: Moderate to Difficult
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phuket For A Memorable Vacation
4. Sea Kayaking
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Sea kayaking is an exciting water sport in Phuket. It is very easy even for people who do not know swimming. Phuket, with its amazing islands, karsts, limestone caves that have stalagmites and stalactites, hongs, etc., is perfect for exploring through sea kayaking. If you do not want to kayak throughout, then guided tours are also available where you can sit back and enjoy while the guides paddle you through the natural beauty of Phuket. Sea Kayaking in Phuket will take you through the mangrove forests and enthralling view of the island along with the magnificent marine life and clean waters.
Sea Kayaking Locations: James Bond Island, Hong Island, and Phang Nga Bay
Best Time To Do: October to March
Level: Easy
5. Kitesurfing
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Kitesurfing is one of the most difficult and advanced levels of water sports in Phuket. It needs the understanding of balance as well as steering through the wind. In kitesurfing, you maintain your balance on the water on a soft board that is tied to a kite. You take advantage of the wind to steer the kite, which in turn helps you glide through the water. The most suitable time for this sport is during the monsoon winds, where you use the gushing high-speed wind to move through the waves.
Kitesurfing Locations: The Kite Zone at Muang Phuket, Kata Beach, Chalong Bay, and Kalim Beach
Best Time To Do: June to September
Level: Extremely Difficult
Suggested Read: Amazing Places To Visit In Phuket On Your Next Vacation
6. Wakeboarding
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Wakeboarding is a very difficult yet exciting water sport. It requires you to be completely aware of balancing yourself. This water sport involves you being on a wakeboard that is tied to a speed boat. Speed boats move very fast; thus, you must balance through the water at high speed. Phuket has a park specifically for wakeboarding, where people can practice and experience water sports in a safer environment. It is quite a difficult water sport, but once you get a grip on it, it is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Wakeboarding Locations: Palong Beach, Kathu, Karon and Thalang
Best Time To Do: October to May
Level: Difficult
7. Windsurfing
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Windsurfing is another difficult and advanced water sport offered in Phuket. It is a combination of surfing and sailing. In this sport, a windsurfing board similar to a surfboard is connected to a sail called the rig. This rig is used to let the wind navigate you through the waters while surfing. The size of the rig changes based on the surfer’s experience and the surface area of the windsurfing. This sport is also called “Sailboarding” or “Boardsailing”. This sport requires you to balance yourself on the water while controlling and taking advantage of the wind. It is popular during the monsoon season, which brings strong winds with it.
Windsurfing Locations: Rawai Beach
Best Time To Do: July to September
Level: Extremely Difficult
Suggested Read: Everything Travellers Need To Know About Phuket Nightlife
8. Flyboarding
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Flyboarding is a much newer introduction to the world of water sports and is gaining popularity in Phuket. It is one of the most difficult and advanced water sports and requires extreme balance. In this sport, you wear a gear on your feet, which is attached to a jet spray below. When the water gushes out, it helps you stay in the air and navigate. You have to manoeuvre yourself through the air by balancing the jet spray in a way that keeps you upright and helps you perform stunts.
Flyboarding Locations: Patong Beach
Best Time To Do: November to April
Level: Extremely Difficult
Phuket is a very popular location in Thailand. Its tranquil waters and amazing marine life make all water sports in Phuket an amazing experience for tourists. Whether you want to dive deep into the sea, or you want to ride the waves or flow through the tranquil waters, Phuket offers you everything. Plan a trip with TripXL and get to experience all the exciting water sports today.
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