Phuket Watersports

Sea Canoeing

The strange and beautiful limestone scenery of Phang Nga has hundreds of tiny islands, many uninhabited, which contain hidden caves, tunnels and interior lagoons - known locally as "hongs." Exploring the area by sea canoe/kayak is a safe and peaceful way to see this fascinating world, with minimum disturbance to the natural habitat.

Snorkelling

With an abundance of colourful marine life, warm waters and easy access, Phuket and its nearby islands are ideal for snorkeling. Swim among parrotfish, clownfish, needlefish, damselfish and surgeonfish, and you may even spot an octopus or two peeking out from under a rock.

The Phi Phi Islands are an outstanding snorkel destination, with an incredible variety of tropical fish and bright coral. Join a day tour or arrange a private boat charter - trips run every day, year round. Closer to Phuket are the Coral Island, Racha, and Khai Nok islands, each featuring clear waters and abundant marine life just offshore. A bit further away are the spectacular Similan Islands. The Similans are world-famous for diving but snorkelling in this pristine marine wonderland is a fine experience too.

Surfing

During Phuket's monsoon season (May-October), the normally placid sea churns up enough to give surfers and boogie boarders a nice ride. All of the action is found along the west coast beaches. Local surfers say Kalim (just north of Patong), Kata and Nai Harn are the best surfing beaches, while some try their luck at Kamala, Surin or Nai Yang beaches. Board rental available at some beaches.

Waterskiing & Wakeboarding

Off Phuket's beaches, waterskiing and wakeboarding are seasonal, with the May-October southwest monsoon discouraging the sport on the exposed western side. Weather permitting, though, skiboats on Patong Beach may occasionally venture out even in this season. From mid-November on till May, however, the seas are generally calm and the surf slight -- ideal for skiing and boarding. Check with the speedboat operators along the beach for equipment and boat rental.

For year-round skiing and boarding, Phuket Waterski and Cableways Park (tel: 076 202 525-7) is operating on a small lake near the Kathu Waterfall. You don't need a boat and you don't have to worry about inclement sea conditions. Up to 15 skiers can enjoy cable skiing at any one time. Equipment rental available on site.

Hobie cat sailing

Phuket's sheltered bays provide great conditions for learning to sail with the small Hobie catamarans. Try one of the beach operators on all of the major beaches if your hotel doesn't have cats or dinghies.

The November-May northeast monsoon season, in particular, provides steady winds with flat seas and clean, clear water. Peak season for winds is November-February. From mid-May till late October, heavy seas off the Indian Ocean and squalls sometimes make the sport ill-advised for all but the most experienced. Operators are reluctant to rent out equipment when there's a heavy surf.

Windsurfing

Of the 16 beaches on the west coast of Phuket, at least 8 offer windsurfing facilities. Rawai Beach is known to have steady winds during December and January.

Patong has one windsurfing rental on the beach, facing the Holiday Inn Phuket. Lessons are available for beginners. The quality of equipment of instruction is sometimes better at the big hotels, mainly in Bang Tao Beach, although some of the independent operators offer fine services as well.

Phuket can be a good destination both for windsurfing enthusiasts and for people who want to try it for the first time. During the November-May northeast monsoon season in particular, steady winds together with flat seas combine with clean, clear water and superb scenery to make this a rewarding experience. From mid-May till late October, high winds and heavy seas may make conditions too rough for all but the most experienced windsurfers.

Kite Surfing

The daring sport of kite surfing has now made its way to Phuket, and the spectacle of superfast surfers gliding across the bay and launching themselves into the air is an exciting addition to the usual sights offshore. With several shallow bays and many days with consistent wind speeds of 10-20 knots, especially in the high season, Phuket is a good place to learn the sport. Some of the more open bays such as Nai Yang provide challenging conditions for intermediate to advanced kide surfers. Instruction and equipment rental available.

Jet skiing & Parasailing

Available for hire at most of the major beaches, jet skiing and parasailing are fun and popular activities. However, beyond providing life jackets there is little regard for safety and, on Patong Beach in particular, speedboats and jetskis can be seen navigating dangerously close to swimmers. At best this is an annoyance, but there are a number of people who have had their holiday fun cut short by a serious accident. Unless you are confident that the boat, equipment and, most importantly, the crew are safe and professional, jet skiing and parasailing are not recommended.

Sailing

Phuket is one of the premier sailing destinations of Asia. Chartering anything from a small bare-boat through to luxury crewed vessels in the hundred feet range is possible. Relax and sunbathe on the decks and let expert sailors take you to their secret locations, or be adventurous and discover the area on your own using the guides provided. Safe anchorages are numerous in Phang Nga Bay and among the islands southeast of Phuket.

Fishing

Game fishing in Phuket is an exciting, year-round activity. The Andaman Sea has an abundance of deep sea fighting fish including dorado, tuna, sailfish and marlin, while sea bass, barracuda, giant trevally, queenfish and mangrove jack are found closer to shore. Fishing multi-day liveaboard trips and one-day excursions are available, and can be arranged to suit any skill level or budget.