REVIEW · PHUKET
Koh Rok and Koh Ha Private Boat Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by 5 Star Marine · Bookable on Viator
Clear water beats the big-island hype. This private Koh Rok and Koh Ha day trip from Phuket is built around Koh Ha snorkeling and a private speedboat day plan that keeps things smooth and personal. I love the standout reef time and the way the crew sets you up with real comfort touches early on, like drinks and towels, before you even hit the water. One thing to plan for: the price doesn’t include the national park fee or lunch, so your final total changes based on how many adults and kids are in your group.
I also like the “why here?” logic. You’re heading into Mu Ko Lanta National Park, just south of Koh Lanta, where the water can be crystal clear and the coral-and-fish action feels less crowded than the more famous Phuket-area island stops. The day runs about 6 to 8 hours, and pickup plus a mobile ticket means you can spend less time guessing and more time in the mask.
In This Review
- Koh Rok and Koh Ha: a quieter snorkeling day in Mu Ko Lanta National Park
- Price and value: what $1,637.49 per group actually buys
- The 5 Star Marine start: check in, coffee, towels, then go
- Koh Ha Island: the longer snorkeling hit with top marine life
- Koh Rok Noi: beach picnic lunch and a real break from the boat
- Clear-water snorkeling off Koh Rok Noi and Koh Rok Yai
- Koh Rang Yai: unwind with fruit, light refreshments, and shore time
- What’s included, what’s not, and what you should pack
- Timing, pickup, and how weather affects the plan
- Who should book this private Koh Rok and Koh Ha tour
- Should you book: Koh Rok and Koh Ha with 5 Star Marine?
- FAQ
- How long is the Koh Rok and Koh Ha Private Boat Tour?
- Is pickup included?
- What is the maximum group size?
- What snorkeling items come with the tour?
- Is lunch included?
- Do I need to pay a national park fee?
- What times does the tour operate?
- What if weather is poor?
Koh Rok and Koh Ha: a quieter snorkeling day in Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Phuket is full of “snorkel tours,” but Koh Rok and Koh Ha feel different because the focus is the marine world, not the photo ops. These islands sit in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, and the payoff is strong: excellent visibility, colorful corals, and plenty of marine life close to where you enter the water. In-season, you can also regularly see whale sharks in the wider area between these islands—so yes, there’s a chance for something special, not just pretty fish.
What makes this tour especially appealing is the vibe. Instead of racing through a lineup of islands with everyone else, this is a private group setup (up to 15 people). That changes how the day feels. You’re more likely to get a calm rhythm: gear ready, water time planned, and breaks built around the sea conditions and your group’s pace.
Price and value: what $1,637.49 per group actually buys

This tour is priced at $1,637.49 per group for up to 15 people, booked on average 11 days in advance. At first glance, it looks pricey. But for a private boat day that includes snorkeling gear, bottled water, onboard snacks, and private transportation, it starts making sense—especially if your group would otherwise pay for separate tickets or squeeze into crowded speedboats.
Here’s the value math you should do before you book:
- Included: snorkeling equipment, snacks, soda/pop, bottled water, onboard restroom access, and private transport.
- Not included: lunch and the national park fee.
The park fee matters because it’s not a tiny add-on. You’ll pay 500 THB per adult and 250 THB per child. When you add that to lunch (not included), your real total depends on your group mix. If you’re traveling as a family or with kids, this is where the decision usually gets clearer.
Also, this is a 6 to 8 hour outing. That’s a full day, which is the main reason private snorkeling trips can be expensive. You’re paying for boat time, guide help, and less hassle—not just the moment you’re floating in the water.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Phuket
The 5 Star Marine start: check in, coffee, towels, then go

Your day begins at the 5 Star Marine offices. You check in, get a complete tour briefing, and grab coffee, tea, or a cool drink. The staff also helps you store any luggage you don’t need for the water time. It’s a small detail, but it matters in practice: less scrambling later, and your brain can focus on the sea.
This company’s service style shows up in the way the day is paced. In past departures, people have highlighted how hospitality feels genuine—cold water, towels ready, and a friendly guide who explains what to expect. Even if you’re confident in your snorkeling skills, clear instructions help you get more out of the water time (less finning around, more time watching the reef).
Koh Ha Island: the longer snorkeling hit with top marine life

After boarding, you transfer to Koh Haa by VIP speedboat. The ride to the island is about 90 minutes, and your time there is around 2.5 hours.
This is the “go time” snorkel stop on the route. Koh Haa is known as a top snorkeling location within VIP speedboat distance from Phuket, and the goal here is simple: spend enough time in the water to actually see the reef life, not just do a quick splash-and-go.
What to expect at Koh Haa:
- Plenty of time in the water, not rushed.
- A strong chance of colorful marine life and corals.
- A rhythm that typically feels better for first-time snorkelers too, because there’s time to get comfortable and then explore.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants one really solid snorkeling stop, this is the one. You’ll feel it in the overall pacing of the day—this place sets the tone.
Koh Rok Noi: beach picnic lunch and a real break from the boat

Once you finish at Koh Haa, you head next toward Koh Rok Noi, with a shorter boat hop of about 30 minutes.
Then comes a highlight for many people: the crew helps set up picnic lunch on soft, white sandy beach time. This is where the tour stops being only about snorkeling and starts being about the full island experience. You get that classic “beach reset” feeling—salt air, sand underfoot, and a break before the next set of water activities.
Important planning note: lunch isn’t included in the tour price. The crew handles the picnic setup, but you should expect to pay for lunch separately. If you’re traveling with kids, this matters because timing and energy level will depend on getting fed.
If you want a tour that balances reef time with actual downtime, Koh Rok Noi does that job.
Clear-water snorkeling off Koh Rok Noi and Koh Rok Yai

After lunch, you go to 1 or 2 clear-water snorkeling locations off the beach area of Koh Rok Noi and Koh Rok Yai. Your snorkeling window here is about 1.5 hours.
This is a smart structure. Instead of one long, tiring water session, you get multiple chances. That often helps you see more, because conditions and fish activity can change within a few hours. It also helps your body: fewer hours in full gear at once, more time to rest, rehydrate, and then go again.
In these waters, you’re looking for colorful coral and marine life close enough to enjoy without constant swimming. If the first snorkeling stop is exciting, this one is where you can slow down and actually pay attention—watch behavior, not just shapes.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Phuket
Koh Rang Yai: unwind with fruit, light refreshments, and shore time

The last island segment takes you to Ko Rang Yai, where you can sit on the beach and relax. Your time here is about 1.5 hours, and you’ll have fresh fruit and light refreshments.
This is a good ending for a snorkeling-heavy day. You’re done with the hard part—gear work and water focus—so it’s easier to enjoy the setting. It also gives you a moment to dry off properly and mentally process what you saw. Even if you’re already thinking about your next dive in Thailand, this shore time helps keep the day from feeling like a nonstop schedule.
What’s included, what’s not, and what you should pack

The tour includes:
- Snorkeling equipment
- Snacks and soda/pop
- Bottled water
- Onboard restroom
- Private transportation
- Admission is listed as included for key parts of the day (but not the national park fee)
The tour does not include:
- Lunch
- National park fee: 500 THB per adult, 250 THB per child
For packing, keep it practical:
- Bring swimwear you can easily change into.
- Sunscreen and a hat matter; long sun hours are likely.
- A waterproof phone pouch can be worth it if you like photos between snorkels.
- If you’re sensitive to boat rides, consider motion-sickness support ahead of time (the day involves speedboat travel, including a 90-minute transfer).
And one more thought: even though snacks and drinks are provided, you’ll want lunch handled before you run out of energy—especially if you’re with kids or you’re not used to spending hours in the sun.
Timing, pickup, and how weather affects the plan

The tour operates with hours listed from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday. That means you’re likely starting early enough to get into the day’s best light and travel windows.
Pickup is offered, and you’ll use a mobile ticket. In practice, that’s helpful because you spend less time hunting for details at the dock.
One more reality check: the experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund. That’s not a flaw—it’s how island days work. If you book close to the end of your Thailand trip, leave wiggle room.
Who should book this private Koh Rok and Koh Ha tour
This tour fits best if you want:
- High-quality snorkeling across multiple stops (Koh Ha first, then Koh Rok areas)
- A private group setup with time for beach breaks, not just a quick churn of islands
- Less crowded-feeling island time than the most famous routes
- A crew-led day with lots of support, including gear use and a guided pace
It’s also a strong choice for families who want a calm, managed experience, since the day includes snacks and restroom access onboard. If you’re traveling as a couple, private tours can also be a value play—especially if you’d rather pay once for a comfortable setup than split into other plans.
If you’re traveling solo, it can still work, but you’ll want to make sure the group/private pricing matches your budget because the cost is per group, not per person.
Should you book: Koh Rok and Koh Ha with 5 Star Marine?
If your dream day is crystal-clear water, colorful coral, and snorkeling that lasts long enough to matter, I’d say yes, consider booking this tour. The combination of Koh Ha’s snorkeling reputation, Koh Rok’s soft beach lunch break, and the extra snorkeling rounds around Koh Rok Noi and Yai gives you more than one way to win.
Book it especially if:
- you want a private day without the chaos
- you care about reef time more than island-hopping checklists
- you’re okay planning for the national park fee and lunch cost
Skip it or reconsider if:
- you’re trying to keep your total budget to an all-in single price (park fee + lunch will add cost)
- you don’t have flexibility for weather changes
- you’re only looking for a quick snorkel with minimal boat time (this day is longer)
FAQ
How long is the Koh Rok and Koh Ha Private Boat Tour?
The tour duration is about 6 to 8 hours.
Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered.
What is the maximum group size?
This is a private tour/activity, and the group size can be up to 15 people.
What snorkeling items come with the tour?
Snorkeling equipment is included.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Do I need to pay a national park fee?
Yes. The national park fee is 500 THB per adult and 250 THB per child.
What times does the tour operate?
The opening hours are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.
What if weather is poor?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.




































