Phuket diving: fishing activities and sightseeing
tours
 At
sea, on land, or even above it, Phuket's remarkable range of sports,
tours, diversions and adventures guarantee a fun-packed holiday
for all.
In the water or out, the Andaman Sea and Phangnga Bay offer an unrivalled
selection of watersports, including deep-sea fishing that would
give Hemingway a thrill, and snorkelling and Scuba diving that would
take Cousteau's breath away. There is also sea-canoeing into spectacular
hollow island escarpments and enchanting yachting experiences that
have not only made these waters world famous, but also helped make
Phuket one of Asia's premier yachting destinations, with yachts
from every continent represented in the bays and marinas of the
island.
On shore, Phuket's thrills and adventures are just as numerous.
Gallop gracefully across the sand on a horse from one of Phuket's
several riding stables, or take a trek into the island's jungles
aboard an elephant. Hike through the primordial forest of Khao Phra
Tieow, or mountain bike along the winding hill roads. Play 18, 36
or 72 holes of golf at any of the four world-class golf clubs, or
putt a little easier at the Mini-golf park in Kata. Take a leap
of faith at the island's Bungy Jump centre or - if speed is your
thing - roar around Phuket's Go-Kart track.
In fact, with so much to do on and around Phuket, booking a longer
stay may be advisable - just to give yourself time to fit it all
in.
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Scuba Diving
 Expeditions
regularly leave Phuket for dives around neighbouring islands,
and further afield, most particularly around the enduringly
popular Phi Phi Islands in neighbouring Krabi province, some
2 hours east of Phuket, and the Similan Islands, some 110
km northwest of Phuket, and the Raya Islands, 1-3 hours due
south of Phuket, depending on the type of boat.
Yachting
Phuket is a natural base for sailing. This Singapore-sized
island is packed with accommodation facilities and yachting
services for all kinds. There are scores of uninhabited islands
to explore and despite the many attractions, the Andaman Sea
has yet to become congested with boat traffic.
Water Skiing
Popular at Patong on a half-hour or hourly basis. Automated
cable water-skiing is available at the Phuket Waterski Cableway
in Kathu.
Mountain Biking
One of the many advantages of biking on Phuket are the many
well-surfaced roads that wind through beautiful green hills,
rubber plantations and tropical rainforest. The scenic road
along the coastline from one white-sanded beach to another
is a world-class journey that should not be missed.
Canoeing
This form of eco-tourism is available in several forms, as
popular one-day tours, or more extended tours involving overnight
camping on island beachs, and occurs principally in the neighbouring
Phangnga Bay and Krabi, where mangrove swamps and island grottoes
are accessible only by canoe.
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Fishing
 Daily
tours are available, making early morning departures and late
afternoon re-turns, mostly to lesser islands to fish for Red
Snappers, Rainbow Runners and other game fish.
Windsurfing
This popular sport is enjoyed at most major beaches. Boards
may be rented by the hour, half-day, full day or week. Expert
tuition from Thai teachers is free.
Snorkelling
This can be enjoyed in sheltered bays all around Phuket. It
is particularly enjoyable at easily accessible reefs at Patong,
Karon and Kata beaches. Snorkelling equipment, fins, mask
and snorkel, can be rented on a daily basis from shops all
over the island.
Bungee Jump
Take the plunge, or catapult, and view life from a completely
different angle, with insurance! There is only one Bungee
jump/Catapult in Phuket on the Kathu to Town road.
Elephant Trekking
Phuket Island still has one sizable tract of virgin rain forest,
as well as lots more secondary tropical forest growth. On
the neighboring mainland, Khao Sok National Park offers extensive
forests, rivers, an enormous lake, caves and fascinating flora
and fauna, including a few wild tigers that still inhabit
the more remote areas. Jungle trekking makes an excellent
option in the summer season from May to October, when the
forests are at their greenest.
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