Snorkelling

Crystal clear waters, beautiful coral reefs and a prolific marine life –it’s an underwater paradise. Snorkelling can be done all-year-round, but the best time is between November and April when there’s very little rain and the sea is calm. Freedom Beach, Laem Sing Beach, Ao Sane Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Paradise Beach and Tri Trang Beach all offer good snorkelling. Coral Island, Racha Island, Kai Island, Phi Phi Islands and the Similans, can each be visited in a day. For some you’ll need an early start and a fast boat that’ll set you back about 1,500 baht for the round trip.

Sea Canoes
Make a silent exploration of beautiful coastal bays and caves. Professional guides make the whole delightful experience convenient and safe – even for young children. For more information call +66 (0)76 212172 or visit www.seacanoe.net which has detailed location maps on the picture gallery link.

Phuket Butterfly Garden
This is a place of endless educational possibilities. Here you can learn more about the miraculous miniature world of insects and butterflies. Relax in the garden, where there are literally thousands of butterflies filling the air, or busy seeking pollen among the tropical blooms. Located in Soi Paneung in the Sam Kong area, the garden is a 5-minute drive from Tesco Lotus. Take the road towards Phuket City and it’s on the lefthand side. There’s a large sign indicating the turning. Entrance for children under ten years is 150 baht; adults and kids over ten years pay 300 baht. The garden’s open daily from 09:00 until 17:00 hours (last admission). For more information ring +66 (0)76 210861 or visit www.phuketbutterfly.com

Whitewater Rafting and Elephant Treks
This eco-friendly adventure activity is another ‘must-do’ experience. All these activities are organised on the mainland in the Phang Nga area about two hours away by road. Be sure to bring a change of clothes because you’re guaranteed to get wet. The organisers often include an elephant ride as part of the package. Treks last for about half-an-hour and the beasts can carry three people, plus the mahout. A word of warning, the trip involves lots of swaying and bumping. Exploring virgin rain forest was never going to be easy. You can do rafting all year round but, for reasons which should be obvious, the best time to go is during the rainy season – that’s from June through November. For more information, call +66 (0)76 246284 or
+66 (0)76 244940 or visit www.phangnga-rafting.com.