Visiting Phuket with kids is easier than many parents expect. The island is full of calm bays, sandy beaches and short boat rides, and a well-organised day tour takes care of the hard parts for you: hotel pick-up, life jackets, lunch and a guide who knows the route. This guide explains which of our tours work best for families, what ages they suit, how child prices work and how to keep a long day at sea fun for everyone.
Why Phuket with kids works so well
Phuket is a family-friendly destination because almost everything on a day trip is organised for you. You do not need to rent a car, find a pier or worry about lunch. On all our tours we collect you from your hotel lobby on Phuket Island and bring you back in the afternoon or evening, so children can rest in the car before and after the boat ride.
Our team at Hola Tour Company has been running trips around Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga for more than 20 years. Families are some of our favourite guests, and our crews are used to helping small passengers on and off the boats.
Best family-friendly tours from Phuket
Here is a quick comparison to help you choose. All three tours include hotel transfers and an English-speaking guide.
| Tour | Best for | Length | Kid highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Bond Island | Calm water and adventure | About 9 hours | Canoeing through sea caves, a floating village lunch, beach time |
| Phi Phi & Bamboo Island | Older kids who love the sea | About 9 hours | Monkey Beach, snorkeling, white-sand beaches |
| Phuket City Tour | Families who prefer dry land | About 6 hours | Big Buddha, sea views, colourful Old Town streets |
James Bond Island: canoes, caves and a floating village
The James Bond Island tour is often the top pick for families. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered by dozens of limestone islands, and the day mixes short speedboat rides with plenty of stops. Kids usually love sitting in a canoe while the crew paddles them through low sea caves into hidden lagoons. You can read more about this part of the day in our guide to sea canoeing in Phang Nga Bay.
Lunch is at a floating restaurant on Koh Panyee, a village built on stilts over the water, which children find fascinating. After visiting Khao Phing Kan and James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), the day ends with free time to swim and relax on the beach at Palm Beach Club on Koh Yao. Pick-up is around 09:00–09:30 and you are back at Royal Phuket Marina at about 17:30, so it is a long but relaxed day.
Phi Phi & Bamboo Island: beaches and snorkeling
The Phi Phi & Bamboo Island tour is a great choice for confident older children who enjoy swimming. Highlights include Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don and snorkeling at Bamboo Island. Snorkel masks and life jackets are included. Keep in mind that the trip involves longer speedboat rides over open sea and an early start, with hotel pick-up from about 07:30. Please note this tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year old.
Not sure which island trip fits your family? Our comparison of James Bond Island vs Phi Phi goes through the differences in more detail.
Phuket City Tour: a day without boats
If your children are very young or do not like boats, the Phuket City Tour morning program is an easy half-day option in an air-conditioned vehicle. You visit Promthep Cape, the Big Buddha, a scenic viewpoint and the colourful streets of Phuket Old Town. Remember that shoulders and knees must be covered at the Big Buddha, for adults and children alike.
Child prices and age rules
- Island tours: 2,800 THB per adult and 2,100 THB per child.
- Who pays the child price: children aged 4–10. Guests aged 11 and over pay the adult price.
- Children under 4: please send us a WhatsApp message before booking so we can advise you.
- City tour: 3,500 THB per person, or 2,500 THB per person for groups of 4 or more, which often suits families.
Island tour prices include hotel transfer, lunch and soft drinks, life jackets, the national park fee and insurance.
Tips for a happy family day at sea
- Sun protection: pack reef-friendly sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and a light long-sleeved top for each child.
- Snacks and water: lunch and soft drinks are included, but a few familiar snacks help between stops.
- Spare clothes and towels: kids will get wet, so bring a dry set for the ride home.
- A waterproof bag: keep phones, cameras and documents dry on the speedboat.
- Sit near the back of the boat: the ride is usually smoother there for little ones.
- Rest well the night before: full-day tours start early and end late.
Speedboat tours are not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back, neck or heart problems. Life jackets are provided for everyone on board, including children.
Booking and flexible cancellation
Please book at least 2 days before your tour date. Plans with children can change quickly, so our policy is flexible: cancel 48 hours or more before the tour for a full refund, or 24–48 hours before for a 50% refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refundable. If we cancel because of bad weather or rough seas, you can choose a new date or a full refund.
FAQ: Phuket with kids
What is the best island tour for young children?
For most families, the James Bond Island tour is the easiest choice. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered, the boat rides between stops are short, and canoeing, the floating village and beach time keep kids busy all day.
Can babies join the boat tours?
The Phi Phi & Bamboo Island tour is not suitable for babies under 1 year old. For any child under 4, please message us on WhatsApp before booking and we will help you choose the right trip.
Do you provide life jackets for children?
Yes. Life jackets are included for every guest on our island tours, and the crew will help children put them on before each boat ride or canoe trip.
Plan your family trip with Hola Phuket
Ready to show your kids the best of Phuket? Choose your tour, book at least 2 days ahead and leave the rest to us. If you have questions about ages, pick-up or which trip suits your family, send us a message on WhatsApp and our team will be happy to help.