Banana Beach Coral Island
Transport Guide

How to Get to Banana Beach Coral Island

Banana Beach sits on the eastern shore of Koh Hey, a 15-minute boat ride south of Phuket's Chalong Pier. Unlike the island's busier western beaches, it remains accessible only by private longtail or tour-operator speedboat — no public ferry docks here. This guide walks through departure points, transfer logistics and the boat types that serve the beach daily.

7 min read Updated 2026-09-16 Fact-checked
How to Get to Banana Beach Coral Island

Quick answer

Banana Beach on Koh Hey is reached exclusively by boat from Chalong Pier in southern Phuket, with most departures between 09:00 and 11:00. Private longtail charters take 15-20 minutes and cost 1,500-2,500 THB round-trip for up to six passengers, while packaged speedboat tours departing the same pier include the transfer as part of a day-trip itinerary. No public ferry service operates to Banana Beach; all access is arranged through tour operators or direct charter at the pier.

Koh Hey lies three kilometers off Phuket's southeastern coast, close enough that the ridgeline is visible from Rawai Beach on clear mornings. Banana Beach occupies a shallow cove on the island's Andaman-facing side, sheltered by limestone headlands that keep the water calm even when the western beaches take swell. The beach earned its name not from plantations but from the crescent curve of its sand, which tour operators began highlighting in the early 2010s as an alternative to the crowded swim zones at Coral Beach on the opposite shore. Reaching Banana Beach Koh Hey requires coordination with a boat operator, since no scheduled public ferry stops at the beach. Chalong Pier serves as the primary departure point, with longtail boats lining the southern jetties each morning. Private charters offer the most flexibility: you negotiate departure time, return window and drop-off point directly with the boat captain, and the vessel waits offshore or returns at your specified hour. Round-trip rates for a longtail carrying up to six passengers range from 1,500 to 2,500 THB depending on season and your bargaining position, with the crossing taking 15 to 20 minutes in typical sea conditions. Packaged day tours represent the other common route. These speedboat itineraries bundle Banana Beach with snorkeling stops at nearby reef sites and lunch service on the sand, departing Chalong Pier between 09:00 and 10:00 and returning mid-afternoon. The tours handle transfers, equipment and National Park fees — Koh Hey falls within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi zone — so independent travelers comparing costs should account for those additions when weighing a charter against a group departure. Access to Banana Beach Coral Island tightens during the southwest monsoon season, roughly June through October, when sea conditions force some operators to suspend service or reroute to the island's more protected western landings. The beach remains open year-round under its 09:00-18:00 schedule, but advance confirmation with your chosen operator during the monsoon months prevents wasted pier time. Morning departures secure the calmest crossing and the least crowded stretch of sand, since tour boats from Patong and Kata begin arriving closer to midday.

“The crescent earned its name not from plantations but from the curve of sand visible to tour boats rounding the eastern headland.”
Directions

How To Get To Banana Beach Coral Island By Boat

Banana Beach is located on Koh Hey, a small island situated off the southern coast of Phuket. Access is exclusively managed via boat transfers from mainland Phuket piers.

Boat 15–20 min

Charter or organized tour from Chalong Pier

Taxi Varies by location

Travel to Chalong Pier or Rawai area for boat departure

Car Varies by location

Drive to Chalong Pier, 44/1 Moo 5, Viset Road

Travelers should coordinate boat arrangements with authorized operators in advance, as private boat access is the standard method for reaching the beach.

Opening hours

Opening Hours For How To Get To Banana Beach Coral Island

Banana Beach on Koh Hey operates on a consistent schedule throughout the week to accommodate visitors. The beach is open daily to facilitate logistics for those planning their trip.

Monday
09:00–18:00
Tuesday
09:00–18:00
Wednesday
09:00–18:00
Thursday
09:00–18:00
Friday
09:00–18:00
Saturday
09:00–18:00
Sunday
09:00–18:00
Visitors should coordinate their return boat transfers with their tour operator to align with the 18:00 closing time.
Prices

Entrance Fees When Learning How To Get To Banana Beach Coral Island

Banana Beach on Coral Island does not charge a mandatory entrance fee for visitors. Financial planning for your visit revolves entirely around the cost of private boat transport and selected tour arrangements.

Entrance Fee Access is free for all visitors
0 THB
Boat Transfer Price depends on departure point and speed
Varies by operator
Access to the beach is free of charge for all visitors regardless of age.

Verdict: While the entry fee is 0 THB, travelers should expect to pay for boat transfers, which vary in cost based on the chosen operator and vessel type.

Checklist

Checklist For How To Get To Banana Beach Coral Island

A short checklist to ensure your boat trip and beach day run smoothly.

Book

Check availability

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about how to get to banana beach

Everything you need to know about how to get to banana beach coral island

How to get to banana beach coral island?

Travelers typically utilize private boat tour operators to reach the island from Phuket. Learning how to get to banana beach coral island involves coordinating with these local sea transport providers for a smooth transfer.

Is there an entrance fee for Banana Beach?

The entrance fee is 0 THB as the beach provides free entry to visitors. Access is managed via private boat tour operators who facilitate arrival at this scenic coastal destination.

What is the best arrival window to visit Koh Hey?

To ensure a quieter experience and avoid the mid-day influx of tour boats, plan your arrival between 09:00–11:00. This early timeframe is the best arrival window for guests looking to enjoy the beach before peak hours.

Are there specific hours I can visit the beach?

The beach is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 throughout the week. You may plan your visit on any day from Monday through Sunday within these operational hours.

How do I arrange transport to this Phuket landmark?

You can book passage through verified boat operators who service the island regularly. Researching how to get to banana beach coral island through official channels ensures you have reliable maritime transit.

Can I visit the beach with children?

Yes, families often visit the island, though it is important to check with your boat operator regarding safety gear for children. Knowing how to get to banana beach coral island safely with kids requires choosing reputable transport services.

What is the most common mistake when visiting the island?

A common mistake is arriving late in the day when the tide may shift or boat schedules become less frequent. Arriving during the recommended morning hours helps visitors avoid the largest crowds and maximizes their time on the sand.

Keep reading

More guides & pages