Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia and around the globe because it has so much to offer. From white sandy beaches, pulsating beach clubs, and wonderful cultural attractions, the island has something for every kind of traveler.
For thrill-seekers, Phuket has a lot of land-based and water-based activities that will surely satisfy the adventurous spirit in you. Make the most of your Phuket holiday vacation by trying these thrilling adventure sports while you’re in island paradise.
1. Surfing
The waves of Phuket aren’t so huge, so it’s an ideal destination for surfing beginners who want to try and experience the thrill of this activity. The best time to ride the waves of Phuket is during its low season which is from May to October. The beaches of Nai Harn, Kata, and Kamala beaches are some of the best places to surf on the island.
Where to try it: Phuket Surfing School in Kata Beach, Skyla’s Surf & SUP Club in Choeng Thale
2. Flowboarding
If you’re not quite ready for real surfing in the open sea, then flowboarding is the closest you’ll get to hitting the waves. A FlowRider wave machine generates and simulates a perfectly consistent sheet of water for riders of all skill levels and ages. If balancing is a challenge, you can ride a bodyboard while lying on your stomach or on your knees. Aside from being able to ride during any season, the best thing about flowboarding is its gradual learning curve, even allowing non-swimmers to experience the fun of riding a board on water.
Where to try it: Surf House in Patong and Kata Beach
3. Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) Boarding
Try a new way of surfing the waves with stand-up paddleboarding, or simply SUP. It’s much easier to learn than surfing, but it can also be just as fun. SUP boarding is a kind of water sport where the surfer stands up on a board and uses a paddle to propel him through the water. This is also actually one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world so it’s worth a try.
Where to try it: Skyla’s Surf & SUP Club in Choeng Thale
4. Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is a water-skiing activity where the rider stands on a shortboard while being towed at high-speed by a motorboat. The basics of this sport are easy to learn but more advanced tricks and techniques can be quite challenging to master. There are many wakeboarding parks in Phuket where you can practice this exhilarating water sport under the guidance of professionals, in the safety of a controlled environment.
Where to try it: Phuket Wake Park in Kathu
5. Kite Surfing
Kite Surfing is another sport that goes well with the calm waters of Phuket’s beaches. It is an extreme water sport that involves using a board and a kite to propel the rider across the water. Perfect for adrenaline-seekers, kite surfing takes a bit of practice and a lot of courage. The shallow beaches of Phuket’s south-eastern coast are great for practicing newbies, while its northern coast beaches are best for pros who want to do some acrobatics while surfing for added thrill and excitement.
Where to try it: KBA Kiteboarding Asia in Chalong, KiteZone Phuket in Chalong
6. Parasailing
Soaring high above the sparkling waters of Phuket as you take in majestic views of the island is definitely one way of getting your adrenaline rush. In parasailing, a parachute will be strapped on to you so you can soar up into the air while attached to a speedboat. Many parasailing operators can be found along Patong Beach.
Where to try it: Superton Patong Beach Parasailing
7. Flyboarding
Flyboarding is a water sport that uses a fly board attached to a speed boat, where the rider can soar as high as 15 meters above the water. It is made for adventurous travelers who want an exhilarating beach experience. This is one of the most difficult water sports to master but it gets more and more fun as you learn more mid-air tricks like backflips and summersaults.
Where to try it: Patong Beach
8. Scuba Diving
Phuket boasts of some of the best diving destinations in the region so making this activity part of your vacation on the island is going to be worth it. There are many diving tours offered in Phuket that are perfect for novice and experienced divers alike. These spots include the beautiful Phi Phi and Racha Islands, the mesmerizing shipwreck of King Cruiser near Anemone Reef, and Shark Point where one can chance upon majestic Leopard sharks. Experience an extraordinary diving experience.
Where to try it: H2O Sportz in Phuket Town, All 4 Diving Phuket in Patong
9. Snorkeling
When you want to skip putting on complete diving gear and undergoing basic diving lessons, you can opt to go snorkeling instead. It’s an easier and more practical way of exploring the colorful reefs and diverse marine biodiversity of Phuket. The nearby islands are the best spots for snorkeling, including Similan Islands, Phi Phi, Coral Island, and Koh Khai.
Where to try it: Siam Adventure World in Koh Kaew
10. Ziplining
Take a break from Phuket’s pristine beaches and discover the beauty of its forests in a fun and exciting way through ziplining. The raw beauty of Phuket’s lush and verdant jungles will surely leave nature lovers and adventure-seekers in awe. Ziplining is also suitable for adventurers as young as 4 years old, making it a perfect family activity that everyone will surely remember.
Where to try it: Flying Hanuman in Kathu
11. Bungee Jumping
Taking a leap 50 meters above Phuket’s beautiful jungle lagoon is definitely made for those who seek adrenaline-pumping activities. Bungee jumping is an extreme activity where one takes a plunge from a height that is comparable to a 15-storey building. This activity can really challenge one’s courage but the experience will definitely be worth it.
Where to try it: Jungle Bungy Jump in Kathu
12. ATV
Explore the unseen side of Phuket as you take an exhilarating ride through its jungles. The experience combines the excitement of riding a quad bike, taking in scenic views of the island, and discovering secret waterfalls along the way. Getting a bit of mud and dirt on your clothes along the way is very likely but that’s also part of the fun.
Where to try it: Phuket ATV in Si Sunthon
13. Dirt Biking
Get your adrenaline pumping by trying out dirt biking in Phuket. Here, you can experience all the thrills you can imagine, from challenging and bumpy tracks, the loud sound of engines roaring, and riding at hair-raising speeds.
Where to try it: Motorcross Phuket in Chalong, Phuket Extreme Enduro in Patong
Featured Image: phuketkiteschool.com
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