Glowing Plankton Tour from Phuket

What is bioluminescent plankton

Tiny marine organisms in the bay give off a pale glow when the water is disturbed. After sunset you set off by kayak and see flashes of blue light around your hands and paddle. It is a natural phenomenon that depends on many conditions, so seeing a strong glow is never guaranteed — think of it as a bit of a lottery rather than a guaranteed show. In total darkness the plankton looks like a faint white shimmer; cameras only capture it with UV lights.

The common part of the day

All three options share the evening program in Phang Nga Bay: a longtail boat ride through the mangroves starting around four in the afternoon, a view of James Bond Island from the water, a landing at Diamond Cave, sunset on a cozy beach and then kayaking among the glowing plankton before returning to the pier.

How to choose your option

Plankton Glow + White Temple is the latest start. Before heading to the bay you visit the new White Temple in the north of Phuket and stop at the beach where planes fly low overhead. Plankton Glow + Hot Springs leaves earlier and adds thermal hot springs at Hotspring Beach Resort with direct access to the sea. In both of these, you choose between the Samet Nangshe viewpoint and the glass Beyond Skywalk; the skywalk costs extra and the price applies only if you select it when booking.

Plankton Glow + ATVs is the most active version: after the plane-spotting beach you ride ATVs through jungle and coconut plantations, have a Thai-style lunch and then visit Samet Nangshe viewpoint before the boat trip.

Practical tips

Pickup is from your Phuket hotel and you are back at the pier around half past seven in the evening. Bring swimwear, insect repellent and a waterproof pouch for your phone. The route order and timings can be adjusted by the captain and guide. To book, message the GoGo Phuket manager in chat or WhatsApp.