Activities and price benchmarks
| Activity | Price benchmark | Duration | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet ski | 1,000 to 1,500 baht per 30 minutes (one guide); 1,500 to 2,500 (another) | 30 minutes | Driver minimum 15 years old per one listing; damage scam in Patong |
| Parasailing | 600 to 1,000 baht (one guide); 1,500 baht adult, 1,200 child (another) | A few minutes of flight | Minimum age 10 and 50 kg for one Patong operator |
| Banana boat | Included in packages | Short | 2 to 6 people |
| Shared Patong package (parasailing, jet ski, banana boat, storm boat) | About 26 dollars per adult | About 30 minutes | Online booking, free cancellation on one listing |
The jet ski scam
- The pattern described by guides: you are given a jet ski that is already damaged, then asked for a very large sum on return. Complaints are mostly in Patong.
- Authorities have stated 322 registered jet skis, limited to set zones: 170 at Patong beach and 38 at Kata-Karon.
- Before leaving: film or photograph every side of the machine with the operator beside it, and get the total price in writing.
- Kata and Karon attract more established operators according to one guide. See also scams and safety in Phuket.
Which option to choose
- Least risky: a package booked online, 10 to 20% cheaper than the beach price according to one guide.
- Thrills: parasailing, calmer than a jet ski.
- Families: banana boat, safer than a jet ski.
- For beaches, see Patong beach and Kata beach. For other water outings, see snorkelling in Phuket.
