Phuket Jetski Club — 9 Island Tour

Phuket's jet ski safaris all run east, into the sheltered water between the island and Phang Nga Bay. It is the calm side: the karst islands sit close together, the crossings are short, and the water stays workable when the west coast is closed out by monsoon swell. You ride in convoy behind a guide, with spacing rules and hand signals set out in the briefing, and the guide sets the pace to the slowest rider. The circuit takes in Rang Yai and Rang Noi, Phrae Island, Naka Yai and Naka Noi, Mali Island and Ao Po Grand Marina, with a run through the mangrove forest that feels nothing like the open bay — greener, quieter, and narrow enough to slow everyone down. Snorkelling is off Naka Yai. There is a stop at Monkey Island to watch the macaques from a respectful distance, and lunch is on Naka Noi. Three things separate this operator from the rest of the field. Damage insurance is included, not sold at the pier. A support boat follows the group, and a replacement machine is guaranteed within fifteen minutes if yours fails. Guides work in Thai, English, Russian, Chinese and Arabic. The price is quoted per jet ski, not per person. One machine carries a driver and a passenger, and the two can swap over during the day, so a couple books a single jet ski between them. Drivers must be 18 or over; child passengers must be at least 7. The route order changes with the tide and the weather.