While visiting my in-laws in Phuket, Captain Gordon, Uan and Margot took us out on River Rover. We had an excellent Thai lunch served on board. Swam and canoed in the river and basically saw a part of Phuket that is difficult to access unless you have the River Rover. Everything was absolutely perfect. A must do when in Phuket.

Like most people (I think) - knock off time on a Friday can not come soon enough. Last week I decided to go to Phuket (a 5 hour trip for me) and chill out.
Having lived by the ocean all my life (until now) I decided to go sailing with Captain Gordon of River Rovers on the Saturday. It was a beautiful day, and our group met by Jimmy's Lighthouse and set off to the sailboat in the 'Green Mamba'.
The wind was pretty slight - maybe about 10 knots, the water was as smooth as a mirror and the sun was a warm comfort, as we set out for our days sailing. Captain Gordon had packed some food and refreshments and there was always something on offer. Even free beer. A good way to unwind after a hellish week. Those of us who wanted to try our hand at sailing did so, some better than others :-)
Just after lunch time we anchored off Freedom beach, which I believe is on Coral Island. Totally deserted. Apparently, they set up a bar and food during season, but now it is abandoned. Sort of Robinson Crusoe-ish. We snorkelled, kayaked and had hermit crab races (no we did not eat them). The more energetic (read young) of the group went hiking up the hill. Great view of Chalong they said.
After a few hours we sailed slowly back to our anchorage, loaded up the 'Green Mamba' and made our way back to sure, just as the most amazing sunset was sketching itself on the cloud canvas. Brilliant! A tonic for the soul. Thank you Captain Gordon

Gordon is great, the boat is very spacious with lot's of room to party...and what a party we had. Loved the river, plenty of fun and laughs visiting the monkeys and being towed on the canoes.

We had an absolutely delicious Thai food lunch prepared by the Thai hostess.

The island stop was fantastic, had a great time snorkeling in the crystal clear blue water. Swam to the island and hiked for a fair bit on the deserted beach and collected some shells then swam back for a cold beer and snacks on the boat.

And then all too soon, it was a nice relaxing leisurely return trip back to port. We all felt that we could quite easily have stayed on the boat and carried on touring other nice spots the next day.

I highly recommend River Rovers as a really fun great way to enjoy the day.

RiverRovers is the bomb!

Thanks for the most wonderful and relaxing day in Phuket. All 15 of us from Singapore enjoyed the trip big time! Really recommend this for those who are traveling in small groups- you can have the boat to yourselves; Gordan brought us through the rivers to feed the monkeys and we anchored near an island and we all went swimming. Even the kids had a great time!!