Bangkok To Coral Island Tour
Travel Guide

How to Reach Coral Island From Pattaya

Coral Island sits six kilometers offshore from Pattaya, accessible only by water. Understanding your boat options and departure logistics determines how much time you spend on the beach versus waiting at the pier.

6 min read Updated 2026-08-31 Fact-checked
How to Reach Coral Island From Pattaya

Quick answer

You reach Coral Island from Pattaya by boarding a ferry or speedboat at Bali Hai Pier, located at Walking Street, Pattaya City, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand. Public ferries depart approximately every hour between 07:00 and 18:30, taking 45 minutes. Speedboats make the crossing in 15 minutes and operate on demand throughout the same service window. Both services charge per passenger; the island itself has free entry.

Every boat to Coral Island leaves from the same concrete pier at the southern end of Pattaya Bay. Bali Hai Pier operates as the sole departure point for passenger vessels bound for the island, which locals call Koh Larn. The pier sits adjacent to Walking Street, making it walkable from most Pattaya Beach hotels within twenty minutes. Two vessel types serve the route: public ferries and private speedboats. Public ferries accommodate larger groups, follow a loose hourly schedule, and require approximately 45 minutes to complete the crossing. Speedboats carry smaller parties, depart when full or by arrangement, and cut travel time to fifteen minutes. Both options run throughout the pier's operating hours from early morning until evening. Service frequency peaks between 08:00 and 16:00 when demand is highest. Getting to Coral Island from Pattaya means accounting for the pier's location and the boat schedule. The pier opens at 07:00, and the first departures typically occur within thirty minutes. Arriving before 09:00 positions you ahead of tour groups and charter boats that fill the pier mid-morning. The last reliable return departures occur around 17:30, giving passengers time to reach the mainland before dark. The crossing itself exposes passengers to open water and direct sun. No shade exists on most speedboats, and ferry sun shelters fill quickly. Rough seas between November and February can extend travel time and cause discomfort for those prone to motion sickness. The dry season from March through October offers calmer crossings. Departure logistics favor travelers who arrive at Bali Hai Pier with exact cash for fares, as vendors at the pier charge premiums for last-minute exchanges.

“The pier opens at 07:00, and the first departures typically occur within thirty minutes.”
Directions

How to Reach Coral Island from Pattaya: Departure from Bali Hai Pier

Bali Hai Pier, located at the end of Walking Street, serves as the primary transit hub for all departures from Pattaya to Coral Island. Visitors may choose between public ferry services or private speedboat charters to complete the crossing.

Boat 45 min

Public Ferry from Bali Hai Pier to Tawaen Pier

Boat 15-20 min

Private Speedboat from Bali Hai Pier to Coral Island

To manage your transit effectively, aim to reach the pier between 07:00 and 09:00, as this window allows you to secure transportation while avoiding peak crowd congestion and midday heat.

Timing

Optimal Timing for How to Reach Coral Island from Pattaya

The best arrival window is 07:00–09:00 to avoid crowds and midday heat. Arriving early ensures a smoother transit experience before the peak daily influx.

November to February

Moderate to High

Dry and cooler (24°C–30°C)

This period offers the most stable sea conditions for boat travel.

March to May

High

Hot and humid (28°C–35°C)

Expect clear skies but prepare for high temperatures during midday hours.

June to October

Low to Moderate

Rainy season (25°C–32°C)

Occasional heavy rain may affect ferry schedules; check conditions before departing.

Weekday mornings

Low

Midweek travel provides a quieter experience compared to busy weekends.

Verdict: For the best conditions, aim for a weekday arrival between 07:00 and 09:00 during the cooler months of November to February.

Opening hours

Operating Hours for How to Reach Coral Island from Pattaya

The ferry services at Bali Hai Pier operate daily to facilitate travel between Pattaya and Coral Island.

Monday
07:00–18:30
Tuesday
07:00–18:30
Wednesday
07:00–18:30
Thursday
07:00–18:30
Friday
07:00–18:30
Saturday
07:00–18:30
Sunday
07:00–18:30
The final ferry departure from the pier typically aligns with the 18:30 closing time.
Prices

Official Costs for How to Reach Coral Island from Pattaya

There is no cost to enter Coral Island as it is a public area. Expenses for your trip are determined solely by the transit service you choose for the crossing.

Entrance Fee No entry fee for visitors
0 THB
Local Ferry Set by independent boat operators
Per passenger fee
Entry to the island remains free of charge for all visitors regardless of age or nationality.

Verdict: You will pay 0 THB for admission, with the only variation being the ticket price charged by your chosen ferry or boat service.

Checklist

Checklist for How to Reach Coral Island from Pattaya

Prepare these essentials before heading to Bali Hai Pier for your departure to Coral Island.

Book

Check availability

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about how to reach Coral Island from Pattaya

Everything you need to know about how to reach coral island from pattaya

How to reach Coral Island from Pattaya?

To learn how to reach Coral Island from Pattaya, you should head to Bali Hai Pier where various boats depart for the island throughout the day. Public ferries and speedboats are the primary methods of water transport for visitors.

What is the best time for a Koh Larn trip?

For the most comfortable experience, the best arrival window is 07:00–09:00 to avoid crowds and the intense midday heat. Planning your transit to Coral Island landmarks during these early hours ensures a more pleasant start to your day.

Do I need to pay an entrance fee for Coral Island?

The entrance fee to the island is 0 THB, meaning there is no cost for island access. Please note that while entry is free, the local ferry service charges per passenger for the crossing.

How to reach Coral Island from Pattaya using the ferry?

Finding how to reach Coral Island from Pattaya is straightforward as you simply need to purchase a ticket at the pier. Once you arrive at Bali Hai Pier, you can select from different boat options to complete your journey.

Is it difficult to plan a Pattaya to Coral Island tour?

Organizing a Pattaya Coral Island tour is quite simple if you depart from the main harbor. By understanding how to reach Coral Island from Pattaya via established ferry routes, you can easily manage your travel schedule.

Can I arrive at the pier later in the day?

While the pier operates from 07:00–18:30, arriving outside of the recommended morning window may result in higher temperatures and larger crowds. It is best to stick to the early schedule to make the most of your time on the beach.

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