CruiseHidden coves, small islands and azure waters are powering the boat-tour boom.

Where are the world's best destinations for boat excursions?

By Travel Weekly Asia

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Jun 24, 2026

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88% of travellers are interested in booking boat excursions during coastal holidays.

88% of travellers are interested in booking boat excursions during coastal holidays. Photo Credit: TUI Group

Thailand has emerged as the world's leading destination for boat-based tourism, claiming the top two spots in a new global ranking that highlights travellers' growing appetite for experience-led coastal holidays.

Research by TUI Musement – the Tours & Activities division of the TUI Group – found that Phuket and Khao Lak were the highest-rated destinations globally for boat excursions.

According to the study, 88% of travellers are interested in booking boat excursions during coastal holidays, with half-day trips proving the most popular.

Rather than simply spending time on the shore, visitors are seeking experiences that combine sightseeing, swimming, snorkelling and visits to multiple islands in a single excursion.

Beyond Thailand, the ranking was dominated by European coastal destinations. Portugal's Algarve placed third, followed by Madeira also in Portugal, while Cyprus, Greece, Cape Verde and Spain also featured in the top 10.

The insights span two years, collected between May 2024 and May 2026.

Top 10 boat-tour destinations globally

Phuket, Thailand
Khao Lak, Thailand
Algarve, Portugal
Madeira, Portugal
Paphos, Cyprus
Karpathos, Greece
Sal, Cape Verde
Tenerife, Spain
Protaras, Cyprus
Fuerteventura, Spain

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