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24 June 2026 Top Boat Excursions: Europe Accounts for Seven of the Top 10
Quick Read
• A new TUI Musement analysis of traveller reviews ranks Phuket in Thailand as the world's highest-rated destination for boat excursions.
Customer reviews place Phuket ahead of European rivalsA new evaluation by TUI Musement offers an insight into where travellers have rated organised boat excursions most highly in recent years. Based on an analysis of reviews submitted between 1 May 2024 and 1 May 2026, Phuket in Thailand achieved the highest average score of 8.89 out of 10, narrowly ahead of Khao Lak (8.80) and Portugal's Algarve region (8.78).According to the published methodology, the ranking includes only destinations that accumulated at least 1,150 reviews across all TUI Musement markets and languages. The independent survey on travellers' interest in boat excursions was conducted by Appinio on behalf of TUI Musement, while the destination ranking itself is derived from customer review data. One attraction associated with Phuket is the nearby Phi Phi archipelago and its famous Maya Bay, internationally known after the 2000 film The Beach. However, environmental protection measures introduced by Thai authorities mean that boats no longer approach the beach directly. Instead, visitors arrive via a pier on the opposite side of Ko Phi Phi Leh and walk to the bay. Swimming is prohibited beyond shallow wading in order to protect the recovering marine ecosystem. Europe accounts for seven of the top ten destinationsThe ranking reveals a strong European presence. Seven of the ten destinations are located in Europe: Algarve and Madeira in Portugal, Paphos and Protaras in Cyprus, Tenerife and Fuerteventura in Spain, plus Karpathos in Greece. Portugal, Cyprus and Spain each appear twice, making them the most frequently represented countries.Karpathos also recalls the maritime traditions of the eastern Mediterranean. Greek islands have long been linked with seafaring legends, including the journeys attributed to the mythical hero Odysseus in ancient literature. While historians debate the exact geography behind those stories, they underline how travel by sea has shaped the region's cultural identity for millennia. Why the findings matter beyond a simple rankingThe results provide a snapshot of preferences among mainstream holidaymakers booking organised excursions rather than niche adventure travellers. Polar expeditions, Amazon river journeys or scientific research cruises may appeal to different audiences, but they fall outside the scope of this analysis.The findings are also notable because of TUI's position in the tourism industry. TUI Group is Europe's largest integrated leisure travel company, serving tens of millions of customers annually through tour operations, airlines, hotels, cruises and destination experiences. TUI Musement, the group's tours and activities division, not only distributes excursions from partners but also operates parts of its own portfolio, including boat experiences and an in-house fleet in some destinations. That scale gives its customer review data relevance as an indicator of broader travel trends. Preparation remains essential for a day at seaRegardless of destination, careful preparation can make a boat excursion more comfortable and safer, particularly in warm climates.• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it during the day. • Wear a hat or other head covering to reduce sun exposure. • Drink water regularly to stay hydrated. • Choose lightweight clothing with UV protection where possible. • Wear non-slip footwear suitable for wet decks. • Bring swimwear, a towel and a waterproof bag for valuables if swimming stops are planned. • Consider sunglasses with UV protection and a securing strap when travelling by boat. • Follow local environmental rules, especially in protected marine areas where swimming or anchoring may be restricted. Image: Catamaran guests swim and paddle in the clear turquoise waters near Protaras on Cyprus during a coastal boat excursion. © TUI Musement |