A muddy shoreline makes Chalong unsuitable for swimming, but it's an ideal spot for yacht mooring. Outside of the marinas of Boat Lagoon and Yacht Haven, Chalong is a centre for boating activity in Phuket. Early mornings and late afternoons are the busiest times, where diving and day trip groups are seen being bundled on and off the boats. The Ao Chalong Yacht Club, which organises regular sailing races, makes its base here, and its bar is a favourite spot for sailors to swap stories.

The prominent feature of Chalong is its 720-metre-long, seven-metre-wide jetty, which replaced the old rickety wooden pier in 2001. A parking area and a number of restaurants, shops, tourist information kiosks and open-air waiting areas have been built to serve the many visitors passing through. There's also a one-stop customs, immigration and harbour master service to assist visiting vessels, as well as a new marine rescue centre. Chalong's many informal restaurants, bars and cafes are worth exploring, particularly Kan Eang, notable for its fresh seafood and attentive service.

Yachties, divers and water sports enthusiasts are well served with Chalong's many shops, ranging from motor repair services, to equipment sales and rental, to fishing and charter tour companies, all found along the road leading to the pier. For accommodation, there are a few bungalow and apartment-style spots to stay right on Chalong or further inland. Chalong Bay Map!