Luxury Catamaran Full Day Cruise from Phuket

Planning a day out on the water in Phuket? This Luxury Catamaran Full Day Cruise promises a scenic journey through some of Thailand’s most beloved islands, blending comfort with authentic beauty. While it’s not a perfect all-rounder, it does offer a relaxing and visually stunning way to experience the Andaman Sea’s best.

What we love about this tour? The smooth ride on a spacious catamaran, the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and the delicious local-style lunch on Bamboo Island. It also offers easy hotel transfers, making logistics simple. However, some might find the short stay at Maya Bay a bit disappointing given its fame, and the additional fees can add up if you’re not prepared.

This trip is ideal for travelers who prioritize relaxed exploration, scenic views, and good food over long hours or intense activities. Families, first-timers, and those seeking a comfortable way to tick off multiple island highlights will find it a solid choice. Keep reading for a detailed look at what you can expect.

Key Points

• Comfortable luxury: Spacious catamaran with a maximum of 55 guests for a relaxed atmosphere
• Diverse stops: Includes Khai Island, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, and Maya Bay
• Snorkeling & water gear: Snorkel gear, paddle boards, and clear kayaks included for active fun
• Meal options: Onboard breakfast and a lunch on Bamboo Island with drinks provided
• Value for money: With hotel transfers and multiple island visits, it’s a convenient option at $75.28
• Additional costs: Be aware of the national park fee, transfer surcharges, and optional equipment

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off at 9:00am from a central meeting point in Phuket, with hotel pickup included from select areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon. Traveling on a spacious catamaran, you’ll appreciate the ease of onboard comfort—the vessel is capped at 55 guests, which keeps the vibe calmer than crowded speedboats.

The Journey and Atmosphere

Most travelers report a smooth, steady cruise, which is a big plus if you’re prone to seasickness or just prefer a more relaxed ride. The vessel’s design allows for good visibility and room to move, making it easier to enjoy the scenery and take photos. You’ll start with a light breakfast onboard, perfect for waking up and fueling up for the day ahead.

Khai Island (Koh Khai Nok & Khai Nai)

The first stop is Koh Khai Nok, a small, pristine beach with calm, shallow waters—ideal for a gentle snorkel or just lounging with your toes in the sand. One reviewer mentioned the clear shallows make for excellent photography, and the quiet environment is appreciated for those seeking peace rather than party scenes.

Bamboo Island and Lunch

Next, you’ll cruise onto Bamboo Island, also known as Serene Island, which is famous for its soft sands and tranquil vibe. Here, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch and a longer break—about an hour—to relax, swim, or simply soak in the views. Reviewers rave about the delicious food and the leisurely pace at this stop, which is a highlight for many.

Monkey Beach

After lunch, the boat stops at Monkey Beach, where playful macaques are often seen along the shoreline. The experience is more relaxed, with opportunities to take photos from the water or the boat before moving on. One reviewer called this stop “a light, memorable pause,” emphasizing its charm and the chance to observe wildlife.

Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave

The afternoon features a cruise through Pileh Lagoon, a striking emerald bay surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Swimming here is possible, and the scenery is truly cinematic, with calm waters perfect for a refreshing dip.

Just next door, you’ll get a good view of the Viking Cave from the boat—the cave’s unique structure and seabird nests make it a fascinating sight, though access is restricted to protect its delicate ecosystem.

Maya Bay—the Iconic Highlight

Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach,” is the final major stop. The bay’s towering limestone walls and soft sands make it a postcard-perfect setting. However, swimming at Maya Bay is not allowed to aid in ecological recovery, which disappoints some travelers expecting a full beach swim. You’ll have about 45 minutes here to take photos, relax, and soak in the scenery.

Loh Samah Bay and Return

The last stop is Loh Samah Bay, a quieter cove where you can snap a few last pictures. Swimming isn’t permitted here either, but it’s a peaceful spot to unwind before heading back to Phuket. The return cruise offers one last chance to enjoy the sea views in comfort.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included: The tour covers hotel transfers, a breakfast and lunch, snorkel gear, paddle boards, and kayaks, plus professional guides and accident insurance. These amenities make it a convenient, hassle-free option for most travelers.

Not included: Be prepared to pay a 400 THB national park fee (per adult) and a 200 THB transfer surcharge if your pickup is from certain areas like Panwa or Naiyang. Optional equipment like fins is not included, and tips or personal expenses are on you.

Practical Tips

• Book early, as it’s popular—most travelers book about 16 days in advance.
• Vegan or allergy needs? Just request ahead, and they can often cater to dietary restrictions.
• Bring cash for park fees—these are paid separately on the day.
• Prepare for the short stays at some stops—expect limited time at Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

The reviewer who called the experience a “good experience” appreciated the quality of the food and guide, noting the benign feel of the catamaran compared to speedboats—a plus for those who prefer comfort. They also mentioned that time at Maya Bay is quite limited, which is worth considering if swimming or lounging on the beach is a priority.

Another review pointed out that despite the luxurious boat, the sea conditions can sometimes make it feel closer to a speedboat, which could impact comfort. This highlights that, while the vessel is spacious, the sea state can influence the ride experience.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This full-day cruise is fantastic for those who want a balance of comfort and adventure. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a relaxed, scenic day rather than high-energy activities. Families, first-timers, or anyone who values delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and easy logistics will find this tour appealing.

If you’re after longer beach time at Maya Bay or more active snorkeling, you might find the short stops limiting. Conversely, if your priority is to see multiple islands without the hassle of planning transport, this tour provides a convenient, all-in-one package.

In essence, it offers great value for the experience it provides—a comfortable, scenic trip that highlights Phuket’s most iconic sites with a touch of luxury.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, including hotel transfers and island stops.

What time does the tour start?
Begins at 9:00am with pickup included from various Phuket locations.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a lunch is served on Bamboo Island, with drinks like water and soft drinks also provided.

Are snorkeling and water activities included?
Yes, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and clear kayaks are provided for active fun in the water.

How many people are on the boat?
The vessel caps at 55 guests, ensuring a comfortable environment.

What are the main sights visited?
Khai Island, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay.

Can I swim at Maya Bay?
No, swimming at Maya Bay is not permitted to support ecological recovery, but you can relax on the beach and take photos.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the national park fee (400 THB per adult) and transfer surcharge if applicable. Optional equipment like fins is extra.

Is hotel transfer included?
Yes, roundtrip hotel transfers from Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, Karon, and other areas are included.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, cash for fees, and a towel if you want to dry off after swimming.

To sum it up, this luxury catamaran tour offers a relaxed way to see Phuket’s standout islands with comfort, tasty food, and plenty of scenic moments. While it doesn’t include all the high-energy activities or extensive beach time some travelers might desire, it balances sightseeing with ease, making it ideal for anyone wanting a hassle-free day in paradise.