An honest look at a popular island-hopping tour in Pattaya

If you’re searching for a relaxing yet exhilarating day out in Pattaya, a 2 Islands catamaran trip might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a balanced blend of comfort, adventure, and authentic Thai scenery.

What really catches our eye are the stunning island vistas, the delicious Thai buffet on board, and the variety of activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. The one thing to keep in mind is that during turtle nesting season (until September 30), access to Rin Island’s beaches is restricted, though the tour still includes snorkeling and swimming around Rin.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a full-day escape, enjoy water activities, and appreciate good food in a scenic setting. If you’re after an all-in-one experience that combines leisure and adventure with convenience, this might be worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

  • Comfortable luxury: Sail in a well-equipped catamaran with amenities like a yacht slide and flybridge.
  • Variety of activities: Snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, and even sliding off the yacht.
  • Scenic stops: Visit Koh Phai and Koh Rin with private beaches and clear waters.
  • Authentic Thai cuisine: A buffet lunch onboard offers traditional flavors.
  • Ease of access: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Pattaya make the day smooth.
  • Seasonal considerations: Turtle nesting season affects Rin Island access but not the core activities.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 8-hour journey starts with a convenient hotel pickup in Pattaya, allowing you to relax and focus on the fun ahead. After about an hour in a van, you’ll head to the Ocean Marina Yacht Club for a brief 15-minute visit — a chance to see the luxurious yachts and get some prep tips from your crew.

From there, you’ll set sail on a 105-minute catamaran cruise. This part of the day is all about soaking up the views, enjoying the breeze, and getting a taste of what it’s like to cruise in style. Expect plenty of photo opportunities and chances to breathe in the ocean air.

Visiting Koh Phai

Your first island stop is Koh Phai, an ideal spot for a mix of relaxation and activities. Here, you’ll have around 45 minutes to enjoy a delicious Thai buffet lunch, swim in the calm waters, and try snorkeling. The reviews highlight how much guests appreciate the mouthwatering food and the chance to swim in clear waters.

The lunch is often praised for offering enough variety and flavor, providing a true taste of Thai cuisine. Plus, the accompanying native staff tend to be friendly and attentive, making the meal more enjoyable.

Exploring Koh Rin

Next, you’ll cruise for another hour to Koh Rin. Here, snorkeling and swimming are the main attractions—great for those who love underwater exploration. Since turtle nesting season limits access to Rin’s beaches, the tour focuses on snorkeling around Rin, which reviewers mention as a highlight.

Guests mention the beautiful, tranquil waters and the chance to see marine life up close. The 75-minute stop is enough to get a good dose of underwater fun without feeling rushed, leaving time for photos and relaxing.

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Return Journey and Final Stop

After Rin, you’ll spend about an hour sailing back to the Ocean Marina Yacht Club, giving you a last chance to enjoy the sea breeze and reflect on the day. The final 15-minute visit allows you to admire the yachts before heading back to Pattaya, typically arriving in the late afternoon.

The Experience on the Water

The luxury catamaran itself is a highlight — spacious, comfortable, and equipped with modern amenities. The yacht’s flybridge features a slide, which is perfect for kids and adventurous adults alike. Many reviewers appreciate the smooth ride and the professional crew, who are attentive and friendly.

Along With swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, the boat offers a fishing activity—something not all tours include. This adds a layer of authenticity, letting guests try their hand at catching fish in the open sea.

Food and Beverage

The Thai buffet lunch onboard is a standout. Guests often mention the generous portions, the variety of dishes, and the authentic flavors. It’s a good balance of traditional Thai staples and lighter options, catering well to different tastes.

Cash or drinks on the boat are not explicitly mentioned, but you might find that bringing your own water or snacks is a good idea if you’re particularly hungry or want to stay hydrated.

Practical Details: Timing, Transport, and Costs

The tour runs for about 8 hours, starting with hotel pickup in Pattaya. The process is straightforward: you’ll be asked to arrive at your hotel lobby 10 minutes early, and your operator will contact you a day before to confirm your pickup time.

Pricing is not explicitly detailed here, but considering the inclusion of luxury transport, meals, activities, and equipment, the value seems quite competitive. You get a full day of activities, with no hidden costs—just bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and a change of clothes.

Seasonality and Restrictions

A key point to remember is that during turtle nesting season, access to Rin Island’s beaches is restricted. However, the tour still proceeds as usual, with snorkeling and swimming around Rin. This means you still get plenty of water-based fun, just without access to the beaches themselves.

Suitable For

This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy water activities, good food, and scenic cruising. It’s not ideal for very young children under 2, pregnant women, or those over 60, based on the restrictions. It’s also a good choice for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a balanced mix of relaxation and adventure.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler from Brazil praised the experience as “Muito bom, lugar lindo, tudo maravilhoso!” which translates to “Very good, beautiful place, everything wonderful.” This highlights how striking the scenery is.

Another from Mexico appreciated the cuisine and service, expressing a desire to visit Monkey Island next time, indicating the flexibility and potential for additional stops in similar tours.

Reviewers consistently mention the friendly crew and the well-organized nature of the trip, making it clear that the tour delivers on its promise of a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Pattaya island-hopping catamaran tour offers a well-rounded day out, combining luxury, activity, and authentic Thai flavors. It excels at providing stunning vistas, a variety of water-based activities, and a convenient, hassle-free experience with hotel pickup.

Good value for those who want to maximize their time in Pattaya, especially if you enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on a boat with good food. The inclusion of fishing, paddleboarding, and the yacht slide makes it stand out from more basic tours.

While the restrictions during turtle nesting season might limit beach access, the tour compensates with engaging water activities around Rin. It’s perfect for adventurous couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a full day of fun and scenic beauty.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is from your accommodation in Pattaya, with a 10-minute early arrival request.

How long is the boat trip?
The total cruise duration is about 105 minutes each way, with additional stops for activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, beachwear, and motion sickness prevention if needed.

Can I snorkel during turtle nesting season?
Yes, snorkeling around Rin is included, but access to Rin’s beaches is restricted during this period.

Is lunch provided?
Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is served onboard, known for its tasty and plentiful options.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children under 2 and pregnant women or those over 60 are not suitable for this tour.

Can I fish on the boat?
Yes, fishing is one of the activities included on the trip.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 8 hours.

Is there a limit on group size?
This information isn’t specified, but tours typically have manageable group sizes for comfort.

Is this tour good for non-swimmers?
Certainly, as long as you’re comfortable near water—snorkeling and swimming are optional activities.

Final Verdict

This Pattaya 2 Islands catamaran trip offers a solid combo of scenic cruising, water activities, and delicious Thai cuisine. Its luxurious setting, well-organized itinerary, and variety of experiences make it a top choice for those wanting a memorable day on the water.

Ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure, appreciate authentic local flavors, and seek a comfortable, all-inclusive excursion. If you’re visiting Pattaya and craving a mix of stunning views, activities, and great food, this tour is likely to deliver a day worth remembering.

You can check availability for your dates here: