Pattaya: 3 Islands Catamaran Tour with Buffet Lunch

If you’re dreaming of a day soaking up the sun, exploring colorful underwater life, and spotting playful monkeys in Thailand’s beautiful waters, the Pattaya 3 Islands Catamaran Tour might be just what you need. While I haven’t personally taken this trip, it’s clearly popular among travelers, and the glowing reviews paint a picture of a well-organized, enjoyable experience.

What catches our eye most? The luxury catamaran cruise, the chance to visit three distinct islands, and the delicious Thai buffet served onboard. The only consideration? During sea turtle nesting season, beach access is restricted, but the trip continues with snorkeling and paddleboarding. This tour suits those looking for a balance of relaxation, adventure, and wildlife viewing—perfect for couples, families (with some restrictions), or solo travelers eager to explore Pattaya’s coastal gems.

Key Points

• Luxury Catamaran Experience: Comfortable, modern boats with a professional crew.
• Diverse Island Hopping: Koh Phai, Koh Rin, and Koh Ped offer unique scenery and activities.
• Wildlife Viewing: Encounter Thai Samae monkeys and enjoy scenic island landscapes.
• All-Inclusive Meal: Thai buffet lunch and soft drinks aboard the boat.
• Flexible and Well-Organized: Pickup from your hotel and a detailed itinerary.
• Seasonal Note: Beach access restricted during turtle nesting season, but tour continues with other activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 8-hour adventure begins with a hotel pickup in Pattaya, making it straightforward for travelers staying in the city. After a comfortable transfer to Ocean Marina Jomtien, you’ll board a luxury catamaran designed specifically for comfort and visibility, with enough space to relax and take in the views. The boat’s reputation for being clean, well-maintained, and staffed by friendly, professional crew members is a major plus—seems like everyone agrees, with many reviewers highlighting the vessel’s spotless condition and attentive service.

From there, it’s a gentle cruise across the Gulf of Thailand, leading to your first stop at Koh Phai, or Bamboo Island. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or lounging on the sand. The calm, inviting beaches are ideal for soaking up the sun, with some travelers mentioning the opportunity to snorkel around the island.

Next, you’ll head to Koh Rin, renowned for its long, white sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. During the nesting season (until September 30), beach access is restricted—something to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip during that period. Still, snorkeling and paddleboarding are available around Rin, providing plenty of chances to see marine life.

Finally, the tour brings you to Koh Ped, or Monkey Island. Here, the highlight is observing Thai Samae monkeys, which are playful and curious, often coming close enough to capture some great photos. Reviewers love the chance to see these animals in their natural habitat, and many mention the Buddhist shrine on the island adds a touch of tranquility.

After exploring these islands, you’ll enjoy a hearty Thai buffet lunch aboard the boat, with an assortment of dishes and soft drinks—much appreciated by those who love authentic flavors combined with the comfort of a sit-down meal.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Pattaya City, the tour includes a one-hour van ride to Ocean Marina Jomtien, a smooth start that gets you out of the city’s hustle. Once at the marina, you’ll spend about 30 minutes exploring the facilities before boarding your catamaran. The boat ride itself lasts around one hour, giving you a taste of the open sea and the chance to enjoy the breeze and panoramic vistas.

Your first island stop, Koh Phai, lasts around two hours. Here, you’ll have time to swim, relax on the beach, or snorkel in the calm waters. Many reviews mention that the organized nature of the stop helps maximize your time for swimming and lounging. Food-wise, the buffet lunch is served on board, and travelers praise its quality—“excellent” according to one review—highlighting freshly prepared dishes that satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Next, a 50-minute cruise takes you to Koh Rin, where you’ll spend around an hour. During this time, snorkeling and swimming are the main activities, with clear waters teeming with small fish and coral. The beach access restriction during turtle nesting season is a notable point, but it doesn’t dampen the overall enjoyment, as snorkeling remains a key highlight.

The journey continues with a 40-minute cruise to Monkey Island. Here, you’ll get about 40 minutes to explore, take photos of the playful monkeys, and enjoy scenic views. Many reviewers mention the wildlife viewing as a memorable part of the day, along with the tranquil surroundings of the Buddhist shrine.

Finally, the boat returns to Ocean Marina Jomtien, followed by a one-hour van ride back to Pattaya, wrapping up around 3:30 PM. The entire experience is paced well, giving you ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Comfort and Convenience: The luxury catamaran is a major selling point. From reviews, it’s clear travelers appreciate the cleanliness, spaciousness, and professional crew, including guides who speak both English and Chinese. The express security check helps speed up boarding, so your day starts smoothly.

Island Diversity: Each island offers something different—Bamboo Island for lounging and snorkeling, Koh Rin for scenic beauty and underwater exploration, and Monkey Island for wildlife encounters. This variety makes the tour well-suited for those looking for both relaxation and adventure.

Food Quality: The buffet lunch is consistently praised—many mention it as “excellent,” with freshly-made dishes that satisfy even hearty appetites. Soft drinks are included, which is a nice touch for beating the heat.

Wildlife and Nature: The chance to see playful Thai Samae monkeys up close is a highlight, according to reviews. The combination of wildlife and scenic coastal views provides a well-rounded experience.

Value for Money: Considering the all-inclusive nature—transport, boat cruise, island activities, and lunch—the tour offers good value. It’s more expensive than some other options, but many reviewers feel the quality justifies the cost.

Practical Details to Consider

Seasonal Restrictions: During the sea turtle nesting season, beach access at Koh Rin is restricted. However, snorkeling and paddleboarding are still available, so you won’t miss out on the water activities. Always double-check with the operator if you’re particularly interested in beach lounging.

Duration and Pacing: With a full 8-hour schedule, expect a fair amount of time on the move, but the pace is relaxed enough to enjoy each stop. The transfer times are included, making logistics simple.

Group Size and Atmosphere: While not explicitly mentioned, reviews imply that the boat isn’t overcrowded, fostering a comfortable atmosphere. The group size, combined with the professional crew, makes for a friendly environment.

Pricing and Booking: The tour is pay-later flexible—booking now, paying later, and canceling up to 24 hours in advance without penalty. This is great for spontaneous planners or those with uncertain schedules.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers wanting a balanced mix of beach relaxation, wildlife spotting, and water activities. Families with older children (over 3 years old) will enjoy the wildlife and snorkeling, while couples seeking a scenic day out will appreciate the calm waters and beautiful islands. Those who value quality service and good food will find this tour particularly satisfying.

If you’re after an authentic Thai experience combined with comfort and stunning scenery, this tour ticks all the boxes. It offers enough variety for a full day without feeling overpacked, and reviews suggest that both the scenery and the organization hold up to high standards.

The Sum Up

The Pattaya 3 Islands Catamaran Tour is a compelling choice for anyone keen on exploring Thailand’s coastal beauty with ease. The luxury boat, diverse island stops, and delicious lunch make for a full, satisfying day. The opportunity to see playful monkeys, snorkel in clear waters, and relax on pristine beaches all contribute to its appeal.

While the beach access restriction during turtle nesting season is something to note, it doesn’t significantly detract from the overall experience, as the tour offers alternative water activities. The well-organized itinerary and professional crew ensure you spend your time enjoying rather than stressing.

For travelers who value comfort, variety, and quality, this tour offers excellent value. It’s best suited for those looking to tick off multiple experiences in one day—whether they’re exploring wildlife, enjoying the ocean, or simply soaking up the scenery in comfort.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Pattaya, with pickup times scheduled in advance.

How long is the boat ride between islands?
The boat ride lasts approximately 50-60 minutes in total, with specific legs lasting around an hour, depending on the stops.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is served onboard, and soft drinks are included. Reviewers describe the food as high quality and freshly made.

What activities are available during the trip?
You can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and relax on the beaches of Koh Phai and Koh Rin. Wildlife viewing on Monkey Island is also a highlight.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for children over 3 years, but pregnant women and those over 60 should consider their comfort with boat travel and water activities.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a camera, and any motion sickness prevention you might need.

Is there a season when the beaches are closed?
Yes, during the sea turtle nesting season (until September 30), beach access at Koh Rin is restricted, but other activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding continue.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

This well-organized, scenic, and wildlife-rich tour offers a fantastic way to see the best of Pattaya’s islands in one day, all while enjoying the comforts of a luxury boat and authentic Thai cuisine. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, it promises memorable moments and plenty of opportunities to relax and explore.

You can check availability for your dates here: