About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team took this catamaran trip out to Phi Phi and Maiton islands, it was a properly thought-out day on the water. The speed cat itself is the standout — they cap passengers at 52 instead of cramming in 70–80 like other operators, so you actually get comfortable seating and legroom that doesn't feel like a budget airline. The itinerary hits the main swimming and snorkelling spots with timing that avoids the worst of the cruise-ship crowds. You get a long-tail boat jaunt, kayaks, paddleboards, and a meal at a decent restaurant on Phi Phi Don with views worth lingering over. It's an 8.5-hour loop that feels less hectic than the typical island-hopping rush.
Highlights
- Speed catamaran designed for 52, not 70–80 — genuinely roomy seats
- Long-tail boat ride included, not an upsell or surprise add-on
- Clear kayaks let you see straight down into shallow reefs
- Lunch at a proper restaurant with a view, not rushed buffet fare
- Timing at each spot engineered to dodge peak tour-group masses
- Paddleboards, snorkel gear, and all water kit bundled in
- On-board restroom and constant water and snacks throughout
- Mix of swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking in one day
What to expect
The day starts early — you'll head down to the pier and board a catamaran that actually feels spacious compared to the typical sardine-tin speedboats. Jake noted the ride itself is smooth and the crew runs a tight schedule: you hit Phi Phi Lee for snorkelling, then swing by Maiton for more reef time, and a long-tail detour gives you that iconic longtail-on-turquoise moment tourists dream about. The restaurant lunch on Phi Phi Don isn't fancy but the food's decent and the outlook beats eating hunched over a plastic table.
Snorkelling and swimming make up most of the afternoon. Kayaking is casual — even if you've never paddled, the clear-bottomed kayaks do the work for you. The catamaran's less crowded vibe means you're not elbowing through mobs at each stop, which makes a real difference when you're trying to enjoy the water. Expect a solid mix of activity and downtime; it's not a relentless tick-box tour.
What travellers say
- Catamaran capacity capped at 52 — markedly less crowded than competitors
- Thoughtful timing at each spot minimises peak tourist congestion
- Long-tail boat, kayaks, paddleboards all included, no surprise upsells
- On-board restroom and continuous water, snacks, lunch included
- Smooth ride and spacious seating make a full day feel less gruelling
- Mix of activities — snorkelling, kayaking, swimming — keeps engagement up
- Early start and full day not suited to slow risers or families with toddlers
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers, poor cardiovascular fitness, spinal issues
- Weather-dependent; rough seas can affect comfort and snorkelling conditions
- Gratuities not included — factor in tips for crew
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
The catamaran's comfort genuinely matters on a full day at sea — more legroom and fewer bodies mean less stress and better sightseeing windows. It suits anyone who wants island hopping without feeling herded. Families with older kids and moderate swimmers will find the mix of kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling accessible. Everything you need for water activities is covered; no hidden gear rental costs.
This tour isn't for everyone. It's not recommended for pregnant travellers, anyone with spinal issues, or those with dodgy hearts — the boat does move and the day is long. You'll need moderate fitness; snorkelling and kayaking require basic comfort in the water. The early start is non-negotiable. Infants must sit on a lap the whole time. Weather can affect the experience, especially in rougher seasons. Gratuities aren't included, so budget for tips if the crew impresses you.
Bring sunscreen, a light cover-up, and a dry bag for phones. Restrooms are on board. Peak season (Nov–Feb) gets busy; shoulder months offer fewer crowds. Group sizes are smaller than typical tours, so book ahead.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.