About this tour
When Charlie from our team booked this Phuket catamaran, we were after a day that mixed lounging with a bit of action — and this delivers on both fronts. It's a 7-hour cruise across the Andaman Sea on a roomy 200-square-metre catamaran with a resident DJ, snorkelling stops, a proper buffet lunch, and a bar stocked well enough to keep things lively. You're sharing the deck with other travellers keen on sun, swim, and a decent party vibe, though the crowd tends toward the 25–50 bracket and couples.
Highlights
- Spacious catamaran with open-air shower and two heads — no cramped feels
- Snorkelling gear and life jackets provided; staff know the reef spots well
- Lunch buffet covers sushi, Thai curries, fresh salads, and proper desserts
- DJ and sound system keep energy steady without being overbearing
- Hotel transfers included both ways — no transport stress
- Free WiFi onboard if you need to check in with reality
- Welcome cocktail sets the tone; soft drinks and fresh fruit complimentary
What to expect
The day kicks off with a hotel pickup and transfer to the dock. Once aboard, you'll get a welcome cocktail and fruit, then the catamaran motors out to snorkel spots — usually near smaller islands where visibility is decent and fish life is active. The crew hands out masks and snorkels; swimming is at your own risk, though life jackets are on hand. Around midday, lunch is laid out buffet-style on deck: sushi rolls, Thai curries, grilled veg, prawn cocktails, and fruit-based desserts. The DJ plays a mix from lounge background tunes to livelier club tracks as the afternoon rolls on. You can order from the bar (cocktails, wine, spirits) at extra cost, or stick with what's included.
Weather dictates everything — tide levels and conditions can shuffle the itinerary, and the captain has final say. If conditions turn rough, they'll reschedule or refund. The catamaran rotates between several vessels depending on passenger numbers, so you won't know which exact boat until closer to the date.
What travellers say
- Snorkelling, lunch, and transfers bundled — minimal planning needed
- Catamaran roomy enough to find quiet corners or join the action
- Buffet lunch quality high; vegetarian options available with notice
- Crew professional and safety-focused without being stuffy
- Party vibe is optional — suited to relaxers and social mixers alike
- Bar drinks not included; cocktails quickly inflate the daily cost
- Weather cancellations possible; itinerary changes at captain's discretion
- Swimming is at your own risk — liability sits with you, not the operator
- Early start typical; not ideal for those who sleep in on holiday
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you want a full day away from Phuket without the stress of organising transport or food. The snorkelling is accessible — gear's supplied, and the crew knows where fish gather — so you don't need experience. Lunch is generous and caters for vegetarians if you flag it at booking. The party atmosphere is present but not forced; you can sunbathe solo or join in. Hotel transfers both ways mean you can actually enjoy a drink without worrying about driving.
Bar drinks are extra, and cocktails add up quickly if you're keen. Swimming is your own liability — the company won't cover incidents even if life jackets are available. The boat is weather-dependent; rough seas or poor visibility will either reschedule or cancel you. Early starts are typical for day cruises, so factor that in. Bring nothing valuable — the company won't cover losses or theft. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, are pregnant, or have cardiovascular concerns — check with your doctor if in doubt. Alcohol won't be served to under-20s.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a light cover-up, and a waterproof phone pouch. Towel's provided. Return transfers included. Typical group size varies; final boat assigned closer to the date. Peak times are weekends and school holidays. You'll need to provide ID or passport details for Thai law compliance.
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.