About this tour
When Mia from our BugBitten team ran this full-day catamaran jaunt from Phuket, it ticked the box for a proper island-hopping experience without the backpacker-boat chaos. You're aboard a proper catamaran heading to Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island—nine hours of snorkeling, beach time, and a beachside lunch thrown in. The water's genuinely clear, the islands are postcard-worthy, and you're picked up from your hotel. Fair warning: early starts (hotel pickup 30–90 minutes before the 9am departure), weather-dependent sailing, and it's not suitable if you've got heart issues, back problems, or are pregnant.
Highlights
- Catamaran cruises to two island destinations in one day
- Snorkeling gear and life jackets supplied; no equipment hassles
- Beachside lunch at Phi Phi Don included in the price
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan
- Mix of structured snorkeling time and unguided beach leisure
- Clear waters for spotting coral and tropical fish schools
What to expect
You'll be picked up from your hotel well before 9am—depending on where you're staying in Phuket, that could mean a 6:30am knock on the door. The drive to the pier is straightforward; snacks and drinks are already waiting. Once aboard, the catamaran heads out to Phi Phi Islands first. You'll get time to snorkel in shallow, reef-dotted bays and laze on sandy beaches. The underwater bit is the real draw here: mask on, you're surrounded by colourful fish and decent coral formations.
After a few hours, you'll pull in for lunch at a beachside restaurant on Phi Phi Don—nothing fancy, but honest Thai fare. Then it's back on the boat for the sail to Bamboo Island, quieter and less trafficked than Phi Phi. More snorkeling if you're keen, more beach lounging if you're not. The whole thing wraps by late afternoon. The sea and weather dictate whether this actually happens; rough conditions mean cancellation with no refund.
What travellers say
- Two island destinations and snorkeling without self-catering
- Lunch and return transfers included; fewer moving parts
- Catamaran cruising is less crowded than speed-boat alternatives
- Snorkeling gear and life jackets supplied; ready-to-go
- English-speaking guide keeps you oriented throughout
- Clear, reef-rich waters deliver decent underwater moments
- Early hotel pick-up (6:30–8am) not everyone's ideal start
- Weather cancellations happen; refund policy is nil
- Not suitable for pregnant women or those with heart/spinal issues
- Lunch is basic; extras beyond it cost more and aren't included
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you want to see multiple islands and snorkel without arranging your own boat, this bundles it neatly. The catamaran is roomy enough that you're not crammed in with 200 people. Lunch and transfers included keep hidden costs down. Snorkeling gear is sorted, so you don't need to hire or lug your own. Works well for couples, small groups, and families with kids over 3.
Early starts are non-negotiable. Weather rules everything—if the sea's rough, the whole tour cancels with zero refund, so book with flexible dates if you can. The tour isn't suitable for pregnant women, anyone with heart conditions, high blood pressure, spinal injuries, or serious back/neck problems. Kids under 11 need a paying adult. Infants sit on your lap. There's walking and boat transfers involved, so mobility should be decent. Bring reef-safe sunblock; bring plenty of it. Extra food and drinks beyond lunch aren't included, so budget for that. The operator makes changes 'for safety' but keeps your money if plans shift.
Wear swimmers, light shirt, shorts, reef shoes. Bring towel, sunblock, hat, sunglasses, camera. Tell them at booking if you have food allergies. You may need to sign a liability waiver before boarding.
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.