About this tour
When Noah from our team joined this Phi Phi Islands and Khai Nok run, we found a solid full-day catamaran loop that ticks the boxes for beach time and snorkelling without the pretence. The Sawanu Speed Catamaran hauls up to 66 passengers from Phuket — big enough to feel sociable, not so packed you're wedged in. Breakfast at the pier, lunch buffet, snorkelling kit and transfers included. The vibe is 'get out to the islands and have a swim', which works. Nine to ten hours door-to-door, so you're honest-to-god on the water, not just ferry-hopping.
Highlights
- Speed catamaran cuts travel time to the islands — more beach time.
- Snorkelling gear and life jackets sorted, no rental surprises.
- Breakfast at the pier plus buffet lunch — feeds you adequately.
- Roundtrip Phuket transfers mean no taxis to hunt down.
- Mix of Phi Phi's postcard beaches and quieter Khai Nok spots.
- English-speaking guide provides actual context, not just cheerleading.
- Free water and coffee onboard — easy to stay hydrated.
- Group size capped at 66 — less chaotic than some regional operators.
What to expect
You'll be picked up early from your Phuket hotel and ferried to the pier for a light breakfast — nothing fancy, but it means you're not starving before the boat leaves. Once aboard the catamaran, expect about two to three hours of travel broken into island stops. The boat's fast enough that it doesn't feel like you're crawling, but you're still on the water long enough to get your bearings. Each island stop gives you time to snorkel (the reefs are busy but decent) and laze on the beach. Khai Nok is the quieter pull, less Instagram-heavy than Phi Phi's main beaches. Lunch is a buffet at a local restaurant — standard Thai fare, nothing surprising but filling. The guide fills gaps with info about the area's history and marine life, though you're not forced into a lecture-y vibe. By late afternoon you're back on the catamaran heading home, often with a wind-down coffee onboard.
What travellers say
- Fast catamaran cuts travel time and maximises island time.
- All meals and snorkel gear included — no surprise costs.
- Roundtrip transfers from anywhere in Phuket, genuinely convenient.
- 66-person cap keeps it social without being a floating carpark.
- English guide adds real context, not just cheerleading.
- Wheelchair and buggy accessible for families and accessibility needs.
- National park fee not included — cash cost on arrival.
- Towel not provided; bring your own or pay extra.
- Snorkelling reefs heavily used; don't expect untouched coral.
- Sea motion can be rough depending on conditions and weather.
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This hits the sweet spot if you want snorkelling and island beaches without a 12-hour slog or the madness of the biggest tour boats. The catamaran speed genuinely saves time sitting on water. Breakfast and lunch are included, which keeps costs down. Gear is supplied, so you don't hire separately. Transfers are seamless — no coordinating your own transport back to Phuket. Works well for mixed fitness levels; you can snorkel hard or float gently, your call. Kids and buggies are fine. Wheelchair accessibility is confirmed, though check logistics with the operator beforehand.
The national park fee (cash, paid on the day) isn't included — budget around 400–500 baht per adult. You'll need to bring your own towel, which feels like a nick. The 66-person cap means it's not intimate, and if seas are rough that day, the catamaran motion gets real. Snorkelling reefs here are decent but heavily used; don't expect pristine coral. Not suitable if you're pregnant. Peak season (November–February) means crowds on the beaches. Early start — check departure time, as it's not spelled out here. Water shoes help on rocky entry points.
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.