About this tour
When Em from our team booked this full-day catamaran run, she was expecting the usual Phi Phi Islands tourist grind—and got something cleaner. The Sawanu Speed Catamaran hauls you out to Phi Phi, Maya, and Khai Island over 10 hours, mixing snorkelling stops with island time aboard a proper dual or quad-engine boat. The Andaman draws a mixed crowd of couples, families, and solo travellers, all jostling for deck space and reef views. It's well-oiled: breakfast at the pier, onboard drinks, shared transfers from your Phuket hotel, and a buffet lunch thrown in. Not intimate, but solid.
Highlights
- Catamaran feels stable—engine choice depends on passenger load
- Snorkelling gear supplied; reefs at Phi Phi and Khai hold colour
- Breakfast and lunch included; drinks flow throughout the day
- Shared transfer from anywhere in Phuket takes the logistics fuss
- Free WiFi onboard if you need to stay tethered
- Wheelchair accessible, genuine option for mixed-mobility groups
- English guide keeps things moving; life jackets non-negotiable
What to expect
The day kicks off early with a light breakfast at the pier, then you're shepherded onto the catamaran with maybe 50–100 other travellers depending on the boat. The ride to Phi Phi takes roughly 90 minutes; the boat hums along smoothly, though sea state matters. You'll get 2–3 snorkelling windows at different spots—Phi Phi's reefs are decent but crowded, Khai is quieter. Between swims, there's deck time, snack trays, and drinks flowing. Lunch is a buffet stop at a local restaurant on the islands; it's functional and filling, not fancy. Em found the rhythm predictable: swim, boat, eat, swim again. The return journey covers the same distance, so budget energy for a long day.
What travellers say
- Smooth dual or quad-engine ride keeps the swell manageable
- Snorkelling kit and English guide bundled into one price
- Genuine wheelchair access and pram-friendly stops matter
- Shared transfer saves hassle; breakfast and lunch included
- Free onboard WiFi and constant drink/snack service
- Crowded snorkel sites and shared boat reduce solitude appeal
- Sea motion can upset stomachs on choppy Andaman days
- Island entrance fees and towels are your own bill
- Early start and long day exhausts some travellers
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 mark if you want Phi Phi ticked off without hiring a private boat. Snorkelling kit is sorted for you, transfers mean no hired-driver hassle, and wheelchair access is genuine—ramps and accessible toilet facilities are in place. Families with small kids will find the shared transfer and onboard WiFi handy; infants sit on laps, prams can stow, and the pace suits young swimmers.
You'll share the boat and snorkel spots with dozens of others—Instagram shots won't be lonely. The catamaran motion can rough up sensitive stomachs in choppy seas. Entrance fees to islands aren't included, nor are towels—bring your own. It's not recommended if you have spinal issues, pregnancy, or serious heart conditions. Peak season (Nov–Feb) books fast. Shared transfers mean multiple hotel pickups, so you might spend 45 minutes collecting other guests. Expect a full 10 hours out; it's tiring but manageable for decent fitness.
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.