Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour

The best thing about this eight-hour island-hopping trip is the range. In one day, you move from Bamboo Island’s white sand to Phi Phi’s snorkeling waters, pass Viking Cave, visit Maya Bay when it is open, then finish at Maiton Island with kayaks, paddleboards, and a floating slide. The 2025 Sweetie catamaran gives you more comfort than a basic speedboat, with leather seats, sea-view decks, toilets, drinks, and room to settle in between stops.

I like the two snorkeling sessions and the choice of water toys, since you are not limited to sitting on a beach. I also like that the price includes hotel transfers across Phuket, lunch, fruit, snacks, drinks, towels, beach mats, equipment, and accident medical insurance. The main drawback is the organization at the pier. Registration can take time, traffic from Patong and other parts of Phuket can be rough, and the English guiding may be hard to follow when the group is largely Chinese-speaking.

Key details before you book

• A 2025 luxury catamaran: Sweetie has leather seating, sea-view decks, onboard toilets, and a smoother ride than a standard speedboat.
• Three major island areas in one day: Bamboo Island, Phi Phi, Maya Bay when open, and Maiton Island are all part of the route.
• Two snorkeling stops: The first is around Phi Phi, and the second is near Maiton, also called Honeymoon Island.
• Plenty of water equipment: You can use transparent kayaks, paddleboards, a water slide, a floating platform, snorkeling gear, and life jackets.
• Lunch is included at Phi Phi Don: Expect a Thai-style buffet, with fruit, snacks, soft drinks, and more snacks on the return ride.
• Maya Bay is seasonal: The bay closes from August 1, so the schedule changes at that time.
• A group of up to 75 people: This is not a private boat outing, and the pier may feel busy before departure.

Why the Sweetie catamaran matters

Phuket has no shortage of island tours, but the boat makes a real difference on a long day at sea. You are spending about eight hours moving between islands, so leather seats, covered areas, toilets, towels, and open decks are not minor extras. They help make the ride between stops less tiring.

The operator describes Sweetie as faster than a slow boat and smoother than a traditional speedboat. You still need to expect movement on the water, but the catamaran design and larger onboard layout should appeal to anyone who dislikes the cramped feel of a small speedboat.

I would think of this as a busy sightseeing day with upgraded transport, not a quiet sailing trip. The maximum group size is 75, so you will share the boat, lunch arrangements, beach time, and water equipment with plenty of other people.

The tour costs $90.99 per person. That is not the cheapest way to visit Phi Phi, but the value improves when you count the included hotel pickup, buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, towels, drinks, fruit, snacks, and water activities. You are also covering several separate destinations in one day rather than paying for each transfer yourself.

Getting from your hotel to Chalong Pier

Pickup is offered from hotels across Phuket, with the exact time based on your location. The published pickup window begins around 8:30 to 9:30 in the morning, while the activity itself is listed with a 10:00 a.m. start at Seven Plus Travel’s Chalong pier.

Build extra patience into this part of the day. Driving from Patong Beach or other parts of Phuket can take longer than expected because traffic is often heavy. One practical account describes the trip to the pier as a long haul and points to traffic and slow registration as the main frustrations.

At the pier, you check in, receive any needed instructions, and prepare for the boat. The departure process may not feel polished. If you prefer a calm, highly structured start, this is worth keeping in mind. Arrive ready for some waiting, and keep your confirmation accessible on your phone.

Bamboo Island and the first taste of the Andaman Sea

The first listed stop is Bamboo Island, reached after the morning transfer and boat departure. You get about 50 minutes here, enough for a short swim, a walk on the sand, and a quick look at the clear shallows.

Bamboo is the beach-focused part of the day. Its appeal is simple: pale sand, clear water, and an easy place to get your first island photos before the schedule becomes more active. You should not expect a long, unhurried beach afternoon. Fifty minutes passes quickly once you account for getting off the boat, collecting your things, and returning on time.

Beach mats are included, which is helpful if you want to sit without renting something separately. Towels are also provided. Bring your own sun protection, since the supplied information does not list sunscreen or other personal items.

This short stop works well as an introduction to the route. If your main goal is to spend hours quietly on an empty beach, this tour will feel rushed. If you want several different settings in one day, Bamboo gives you a worthwhile first stop without taking up the whole schedule.

Phi Phi Don lunch and snorkeling near Phi Phi

The next major pause is Phi Phi Don, where lunch is served at a restaurant. The buffet is Thai-style, and seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and snacks are included. A meal at this point matters because the day is active, and you will need more than a quick drink before the afternoon water activities.

Do not expect a long restaurant visit. The schedule allows about 1 hour and 10 minutes for arrival, lunch, boarding, and the first snorkeling session. Keep your belongings organized and pay attention to boarding instructions so you do not lose time.

After lunch, the boat heads to the waters around Phi Phi for the first snorkeling stop. You receive snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, a disposable mouthpiece, and guidance from the crew. The stated attraction is colorful fish around the coral reef.

Sea conditions affect how much you see. The tour requires good weather, and snorkeling can feel very different on a calm day than on a windy one. Still, this first stop gives you a clear reason to pack swimwear rather than treating the day as a sightseeing cruise only.

The snorkeling period is about one hour and 10 minutes within this section of the schedule. That is enough time to get in the water and look around, though not enough for a slow, private reef outing. The boat carries a large group, so you should expect activity around the entry point.

Passing Viking Cave and reaching Maya Bay

From Phi Phi, the catamaran passes Viking Cave on the way to Maya Bay. The cave is part of the scenic route rather than a separate landing, so you will view it from the boat.

Maya Bay is the most famous name on this schedule. When open, you get about an hour for the island landing and beach time. The bay became widely known after appearing in a movie, and its curved beach and dramatic limestone surroundings are the reason many people book this route.

There is an important seasonal limit. Maya Bay closes from August 1, so you cannot count on getting ashore during that period. The rest of the day continues, but the schedule changes when the bay is closed. Check the date before booking if Maya Bay is your main reason for going.

An hour sounds generous, but it includes landing and returning to the boat. Follow the guide’s timing closely. This is a popular stop, and the point of the visit is the setting, not a long walk or a private beach experience.

After Maya Bay, the boat heads toward Honeymoon Island. The route gives you a quick change from famous scenery to a more active water stop. That variety is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a simple Phi Phi beach transfer.

Maiton Island water activities

The final major stop is Ko Mai Thon, also called Maiton Island or Honeymoon Island in the schedule. You spend about 50 minutes here, with the second snorkeling session and a set of included water activities.

You can use transparent kayaks and paddleboards, which give you a different way to see the water than snorkeling. The clear-sided kayak is especially appealing if you want to look below the surface without spending the entire stop in the sea.

There is also a floating water platform and a water slide. These features make Maiton the most playful stop of the day, especially for families and groups of friends. You can choose how active you want to be instead of having only one scheduled activity.

The short time limit is again the tradeoff. With snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and the slide all available, you will need to choose rather than do everything at length. Equipment is included, but availability may depend on how many people want to use it at the same time.

The second snorkeling stop gives the day a useful finish. You get another chance to see fish after the earlier Phi Phi session, and the setting provides a final swim before the ride back to Phuket.

The ride home, snacks, and practical comfort

The return trip begins around 5:40 p.m. Snacks and soft drinks are provided on the way back, with the boat returning to the pier. From there, hotel transfers take you back to your accommodation if you used the pickup service.

This is a long day, and the return journey is when comfort matters most. Sea-view decks let you get fresh air and look out at the water, while the seating and onboard facilities give you a place to rest. You will still be tired after an early pickup, several swims, and a full day in the sun.

Pack light, but bring the basics: swimwear, sun protection, a phone or camera that can handle water, and a dry change of clothes. Towels and beach mats are included, so you do not need to fill your bag with those.

The boat has onboard amenities, but the tour does not include personal expenses or tips. Keep some money available for anything outside the supplied food and drinks.

Guides, language, and group size

English-speaking and Chinese-speaking guides are provided. The language setup is important because the group may be mixed, and the quality of English explanations can vary. A detailed account of the day found the English guidance difficult to understand and felt that much of the tour was conducted in Chinese.

That does not necessarily affect your ability to enjoy the beaches and water stops, but it can matter when you need clear instructions about boarding, snorkeling safety, meeting times, and seasonal changes. Listen carefully to the guide and confirm the return time before leaving the boat.

With a maximum of 75 people, this is a shared group experience. You gain a lower per-person cost and a full program, but you give up privacy and flexibility. Couples looking for a quiet romantic boat day may prefer a smaller charter. Families and friends who want plenty of activities may find the larger setup easier to accept.

Weather, safety, and cancellation terms

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached and the operator cancels the trip.

Accident medical insurance is included, along with life jackets and snorkeling equipment. Most people can take part, but the day involves boat transfers, beach landings, swimming, and water equipment. If you have concerns about any of these activities, ask the operator before booking.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, so watch the local cutoff time.

Who will get the most from this day

I would choose this tour if you want to see several famous Phuket islands in one outing and prefer a boat with more comfort than a basic speedboat. It suits families, groups of friends, and couples who want options: beach time, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a slide.

It is also a good fit if your Phuket schedule is short and you want Phi Phi, Bamboo, Maya Bay, and Maiton covered in one day. The hotel transfer and included lunch remove much of the planning work.

I would hesitate if you dislike fixed schedules, large groups, or early starts. The pier process may be slow, traffic can delay the morning, and the English explanations may not always be easy to follow. You should also reconsider if your main goal is a quiet beach with plenty of time to yourself.

Should you book the Sweetie catamaran tour?

Book it if you value variety and comfort more than a relaxed pace. For $90.99, the combination of transport, food, snorkeling gear, two water stops, and several island destinations is strong value for a full Phuket day.

Before paying, check three things: your hotel pickup time, whether Maya Bay will be open on your date, and whether you are comfortable in a group of up to 75 people. If those conditions work for you, Sweetie offers a lively, activity-filled route with more onboard comfort than many basic island tours.

FAQ

How long is the Phuket Phi Phi, Bamboo and Maiton tour?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes. Phuket island-wide hotel transfers are included, with pickup time based on your hotel location.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay when open, and Ko Mai Thon, also called Maiton or Honeymoon Island.

Is Maya Bay open all year?

No. Maya Bay closes from August 1, so the beach landing is seasonal.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai-style buffet lunch is served on Phi Phi Don. Seasonal fruit, snacks, and soft drinks are also included.

Are snorkeling and water sports included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, disposable mouthpieces, paddleboards, transparent kayaks, a water slide, and a floating platform are included.

What languages are supported by the guides?

The tour provides Chinese-speaking and English-speaking guides.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.