Phi Phi looks even better from a catamaran. This Phuket day trip blends smooth sailing with snorkeling at Loh Lana and kayaking near Maya Bay. The whole plan is built around getting you in the water and keeping you moving through the best viewpoints of the Andaman Sea.

I like that the morning is structured for water time right away, not hours of waiting. You also get snorkel gear plus the marine national park fee included, so you’re not hunting for add-ons once you’re on the boat.

One thing to weigh: the Phi Phi Don area can feel busy, and lunch is served onboard as a standard meal stop rather than a beachside picnic where you can linger longer.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Snorkeling-first timing at Loh Lana/Lana Bay right after boarding at Phi Phi Don
• Maya Bay sea kayaking from the Ko Phi Phi Lee side, with time to paddle in a calmer cove
• All meals handled (canapé breakfast, lunch, plus afternoon snacks and drinks)
• Tonsai Bay beach time with provided beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong
• Max 20 travelers on the catamaran, which helps keep the day from feeling chaotic

From Phuket to Ao Po Grand Marina: the morning logistics that set the tone

This tour is designed as a true day trip, starting with hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan. If you’re near public transportation, that’s helpful too, since the departure runs out of Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket. The tour notes a start time around 9:00 a.m., and it also lists an early boat departure from Ao Po Grand Marina around 8:30 a.m., so plan to be ready earlier rather than later. In other words: set an alarm, don’t treat this like a casual late-morning outing.

The boat is the Blu Anda premium catamaran, and it’s a non-smoking vessel. Group size is capped at 20 travelers, which matters on Phi Phi days—fewer people means you’re more likely to enjoy the water time instead of just queueing for it. There’s also a minimum of 6 people required for the tour to run, so if you’re traveling with a very small group, you could see schedule changes or a refund option if they don’t meet that threshold.

For timing nerves: the day is long enough that you’ll feel the schedule, not just “tour the islands.” Your best move is to show up rested, with your swim stuff easy to access. You’ll be doing snorkel and kayak in a full-day rhythm, not a series of quick stops where you only dip your feet in.

Canapés, coffee, and getting your snorkel ready on the right side of the day

Once you meet your guide and get to the pier, the morning begins with a light canapé breakfast plus beverages. It’s not a heavy breakfast buffet—think quick fuel—then you’re back at the water quickly. That’s a smart setup because snorkeling quality depends a lot on when you’re in the cove, how conditions hold, and how your energy lasts.

Before you even reach the first real swim, the tour provides what you need: snorkeling equipment (including snorkel and fins), plus beach items later like beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong. This matters more than it sounds. If you’ve ever shown up for Phi Phi and realized you forgot something basic—mask, fins, or a way to cover up between swims—you’ll appreciate not having to solve those problems on the pier.

Then comes the sail across the Andaman Sea toward Phi Phi. On a catamaran, the ride is typically smoother than speedboats, and you also get time for dockside sightseeing as you cruise past notable rock formations. The day doesn’t waste travel time. It keeps transitioning from sea-to-water-to-sea, which is exactly what you want for a single day.

A quick heads-up from the operator: during monsoon season, the time and order of stops may change based on tide, sea condition, and weather for safety. That’s not a deal-breaker if you go in flexible, but it does mean you should expect the day to adapt.

Loh Lana (Lana Bay) snorkeling: where the underwater time actually happens

Your first Phi Phi underwater stop is at Phi Phi Don, followed by snorkeling at Loh Lana—also called Lana Bay. You’ll gear up with the included snorkel and fins and be able to walk off the catamaran steps straight into the water. That “step-off” detail is a big deal: less hassle means more actual time spent with the reef.

Lana Bay is a cove setting, and the whole point is colorful fish and coral reef scenery. In practice, this is the kind of stop you remember because you’re not just looking at the islands from above—you’re swimming alongside the life under the surface. If you’re going to Phi Phi mainly for snorkeling, this is the core moment.

There are two ways to enjoy this stop:

1) Keep your first minute simple: check your mask fit, get buoyancy comfortable, and let the water settle in.

2) Don’t rush to chase what you think you’ll see. You’ll often get the best views from slow, steady finning and watching fish movement near the reef edge.

If you prefer staying dry, you still get time on deck to watch the water and rest between laps. But this stop is clearly built for people who want to be in the water, not people who just want a beach photo.

Ao Ling and lunch onboard: what you eat and why it’s timed well

After early water time, you return onboard to dry off and eat. Lunch is served onboard as a fresh, prepared set meal option: seafood, chicken, or vegetarian. The day also includes afternoon snacks, fruits, and hot or cold beverages, so you’re not stuck paying extra for quick sugar fixes.

Lunch timing is part of the value. You eat while the catamaran continues cruising through scenic areas, with views described around Nui Bay and rock landmarks like Camel Rock. That matters because a lot of day trips lose you half a day to sitting. Here, the “sit and eat” segment still has movement and scenery attached.

The one caution I’d flag is the style of meal stop. The tour uses an onboard set service rather than a beach lunch where you can linger for hours. If you’re the kind of traveler who would rather spend extra time in the water and only eat when you’re already on a snorkeling beach, you may wish lunch had a longer on-shore option. That said, the onboard lunch keeps the itinerary on schedule, which is the real reason most people choose a 10-hour structure in the first place.

Also note: if you have food allergies or special dietary needs, you’re asked to advise at booking so arrangements can be made for lunch via Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel. That’s an important detail to take seriously—don’t assume they’ll automatically know your needs.

Ko Phi Phi Lee, Maya Bay kayaking, and the long scenic cruise past icons

Ko Phi Phi Lee is where the day shifts into a heavier sightseeing-and-activity phase. You dock at Maya Bay for sea kayaking—this is one of the most practical “wow” elements because you get closer to the coastline without needing to swim the whole time.

The tour positions kayaking as part of the flow after snorkeling at Phi Phi Don. You get gear for the water activities, and you’re meant to paddle around in crystalline bay conditions when conditions allow. Kayaking here tends to be easier than open-water paddling because you’re in a bay/cove style environment, and the coastline scenery is the point.

Then it’s back on the catamaran to continue past a list of famous formations and lagoon areas: Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave are all part of the sailing-by segments. You also pass Maya Bay as part of the coastal route. This is a classic Phi Phi approach: a mix of time on the water for snorkeling and kayaking, plus a “look from the boat” segment for the big-name features.

Two important realities to keep in mind:

• If weather or sea conditions change during monsoon season, the order of activities and even the exact destinations may be altered for safety.
• Maya Bay has had closure periods in past years for coral reef rehabilitation (the operator lists 01 June to 30 September 2018 as a closure window). During those closure periods, the boat may only cruise past the bay. If Maya Bay matters most to you, it’s smart to check the current status when you book.

If you want a single sentence summary of this section: this is where you get the most “Phi Phi postcard” moments without spending the day solely in transit.

Tonsai Bay: beach time that feels like a breather, not just a stop

Your final dock is at Tonsai Bay. This is the part of the day that lets you decompress. You’ll have time to shop along the beach and/or swim and sunbathe with provided beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong.

This is also where the crowd factor shows up. Tonsai is a go-to beach area, and on a day trip schedule, you’re usually sharing it with other tour groups. The upside is you’ll get a real beach vibe and easy access to water. The downside is you may not feel like you have the island to yourself, especially if you’re expecting a quiet, secluded beach experience.

Still, the practical benefits are strong:

• The tour gives you beach footwear and quick “cover-up” options (sarong), so you don’t have to improvise
• You get time to rinse and reset before heading back, rather than rushing from snorkeling straight into the return without any buffer

If you’ve been snorkeling in the morning and kayaking later, this beach window feels like a reward. You can go in for a swim, come out, and spend time just watching the coastline.

What’s included (and what’s not): the “real cost” checklist

Here’s what you can count on as included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan
• Welcome snacks: canapé breakfast, plus afternoon snacks, fruits, and hot/cold beverages
• All snorkeling equipment plus beach shoes, small towel, and a sarong for on-land water breaks
• Marine National Park fee
• English-speaking guide
• Travel insurance
• Lunch onboard (seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options)
• Marine National Park fee is explicitly included, which is a nice bonus for budgeting

What’s not included:

• Professional photo service (listed at 2500 THB). If photos are important to you, decide in advance whether you want that extra spend, because it can add up fast.

A smart planning note: the tour provides travel insurance, but it doesn’t replace common-sense safety. Bring any personal meds you need and consider simple water-day items like sunscreen and a dry bag. Those aren’t listed as provided, so plan to bring them.

Also, the vessel is non-smoking, so if that matters to you for comfort during travel segments, it’s already handled.

Price and value at $128.95 per person: what you’re really paying for

At $128.95 per person, the biggest question is whether you’re paying for the scenery alone or whether the schedule includes enough “doing” to justify it. Here, the value case is decent because multiple elements that usually cost extra are included: hotel pickup, snorkel gear, marine national park fee, meals and snacks, plus kayaking access.

This isn’t a cheap “hop on a boat and go” deal. You’re paying for a guided, scheduled day built around key activity points across the Phi Phi islands. And because the catamaran trip is capped at 20 travelers, it avoids the worst feeling of getting swallowed by a massive group where you spend the day waiting.

Who this fits best:

• You want snorkeling and kayaking in one day, not separate tours
• You like having meals covered so you can keep your day focused
• You prefer a smoother ride and more comfort than a very fast, minimal-stop boat

Who might feel less satisfied:

• You’re chasing quiet, uncrowded beach time all day. This trip includes popular areas like Tonsai and Phi Phi Don, so crowds are part of the equation.
• You want lunch on a beach after snorkeling. This tour uses an onboard meal format, which may feel less flexible if that’s your style.

The practical win is simple: if snorkeling and swimming are the priority, the plan puts real water time into the schedule early and again later with kayaking.

Should you book the Blu Anda Catamaran to Phi Phi?

If you’re choosing between doing less and seeing more, I’d lean toward booking—because this day trip is built to deliver actual water time, not just boat cruising. The snorkeling stop at Loh Lana and the kayaking at Maya Bay are the two biggest reasons it works. Add in included meals and gear, plus a smaller maximum group size, and the overall structure feels like a good value for a one-day Phi Phi hit.

Pass if your top goal is a relaxed, private beach day with minimal crowds. In that case, the busy island hubs and onboard meal format may clash with what you’re imagining.

If you want a fun, active Phi Phi day from Phuket—snorkeling, paddling, then beach time to finish—this one makes a lot of sense.

FAQ

How long is the Blu Anda Catamaran to Phi Phi from Phuket?

It’s listed as about 10 hours.

What’s included in the price besides the boat ride?

Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, a canapé breakfast and afternoon snacks (plus fruits and drinks), snorkeling equipment, beach shoes, a small towel and a sarong, marine national park fee, an English-speaking guide, travel insurance, and lunch onboard.

Where does the tour depart from in Phuket?

The tour departs from Ao Po Grand Marina at the Pier 88 Seafood Terminal area (Ao Po). You meet your guide in the morning at your hotel, then drive to the pier.

Do I get snorkeling gear and what about kayaking?

Yes—snorkeling equipment is provided (including fins). The tour includes sea kayaking time at Maya Bay, and the day’s activity gear (snorkel gear plus beach items) is part of the package.

Is lunch included, and what food options are offered?

Lunch is included onboard. Options are seafood, chicken, or vegetarian.

Is Maya Bay guaranteed to be visited?

Maya Bay is part of the plan, but the operator notes that during a historical closure period for coral reef rehabilitation (01 June to 30 September 2018), the boat could cruise past the bay only. Current conditions can also change during monsoon season for safety.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours, the amount paid is not refunded. The operator also notes that if weather causes cancellation, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.