Fast speedboats can be a hassle.

This one aims to fix that by mixing island hopping speed with a 2025 luxury high-speed catamaran (Sweetie) that has leather seating, sea-view decks, and full onboard amenities. I also like that you get a structured day: transfers, scheduled stops, and enough water time that you’re not just cruising past beaches.

What I like most is the built-in mix of water fun and food. You’ll get two snorkeling stops, plus the added extras at Ko Mai Thon (Maiton) like a floating sea slide, a water platform, paddleboards, and transparent kayaks. And you’re fed properly with a Thai buffet lunch by Phi Phi Don, with snacks, fruit, and drinks on the ride back.

One drawback to factor in is logistics and language flow. From Phuket and Patong you may hit traffic getting to the pier, and check-in can feel slow; some guests also report that guidance is delivered mostly in Chinese, so if you’re relying on English explanations, keep expectations realistic.

Key things to know before you go

• 2025 Sweetie catamaran comfort: leather seating and sea-view decks make the fast ride easier on your back and neck.
• Two real snorkeling sessions: snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, so you’re not scrambling for gear.
• Ko Mai Thon water-play set: water slide, water platform, paddleboards, and transparent kayaks are part of the package.
• Hotel pickup is included: island-wide transfers help, but you still may spend time in Phuket traffic.
• Group size tops out at 75: big enough to feel lively, small enough that you’re not on a massive ferry crowd.
• Maya Bay is seasonal: Maya Bay is closed from August 1st, which can affect what you see on that day.

Sweetie 2025 catamaran: what luxury speed feels like

This is a speed-and-comfort day. You’re on the Sweetie, a 2025 luxury high-speed catamaran with leather seating and decks that give you sea views rather than sitting below deck the whole time. The point is simple: Phuket’s islands look best when you get there fast, and you don’t want the ride to drain your energy before you even reach the water.

The onboard setup also matters when the schedule is tight. You’ll be doing multiple transitions—boat to snorkeling areas, beach time, then back on board—so having a comfortable seat and some onboard amenities helps you reset between stops.

If you hate being rushed, you still should know this tour is built for motion. You’re not doing a slow, lingering island day; you’re doing a packed route where timing is part of the experience.

Getting to Chalong Pier: timing, traffic, and check-in reality

The day starts with hotel pickup. Pickup happens between about 8:30 and 9:30, depending on where your hotel is, and then you head to Seven Plus Travel at Chalong pier (43/42 Tambon Chalong). The tour start time is listed as 10:00 am, which fits the idea that you’ll reach the pier in time for boarding and paperwork.

Here’s the practical part: Phuket traffic can turn a short distance into a long one. Even if the boat portion is fast, you should budget time for the road—especially if you’re staying around Patong or farther from Chalong.

Then there’s the pier side of the day. You’ll want to be ready to wait for check-in and boarding. One of the most useful lessons from the experience is simple: bring patience, and don’t plan a tight schedule right before pickup.

Bamboo Island morning: white sand and first snorkel setup

Bamboo Island is your first stop, arriving around 10:00 am. This is a good opening island because it’s all about water clarity and an easy beach feel. You’re not going straight into a complex program; you get to settle onto island time and get your first water session started.

Snorkeling equipment is included: snorkel gear, life jackets, disposable mouthpieces, towels, and beach mats. That combination is what makes a speed tour feel doable. You don’t waste energy hunting rentals or figuring out sizing at a chaotic pier.

The snorkeling vibe here is about seeing fish in clear shallows rather than chasing a long dive experience. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the water without feeling like you’re on a strict clock the whole time.

Phi Phi Don lunch and the first snorkeling session in the islands

Next comes Phi Phi. You arrive around 12:50 pm to Phi Phi Don and get a buffet lunch. This is one of the smartest parts of the schedule: you’re fed before the first proper snorkeling session, so you’re not hungry while you’re trying to enjoy the reef.

The lunch is a Thai-style buffet with seasonal fruits, snacks, and soft drinks included. There’s also a steady flow of food during the day, including additional snacks and drinks on the way back. In a tour like this, that matters because the day can run long enough that skipping a meal isn’t an option.

At 14:00, you head toward the waters around the Phi Phi Islands for your first snorkeling session. This is the part of the day where the route earns its name. Expect colorful fish and a more classic reef snorkeling feel.

Timing note: the snorkeling slot here is listed as about 1 hour 10 minutes, which is a reasonable length for people who want to see something without feeling locked in. If you’re new to snorkeling, this still gives you time to get comfortable, adjust to the water, and enjoy the experience.

Maya Bay and Viking Cave pass-by: beach time with a seasonal catch

After the first snorkeling, you’ll move on for Maya Bay. Around 14:50, the boat passes by Viking Cave on the way to the Maya Bay area, then you get island landing time. The plan includes free time on the beach, then you head onward at 15:50.

This is a tour that respects the reality of Maya Bay. It’s listed with a key seasonal constraint: Maya Bay is closed from August 1st. So if your travel dates fall after that, you should expect the experience to shift away from Maya Bay landings.

What I like about this structure is that you get more than one kind of “time.” Snorkeling gives you the underwater highlight, while Maya Bay adds a beach break. You’re not stuck on the boat the entire middle of the day.

One consideration: beach time is valuable, but it’s also short. Bring sun protection you can reapply quickly, and aim to be ready to move back on board when the boat calls you.

Ko Mai Thon (Maiton) and Honeymoon Island: second snorkeling plus the big water-play zone

The late-day payoff is Ko Mai Thon, also shown as Ko Mai Thon Island with arrivals at Honeymoon Island. Around 16:40 to 16:50, you’re there for the second snorkeling session and the water activities.

This is where the tour goes beyond standard snorkeling. You can take part in:

• Floating sea slide
• Water platform
• Paddleboards
• Transparent kayak/kayaks

Because these activities are included, you’re not paying extra to turn the final portion of the day into something more playful. If snorkeling is your main goal, you still get that second session. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t care about snorkeling as much, this section gives them a menu of options.

The second water slot is listed as about 50 minutes, which is long enough for a try at snorkeling and at least one extra activity. Just remember: a tight schedule means you’ll want to pick what matters most to you first, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Food, gear, and onboard extras you’ll actually use

This tour is built around included essentials, and that’s where the value shows. You get:

• Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, disposable mouthpieces
• Towels and beach mats
• A Thai buffet lunch plus seasonal fruits, snacks, and soft drinks
• Accident medical insurance
• Onboard inclusions for the return ride, listed as snacks and drinks

For many people, the biggest hidden cost on island tours is gear and meals. Here, those things are already folded into the price, so you can focus on enjoying the day instead of doing math at every stop.

On the boat itself, the Sweetie setup helps you feel less cramped. Leather seating and sea-view decks are not just aesthetic—they make it easier to stay comfortable between snorkeling legs and landings.

Price and value: is $90.99 a smart buy?

At $90.99 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do Phi Phi and nearby islands. But the package is fairly full: hotel-area transfers, Thai buffet lunch, two snorkeling sessions with gear, and multiple water activities are all included.

So the real question for value is simple: will you use the included items? If you’re the type who snorkels both times and also wants the sea slide or paddleboard time, the cost can feel reasonable fast.

If you mostly want scenic boat views and one quick swim, you might feel the price more than the activity. In that case, a lighter option could be a better match. The Sweetie tour is best when you want a full-day “water program,” not just a sightseeing cruise.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

I think this tour is a great fit for:

• Couples and friends who want a fast route without sacrificing comfort
• Travelers who like snorkeling but also want at least one fun “bonus” (sea slide, paddleboards, transparent kayaks)
• People who don’t want to manage rentals, meals, or swim gear

It may not be ideal for:

• Anyone who gets stressed by crowds or by a schedule that depends on check-in efficiency
• Travelers who strongly rely on English explanations throughout. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, but guidance may be delivered mostly in Chinese during the day, so plan to go with the visuals and the snorkeling time.

If you’re traveling in August, factor in the Maya Bay closure from August 1st and how that might change what’s offered for that portion of the day.

Should you book the Phuket Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour?

Book it if you want a single-day hit list: Bamboo + Phi Phi + Maya Bay (seasonal) + Ko Mai Thon, with gear and lunch handled for you. The Sweetie comfort plus the included water-play section at Ko Mai Thon make this feel like more than just a boat ride.

Skip it (or shop alternatives) if your priority is slow travel, lots of time ashore, or very detailed narration in English. This is a time-boxed island route, and a smooth experience depends on good weather, plus everyone being ready at the pier.

FAQ

What islands are included on this Phuket speed catamaran tour?

You’ll visit Bamboo Island, the Phi Phi area for snorkeling, Maya Bay (seasonal), and Ko Mai Thon (Maiton) with time at Honeymoon Island.

Is snorkeling included, and do you get equipment?

Yes. The tour includes two snorkeling stops and provides snorkeling equipment, life jackets, disposable mouthpieces, and towels.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. The tour offers Phuket island-wide hotel transfers, with pickup times scheduled based on your hotel location.

What’s included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a Thai-style buffet on Phi Phi Don with seasonal fruits, snacks, and soft drinks. Snacks and drinks are also provided on the way back.

How many people are on the boat at most?

The tour lists a maximum of 75 travelers.

What happens if weather is bad or Maya Bay is closed?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Maya Bay is listed as closed from August 1st, which can affect that portion of the route.