Family Island Tours from Phuket — What to Know Before You Go
A family-friendly tour needs more than a stable boat. Snorkeling sites should be suitable for children who are still building confidence in the water, and the day should move at a comfortable pace rather than feeling rushed. If plans change; a child is tired, lunch brings a small meltdown, or a nervous first-timer decides not to get in the water, the crew should respond calmly and naturally, without making it a big issue.
We've thought about all of this. Here's what you need to know about bringing your family on an Andaman Surprise island tour.
Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?
Yes! We welcome children on all our tours, and we're genuinely set up for them; not just technically compliant with safety requirements, but practically prepared for what a family day looks like.
Life jackets are provided for all ages, including young children. They're fitted on board before any water activity.
The catamaran has covered seating inside, which means children who need a break from the sun have somewhere comfortable to be. The boat is stable and spacious (up to 30 guests); there's room to move around, and children aren't crowded into a small, overheated space.
The crew includes members who are experienced with families and younger guests. They're patient, attentive, and good at reading the energy of a group.
Children under 1 year cannot join. For infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 3), reach out before booking and we'll advise based on sea conditions. If you're travelling with a very young child, reach out before booking and we'll advise honestly.
Check out our high-speed catamaran designed for a smooth ride the whole family can enjoy!
The Best Andaman Surprise Tour for Families
Our most family-recommended route is the Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island tour, which runs on our speed catamaran. To see what the island offers before you go, read our Bamboo Island guide.
Here's why it works so well for families:
Bamboo Island's beach and reef are easy for children. Bamboo Island has a wide, powdery beach and water shallow enough to wade far out, with a reef just offshore. Children can wade in, put their faces in the water and see coral and fish without a long swim. Our crew fits snorkeling equipment for children and stays with them during their first snorkel if needed.
Maya Bay is a shared experience that doesn't require getting in the water. The walk into Maya Bay and the view of the cove; the cliffs, the colour of the water, is something children respond to genuinely. It doesn't ask anything of them physically and it delivers one of the most visually memorable moments of the day.
The pace is structured but not rushed. The tour is a full day, but it has natural rest points built in lunch, boat crossings, the return journey that give children (and parents) time to recover between active stops.
For families with very young children or children who get motion sick, see the James Bond Island tour below.
Snorkeling With Children
Children who've never snorkeled before generally take to it quickly at Bamboo Island, where the water is shallow near the beach and the reef is just offshore.
Our crew will fit snorkeling equipment for children before they get in the water and will stay with them during their first snorkel if needed. We have buoyancy vests available on request, which let younger children float comfortably without needing to tread water.
A few practical notes for parents:
Younger children tire quickly. A 20 minutes snorkel is often enough for children under 8. We don't push any guest, adult or child to stay in the water longer than they want to.
Sun protection is critical. Children burn faster than adults, especially when they're in and out of the water. Apply reef-safe sunscreen before the tour, bring a rash vest if you have one, and reapply after each water session.
Motion sickness. If your child is prone to motion sickness, speak to your doctor before the tour. The open-sea crossing to Phi Phi can have some movement on certain days. The James Bond Island tour, which operates in the sheltered Phang Nga Bay, is a better option for families with very motion-sensitive children.
Read more on Phi Phi Islands rules.
The James Bond Island Tour for Families
The James Bond Island & Panyee Island tour is an excellent family option, particularly for:
- Families with very young children who aren't ready for snorkeling
- Children who get motion sick on open-sea crossings
- Families who want a cultural experience alongside the natural scenery
- Travelling in shoulder season when open-sea conditions are more variable
The bay is calm, the stops are visually dramatic without requiring physical effort, and Koh Panyee; the floating village, is genuinely fascinating for children. The football pitch built on stilts over the water tends to be a highlight.
What Families Should Pack
Beyond the standard day-trip items, here's what we'd add for families:
- Reef-safe sunscreen: apply before you leave the hotel, not just on the boat
- Rash vests for children: easier than reapplying sunscreen every hour (we sell our signature fit at pier)
- A dry bag for your phone, camera, and snacks
- Any child-specific medication (antihistamines, motion sickness tablets, etc.)
- A change of clothes for each child: wet swimwear on the return crossing gets cold
- Towels from hotel to stay dry and comfortable on board
The catamaran has storage, but don't overpack. A small bag per person is plenty.
Still have plans in Phuket? Checkout Best family beaches in Phuket.
Private Charter for Families
If you'd prefer to have the boat entirely to your group; your own pace, your own stops, full flexibility on the day, private charter is available. This works particularly well for larger family groups, multi-family trips, or anyone who wants to tailor the itinerary to younger children's needs.
See our private charter options →
Booking a Family Tour
All Andaman Surprise tours include round-trip hotel transfers, which means you're not navigating to the marina on your own with children in tow. We handle pick-up and drop-off from your Phuket accommodation.
Children's pricing is listed on each tour page. Our tour pages list adults as 12 and over, children as 4 to 11, and infants as 0 to 3. Children under 1 year cannot join.
Browse all island tours from Phuket →
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum age for your island tours?
Children under 1 year cannot join. For infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 3), contact us before booking so we can advise based on your travel dates.
Do you provide life jackets for children?
Yes. Life jackets are provided for all guests, including young children, and are fitted on board before any water activity.
Is the catamaran suitable for children who get seasick?
The crossing to Phi Phi can be choppy on some days, especially in monsoon season (May to October). Seasickness tablets are provided, so take one before boarding. The James Bond Island tour runs in sheltered Phang Nga Bay and can suit very motion-sensitive children.
