Short answer: Mostly yes on calm days. Our speed catamaran has two hulls for a more balanced ride, covered seating, life jackets in children's sizes, and a crew that checks in on guests. Seas are choppier in monsoon season (May to October), so families prone to motion sickness should take tablets before boarding. Tripadvisor guests describe the ride as smooth and stable, and some families mention choppy days too.
The speed catamaran in numbers
Why two hulls matter
A catamaran has two hulls instead of one. Our fleet page lists dual hulls for a smoother, more balanced ride, a bow designed to cut through waves with less turbulence, and dual-shaft propulsion for added safety.
All of our speed catamarans were built in 2025.
For a look at the whole day, see what to expect on a speed catamaran tour.
What guests say about the ride
We read through our Tripadvisor reviews for comments on the ride and on families. Here is what guests wrote, labelled with how they travelled. Our rating is 5.0 from more than 600 reviews.
When the sea isn't calm
The Andaman Sea is calmest from November to April. From May to October, which is monsoon season, it can be choppy, and some guests feel it. One family told us a crossing after lunch got choppy, and she was glad she'd brought travel-sickness tablets. She suggested we warn guests earlier, so we do: if you or your child gets motion sick, take a tablet before boarding. Seasickness tablets are provided, so ask the crew.
Another family travelling in monsoon season said the staff prepared them for the conditions and made them feel confident. A couple in January said the crew moved around the boat to keep guests from being splashed in choppy water.
Not every review is five stars. Recent critical reviews mention rough seas, and we reply to them publicly. We don't operate when conditions put guests at risk. If a trip is unsafe, we contact you in advance to reschedule or discuss alternatives.
Learn more on the best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands here.
How we look after families on board
- Shade: A covered seating area for children who need a break from the sun, plus an open front deck.
- Life jackets in sizes for children and adults, fitted on board before any water activity. Buoyancy vests are available on request.
- Safety briefing that asks about health conditions, so the crew knows who needs extra help.
- Crew in the water: The crew fits snorkel gear and joins children for their first snorkel.
- First aid: First aid kits and communication tools on board, with CPR and emergency training for all staff.
- Hotel pick-up included, so you don't navigate to the marina with children in tow.
Read more about Phi Phi Island rules
Which tour for families
Our Phi Phi & Bamboo Island tour runs on our speed catamaran and gives more beach time at Bamboo Island.
The Phi Phi & Khai Island tour runs on a speedboat (up to 35 guests), not the catamaran described in this guide.
For packing and age tips, read family island tours from Phuket.
To compare what you get at different price points, see premium vs comfort catamaran tours.
Discover more about our rankings of the Best Family Beaches here.
Want the boat to yourselves? See private charters on our fleet page.
Sources: Andaman Surprise fleet page, tour pages and FAQ (7 October 2026); Tripadvisor guest reviews (2026); Andaman Surprise blog posts on speed catamaran tours and family island tours.
