What to Expect on a Speed Catamaran Tour from Phuket
There's a version of an island tour that feels like being processed: early wake up, crowded boat, rushed stops, disappointing lunch, home by 5pm exhausted. That exists, and plenty of operators offer it.
What we offer is different. Here's exactly what a day on the Andaman Surprise catamaran looks like.
The Morning: Pick-Up and Departure
Your day starts with a hotel transfer. We pick up from your Phuket accommodation no navigating to a marina you've never been to, no wondering if you're in the right place. Our driver meets you at your hotel, and you arrive at Royal Phuket Marina knowing the day is already sorted.
At the Royal Phuket Marina, you'll board the catamaran and meet the crew. This is a good moment to ask questions, get your snorkeling equipment fitted, and settle in. Departure is typically in the morning, timed so you arrive at the first island stop before the day's peak heat and crowds.
The Speed Catamaran covers the distance from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands in approximately 75 to 90 minutes; considerably faster than a ferry, which means more time in the water and less time sitting on a boat watching the horizon. The ride itself is smooth on calm days and genuinely exhilarating when the sea has a bit of life to it.
On Board the Catamaran
The Speed Catamaran is designed for comfort throughout the day. Relax in the covered seating area when you need a break from the sun or are traveling with young children, or head to the open front deck for uninterrupted sea views, refreshing ocean breezes, and an exciting ride with the wind in your face all the way to the islands.
Soft drinks, locally sorted fresh fruit, and snacks are available throughout the day included in your tour price. You won't be hungry between the departure and lunch, and you won't be rationing water (That's guaranteed!).
The crew are on board the whole time. They're not just navigating; they're watching the group, helping guests with equipment, pointing out things you'd miss, and making sure the pace of the day feels right. We keep our guest numbers low (In fact, under 35) so the crew-to-guest ratio stays genuinely attentive, not performatively so.
For full details on the boat itself, visit our fleet page.
The Island Stops
The number of stops and their order depends on which tour you've chosen but the structure is broadly consistent across both Phi Phi routes.
Morning stops are typically the more active ones: snorkeling at the coral gardens, a visit to a bay or cove, a stop at a beach. The crew guides you through each site, explains what to look for underwater, and makes sure everyone is comfortable before you get in the water.
Midday is lunch; a curated buffet served on board or at a designated stop, with fresh dishes, rice, fruits, and options for different preferences. It's a real meal, not a packed sandwich.
Afternoon stops tend to be the more relaxed ones; a beach landing, a longer snorkel at a calmer site, time to simply float and look at where you are. The pace drops, and the day takes on a different quality.
The Snorkeling
Snorkeling equipment is provided and included: mask, snorkel, fins. Before your first snorkel stop, the crew will check that everything fits correctly. If anything is uncomfortable or leaking, it gets sorted on the boat, not in the water. For added hygiene and comfort, each guest receives a sanitised snorkel mouthpiece, so you're not using one previously worn by someone else.
The crew joins guests in the water. They're not watching from the boat while you figure it out; they're in with you, pointing out turtles, guiding first-timers, and making the experience safe and better for everyone.
If you've never snorkeled before, you'll be fine. The sites we visit on our Phi Phi tours are calm, clear, and accessible. The crew are experienced with nervous or first-time snorkelers and will stay with you in the water until you're comfortable.
If you're a confident swimmer or experienced snorkeler, there's still plenty to discover,; the coral gardens around Phi Phi Don and the reef at Khai Island are genuinely rich sites that reward more time underwater.
See more of how we make things convenient for you →
What's Included and What Isn't
Included:
- Round-trip hotel transfers from your Phuket accommodation
- Speed Catamaran seat (covered and open deck)
- Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Life vests available in sizes for children and adults
- Soft drinks and fresh fruit throughout the day
- Curated international buffet lunch
- National park entry fees where applicable
- Crew guidance in and out of the water
Not included:
- Beach Towels (available for rent or purchase on check-in)
- Gratuities (entirely optional and never expected)
What to Bring
Keep it simple. The boat has storage, but you don't need much.
- Swimwear as you'll be in and out of the water all day
- A change of dry clothes for the journey home
- Sunscreen that is reef-safe if possible (it matters for the coral)
- Sunglasses and a hat for the boat rides
- A small dry bag or ziplock for your phone and valuables
- Any personal medication (we provide motion sickness tablets)
Leave valuables at the hotel where possible. The boat are always guarded and safe but travelling light makes the day easier!
The Return Journey
The catamaran heads back to Royal Phuket Marina in the mid-to-late afternoon the exact time depends on the tour and day conditions, but you'll typically be back at your hotel by early evening, with the rest of the night to yourself.
The return crossing is often the most peaceful part of the day. The sea tends to be calmer in the afternoon, the light is golden, and the energy on board shifts from active to quietly satisfied. It's a good time to dry off, look back at where you've been, and decide where you're going for dinner.
Who This Tour Is Right For
The Speed Catamaran tour works well for most travellers; couples, families with children, small groups, solo travellers who've booked independently. The pace is manageable, the stops are varied, and the crew adapts the experience to who's on board.
It's particularly well-suited for:
- Families with children aged 5 and up; the snorkeling sites are accessible, the boat is stable, and the crew are experienced with younger guests
- Couples who want a full day that feels considered rather than rushed
- First-time visitors to Phuket who want to see the Andaman at its best on day one
- Anyone who's had a disappointing island tour before and wants to understand what the difference looks like!
If you're looking for a private experience; your own boat, your own schedule, your own route, that's available too. See our fleet and private charter options.
