One morning boat ride can feel like two vacations. This Blu Anda catamaran Phi Phi day trip mixes calm cruising, serious snorkeling, and a bit of shoreline time in one smooth 10-hour loop. I especially like that the swim stops are built in from the start (not saved for the end), and I also like that you get the snorkeling gear plus meals and snacks included. One thing to consider: the Phi Phi island area can get busy, so if your main goal is water time, you’ll want to focus on the cove and reef stops.

You’ll depart with a small group on a non-smoking vessel, meet your guide early, then spend the day hopping between coves, lagoons, and viewpoint-worthy rock formations. The monsoon note is real: in rougher conditions, the order or destinations can change for safety, so go in flexible.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Snorkel-ready from the first stop with fins and gear provided, plus time to get into the water right after boarding
• Loh Lana (Lana Bay) and Ao Ling (Monkey Bay) as the main reef-and-fish moments
• Maya Bay sea kayaking on Ko Phi Phi Lee, with a catamaran route that also cruises past famous sights
• Tonsai Bay beach time with gear included, including beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong
• Meals are genuinely part of the plan: canapé breakfast, lunch onboard, and afternoon snacks
• Small-ish group size (max 20) for a day trip that still feels active

A smooth catamaran day trip: Phuket’s Ao Po to the Phi Phi islands

This is the kind of Phuket Phi Phi itinerary that feels efficient without trying to cram in everything. You start with hotel pickup in an air-conditioned minivan, then head to Pier 88 Seafood Terminal at Ao Po. The boat portion is on a premium-feeling catamaran (non-smoking), and you’ll have that relaxed “we’re in transit but also sightseeing” vibe as you head out into the Andaman Sea.

Why I like this format for you: a day trip can either feel rushed or feel paced. Here, the schedule keeps returning you to the water for actual swim time instead of just doing a checklist of viewpoints. And since you’re not driving yourself or fighting transfers, the day stays simple.

One extra detail that helps: you get freshwater showers on board for the return trip, which matters more than it sounds when you’re snorkeling and beaching all afternoon.

Snorkeling and swimming stops that drive the day (Lana Bay and Monkey Bay)

If your priority is snorkeling, the day is built around it. Early on, you get out to Koh Pai (Bamboo Island) where you can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach. This early stop is smart because it gives you time to get your sea legs before the more famous (and often busier) areas.

Then the itinerary shifts toward reef time at Loh Lana (Lana Bay) on Phi Phi Don. You’ll step right off the catamaran and snorkel at a cove on the northwest side. The point of this stop isn’t just that it’s scenic. It’s that it’s designed for “walk off the boat, gear up, see fish, float around.” If you want colorful fish and coral-life hunting without complicated logistics, this is where the day delivers.

Next comes Ao Ling (Monkey Bay) for more swimming and snorkeling. From a practical standpoint, having a second snorkel stop is a win. You’re not stuck with one “all your luck is in one cove” gamble. If one area has slightly different visibility, you still get another shot at fun water time.

A helpful practical note: marine conditions matter. During monsoon periods, the order or even destinations can change for safety, so keep your expectations flexible if seas are choppy.

Cruising past Camel Rock, Viking Cave, and the rest of the rock-show

Between water stops, you get scenery. The catamaran route includes cruises past standout formations like Camel Rock and, later, Viking Cave, plus views around Nui Bay and other coves.

This is one of those “why boat tours are worth it” parts. You’re not just staring at the island from a distance; you’re moving along the coastline at sea level where you can actually appreciate scale. Even when you’re not in the water, the sailing portion keeps the day feeling like an experience rather than waiting in line.

Also, onboard you’ll have a guide who’s English-speaking. That matters because even simple sightlines can be more satisfying when you know what you’re looking at—especially for rock formations and cave areas you can’t exactly explore on foot from the boat.

Ko Phi Phi Lee route: Maya Bay kayaking plus lagoon cruising

After Phi Phi Don, you head toward Ko Phi Phi Lee, which sits just south of the big island. This is where the itinerary adds a different kind of action: sea kayaking at Maya Bay.

Kayaking here changes the feel of the day. Snorkeling is float and drift; kayaking is hands-on movement. If you’ve never kayaked in a calm bay, this is one of those chances where you get the best of both worlds—water activity plus close views of coastline shapes you’d miss from the catamaran deck.

What I like about this approach is that the tour doesn’t rely on you loving kayaking. Even if you’re not a strong paddler, the day still includes cruising past sights around Ko Phi Phi Lee and time at other bays. So it feels balanced rather than “all-in on one activity.”

You’ll also cruise by places like Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Lagoon during the overall island loop. Then comes the sightseeing-and-docking sequence that ends with beach time at Tonsai Bay.

Tonsai Bay: beach shoes, sarong, and what “island time” really means

The last major stop is Tonsai Bay, where you’ll dock and get a chunk of late afternoon to swim, sunbathe, or browse along the beach.

This is where people often have different expectations. You do get island-area time, but it’s not a full “walk around Phi Phi town and explore all day” style experience. The tour is designed around water access and a guided schedule, so plan to treat Tonsai Bay as your relaxing payoff rather than your sightseeing day.

The good news is the included gear makes this part easier. You get beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong that can work as a cover-up or wrap for changing and sun protection. You’ll also have those freshwater showers on board for the trip back, which helps keep the day comfortable through the end.

If you’re the type who wants quiet coves over crowds, focus on enjoying the water at the bays rather than trying to fit in lots of shore walking.

Meals on a catamaran: canapés, lunch options, and snack momentum

A day trip lives or dies by the food plan, and this one is thoughtfully “kept moving.” You start with a canapé breakfast before you board—light enough that you won’t feel heavy while you’re getting ready to swim. On top of that, you have afternoon snacks with fruits plus hot or cold beverages.

Lunch is included onboard as well, with options for seafood, chicken, or vegetarian. The big practical advantage: you’re not hunting for food during the busiest part of the day. You eat, you dry off, and you’re back on the water without losing momentum.

One consideration for your expectations: lunch is served onboard rather than as a beach picnic on a snorkel cove. If your ideal day trip includes eating in the middle of the scenery at a specific swimming stop, you might wish meals were timed differently. Still, having a predictable included lunch is a real value for a Phuket-to-Phi Phi day where the main schedule is water time.

Price and value: what $128.95 includes (and why it can be worth it)

At $128.95 per person, the question isn’t just “is it expensive.” It’s: what are you getting that saves you money and hassle?

Here’s the value argument in plain terms:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan (you’re not self-navigating to the pier)
• Snorkeling equipment (so you don’t rent it in Phuket or bring your own)
• Marine National Park fee included
• English-speaking guide
• Travel insurance
• Meals and snacks: canapé breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruits, beverages
• Beach essentials: beach shoes, small towel, sarong

If you price out snorkeling gear rental, transport, and a day’s worth of food separately, that pile of extras is usually where you feel the deal. This tour also has a maximum of 20 travelers, which keeps it from turning into a giant cattle-car day trip.

Optional add-on: professional photos are not included (2500 thb). If you’re the kind of person who loves posed moments, budget for that decision in advance. If you’d rather save money, you can skip it and just enjoy your own phone camera.

Timing, weather, and Maya Bay access rules you should expect

Phi Phi days depend on the sea, and the tour makes that clear. During monsoon season, the time and order of activities, plus destinations, may be altered or canceled for safety reasons without prior notice. That’s not a small footnote; it’s central to how you should plan your day.

Maya Bay is also a rule-sensitive area. The tour notes that Maya Bay was closed to visitors for coral reef rehabilitation during 01 June to 30 September 2018, and in that period the catamaran can cruise past the bay only. You should treat this as a sign that access rules can change. If Maya Bay is your top must-see, build in flexibility and keep your plan resilient.

What this means for you: pack for wet weather too. Even if you’re hoping for clear water, you’ll appreciate quick-dry clothes and a backup plan for sunscreen and hydration.

What to pack for this Blu Anda Phi Phi itinerary

This is one of those tours where packing light is fine, as long as you pack the essentials. You’ll have beach shoes, a towel, and a sarong provided, and snorkeling gear is included, so you can keep your bag smaller than you’d expect.

Still, bring:

• Your swimwear and a quick-dry layer for before/after snorkeling
• Reef-safe sunscreen if you use it
• A water-resistant way to protect your phone and electronics
• A hat and sunglasses for the deck time and Tonsai Bay sun

If you forget anything, you’ll still get through the day, but you’ll enjoy it more with the basics covered.

Who this tour suits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This Blu Anda Phi Phi day trip is a strong match if you want:

• Snorkeling-focused time (Lana Bay and Monkey Bay are central to the day)
• A guided experience with included gear and meals
• A balanced mix of cruising, kayaking, and beach downtime
• Simpler logistics from Phuket thanks to pickup and drop-off

It’s less ideal if you’re hoping for:

• Long, free-form exploration on land around Phi Phi Don or Tonsai beyond the scheduled swim and relax time
• A “single perfect private beach lunch” style day (lunch is included, but it’s not a beach picnic experience)

Also, if you’re sensitive to crowds, go in knowing that the most famous locations can be busy. The tour helps you get value by routing you through multiple water stops, but it won’t turn Maya Bay into a quiet cove.

Should you book the Blu Anda catamaran to Phi Phi?

I’d book it if your ideal Phuket Phi Phi day looks like this: get to the water early, snorkel at Lana Bay, hit Monkey Bay, kayak at Maya Bay, and end with a relaxing beach moment at Tonsai Bay—without handling rentals, entry logistics, or transport.

Skip it (or rethink your expectations) if your main goal is extensive time walking around Phi Phi’s island areas or you want total control over where you eat. For the money, the payoff here is the active water mix: gear included, meals included, and a route that balances reef time with the big-name coastline views.

If you want a day trip that keeps moving but still gives you real swim time, this is a very practical choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included for the Blu Anda catamaran to Phi Phi?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan.

What activities are included during the day trip?

You can expect swimming and snorkeling (including included snorkel and fins), plus sea kayaking at Maya Bay, and time to swim or sunbathe at Tonsai Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. All snorkeling equipment is provided, along with beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong.

What meals are included on board?

The tour includes a canapé breakfast, lunch onboard (seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options), and afternoon snacks with fruits plus hot or cold beverages.

Does this tour have a group size limit?

Yes. The maximum group size is 20 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.