Phuket island days can feel like a trade-off. This new power catamaran is built to move fast and stay stable, so you can hit places like Phi Phi, Ko Hong, and James Bond Island without spending all day stuck on a slow boat. I like that the trip is set up as a private experience with hotel pickup, a roomy layout, and time for swimming and snorkeling.

Two things I’d point you to right away: the boat’s big stability (a 5.5 meter beam helps a lot when the sea gets pushy) and the onboard comfort. You get a front sun area for soaking up the light, plus a shady cockpit/saloon area for breathing and cooling off. Add a drinks fridge and a full galley, and you’re not just eating random crackers between swim stops.

One thing to consider: this is weather-dependent. It runs best when sea conditions cooperate, and the longer island loops you’re hoping for may shift based on conditions. If the forecast looks rough, plan to be flexible.

Key Things I’d Notice on This Charter

• Fast 15-knot cruising helps you cover more islands in a day charter time window.
• Roomy deck plan: front “balcony” sunning plus shaded cabin seating for breaks.
• Thai buffet lunch on board with soft drinks, iced water, plus tea/coffee.
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you can spend less time prepping and more time in the water.
• Crew + safety focus comes through in the way people describe the team and the operation.
• Private group feel means you’re not fighting for elbow room at each stop.

A New-Boat Feel on Phuket’s Island Routes

This is a “power catamaran” setup designed for island hopping around Phuket, especially the classic pair of areas: Phi Phi and Phang Nga. The speed target is 15 knots, which matters because it compresses travel time. Translation: you spend more hours where the water is, not in transit.

The layout also matters. A 5.5 meter beam on a catamaran is a stability advantage. If you’ve ever been on a boat that felt like it was doing a slow-motion dance, you know why that’s a big deal. Here, the boat is described as having enough space for everyone, with a front sunbathing area and a shaded cockpit/saloon at the back. So you can switch from sun to shade without crossing the whole deck like it’s a maze.

And it’s not just theory. People sharing feedback about Faraway Yachting repeatedly point to professional teams, good communication in English, and a safety-first approach. Names that came up include Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em, plus Nui being mentioned as part of a great onboard food setup. Even if your exact crew lineup varies by day and route, that’s a good sign the operation is built to handle the full day, not just the photo stops.

Timing That Actually Fits a Day (and Doesn’t Waste It)

The overall schedule window is listed as 4 to 10 hours depending on the route. For the Phi Phi day plan, the timing is very clear: pickup at 08:00, boarding at Chalong Marina around 09:00, and return at about 17:30.

That’s a practical rhythm. It’s early enough to get you to the first water time without feeling like you lost the morning. It’s also late enough to wrap up a full day without having to cut swims short. For a private charter, this timing is usually where the value shows up: you aren’t paying to wait around.

What You Really Get Included (So You Can Budget Smart)

This charter’s included items are straightforward and useful:

• Freshly prepared Thai buffet lunch onboard
• Soft drinks, iced water, tea, coffee
• Snorkeling equipment included
• WiFi onboard

What’s not included:

• SUP / stand up paddle board (not included in the listed inclusions)
• National park fees
• Alcoholic beverages

Here’s why that matters for you: snorkeling gear being included removes a common hidden cost and hassle. You also don’t have to hunt for lunch nearby or pay island rates for food. National park fees can add up, so budget for them unless you’ve already planned to cover them separately.

On the drink front, you’ll have soft drinks and chilled water/tea/coffee included. People also describe drinks being very well handled and chilled, and the boat has a designated drinks fridge, which is exactly what you want during hot hours.

Boat Comfort Details That Change Your Day

This is one of those trips where the “small” design choices make a big difference. You’ll typically spend:

• time gearing up for snorkeling,
• time waiting for the next stop,
• time eating,
• time cooling off between swims.

This catamaran is built for that flow. The front deck is for sunbathing, and the back has shaded seating and a saloon area. The presence of a full galley is a quiet upgrade too. It supports a real lunch, not just a snack run.

If you’re traveling with a mixed group (some snorkel hard, some prefer just watching), that sun/shade split lets everyone have a good day without everyone needing to match the same mood.

Phi Phi Islands Day: Monkey Beach Time With a Full-Day Return

If you book the Phi Phi route, the first stop listed is Monkey Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don. The next listed segment is Monkey Bay, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Why this stop works:

• You can ease into the day with a classic beach-water setup.
• It’s ideal if you want a mix of gentle floating and active snorkeling.
• It’s also a good “everyone can do something” area: snorkel, dip, or just lounge.

The practical catch: Phi Phi is popular. So you’ll want to be ready for busy water areas at peak times. The private-boat part helps because you’re not cramming into the same schedule as a huge mass-tour fleet, but there can still be people in the water.

Also, this day plan runs from morning to late afternoon, so bring sunscreen and plan for shade breaks. The boat’s shaded area helps a lot here, especially if your group includes anyone who burns fast.

Ko Panak + Ko Hong + James Bond Island Option (Kayak, Caves, and Big Names)

Another route option shown includes:

• welcome drink and safety briefing,
• departure to Ko Panak,
• kayak and cave excursion,
• Thai-style buffet lunch onboard,
• Ko Hong visit,
• James Bond Island visit (listed within the route).

This combination is a strong “variety day.” You get:

1) active water time via kayaking,

2) a cave-focused excursion (more physical than floating),

3) classic sightseeing via Ko Hong and James Bond Island,

4) lunch built into the flow.

What you should consider: a kayak + cave segment means you’ll want a comfortable level of mobility. The data doesn’t specify difficulty, so you should judge based on your comfort with getting in/out of water and moving around uneven cave areas.

One more thing: national park fees aren’t included. If your day hits places tied to those park charges, expect to pay that separately. Ask ahead if you want a clear estimate for your exact route.

Racha Yai & Racha Noi: Snorkeling That’s Weather-Adjusted

A third route segment focuses on Racha Yai and Racha Noi. The structure here is simple:

• meet captain and crew at Chalong Bay Marina
• first stop at Ko Racha Yai
• choose a snorkeling location based on weather conditions

This “depending on weather” phrasing is not filler. It often makes the difference between decent snorkeling and really good snorkeling, because currents and visibility change fast. Since snorkeling gear is included, this is a good choice if you care about time underwater more than photo stops.

A drawback to be honest about: if you’re chasing one specific view, weather-based reroutes can mean the final exact location may vary. If you want the certainty of a single fixed spot, you’ll have less control than you would on a land-focused trip.

Private Charter Value: How the Price Breaks Down

The price is listed as $1,629.44 per group (up to 8). If you split that by 8, you’re around $204 per person for a full day charter experience (math based on the listed cap).

Is that cheap? No. But it’s also not “one adult buys a ticket, everyone else watches” pricing. You’re paying for:

• a private boat,
• onboard lunch and drinks (soft drinks, iced water, tea/coffee),
• snorkeling equipment,
• WiFi,
• and a route that can cover big sights in one day.

Also, the yacht is described as suitable for up to 14 guests with 3 crew, which suggests the boat can handle larger groups than the price cap you’ll see on a typical booking listing. If you’re traveling with more people than the up-to-8 cap, double-check what your package actually includes.

Bottom line: this is good value when:

• you want a private experience,
• you’ll actually use the snorkeling time and lunch,
• and you have a group size where splitting the charter cost makes sense.

If it’s just you and one friend, it can still be worth it for comfort and convenience, but you’ll feel the cost more.

Crew and Food: The Part You Can’t See From a Web Page

The best compliment in the feedback is consistency: people talk about professional teams, good English, and safety being taken seriously. Names like Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em show up in shared experiences, and Nui gets mentioned in connection with food.

Even if you don’t meet the same people on your day, the key point for you is the operating style:

• clear safety briefing,
• attentive service,
• and food that’s treated as part of the trip, not an afterthought.

If you’ve been on day trips where the lunch is barely edible, this will feel like a relief.

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few things that will make the day smoother, especially on a long Phuket island schedule:

• Sunscreen + a rash guard help more than you think. Sun + wind + glare from water can surprise you.
• Bring a light dry bag for phones and cash. There’s swimming and snorkeling time baked in.
• Ask about park fees for your exact route if you want a clearer budget. National park fees aren’t included.
• If you care about SUP, confirm if it’s available as an add-on. SUP is listed as not included.
• Wear footwear that works if you step on wet deck surfaces.

And because it’s a power catamaran with space, you can usually find a comfortable spot without turning it into a fight over sun seats.

Should You Book This Phuket New Power Catamaran Charter?

Yes—if your goal is a private, full-day island circuit with real comfort, included lunch, and snorkeling gear. It’s especially a strong fit for groups who want both famous sights and actual water time, without paying for multiple tours.

I’d book it if:

• you’re planning Phi Phi and/or Phang Nga and want one boat to cover multiple highlight areas,
• you value shade and onboard comfort on long hot hours,
• you want an included Thai lunch and chilled drinks setup.

I’d think twice if:

• you’re traveling right when weather is uncertain and you hate schedule changes,
• you’re strict about fixed locations and don’t want any weather-based rerouting for snorkeling,
• you expect SUP to be included (it isn’t listed as included).

FAQ

What islands/routes can this catamaran charter cover?

The experience is described for Phuket-area excursions and includes itinerary options that mention Phi Phi Islands, Ko Hong, James Bond Island, Ko Panak (kayak and cave excursion), and Racha Yai & Racha Noi.

How long is the tour?

The listed duration is 4 to 10 hours, depending on the route.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the Phi Phi option lists pickup at 08:00.

Where does the Phi Phi day trip leave from and when does it return?

For the Phi Phi option, it boards at Chalong Marina with departure at 09:00 and returns at about 17:30.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are Thai buffet lunch, soft drinks, iced water, tea and coffee, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi on board.

What’s not included?

Not included are SUP, national park fees, and alcoholic beverages.

Is it a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as private, with only your group participating.

What if weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes—free cancellation is listed, with a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you’re leaning more toward Phi Phi or Phang Nga highlights, I can help you choose the best route fit and what to prioritize on the day.