Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour

Phuket’s Sweetie catamaran packs four popular island stops, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, and water toys into one fast day at sea. The boat has leather seating and open sea-view decks, so you get more comfort than on a basic speedboat while still covering plenty of ground.

I like the mix of famous sights and active time in the water. You can walk Bamboo Island’s white sand, see Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay, then use a transparent kayak, paddleboard, or floating slide at Maiton. The Thai buffet, fruit, snacks, soft drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear also make the $90.99 price easier to justify.

The catch is the schedule. Hotel pickup can begin as early as 8:30 a.m., traffic toward Chalong can be slow, and registration at the pier may take time. The boat can also carry up to 75 people, and the English commentary may not always be easy to follow when the group is mainly Chinese-speaking.

Key points to know before booking

• Four island areas in one day: Bamboo Island, Phi Phi, Maya Bay when open, and Maiton Island.
• A 2025 catamaran: Sweetie offers leather seats, sea-view decks, onboard toilets and amenities, according to the tour description.
• Two water sessions: Snorkel near Phi Phi, then use kayaks, paddleboards, and a floating slide near Maiton.
• Lunch is included: You receive a Thai buffet at Phi Phi Don, along with fruit, snacks, and soft drinks.
• Pickup covers Phuket island-wide: Your exact collection time depends on your hotel and may be earlier than the 10 a.m. pier departure.
• Expect a large group: The stated maximum is 75 people, and pier registration can be slow.

What the Sweetie catamaran day is really like

This is a full sightseeing day, not a quiet private cruise. You are paying for a polished way to reach several of Phuket’s headline islands without arranging separate boats, meals, and equipment.

The attraction is efficiency. Phi Phi, Bamboo, Maya Bay, and Maiton are spread across the sea, and a high-speed catamaran lets you connect them in one outing. The boat is described as faster than a slow excursion boat and smoother than a small speedboat. That middle ground matters if you want to save time but still have a comfortable seat and room to look out.

The boat itself is one of the main reasons to consider this trip. Sweetie is presented as a 2025 luxury high-speed catamaran with leather seating, open decks, and full onboard amenities. That does not turn an island trip into a private yacht charter, especially with a maximum group of 75, but it should make the long transfers easier than sitting on a basic bench for hours.

The tour includes an English-speaking guide and a Chinese-speaking guide. No individual guide names are supplied, so you should not book this expecting a particular named escort. The English explanation may be less clear when the group is mainly Chinese-speaking, so keep your expectations practical: the boat, beaches, snorkeling, and organized transfers are the core of the day.

The morning transfer to Chalong Pier

Pickup is offered from hotels across Phuket. The published pickup window runs roughly from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., depending on your hotel location, while the activity lists a 10 a.m. start at Seven Plus Travel’s Chalong pier.

That difference is important. A 10 a.m. start does not mean you can leave your hotel at 10. Check your confirmation for the exact pickup time and keep the morning free. Traffic around Phuket can be heavy, particularly on the way toward Chalong. A previous passenger found the road from Phuket or Patong long and slow, and also found registration at the pier took time.

Allow patience for check-in. The departure may not run exactly on the printed schedule, and one account described a 30-minute delay. That is frustrating when your day is already long, but it is less serious if you know to expect a wait and avoid planning a tight evening appointment.

The meeting point is Seven Plus Travel, Chalong Pier 43/42 in Tambon Chalong. If you arrange your own transport, that is the listed starting point. The tour ends back at the same meeting point before your return transfer.

Bamboo Island and the first taste of the Andaman Sea

The first listed stop is Bamboo Island, with about 50 minutes set aside. This is your chance to get onto a bright strip of sand and see the shallow clear water before the day gets hotter and the schedule moves on.

Fifty minutes is enough for a quick walk, photographs, and a swim if conditions allow, but it is not a long beach stay. You should think of Bamboo as an introduction rather than a full morning on the island. Bring your swimwear under your clothes and keep your belongings organized so you do not lose half the stop getting ready.

The tour supplies beach mats, towels, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment. Disposable mouthpieces are included, which is useful if you prefer not to share standard mouthpieces. Even with equipment supplied, you may want to carry sun protection and a dry bag for small personal items. Those personal extras are not included.

Bamboo Island is one of the most visually rewarding parts of the day, but its appeal depends on weather, sea conditions, and crowd levels. The schedule gives you a compact visit, so the value comes from seeing it as part of a larger route rather than treating it as your main beach destination.

Lunch and island time on Phi Phi Don

The boat continues to Phi Phi, with lunch at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don scheduled for 12:50 p.m. The Thai-style buffet is included in the price, along with seasonal fruit, snacks, and soft drinks.

A buffet is a sensible choice for this kind of day. You do not have to search for food on your own or pay for a separate meal at a busy island stop. It also gives you a proper break between the morning beach visit and the afternoon water activities.

Do not expect a long, leisurely restaurant experience. The day has several timed stops, and the next boat departure is set for 2 p.m. Use lunch to eat, refill with drinks, and get ready for the rest of the program.

Phi Phi Don is the practical base for the meal, while the scenic part of the Phi Phi visit comes afterward. Once back aboard, you head toward the waters around Phi Phi Islands for the first snorkeling session. About 1 hour and 10 minutes is allocated to this part of the afternoon, including the boat movement and water time.

Snorkeling around Phi Phi Islands

The first snorkeling stop is intended for seeing colorful fish around coral reef areas. The tour provides masks, snorkels, life jackets, and disposable mouthpieces, so you do not need to rent the basic gear separately.

This is an active stop, but the exact quality of the water depends on weather and sea conditions. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a date change or refund. That policy protects the safety of the outing, but it also means your final experience may vary with the day.

You should be comfortable in the water or willing to use a life jacket. The schedule is shared, so you will be working within the group’s time rather than choosing how long to remain in one quiet patch of reef. Still, having two separate water sessions is a real strength. If the first stop is crowded or visibility is only fair, the second chance at Maiton gives you another opportunity.

Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and the seasonal catch

After snorkeling, the boat passes Viking Cave on the way to Maya Bay. The tour includes an island landing and about an hour around Maya Bay, where you can spend time on the beach.

This is the most famous name on the route. Maya Bay became known around the world after appearing in the film The Beach, and its scenery is the reason many people choose a Phi Phi excursion in the first place. The approach by boat is part of the appeal, even before you step onto the sand.

There is a major seasonal restriction. Maya Bay is closed from August 1, according to the supplied tour information. If you book during that closure, the route cannot provide the beach landing there. The itinerary also lists a move to Honeymoon Island after Maya Bay, so the wider Phi Phi visit can still continue, but you should not pay for this tour assuming Maya Bay is available year-round.

The one-hour allocation sounds generous, but it includes moving from the boat to the beach and back. Keep your belongings light and follow the guide’s instructions. This is a scheduled stop, not an open-ended beach afternoon.

Maiton Island, the second snorkeling stop, and water toys

The final major stop is Maiton Island, also called Honeymoon Island in the schedule. Arrival is listed around 4:40 to 4:50 p.m., followed by a second snorkeling session and water activities until roughly 5:40 p.m.

This is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to play. You can try a transparent kayak or paddleboard, then use the floating water platform and slide. These extras give families and groups something to do beyond walking and taking photos. They also make Maiton a useful counterpoint to Maya Bay, which is mainly about the beach and scenery.

The transparent kayak sounds especially appealing if the water is clear, since it lets you look below the boat while paddling. The same warning applies as with snorkeling: visibility and comfort depend on the sea that day. The tour supplies the equipment, life jackets, and towels, so you do not need to bring bulky gear.

The timing is short. You will not have unlimited turns on every water activity, particularly with a large group. If you want to try a particular item, listen for the instructions and move promptly once you reach the platform.

At about 5:40 p.m., the boat begins the return journey. Snacks and soft drinks are provided on the way back, which is a thoughtful touch after a day of sun and salt water. The activity ends back at the Chalong meeting point.

Is $90.99 a fair price?

At $90.99 per person, the price sits in the middle to upper range for a full-day Phuket island trip, but the package includes a lot. You receive hotel transfers, the catamaran ride, a Thai buffet, fruit, snacks, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, beach mats, water activities, English and Chinese guides, and accident medical insurance.

The boat is the main value question. If you only care about reaching the islands as cheaply as possible, a simpler excursion may cost less. If you value leather seats, open decks, a newer catamaran, and less time on a slow boat, Sweetie makes more sense.

The cost also covers convenience. You do not need to arrange a taxi to Chalong, find a restaurant at Phi Phi Don, or rent snorkeling equipment. The tradeoff is a set route and a large group. You are paying for a coordinated day, not flexibility.

With 10 or more bookings recorded in the past month and a maximum capacity of 75, this is an active product rather than a little-known private outing. The 4.3 rating from 23 reviews suggests a generally good but uneven experience. The strongest praise centers on the fun of the boat day and island stops. The main complaints concern traffic, pier organization, late departure, and unclear English guiding.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and friends who want the major Phuket island sights in one organized day. It suits you if you like switching between beaches, snorkeling, sightseeing, lunch, and water games rather than spending the whole day in one place.

It is also a good fit if comfort matters. The newer catamaran and open decks should be preferable to a basic slow boat, while the included meal and equipment keep the day simple.

You may want another option if you dislike group schedules, waiting at piers, or busy sightseeing routes. A group of up to 75 means you should not expect a quiet boat or personal guiding. If detailed English commentary is central to your enjoyment, the reported language issue is worth taking seriously.

Book only after checking the Maya Bay closure dates. If your main goal is walking on that beach, the August 1 closure is a deal breaker. If you are happy with Bamboo, Phi Phi, snorkeling, and Maiton as the main attractions, the route still offers plenty to do.

Cancellation is free until 24 hours before the local start time. Weather cancellations can lead to a new date or full refund, and a minimum number of participants is required. That gives you some protection, but last-minute changes within 24 hours are not accepted.

Should you book the Sweetie catamaran?

Book this tour if you want a busy but comfortable island day with the major stops bundled into one price. The newer boat, two snorkeling sessions, included lunch, and Maiton water toys give it more substance than a simple sightseeing transfer.

Skip it if you need a small group, a relaxed pace, or a perfectly smooth English-led tour. Also skip it if Maya Bay is your only reason for booking during its seasonal closure.

For most people, the best approach is to treat this as a well-equipped group outing with some timetable friction. Leave extra time around pickup and return, confirm your Maya Bay date, and arrive ready to move when the crew calls the group. If that sounds acceptable, $90.99 buys a full day with a lot included.

FAQ

How long does the Phuket catamaran tour last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Pickup may begin between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m., depending on your hotel, and the boat departure from Chalong is listed at 10 a.m.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Bamboo Island, the Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay when open, and Maiton Island, also called Honeymoon Island in the schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Phuket island-wide hotel transfers are included. Your exact pickup time depends on your hotel location and is provided in the booking confirmation.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai-style buffet lunch is served at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don. Seasonal fruit, snacks, and soft drinks are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, disposable mouthpieces, and towels. There are two planned snorkeling sessions.

Is Maya Bay open all year?

No. The supplied schedule states that Maya Bay is closed from August 1. Check the operating date before booking if the beach landing is important to you.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, and a cancellation for that reason offers a different date or experience, or a full refund.