Phi Phi is easier when the boat does the work. This 10-hour Blu Anda catamaran trip from Phuket rolls snorkeling, kayaking, and classic island cruising into one day, with snorkel gear and meals included. You’ll see limestone scenery like Camel Rock and Viking Cave, then hop right into the water at Phi Phi’s coves.

I especially like the hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan and the smooth timing that gets you to the water quickly. I also love that the active parts are built in: you’re not just watching from the deck, you’re geared up to swim and snorkel at the stops, then rinse off on the way back.

One possible drawback: if you’re hoping for lots of slow time on Phi Phi Don, the main island stop can feel quick and the vibe can be busy compared with the calmer bays you kayak and snorkel in.

Key highlights that make this trip worth a look

• Blu Anda catamaran from Ao Po: guided day on the Andaman Sea with a real cruise feel
• Loh Lana / Lana Bay snorkeling: walk straight in from the catamaran steps to reef spots
• Sea kayaking around the Maya Bay area: get close to the cliffs from the water
• Meals that reduce stress: canapé breakfast, lunch options onboard, and afternoon snacks
• All the water- and beach-use gear included: snorkel equipment plus beach shoes, towel, and sarong
• Limited boat size: up to 20 travelers, which helps keep the day moving

A Morning Start From Ao Po: where your day actually begins

Your day starts in Phuket with a guide meeting you at your hotel, then a short drive to the pier area at Ao Po (the Ao Po Grand Marina / Pier 88 Seafood Terminal area). The schedule is set for a morning departure, so plan to be ready early. You also get a light canapé breakfast before boarding.

This matters more than it sounds. Phi Phi isn’t a quick hop. When you start clean—pickup, breakfast, and an organized boarding process—you spend less time “waiting around Thailand” and more time in the water.

Blu Anda Catamaran: a premium ride with practical comforts

The Blu Anda vessel is set up for a full day at sea, and it’s a non-smoking boat. You’ll cross the Andaman Sea with a guided flow: board, snorkel, eat, kayak, snorkel/cruise again, then beach time before returning.

The real win here is how the day is structured around water access. At the first reef stop, you snorkel right after gear up. Later, when you reach the bay for kayaking and then Tonsai Bay for sun time, the boat is positioned so you can transition fast.

And when you’re done for the day, there are freshwater showers on board during the return trip. That’s one of those small things that makes a big difference once you’ve spent hours salt-sticky and sandy.

Snorkeling on Phi Phi: Loh Lana (Lana Bay) is the main event

Your first big water moment is at Loh Lana / Lana Bay on Phi Phi Don. The plan is straightforward: get your included snorkel and fins, then explore from the water right off the catamaran steps. This is the kind of stop where you don’t need a long hike or a complicated system. You gear up, slip in, and look for fish and coral close to where you enter.

Why I like this style: it fits both strong swimmers and people who just want a fun, safe taste of snorkeling. The tour doesn’t pretend you’ll be an expert diver; it gives you equipment and time to enjoy the reef at a manageable pace.

You’ll also swim and snorkel as the morning continues, keeping the energy up before lunch.

Lunch with island views: eating without killing the schedule

After your morning in the water, you’ll dry off and eat. Lunch is included, and the menu is flexible with options like seafood, chicken, or vegetarian.

Here’s the practical side: lunch isn’t tacked on at the end like a chore. It’s built into the cruising rhythm, with scenic sailing while you eat. The tour also includes fruits and hot or cold beverages in the snack/welcome flow, so you’re not stuck waiting for one long meal.

One thing to watch for if you’re picky about food format: the included lunch experience can vary in how it’s served during the day. The key point is that it’s covered in the price, so you can focus on snorkeling and kayaking rather than budgeting for every stop.

Ko Phi Phi Lee and Maya Bay area: kayaking with the cliffs overhead

After the morning on Phi Phi Don, the day shifts south to Ko Phi Phi Lee, which is where the Maya Bay area comes into play. The tour docks at Maya Bay for a stretch of sea kayaking.

Kayaking here is different from snorkeling. Instead of focusing on what’s under your mask, you’re gliding through a landscape of steep limestone forms and quiet water that lets you actually notice the scenery. It’s also a great way to see the coastline when you want a break from repeated swim entry points.

From the boat again, you continue cruising and sightseeing around major Phi Phi landmarks. The itinerary includes sailing past places like Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave while you’re on the water, which gives you a mix of active time and view time.

Tonsai Bay at the end: beach time, shops, and a calmer finish

Your final stop is at Tonsai Bay. This is when you get a proper beach finish: you can swim and sunbathe with the provided beach shoes, plus a small towel and sarong that work as beach cover if you want it.

There’s also beach shopping time. This isn’t a formal market tour; it’s the chance to wander a bit, grab a small snack or souvenir, and then get back on track for the ride home.

Then you’re rinsed off on the way back to Phuket, and you’ll have a driver waiting for hotel drop-off (or you can arrange airport drop-off at no additional cost).

Price and value: why this $128.95 day can be a good deal

At $128.95 per person, this is not a bargain-basement speedboat. What you’re paying for is the combination:

• A full-day catamaran ride between Phuket and the Phi Phi islands
• Multiple water-based stops (snorkeling and sea kayaking)
• Included gear (snorkel equipment, fins, beach shoes, towel, sarong)
• Included meals (canapè breakfast, lunch, fruits, and afternoon snacks)
• Fees included, including the Marine National Park fee
• An English-speaking guide plus travel insurance

When you compare that to piecemeal day-trips where you might pay separately for transfers, snorkeling setup, and park/entry fees, the bundled approach starts to make sense.

Also, small group size helps value. This trip caps at 20 travelers, and it only runs when there’s a minimum of 6. That keeps the boat from turning into a sardine situation, and it usually helps with getting in and out of the water.

Logistics that matter: timing, group size, and what can change

The day runs close to a full 10 hours. You meet in the morning at your hotel, then transfer to the pier. The return is scheduled for late afternoon (around 4:00 pm to the Ao Po area), which means you’re back in Phuket without losing your whole evening.

Two other notes that you should take seriously:

• During monsoon season, the order and timing of stops can change, and some destinations may be cancelled for safety based on tides, sea condition, and weather. This is not an “extra”; it’s part of how the operator keeps things safe.
• The program mentions that Maya Bay can be closed during coral reef rehabilitation periods, and during those times the boat may cruise past rather than dock. If your travel dates fall in a known closure window, you’ll want to be mentally ready for the Maya Bay moment to be viewed from the water instead of stepped onto.

The best mindset for a trip like this: treat it as a day on the sea first, specific photo stops second. You’ll still get snorkeling coves, limestone scenery, and a strong active day.

Who should book this Blu Anda Phi Phi trip?

You’ll likely love this if you want a well-paced day that mixes water time with cruising views. It’s a good fit for people who:

• Want snorkeling and kayaking in one day without planning transportation between islands
• Prefer a guided flow with English-speaking support
• Like a compact group on a premium catamaran (up to 20 people)
• Care about included meals and gear so the day stays simple

You might want to think twice if your top priority is hours and hours on Phi Phi Don’s main town. The day is designed for movement—reefs, bays, and kayaking—so the main island visit isn’t the slow, deep exploration version of Phi Phi.

Should you book the Blu Anda Catamaran to Phi Phi?

If you’re aiming for a full day of Andaman Sea highlights with snorkeling that starts right away, plus kayaking near the Maya Bay area, this is a solid pick. The included equipment, park fee, guide, and meals help you get real time in the water without constantly pulling out your wallet.

I’d book it if you’re flexible about minor schedule shifts and weather-driven changes. The trip is built for that reality—especially in monsoon season—so you won’t feel like your entire day is ruined if the sea needs to dictate the route.

If you want one more check before you commit, focus on your travel dates (for possible Maya Bay closure timing) and your dietary needs. If you have allergies or special requirements, you’ll need to advise during booking so lunch can be arranged.

FAQ

Where does the tour pick up in Phuket?

You meet your guide at your hotel in the morning. Then you ride to the pier area at Ao Po (Pier 88 Seafood Terminal / Ao Po Grand Marina) to board the Blu Anda catamaran.

How long is the Phuket to Phi Phi trip?

The duration is approximately 10 hours.

What snorkeling gear is included?

All snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour also provides snorkel and fins so you can swim at the stops.

Do I get beach gear for the stops?

Yes. You’ll have beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong included for use during the beach time.

What meals are included during the day?

The tour includes a canapè breakfast, lunch onboard, and afternoon snacks with fruits plus hot or cold beverages.

Does the price include park fees?

Yes. The Marine National Park fee is included.

What happens if the weather is rough or conditions change?

During monsoon season, the time and order of activities and even some destinations may be altered or cancelled for safety due to tide, sea condition, and weather. If the experience is cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.