Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour

REVIEW · PHUKET

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour

  • 4.523 reviews
  • From $90.99
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Operated by Seven Plus Travel · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (23)Price from$90.99Operated bySeven Plus TravelBook viaViator

Fast boats, big islands, and lunch included. I like that this 2025 Sweetie luxury high-speed catamaran keeps the day moving while still feeling comfortable, with leather seating and sea-view decks. I also like the included snorkeling setup (gear, life jackets, disposable mouthpieces) plus a Thai buffet lunch that you don’t have to hunt down later.

One caution: the day can feel stretched by traffic and waiting around check-in, and the English commentary may not be perfectly clear depending on the guide and how the group is running.

Key things to know before you go

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Key things to know before you go

  • Sweetie 2025 catamaran: high-speed, but built for comfort with leather seating and onboard amenities
  • Bamboo Island morning: white sand and clear shallows, with gear ready for you
  • Phi Phi Leh snorkeling stop: guided water time around coral and colorful fish
  • Maya Bay is seasonal: you’ll pass Viking Cave and get beach time only when conditions allow, and it’s closed from Aug 1
  • Ko Mai Thon / Honeymoon Island water-play: snorkel plus paddleboards, transparent kayaks, and a floating sea slide
  • Big but not huge group: up to 75 people, with transfers and lunch built in

A fast, comfortable way to hit Phi Phi plus two extra islands

If you want the classic Phi Phi day but hate spending half your time moving slowly, this catamaran approach makes sense. The boat is a luxury high-speed model (Sweetie, 2025), and the comfort details matter on a long day: leather seating, sea-view decks, and onboard amenities. That’s not just “nice to have.” When the schedule is packed, feeling good during the ride helps you enjoy the stops more.

You’re also not just paying for transportation. You’re getting a full package: hotel transfers across Phuket, two snorkeling sessions, multiple islands, Thai buffet lunch, and a real water-activity zone later in the day. When tours bundle that much, the value depends on whether you’ll actually use the included time in the water and eat the lunch they provide.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Phuket

Price and what you’re really buying at about $90.99

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Price and what you’re really buying at about $90.99
At $90.99 per person, you’re paying for speed, convenience, and included meals/gear—not a bare-bones boat. Here’s how I’d judge the value:

You’re likely to feel it’s worth it if:

  • you want pickup and don’t want to plan your own pier logistics
  • you want two snorkeling stops with gear provided
  • you plan to eat the included Thai-style buffet lunch by the sea
  • you’re excited about water activities near the end of the day (paddleboards, transparent kayaks, sea slide)

It might feel expensive if:

  • you’re hoping for a super relaxed, unhurried pace
  • you’re very sensitive to lost time from traffic or a slower check-in
  • you only want top-tier English narration and clear explanations (quality can vary)

This tour earns its price when you treat it like an all-in-one day: ride, snorkel, eat, play, repeat.

Getting to Chalong Pier: timing feels tight from the start

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Getting to Chalong Pier: timing feels tight from the start
The meeting point is at Seven Plus Travel, Chalong pier (43/42 Tambon Chalong, Phuket). The start time is listed as 10:00 am, but the tour also offers hotel pickup. Pickup usually runs 8:30–9:30 am, and it can be earlier depending on where you’re staying.

Here’s the practical part: Phuket traffic can be brutal, and the pier logistics take time. Even on a fast boat day, the day’s momentum can be affected before you ever leave shore. I’d plan to be ready for a long morning window, not just a quick pickup.

Also, this is a shared tour with up to 75 people, so check-in can be busy. One key thing I’d do: keep your patience for registration and boarding. If you go in thinking it’ll be effortless, you’ll notice every minute you’re standing around.

Bamboo Island (morning): sand, clear shallows, and an easy first snorkel

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Bamboo Island (morning): sand, clear shallows, and an easy first snorkel
Your first island stop is Bamboo Island for about an hour. The schedule has you picked up, then you head to the pier area, and you arrive around 10:00. From there, Bamboo is the early payoff: white sand and clear shallows that make it easy to get into the water.

Why this stop works for most people:

  • It’s a relatively straightforward introduction to the day’s snorkeling.
  • The shallow water conditions are friendly for first-time or casual snorkelers.
  • You’re not yet exhausted, so you’re more likely to enjoy both the beach time and the water time.

What to watch out for: Bamboo is still a beach island stop. That means you’ll want sunscreen and a plan for where you’ll stash your towel and personal items once you’re in and out of the water.

Phi Phi Don and the buffet lunch: where the day actually refuels

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Phi Phi Don and the buffet lunch: where the day actually refuels
Later, you head to Phi Phi Don Island for lunch. You arrive around 12:50, and the buffet is your main meal. The tour includes a Thai-style buffet by the sea, plus seasonal fruits, snacks, and soft drinks on the way back (and you’ll generally want that for the energy crash that hits after a morning of boating).

This is also a good moment to reset:

  • refill your water (you’ll have drinks provided, but bringing a refillable bottle can help)
  • change into dry clothes if the morning got humid
  • take a slow moment before the next boat ride and snorkeling session

The big value here is that lunch is not “maybe you’ll find something.” It’s built into the schedule, and it’s included.

Around the Phi Phi Islands: coral-water snorkeling with gear ready

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Around the Phi Phi Islands: coral-water snorkeling with gear ready
You board around 2:00 pm and head to snorkeling waters around the Phi Phi area for your first real underwater session. The itinerary frames this as a chance to see colorful fish around the reef.

A few practical tips based on how these shared snorkel stops usually run:

  • Put your phone away before you reach the water (even with towels and mats, it’s chaos-proof to be ready).
  • Use the provided snorkeling gear right away so you’re not losing time figuring it out on the spot.
  • If you’re sensitive to choppy surfaces, choose a stable entry and go slow—high-speed boats can mean the sea state changes through the day.

The tour includes life jackets, disposable mouthpieces, and towels. Those are the kinds of details that reduce friction. You spend less time dealing with shared kit and more time actually enjoying the water.

Maya Bay (seasonal): the Viking Cave pass and beach time

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Maya Bay (seasonal): the Viking Cave pass and beach time
Next comes the Maya Bay section. You board again around 2:50 pm, pass by Viking Cave, and then land at Maya Bay for about 1 hour of beach time.

Two key things to know:

  • Maya Bay is seasonal in this plan.
  • It’s listed as closed from Aug 1st, so the experience changes during those periods.

When Maya Bay is open, beach time is the main event here. If you love the idea of classic film-beach scenery and want a foot-on-sand moment without planning your own route, this stop hits that. When it’s closed, it’s worth remembering this portion is not guaranteed year-round.

Also, the time window is short. Bring a towel or wear swimwear under your clothes, but don’t expect a long, slow beach hang.

Ko Mai Thon / Honeymoon Island (late afternoon): snorkel plus real water-play

Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton Speed Catamaran Tour - Ko Mai Thon / Honeymoon Island (late afternoon): snorkel plus real water-play
In the late part of the day, you head to Ko Mai Thon Island, also referenced as Honeymoon Island in the schedule. You arrive roughly 4:40–4:50 pm. This is your second snorkeling session, plus a chunk of time for on-water fun.

The standout included activities here are:

  • water slide
  • paddleboards
  • transparent kayaks
  • and a floating sea slide and water platform setup

This is the stop that makes the tour feel more like a full-day adventure and less like “just transport between islands.” If you’re traveling with people who aren’t obsessed with snorkeling, this is where they’ll still find things to do.

Practical note: late-afternoon sun can be harsh, and you’ll likely be a bit tired from the earlier boating. If you plan to do the slide and the boards, pace yourself. Do the water play when you’re still feeling steady.

The ride back: snacks, soft drinks, and finishing while you’re still fueled

After the Honeymoon Island activities, you start the return trip at around 5:40 pm. The tour includes snacks and soft drinks on the way back (listed as part of the return journey).

This matters because many island days end with everyone hungry at the exact moment you’re already tired. Here, you get a little support to keep the mood decent on the ride back to the pier and then into the pickup/transfer flow.

Snorkeling comfort and safety: the gear is included for a reason

What I like here is that snorkeling isn’t treated like an add-on. The tour provides:

  • snorkeling equipment
  • life jackets
  • disposable mouthpieces
  • towels and beach mats

That combination reduces the usual “bring your own everything” pressure. Also, disposable mouthpieces are a nice detail if you don’t want to share hardware.

If you’re prone to dry skin or sunburn, plan as if you’ll be in and out of water multiple times. Bring sunscreen you trust and reapply when you’re back on the beach, not just before you enter the ocean.

Guides and language: you get English and Chinese, but clarity may vary

The tour includes both Chinese-speaking and English-speaking guides. That’s great on paper, but one review problem popped up: the narration can lean heavily toward Chinese, and the English explanation may not be as easy to follow for everyone.

So here’s my advice: treat the guide as helpful, not the only source of information. If you’re the type who wants exact, detailed explanations in your own language at every stop, you may feel frustrated.

If you mainly care about the sights, the water, and the included time on the islands, you’ll probably be fine.

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

This works well for:

  • couples or friends who want a packed island day with comfort on a speed catamaran
  • people who want two snorkeling stops without organizing gear or arranging boats
  • families or mixed groups who can split time between snorkeling and the water slide / paddleboards / transparent kayak zone

It’s not ideal for:

  • anyone who hates travel days that involve sitting in traffic before you even reach the pier
  • people who need perfectly consistent English guidance
  • travelers who want a slow, flexible pace with lots of extra downtime on each island

If you want a “great fun” day and you can handle shared-group timing, this is a strong match.

Should you book the Phuket Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton speed catamaran tour?

Yes, if you want a single-day plan that gives you speed, comfort, and included fun: Bamboo in the morning, Phi Phi snorkeling and buffet lunch mid-day, then Maya Bay beach time (seasonal), and finally Honeymoon/Ko Mai Thon with snorkeling plus the sea slide and water play.

Before you book, be honest about two things:

1) you’re okay with the day feeling long due to traffic and waiting around check-in, and

2) you’re fine with language support that includes English, even if it may not always be crystal clear.

If those check out for you, this tour is a good-value way to get a classic Phi Phi day plus extra islands—without the stress of juggling boats, tickets, and lunch.

FAQ

How long is the Phuket Phi Phi, Bamboo & Maiton speed catamaran tour?

It runs for about 8 hours (approx.).

What does the tour cost?

The price is $90.99 per person.

Where does the tour start and what time does it begin?

It starts at Seven Plus Travel, Chalong pier (43/42 Tambon Chalong) and the listed start time is 10:00 am. Pickup can begin earlier depending on your hotel.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes. Phuket island-wide hotel transfers are included, and pickup times are scheduled based on your hotel location.

Which islands are included?

You visit Bamboo Island, the Phi Phi Islands area (including Phi Phi Don for lunch), Maya Bay (seasonal), and Ko Mai Thon / Honeymoon Island.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

There are two snorkeling sessions included.

What snorkeling equipment do you get?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, disposable mouthpieces, and towels (plus beach mats).

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a Thai-style buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don, with seasonal fruits and snacks/soft drinks on the return.

What water activities are included at Ko Mai Thon / Honeymoon Island?

You’ll have access to a floating sea slide and water platform, plus paddleboards and transparent kayaks.

What is the cancellation deadline for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

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