Relaxing Day with Snorkeling – Away From The Crowds

Phuket without the chaos feels like a win. I love the crowd-free slow pace that keeps you away from other boats, and the spacious sundeck that makes the day feel laid-back instead of cramped. One consideration: if you’re staying outside the pickup zone, you’ll need to pay a return transfer fee of 1,200 THB in cash on board.

You start early (9:30 am) with hotel pickup and you’re back after a full half-day of calm sea time, swimming, and snorkeling. The hot Thai buffet lunch is served onboard with snacks and fruit, and the tour caps at 38 travelers, which helps the whole day feel more peaceful.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-boat vibe away from the main crowds with a slow route along southern Phuket
• Up to three swim/snorkel stops (typically 2–3) with the captain adjusting for weather and comfort
• Onboard Thai buffet lunch plus extra treats like freshly made pancakes, snacks, and fruit
• Snorkeling gear included so you don’t have to bring (or rent) equipment
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included from your hotel lobby, with an outside-area fee if needed

Leaving the Crowds Behind: What Makes This Phuket Snorkeling Day Feel Relaxing

This is the kind of Phuket snorkeling day you’ll enjoy most if you’re tired of race-against-the-clock tours. The big selling point here is the pace. Instead of zigzagging at full speed or crowding into the same famous spots as everyone else, the day is built around slow cruising and time on the water.

You’ll spend the day around the Andaman Sea coastline with stops near Phuket’s bays and beaches. The route is designed so you can enjoy views from the deck without constant boat traffic. That matters, because snorkeling is only half the fun. The other half is the calm: warm air, salt breeze, and that feeling of being out there with nothing to do but swim, rest, and snack.

Another thing I like: the tour is sized for comfort. With a maximum of 38 travelers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re waiting on a schedule. It’s also a day that works for different ages and groups, since the snorkeling is from the boat and you can choose how much time you spend in the water.

Timing and Logistics: How the 9:30 am Start Works (and Why It Helps)

The tour starts at 9:30 am, and you’ll get hotel pickup from your hotel lobby. If you’re in the normal pickup area, return transport is included too. The goal is simple: remove the stress of getting to the marina and back, so you can get into holiday mode fast.

The cruise runs about 6 hours 30 minutes. That’s long enough to feel like a real sea day, but not so long that you spend the whole time wishing you’d stayed on the beach. You’ll also return to Patong in the afternoon, where a driver waits to take you back to your hotel.

One practical note: if you’re staying outside the pickup zone, there’s a transfer fee of 1,200 THB return, paid on board in Thai baht cash. If you’re unsure where your hotel falls, it’s worth checking before you show up with only cards and no cash—this is one of those small details that can save time.

Cruise Day Breakdown: From Chalong Bay Sea Time to a Relaxed Return

Most days follow a similar rhythm. You leave Phuket’s hotels in the morning, meet the crew, then head out from Chalong Bay. From there, you cruise along the coast at a slow pace and stop 2–3 times for swimming and snorkeling.

Here’s what you can expect, step by step:

Morning: Pickup, boat boarding, and a calm start on the water

The day begins with that easy hotel-to-sea transition. Once you’re on board, you get a short settle-in period before the cruise gets going. The onboard setup matters because you’ll want a spot to relax between swim stops.

On board, you’ll find shaded lounging areas plus an open area (including a large sundeck with cozy cushions) for sun lovers. That balance is key in Phuket. Even if you love the sun, you’ll probably want a break from direct heat, especially around midday.

Midday: The snack-and-lunch stretch

A big part of a good snorkeling day is not getting hungry at the worst moment. This tour handles that by planning lunch onboard. Before or around that main break, you’ll have access to snacks and drinks, and the day also includes cookies, freshly made pancakes, and fruit.

Afternoon: Final swim stop and the cruise back toward Patong

After the last snorkeling window, the vibe usually shifts to cruising and relaxing rather than gearing up again. You’ll end the cruise in Patong, then your driver brings you back to your hotel.

Snorkeling Stops: How You Get 2–3 Chances Without Being Rushed

The itinerary changes depending on weather, but the structure stays the same: you’ll make at least two snorkeling/swimming stops, with the chance for up to three. The captain can adjust the route for guest comfort and safety, which is exactly what you want to hear in rainy or choppy conditions.

What you’ll like about this setup is the spacing. When stops are planned as a sequence, you get time to warm up, snorkel, and then cool down on deck—rather than jumping from one location to another nonstop.

What snorkeling is like here

You’ll snorkel in warm water off Phuket’s bays, and you should expect to see tropical fish and other marine life (the exact sightings vary). The tour is designed for people who want an easy day: you swim from the boat, use the provided snorkeling equipment, and then return to relax between spots.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’ll still be able to participate. You control how long you stay in the water, and the crew’s job is to manage the timing so you’re not dragged along on a strict schedule.

A small consideration about fins

Snorkeling success depends on having gear that fits. In feedback for the La Moet boat, there was one note that the fin sizes available skewed larger for some people, and a girlfriend wished there were more options. It’s not something you can fully control from afar, but it’s a good reminder: if fin fit is critical for you, be prepared to double-check gear at the start and ask the crew for alternatives if possible.

The Boat Experience on MV Champagne and La Moet: Space, Shade, and Real Service

This cruise is run by La Moet & Mv Phuket Champagne Tours, and you’ll be on either MV Champagne or La Moet depending on the day/booking setup. Both have the same core idea: keep it comfortable and calm.

In practice, that means you’ll have places to sit that aren’t just a hard bench. There’s a sundeck with cushions for relaxing and open areas with windows for a better view. If you want shade, there are lounging zones where you can watch the coast drift by without baking.

The tone on board is also part of the value. In feedback about La Moet, the host Lotta is singled out for friendly, hands-on hosting, and the staff is praised for making the day feel special. That kind of service matters when you’re on a group tour. Small details—like keeping things running smoothly and helping you get what you need—turn “just a cruise” into something you’ll actually remember.

Food and Drinks at Sea: Thai Buffet Lunch Plus Extra Snacks

A lot of boat tours promise lunch and deliver something that feels like a checkbox. This one does better than that.

You’ll get a hot Thai buffet lunch onboard with 3 different dishes and salad. There’s also room for dietary needs: you can request a vegetarian option at booking, and it’s best to mention dietary requirements ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly.

On top of the main meal, the tour includes:

• Cookies and snacks
• Freshly made pancakes
• Fruit, plus a fruit presentation of Thailand’s tropical fruit in season

Drinks are included too. You can expect tea, coffee, water, orange juice, coke, and rosella. Alcohol isn’t included; beer and wine, plus gin tonics/vodka, are available to purchase onboard.

If you’re thinking about value: included drinks + included meal + included snacks means fewer surprises mid-day. In Phuket, that adds up fast.

Getting Away From the Tourist Crowd: What You Should Expect on the Route

Phuket can feel like a conveyor belt of tours—especially around the busiest beaches. This cruise tries to protect your day from that.

The plan is to cruise slowly and—on the route described by the operator—be away from other boats and crowds. The day focuses on southern Phuket, with stops at beaches and bays that you can see from the sea. That “from the water” angle is where the day feels different from a normal beach day, even if you’re not an expert swimmer.

Also, because the tour is limited to up to 38 people, it’s easier to keep the atmosphere calm. You’ll have plenty of downtime between swim windows, and you won’t feel like you’re constantly squeezed around other groups waiting for their turn.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Different)

This is a great match if you want:

• a relaxing Phuket day with built-in time to rest
• 2–3 swim/snorkel chances without a frantic schedule
• simple logistics (hotel pickup/drop-off included for most areas)
• a comfortable onboard experience with shade and cushioned lounging
• included food that’s more than basic crackers and fruit

It may be less ideal if you’re chasing a hyper-structured, see-everything-in-one-day adventure. This tour isn’t trying to cram in the maximum number of stops. It’s aiming for the opposite: fewer interruptions and a calmer pace.

It’s also well-suited for families and mixed groups, since snorkeling and swimming are optional and you’re on a boat that works for different comfort levels.

Price and Value: Does $123.87 Make Sense for Phuket?

At $123.87 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option in Phuket—but it also isn’t one of the “luxury-only” boats. The real question is whether the inclusions justify the price.

Here’s what you’re getting that supports the cost:

• Round-trip air-conditioned transfers from your hotel lobby (for hotels in the pickup area)
• A full day on the water for about 6.5 hours
• Up to three snorkeling/swimming stops
• Snorkeling equipment included
• Hot Thai buffet lunch plus snacks, pancakes, and fruit
• Drinks included (non-alcoholic)
• Free WiFi
• All fees and taxes included

Then look at what can add cost or friction:

• Transfer from outside the pickup zone costs 1,200 THB return in cash
• Alcohol is extra if you choose it
• If fin sizes are limited for your needs, you may want to ask the crew early

For most people staying in Phuket’s main areas, this lands as solid value because you’re not paying extra for the essentials. You’re mostly buying time, comfort, and a calmer snorkeling rhythm.

Practical Tips Before You Book (So Your Day Goes Smoothly)

If you want this to be a truly relaxing Phuket day, these are the small things that help:

Bring cash for possible add-ons

If your hotel is outside the pickup zone, you’ll need cash for the transfer fee on board.

Plan for sun and shade

You’ll have sun areas and shaded lounging, but you still want sunscreen and a hat. Phuket sun is consistent even on “not too hot” days.

Let them know about food needs

Vegetarian is available, and it’s best to notify dietary requirements when you book. That keeps lunch from becoming an awkward guessing game.

Confirm your pickup details

You’ll be picked up from the hotel lobby, and the day ends in Patong. If your hotel is hard to locate, share the exact name and address format they ask for so the driver finds you easily.

If you like alcohol, decide ahead

Beer and wine are available to purchase, but they’re priced separately. That’s fine, just know what you’re budgeting.

And yes, you get free cancellation if plans change. If your schedule is flexible, that reduces risk and makes it easier to book with confidence.

Should You Book This Phuket Snorkeling Cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed, well-paced day with real comfort—shade, cushioned lounging, good onboard food, and snorkeling that happens in a calm flow. It’s especially worth it if you care about escaping the crowd energy and prefer to spend time enjoying the sea rather than rushing between photo spots.

Skip it if you’re after a tight itinerary packed with many different activities, or if your primary goal is maximum snorkeling time above all else. This tour is built for a balanced day: swim, rest, eat, repeat.

If you’re trying to decide between this and another Phuket boat option, I’d choose this one when your top priorities are comfort, included meals, and quiet cruising—the kind of day that leaves you feeling better than you started.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Phuket?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is the Phuket snorkeling cruise?

It’s approximately 6 hours 30 minutes.

Where does pickup and drop-off happen?

You’ll be picked up from your hotel lobby and dropped back at your hotel after the cruise ends in Patong.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

How many snorkeling/swimming stops will I have?

You’ll stop 2–3 times for swimming and snorkeling, with at least two stops on the itinerary.

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a Thai buffet with 3 dishes and salad, and you’ll also have snacks such as cookies, freshly made pancakes, and fruit. Drinks included are tea, coffee, water, orange juice, coke, and rosella. Alcohol is not included.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available if you advise them at booking about dietary requirements.

What if my hotel is outside the pickup area?

If you’re outside the area, return transfer is 1,200 THB, paid on board in Thai baht cash.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted.