Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya and Khai Or Bamboo Island by Catamaran

Phuket’s stunning islands are a must-visit for any traveler. With a full-day catamaran excursion, one can experience the breathtaking beauty of Phi Phi, Maya, Khai, or Bamboo Island. Convenient pickups, a luxurious ride, and a delightful buffet lunch make this adventure an unforgettable experience. While some have noted overcrowding, the natural wonders and vibrant marine life make this a truly memorable journey. What secrets await those who embark on this captivating voyage?

Key Points

1. This full-day excursion offers a chance to visit Phuket’s popular islands like Phi Phi, Maya, Khai, and Bamboo via a luxury catamaran.

2. The tour includes pickup from 14 locations across Phuket, a safety briefing, and refreshments at the Royal Phuket Marina before departure.

3. Activities on the itinerary include swimming, snorkeling, exploring Phi Phi Don, and optional visits to Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, and Maya Bay.

4. A buffet lunch and use of paddleboards and clear kayaks are included, but the tour is not suitable for certain groups due to safety concerns.

5. While some customers were satisfied, others raised issues with overcrowding at stops and perceived lack of value for money, as well as tourist traps.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This tour offers a full-day excursion to Phuket’s renowned islands, including Phi Phi, Maya, and Khai or Bamboo Island.

The 9-hour tour departs from 14 locations in Phuket, with a safety briefing and welcome refreshments at the Royal Phuket Marina. Guests will then board a luxury catamaran for a 1-hour ride to the Khai Islands or Bamboo Island.

A 9-hour tour departs from 14 Phuket locations, offering a safety briefing and luxury catamaran ride to the Khai Islands or Bamboo Island.

Optional visits include Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, and Maya Bay.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, light breakfast, buffet lunch, and use of snorkel gear and water sports equipment.

Certain medical conditions may prohibit participation.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup from 14 locations across Phuket, including popular spots like Rawai, Kamala, and Chalong.

Passengers then head to the Royal Phuket Marina for a safety briefing and refreshments before embarking on the catamaran for the one-hour journey to the Khai Islands or Bamboo Island.

Key highlights include:

• Optional visit to Bamboo Island for an hour of exploration

• Lunch and sightseeing at Phi Phi Don

• Photo stop at Monkey Beach

• Swimming and long-tail boat ride at Pileh Lagoon

• Photo stop at the Viking Cave

• Swimming and sightseeing at the iconic Maya Bay.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a range of amenities and services.

Pickup and drop-off at 14 locations in Phuket are provided. Guests are welcomed with a safety briefing and refreshments at the Royal Phuket Marina.

The luxury catamaran ride takes visitors to the Khai Islands or Bamboo Island. Activities like swimming, snorkeling, and exploring Phi Phi Don are included. A buffet lunch and use of paddleboards and clear kayaks are also provided.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems or high blood pressure, babies under 1 year, or people over 95 years old.

Important Information

Travelers should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, cash, and a copy of their passport or ID.

Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems or high blood pressure, babies under 1 year, or those over 95 years old.

Key considerations:

• Maya Bay will be closed from August 1, 2024 to October 1, 2024 for conservation efforts, though swimming and photography will be allowed from designated areas.

• Crowded conditions and perceived tourist traps have been noted by some customers.

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Customer Feedback

How does the tour rate according to customer feedback?

The tour has an overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 12 reviews. While some customers were satisfied, others expressed concerns.

Key issues include the crowded conditions and perceived lack of value for money. Specific complaints mention overcrowding at stops and a sense of being taken to tourist traps.

Getting to the Royal Phuket Marina

After being picked up from one of the 14 designated locations in Phuket, travelers are taken to the Royal Phuket Marina, where they receive a safety briefing and welcome refreshments prior to boarding the luxury catamaran.

Travelers are transported to the Royal Phuket Marina, where they receive a safety briefing and refreshments before boarding the luxury catamaran.

The experience at the marina includes:

• Safety orientation by the tour guide

• Distribution of life jackets and other essential equipment

• Refreshing welcome drinks and snacks

• Opportunity to use restrooms and prepare for the journey

• Final checks before setting sail on the catamaran to the first destination.

Exploring the Khai Islands or Bamboo Island

The catamaran whisks passengers away on the hour-long journey to the Khai Islands or Bamboo Island.

Upon arrival, guests have the option to explore the pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of these picturesque islands. They can swim, snorkel, or paddle a clear kayak to observe the vibrant marine life.

For those who choose Bamboo Island, there’s an opportunity to spend an hour relaxing on the serene shores.

The tour then continues to the next destination, giving participants a chance to experience the natural beauty of Phuket’s surrounding islands.

Discovering the Wonders of Phi Phi and Maya Bay

Departing the Khai Islands or Bamboo Island, the catamaran ferries passengers to the iconic Phi Phi Don, the largest of the Phi Phi Islands.

Guests enjoy a leisurely lunch and explore this tropical paradise, taking in stunning vistas of limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.

The tour then visits:

• Monkey Beach for a photo stop

• Pileh Lagoon for swimming and a long-tail boat ride

• Viking Cave to capture its dramatic scenery

• Maya Bay, made famous by the movie "The Beach," for swimming and sightseeing until its temporary closure in 2024 for conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Typical Weather Conditions During the Tour?

The tour typically takes place in tropical weather conditions with warm temperatures, high humidity, and sunny skies. Occasional light showers are possible, but the tour generally operates in favorable weather for outdoor activities.

Is the Catamaran Suitable for People With Motion Sickness?

The catamaran’s stable design and smooth sailing make it generally suitable for people prone to motion sickness. However, those with severe seasickness may still experience discomfort during the boat ride, so it’s advisable to consult a medical professional beforehand.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Islands?

The tour can be customized to focus on specific islands, such as Phi Phi or Khai/Bamboo, based on customer preferences. Travelers can work with the tour operator to tailor the itinerary to their interests and needs.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Amount of Personal Belongings Allowed?

The tour has restrictions on the amount of personal belongings allowed, as it specifies that large bags or luggage are not permitted. Guests should only bring essentials like sunglasses, a camera, and a small towel.

How Reliable Is the Tour Company’s On-Time Performance?

The tour company generally has a good track record for on-time performance, with most customers reporting that the tours depart and return close to the scheduled times. However, some delays may occur due to factors beyond the company’s control.

The Sum Up

This full-day catamaran excursion offers a chance to explore Phuket’s stunning islands. Though overcrowding and tourist traps may be concerns, the natural beauty and vibrant marine life make this a memorable adventure. With convenient pickups, a luxurious ride, and a buffet lunch, the tour provides a well-rounded experience to discover the wonders of Phi Phi, Maya, Khai, or Bamboo Island.

You can check availability for your dates here: