Phi Phi is one of those places you can’t really fake. This Blu Anda catamaran trip turns the long boat ride from Phuket into a full day of swimming, snorkel time, and easy sightseeing, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks built in. I especially like the included snorkel setup and beach gear, because it means you show up, get in the water, and spend less time fussing.

You’ll get a smooth day structure: morning water time around the Phi Phi area, lunch onboard, then sea-kayaking around the Maya Bay side, finishing with a Tonsai Bay window to swim or wander the beach. One watch-out: the stops tied to the famous scenery can feel busy, and if you’re hoping for lots of quiet time on land, the day is more about water than slow roaming.

Key points to know before you go

• Snorkeling gear + beach gear included: fins, mask/snorkel, plus beach shoes, towel, and a sarong
• Meals are part of the price: canapés-style breakfast, lunch, fruits, and hot/cold drinks
• Kayak time near the Maya Bay area: a chance to paddle in calmer, clear water
• Small-group feel: up to 20 travelers, with an English-speaking guide
• Major sights from the water: Viking Cave, Camel Rock, and Pileh Lagoon appear on your cruising route

Getting to Ao Po Grand Marina: a Phuket departure that feels organized

Your day starts with hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan. The plan is to meet your guide in the morning and drive to Pier 88 Seafood Terminal at Ao Po (Ao Po Grand Marina). From there, you’re on the water quickly, with the group gathered before boarding.

Why I like this setup: Phi Phi days can get chaotic if you have to handle your own transport and timing. Here, the rhythm is mostly handled for you. Once you’re at Ao Po, you’ll eat a light canapé-style breakfast with the group before crossing the Andaman Sea.

Also worth noting: the vessel is non-smoking, so the boat stays comfortable for people who get turned off by smoke on shared transport. You’ll be off the dock and into sea air before your brain fully registers how long the ride is—then the day starts stacking up with water time.

Blu Anda catamaran basics: comfort, included gear, and why it matters

This tour is built around a larger, day-excursion catamaran experience, not a speed-boat sprint. That usually means two things for you: the ride tends to feel less frantic, and you’ll have space to dry off, snack, and reset between stops.

What makes the Blu Anda portion actually valuable is what’s included:

• Snorkeling equipment so you can use your time underwater instead of trying to rent gear on the fly
• Beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong (the sarong is one of those simple items that turns out useful in real life—cover, towel backup, or comfort layer)
• Freshwater showers on board during the return trip, so you’re not stuck smelling like seawater when you get back to Phuket

There’s also an English-speaking guide and marine park fees are covered, which matters because you’re not paying extra add-ons once you’re already out on the water. Travel insurance is included too.

Small-group cap is nice here: up to 20 travelers keeps things from turning into a cattle-market boat lineup.

Morning water time: Bamboo Island vibes plus Loh Lana snorkeling

The day gives you early chances to get wet, which is smart. When you hit Phi Phi later in the day, crowds and heat can make it harder to enjoy snorkeling. Getting your first swim started while the water is calmer is a win.

In the morning, you’ll head to Koh Pai (Bamboo Island) for swimming and snorkeling/relaxing on the beach. Then the route includes scenic cruising points such as Koh Yoong, Leam Tong, and Camel Rock near Nui Bay.

After that, you land at Phi Phi Don (the main island) and step straight in to snorkel around Loh Lana (Lana Bay). This part is the classic Phi Phi underwater payoff: you’re right by the water and can spend real time exploring the coral reef area with the included fins and snorkel gear.

Why this section works for most people:

• You’re not waiting around all morning.
• The snorkeling stop is built into the flow, so you can go from boat to water fast.
• You get a clear sense of why the Andaman Sea is famous without needing a full-day training course.

Possible downside to keep in mind: like most Phi Phi snorkeling areas, water visibility and marine life patterns can shift with conditions. If the sea is choppy, your comfort matters more than the “perfect” reef photo.

Lunch onboard: fuel with a view, not a rushed afterthought

At around midday, you’ll come back aboard for lunch. Expect a mix of options: seafood, chicken, or a vegetarian choice. You’ll also have fruits and hot/cold beverages during the broader snack plan, plus lunch is served as part of the boat service rather than forcing you to hunt food later.

There’s something practical here: eating onboard between snorkeling stretches helps you recharge without losing precious tour time. It also means you’re not trying to coordinate with land-based restaurants that may be packed—especially around the most famous areas.

One more small detail that helps: the tour includes lunch boxes onboard, so even if the schedule is tight, you’re not left searching for food while everyone else eats.

Cruising past Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon: sightseeing that doesn’t waste effort

After lunch, you’ll keep moving through the Phi Phi island area. This is where the catamaran shines as transport-as-experience. You’ll cruise past:

• Camel Rock (views show up more than once through the route)
• Viking Cave
• Pileh Lagoon
• and other bays/lagoons that mark the island’s rugged limestone coastline

You’re not stopping at each location for long walks—this day is water-first. The upside is you see a lot of coastline without turning your day into a series of transfers.

If you’re a map person, this route is a great way to understand the geography: Phi Phi’s drama is in the shape of the rocks and the contrast between cliffs and sea. Cruising is often the best way to appreciate that without getting exhausted.

Kayaking near the Maya Bay area: the calm-water workout portion

One of the big-ticket moments on this trip is sea kayaking near the Maya Bay area (docking at Maya Bay for kayaking time). This is different from snorkeling because you’re not just drifting—you’re actively paddling in clearer, sheltered-looking water when conditions allow.

For many people, this is the highlight because it’s interactive. You can control how you approach the shoreline, and it feels more personal than simply watching scenery from a boat seat.

That said, the kayak part is still weather-dependent in real life. If conditions are rough, timing can change (more on that under weather below). But when it runs as planned, kayaking is a great balance: you get movement, views, and a change from snorkeling.

Tonsai Bay at the end: beach time, shopping, and a chance to reset

Your final stop is Tonsai Bay, where you can take the late afternoon to:

• swim and sunbathe with provided gear (beach shoes, small towel, and sarong are part of what you already have)
• or do some beach shopping

This last block is useful because it lets you choose your vibe. If you’re snorkeling out by then, you can just hang and dry off. If you still have energy, the water and shoreline at Tonsai are a natural place to squeeze in a bit more.

Also, this is where it helps to understand how island time works: the day compresses multiple stops into a single trip. Tonsai is the decompression moment.

When you head back to Phuket, you’ll rinse off with the freshwater showers on board, then transfer back by minibus for hotel drop-off (and there’s also an airport drop-off option at no additional cost if you coordinate for it).

Monsoon season changes: how safety tweaks the schedule

The tour notes that during monsoon season, the time and order of activities, and even specific destinations, may shift due to tide, sea conditions, and weather for safety reasons. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it does mean you should arrive with flexible expectations.

Here’s how to plan smart:

• If you’re traveling in a rainy/rough-weather window, expect some stops to be adjusted rather than guaranteed.
• Keep your day schedule loose on the Phuket side (don’t book anything tight right after return time).

One more historical note included with the program: Maya Bay closures for coral reef rehabilitation were set from 01 June to 30 September 2018, and during that period the boat could only cruise past Maya Bay rather than dock for visits. If you’re traveling in similar closure windows, assume the experience could shift toward cruising/passing views.

Price and value: what $128.95 buys you (and what costs extra)

At $128.95 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi. But it’s also not just a boat ticket. For your money, you get:

• round-trip-style day transport with hotel pickup and drop-off
• snorkeling gear and beach gear
• marine national park fee
• English-speaking guide
• travel insurance
• breakfast canapés, lunch, and afternoon snacks with fruits and drinks

For many people, the best “value” is the included gear and meals. You save hassle and you avoid the common Phi Phi trap of paying separately for every small thing while the day slips away.

What’s not included is straightforward:

• Professional photos (listed as 2500 THB)

If you hate photo packages, you can skip that entirely. If you like having a souvenir, just know the price ahead of time.

Who should book this Phi Phi catamaran day trip

This works especially well if you want:

• a full day on the water without planning a thing
• real snorkeling time (with gear included)
• a mix of sea views, kayak time, and beach relaxation
• a smallish group (max 20) rather than a huge crowd

It may be less ideal if your main goal is long, quiet land exploration. The day is structured around water stops, and the famous zones tend to be popular. You’ll get access, but not solitude.

If you’re traveling with kids, the tour requires children to be accompanied by an adult, so plan for active supervision during water time.

Food-wise, if you have allergies or special dietary needs, you’ll want to advise at booking so the lunch can be arranged appropriately.

Should you book Blu Anda to Phi Phi from Phuket?

If you’re aiming for a high-effort day (snorkeling, kayaking, and multiple Phi Phi views) with meals and gear handled, this is a solid choice. The value comes from the “ready-to-go” setup: you get picked up, fed, equipped, and moved between the best parts of the coastline without stitching the day together yourself.

I’d pass if you’re looking for a slow, quiet Phi Phi experience or if you know you get miserable in choppy water. In that case, you’d likely be happier with a different style of outing that matches your pace and comfort level.

For everyone else: it’s a practical way to turn a long travel day into a real island day.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is listed as 9:00 am, with morning pickup from your hotel and a departure from Ao Po Grand Marina (Ao Po Grand Marina / Pier 88 Seafood Terminal area at Ao Po).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan. Airport drop-off is also available at no additional cost if you share your flight time.

What’s included for snorkeling and beach time?

You get all snorkeling equipment plus beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong. The tour also includes marine national park fee and a guide.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have lunch onboard (with seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options), plus included breakfast snacks and afternoon snacks.

What happens during monsoon season or bad weather?

The tour notes that during monsoon season, the order and timing of activities and destinations may change due to tide, sea conditions, and weather for safety. You should expect adjustments rather than guarantees.

Are professional photos included?

No. Professional photos are not included and are listed at 2500 THB.