New Power catamaran for Phang Nga and Phi Phi island excursions

A day on the water that feels built for you. This brand-new Hot Chili catamaran is quick (about 15 knots), stable (a 5.5 meter beam), and set up for comfort with a front sun area and shaded seating back at the cockpit/saloon. I also like that you get a ready-to-go day plan with Thai buffet lunch on board and snorkeling equipment included, plus WiFi if you need to check in. One thing to keep in mind: national park fees and alcohol are not included, and the route can shift with weather.

This private charter is made for island hopping around Phuket’s big-name sights like Phi Phi, Koh Hong, and the Bond Island area, with time built in for swimming and snorkeling. The crew side matters here too: in this fleet, people praise clear English and a safety-first approach, with the service feeling smooth rather than rushed. The main drawback is simple math—this is priced for a private group—so it can feel expensive if you’re traveling with fewer than 4 to 6 people.

If you want a day that runs like a well-timed cruise (not a slow boat with cranky vibes), this is the kind of experience that fits. Just go in knowing you’re paying for space, speed, and a tailored feel, not just a ticket to a crowded pier.

Key points before you book

• New Hot Chili power catamaran designed for day charters across Phi Phi and Phang Nga
• Roomy stability thanks to a 5.5 meter beam and a layout with front sun space plus shaded seating
• Speed that saves vacation time: about 15 knots for reaching more islands in a day
• Snorkeling gear + Thai buffet lunch included with soft drinks, iced water, and tea/coffee
• WiFi on board for planning, messaging, or light work
• Professional crew and safety focus, including English-speaking service (names like Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em show up in praise)

Hot Chili and the stability test: what the 5.5 m beam actually changes

On paper, a catamaran sounds like “just another boat.” On your day out, the difference is how it feels under you. With a 5.5 meter beam, Hot Chili is built for stability, so you’re less busy bracing yourself and more relaxed when you’re switching between swimming, snorkeling, and grabbing lunch.

The layout also does a lot of work. There’s a front sunbathing area people can use when they want warmth and views. Then, in the back, you’ve got shaded spots in the cockpit/saloon area for when Thai sun starts feeling like it’s keeping score. That “two moods at once” setup matters if you’re traveling with different preferences—some people want full sun, others want shade and a cooled drink.

And because it’s a power catamaran traveling at cruising speed around 15 knots, you’re not stuck spending half your day in transit. That speed matters on island days because the underwater time is the real point of the whole trip.

Price and value: what $1,629.44 per group really buys

This charter is listed at $1,629.44 per group (up to 8). That means you’re not paying per person in the typical mass-tour way. You’re paying for control of your day: private pickup, private boat time, and service that’s geared to your group instead of constant boarding and disembarking.

So here’s how I’d think about value. If you book with 6–8 people, the cost per person drops fast compared with many “small group” island trips. Even if you’re a tighter group, you might still find it worthwhile because of what’s included:

• Fresh Thai buffet lunch on board
• Soft drinks, iced water, tea, coffee
• Snorkeling equipment
• WiFi on board

What’s not included is also clear. National park fees and alcohol are extra, and SUP (stand up paddleboard) isn’t included. That’s normal for Phuket day boats, but it’s smart to budget for it before you get surprised.

One more detail: the catamaran is described as up to 14 guests and 3 crew. Yet the pricing is per group up to 8, so your exact headcount and how the boat seats you may depend on the specific day charter. Either way, the pitch is space and comfort, not tight benches.

Getting on the water: pickup, marina timing, and how long the day feels

You’ll typically do a hotel pickup, then head to Chalong Marina for boarding. One sample day runs like this: pickup around 08:00, boarding at Chalong Marina, departure about 09:00, and return by 17:30. That kind of schedule gives you a full daylight window without turning the day into a dawn-to-dark marathon.

That said, the experience is sold as 4 to 10 hours (approx.), so your total time depends on which island route you’re on and what the day’s conditions allow. The provider also notes the experience requires good weather. When weather isn’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Practical tip: if you’re deciding between routes, pick the one that matches how you want to spend your day—more time snorkeling, more time exploring caves/kayaking, or more time just relaxing. Speed helps you cover more ground, but you still want the day to match your energy level.

Phi Phi island time: Monkey Beach and Monkey Bay for swimming + snorkeling

If your day includes the Phi Phi leg, you’ll start near Ko Phi Phi Don with a stop at Monkey Beach. This is the kind of place where you can get that postcard moment quickly, without spending the entire trip in transit.

From there, the schedule allows time to reach Monkey Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The vibe here is simple: get in the water when the water time is best, then rest when you’re done. Because you’re on a private catamaran, you’re not trapped waiting on a big chain of other groups to move.

What I’d watch for is timing and water conditions. Snorkeling quality can change with currents and visibility, even on the same coastline. The crew’s job is choosing the best moment and spot, and the feedback about professionalism and safety suggests they take that seriously.

Also, since you have snorkeling gear included, you can spend less time worrying about rentals and more time actually planning what you want to see under the surface.

Koh Hong and the James Bond area: kayaking, a cave stop, and photo stops

Another common island mix from this charter set focuses on the Phang Nga side, where the itinerary can include Ko Panak, Ko Hong, and a James Bond Island visit.

You’ll typically board first with a welcome drink and safety briefing, then head out. For Ko Panak, the plan includes kayak and cave excursion time. That’s a nice contrast if your group is split between people who love open-water snorkeling and people who want something more hands-on and scenic.

Then you move into the Koh Hong portion. Koh Hong is the sort of spot where you’ll want camera batteries charged and sunscreen on, because the scenery is a big part of why people do this day. You get time for visiting Ko Hong, and the day also includes that Bond Island icon.

What to consider: cave and kayak elements can be a physical change from pure lounging. The good news is that the day isn’t described as only one activity. You still get lunch and breaks, so you’re not forced into a constant effort pace.

If you’re prone to seasickness, the combination of a stable catamaran and the boat speed is often a helpful combo—no magic, but fewer “I regret everything” moments.

Racha Yai and Racha Noi: how snorkeling gets real on reef days

A third stop set often includes Racha Yai & Racha Noi. The plan is to meet the captain and crew at Chalong Bay Marina, then choose a nice snorkeling location depending on conditions.

This is one of the most practical parts of the itinerary, because Racha islands are known for reef snorkeling, and the decision-making matters. You want the crew to read weather and water and pick a spot that makes snorkeling worth your time.

From what’s described, later in the day you’re set up for additional snorkeling time after the earlier island stops. That’s good pacing. You’re not burning all your energy on the first swim and then feeling wrecked for lunch and later activities.

If you’re deciding whether to bring your best mask/snorkel, you could go either way. Since snorkeling equipment is included, you can travel light. If you’re picky about fit, bring your own mask if you have one you love—just don’t expect the charter to swap for you if your fit is different from what’s provided.

Food, drinks, and WiFi: the comfort layer that changes the mood

One big reason private charters win on a day like this is how you eat and cool down. Hot Chili includes a Thai style buffet lunch freshly prepared on board, plus soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee.

There’s also mention of a full galley and the ability to prepare gourmet lunches. Even if you’re not chasing food as the main attraction, this matters. Freshly prepared lunch keeps the day feeling like a real experience instead of a “we fed you something between stops” situation.

Drinks are part of the comfort too. There are mentions of chilled drinks and attentive service, which is exactly what you want when the afternoon sun starts to push your energy down.

WiFi is included on board. That doesn’t mean you’ll sit online all day, but it can be useful for quick messages, sending photos, or checking maps while you plan your next step.

What’s not included: alcoholic beverages. So if your group likes a celebratory drink after snorkeling, plan on paying separately.

The crew’s style: professional English, safety first, and named service

This is the section that separates a good day from a forgettable one. The feedback for this operation highlights professional service, good English, and clear safety priority. That’s not just nice to hear—it directly affects how confident you feel when you’re dealing with water activities.

In praised service notes, crew members are named, including Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em. People also mention a chef on board, including Nui, with especially positive comments about the day’s food. When staff are this visible and consistent, it usually means the operation has a routine and a calm process.

And safety matters on island hopping. Even if you’re an experienced swimmer, you want a captain and crew who manage timing, anchoring, and water conditions. The feedback emphasizes that safety is a priority, which is exactly what you want when the day involves snorkeling and sometimes kayaking/cave time.

What to pack (and what to skip) for a smoother island day

Because snorkeling equipment is included, you don’t need to haul gear. You can keep your bag simpler and focus on comfort.

Here’s what I’d pack based on what’s actually included and what’s not:

• Sunscreen and a hat (front sun area is available, so protection matters)
• Reef-safe swimwear and a change of clothes for after
• A light cover-up for the shady cockpit/saloon time
• A towel if you prefer your own (not stated either way, so you might find what they provide)
• Water shoes if you like better footing on rocky entry spots (not required, just helpful)
• If you want extra water fun: SUP is listed as not included, so don’t assume you can use one without extra cost
• Cash/card for items not included, like national park fees and alcohol

If you’re someone who likes to work on trips, the feedback includes that working a bit during the trip was possible with good route planning. WiFi helps, but the real factor is whether the boat schedule leaves you enough stable time to type without feeling like you’re doing it at sea-level chaos.

Who this charter fits best in Phuket

This day works best if you want a private, comfortable day on a new boat without feeling locked into a rigid bus-tour rhythm. It’s a great match for:

• Families or friend groups that want shared time and space
• People who care about good snorkeling but also want a proper meal
• Anyone who prefers shade options and doesn’t want to bake in one spot all day
• Groups that value clear communication and safety management

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and you’re price-sensitive, you’ll need to do the math. Private charters generally reward groups that split the cost. If you don’t have enough people to spread it out, look at what national park fees and extras might add, and compare against a shared tour option.

Should you book the Hot Chili private catamaran?

If you want a day that feels organized, stable, and comfortable—plus real time at snorkeling spots—this is an easy yes to consider. The combination of speed, space, included snorkeling gear, and a Thai buffet lunch is the core value engine here.

I’d book it if:

• You’ll be traveling with enough people to make the per-group price feel fair
• You’re planning a Phi Phi and/or Phang Nga style day and want the convenience of private timing
• You appreciate good service and a crew that keeps safety and communication front and center

I’d hesitate if:

• You’re mainly looking for the cheapest way to visit islands
• You’re not sure you’ll be okay with weather-dependent routing
• Your group doesn’t want to pay extra for national park fees and alcohol

Bottom line: for a Phuket island day that prioritizes comfort and confidence, Hot Chili delivers the kind of experience that’s worth planning around.

FAQ

How long is the island excursion?

The tour duration is listed as about 4 to 10 hours, depending on the exact route and conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the itinerary examples start with hotel pickup before heading to the marina.

Where do we meet for the trip?

The start point is Phuket Intl Airport, Mai Khao, Phuket 83110, Thailand, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What’s included in the lunch and drinks?

You’ll get a Thai style buffet lunch plus soft drinks, iced water, and tea and coffee.

Are national park fees included?

No. National park fees are not included.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi is included on the catamaran.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, meaning only your group participates.

What about cancellation if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I use a SUP during the trip?

SUP (stand up paddle board) is not included.