Phi Phi Maya and Maithon by Indigo Luxury Catamaran in Phuket

Catamaran comfort makes Phi Phi feel easier. This Phuket to Phi Phi day trip mixes long-tail island hopping with two snorkeling stops, plus a big playground island so the day doesn’t feel like only boats and waiting.

You’re riding a brand-new 2024 twin-hull catamaran with an air-conditioned lounge, a roomy 360° deck, and gear-ready water fun built in.

What I like most is the small group size (max 40), which helps the schedule feel manageable on a busy route. I also appreciate the crew and guides, especially names like Mike and Minne, who keep things organized and keep the energy up.

One thing to consider: Maya Bay is quick—you get beach time, but it’s not a long, unhurried sit. That matters because Phi Phi area crowds can make even a great beach feel a bit tight.

Key highlights at a glance

• 2024 twin-hull catamaran with indoor comfort and open-air deck space
• Pileh Bay by long-tail boat for scenery and photos without the full-day stress
• Two snorkeling sessions with included equipment, plus a fun add-on at the second stop
• Honeymoon Island style playground time: slides, kayaks, sea scooters, and an inflatable pool
• Transparent kayak/boat for extra viewing while you paddle (or float)
• Lunch and snacks on board, plus guide support in English and Chinese

A 2024 twin-hull catamaran that’s built for a long day

If your idea of a good island day is comfort plus options, this catamaran setup fits. The boat is designed like a modern twin-hull, with a covered air-conditioned space where you can cool off between activities. Then there’s the open 360° deck, so you can get views without climbing around or feeling stuck below.

The big win is how the layout supports different energy levels. When you want shade, you have it. When you want to be outside, the boat makes it easy. And because the day includes snorkeling twice and multiple water toys, having real space to regroup matters.

You also get the practical stuff: the boat includes towels, and there’s equipment for the sea activities. One review note also points out there are two toilets, which is more helpful than it sounds on a full day at sea.

The day’s flow: pickup, Phi Phi riding time, and a realistic pace

This is an 8-hour experience that starts around 9:00 am. Hotel pickup is offered across Phuket, with the driver picking you up sometime between 8:00 and 9:30 depending on your confirmation slip. After pickup, you head to the Chalong pier area and depart toward Phi Phi.

You’ll be on the water in phases instead of one straight line. The day is structured around a mid-day rhythm: meal on board, island boat cruising, snorkeling session one, a quick Maya Bay beach break, then a later afternoon block at Ko Mai Thon (Honeymoon Island) that mixes recreation with snorkeling session two.

That pacing is important. Phi Phi days can get hectic, and a plan like this gives you multiple “moments” instead of one long stretch where you’re waiting for the next stop. The itinerary also includes national park fees in the package, so you don’t have to wonder about small add-ons during the day.

Chasing views in Pileh Bay on a Thai long-tail boat

Midway through the day, you switch from the catamaran to a Thai long-tail boat for Pileh Bay. This is one of those classic moves on these routes, and it’s not just tradition. Long-tail boats are ideal for weaving around the islands at angles that feel more like you’re in the scenery than just watching it from far away.

You’ll get photo time while the long-tail tour moves through the bay. The point here isn’t a deep lesson or a long lecture; it’s getting the kind of views that usually take extra effort on your own. Plus, the long-tail ride tends to feel like a reset between the busier catamaran moments.

Time on this leg is about 50 minutes, which is long enough to enjoy the scenery and short enough that you’re not stuck in transit all afternoon. That’s a good balance if you want both photos and water time.

Snorkeling near Phi Phi: two sessions, included gear, real structure

Snorkeling is built into the schedule twice, and both sessions include snorkeling equipment: masks, snorkels, and life jackets (with disposable mouthpieces). You’re also covered with accident insurance, which is reassuring on a water day.

The first snorkeling session happens after lunch, with a set start time in the early afternoon window. You’ll go to a snorkeling area near Phi Phi Island, do your session, and then transition back into the day’s island pacing.

Then you get the second snorkeling session at Ko Mai Thon (Honeymoon Island) later in the afternoon. That second stop matters because it’s not just “snorkel and leave.” It’s paired with extra water activities, so snorkeling feels like part of a larger block instead of the main event that ends the day.

Practical tip: if you’re the type who prefers to snorkel without rushing, this kind of structured schedule helps. You’re not improvising transport or trying to coordinate gear at each stop.

Maya Bay beach time: short and sweet, with a seasonal twist

Maya Bay is the famous name on this route, and you do get time on the beach. Expect about 1 hour there for free time and beach activities, not a long lingering visit.

Two practical notes matter here:

First, the Maya Bay entrance fee is not included. So if you’re planning on covering everything in advance, you’ll want to be ready for this cost.

Second, Maya Bay has a closure window: it will be closed from August 1st to September 30th. During that time, the plan adjusts by extending time at other destinations. If you’re traveling during those months, you still get the overall day out there, just with the Maya segment swapped out.

Because your Maya Bay time is limited, I recommend setting expectations as a beach break, not a full-day experience. You’ll enjoy it more when you treat it like a highlight stop in the middle of a longer island day.

Ko Mai Thon / Honeymoon Island: slides, sea scooters, kayaks, and a second snorkel

Ko Mai Thon (often referred to alongside Honeymoon Island on these routes) is where the day turns playful. You arrive around the later part of the afternoon, with a long enough window (about 1 hour 50 minutes) to do more than one thing.

This is where the “luxury island-hopping” claim becomes tangible. Included activities can include a water slide, sea scooters, kayaks, and an inflatable pool. There’s also a transparent boat/kayak option, which is great when the water is clear because you can see below while you drift or paddle.

The second snorkeling session happens during this same island block, so you’ll likely want to decide your order. If you want slides or scooters without rushing, do the water-toy portion first, then snorkel. If you care most about underwater time, tackle snorkeling early at the stop so you’re not deciding under time pressure.

A key comfort detail: the crew seems to manage the limited water activities in a way that aims to give everyone access. That’s important because on busy days, equipment can become a free-for-all if nobody’s coordinating.

Food on board: lunch plus snacks that make the price make sense

For value, food inclusion is where these island days either feel fair or not. Here, you get a Thai-style buffet lunch on the boat, along with fruits and soft drinks. The overview also states that breakfast sandwiches and afternoon tea are included, which turns the day into a proper meal plan instead of scattered snacks.

That matters because Phi Phi days can be expensive when you’re hungry at the wrong time. Including meals helps you avoid hunting for food between stops, and it keeps the schedule smoother.

There’s also a mention of halal options, which is a big deal if you eat according to dietary rules. If that matters to you, I’d plan to check ahead, but at least the option is known to be part of the offering.

One more practical point: the snacks and drinks are meant to stay available throughout the trip, so you can refuel during transitions. It’s a small detail, but it changes how the day feels.

What’s included (and what you should plan for)

The package includes a lot of the “gotchas” that add up on island tours. In your cost, you get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off across Phuket
• Snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels, life jackets)
• National park fees
• Transparent boat/kayak, water slides, kayaks, sea scooters, inflatable pool
• Lunch, fruits, and soft drinks, plus breakfast sandwiches and afternoon tea
• Accident insurance
• A guide support team speaking English and Chinese

What’s not included is simpler: tips and any fees not explicitly mentioned. Also, as mentioned earlier, Maya Bay admission is not included.

If you’re calculating value, this inclusion list is the real answer—not just the headline price.

Guides and small-group management on busy islands

Phi Phi can feel crowded. What keeps this day from turning into pure chaos is how the day is run. With a cap of 40 guests, you’re not fighting a giant crowd for gear access or meeting points.

The bilingual guide support (English and Chinese) is another practical plus. On tours where the language barrier exists, people miss safety directions or timing updates. On this kind of schedule—snorkeling, long-tail transfers, and multiple stops—clear communication matters.

Names that show up in guide highlights include Mike, plus Minne/Minnie. The common thread in those notes is energy, organization, and patience when things get awkward at the start. That kind of hosting is exactly what turns a crowded route into a manageable day.

Price and value: is $162.94 a fair deal?

At $162.94 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to do Phi Phi. The reason it can still be a fair deal is that it bundles the costs that usually creep up:

You’re not only paying for transportation and a couple stops. You’re also paying for snorkeling gear, national park fees, multiple on-water activities, and a full food plan. Plus you’re getting accident insurance and guide support.

When a tour is priced like this but includes fewer activities or minimal food, it often feels thin. Here, the structure includes two snorkeling sessions and multiple water-toy options at the final stop, which spreads the value out across the day.

If you want the easiest day with the most “water time per hour,” this package is closer to that goal than a basic speedboat day.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

A few things can make a big difference on a catamaran + island-hopping day:

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat, then reapply during the island time blocks.
• Pack a dry bag for your phone and passport, especially if you plan to use scooters or do transparent kayak time.
• If you don’t feel confident snorkeling, start easy in the first session. The schedule gives you a second chance later at Ko Mai Thon.
• Plan on spending time outside. Even with an air-conditioned lounge, most of the fun is on the decks and at the beach.
• If you’re sensitive to heat, prioritize shade breaks on the boat between stops.

Weather matters on these sea routes. If conditions aren’t good, you may see changes in the plan. In general, this kind of day trip runs best when the sea is calm.

Should you book Indigo Luxury Catamaran for Phi Phi and Maithon?

I’d book this if you want a full-day Phi Phi experience without doing the logistics yourself. The small max group, the 2024 catamaran comfort, and the fact that snorkeling happens twice make it a solid choice for people who want more than one highlight.

It’s also a good fit if you like a mix: scenery cruises, a famous beach stop, then a real playground island with slides, scooters, and pool fun. If that sounds like your pace, you’ll likely feel like the day is worth the price.

I’d hesitate if you care most about slow travel at Maya Bay. With only about an hour there, it’s a highlight stop, not an all-day beach hang. It’s also a long day, so if you prefer short excursions, you might find this better suited to a full-tour kind of day.

If you want a mix of comfort, guided coordination, and built-in water activities, this one is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi Maya and Maithon tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

What time does pickup start?

Pickup is typically between 8:00 and 9:30 am, and the exact pickup time depends on your confirmation slip.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is the Seven Plus Travel Chalong pier, 43/42 Tambon Chalong, Mueang Phuket 83130, Thailand.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Free hotel pickup and drop-off is offered across Phuket.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, such as life jackets, masks, snorkels, and disposable mouthpieces.

How many snorkeling sessions do you get?

You have snorkeling twice: one near Phi Phi Island and another at Ko Mai Thon (Honeymoon Island).

What activities are included on Ko Mai Thon?

You can use the water slides, kayaks, sea scooters, inflatable pools, and a transparent boat/kayak option.

What meals and drinks are included?

You get Thai buffet lunch, fruits, and soft drinks. Breakfast sandwiches and afternoon tea are also included.

Is Maya Bay admission included in the price?

No. Maya Bay admission is not included, and Maya Bay is closed from August 1st to September 30th, with extra time at other destinations during that period.