The complete guide to Phi Phi and Maithon Island by catamaran

Spending a day on the Andaman Sea from Phuket means choosing between speed and comfort. Speedboats reach Phi Phi fast, but the ride is rough and the boats are crowded. A luxury catamaran takes a different approach: broader deck space, a stable hull, and a pace that lets you actually absorb the scenery rather than brace against the chop. This guide covers everything a first-time or returning visitor needs to know about combining Phi Phi Island and Maithon Island in a single day aboard a catamaran — from the logistics of the shared transfer to the snorkelling stops and the on-board lunch.

Quick facts

• Duration: 10 hours (full day)
• Departure point: Phuket — hotel pickup via shared (SIC) transfer
• Destinations: Phi Phi Island and Maithon Island, Andaman Sea
• Best season: November through April (dry season, calm seas, high visibility)
• Who it suits: Couples, small groups, families with children, non-swimmers, solo travellers who want a premium shared experience without chartering a private vessel
• Included: Luxury catamaran, snorkelling equipment, on-board lunch, return hotel transfer, national park fees, English-speaking guide, water and soft drinks
• Not included: Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, personal expenses

What to expect on the day, step by step

Morning pickup and the journey out

Hotel pickup begins early morning via a shared transfer vehicle. The exact time depends on your hotel's location within Phuket, so confirm your window when you book. The drive to the departure pier is straightforward, and the catamaran departs once guests have boarded and received a safety briefing.

Once underway, the catamaran crosses open Andaman water toward Phi Phi. The twin-hull design keeps movement predictable even when there is a light swell, which makes a meaningful difference for guests who are prone to motion sickness on conventional speedboats.

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi is the headline destination. The island group sits roughly 45 kilometres southeast of Phuket and is best known for its sheer limestone karsts, the turquoise water of Maya Bay, and healthy coral gardens just below the surface. The catamaran anchors at designated snorkelling sites where the reef is accessible from the swim platform. You are not required to snorkel — the equipment is available if you want it, and the deck offers a comfortable vantage point for those who prefer to watch.

Phi Phi Don, the larger inhabited island, provides the visual backdrop most people associate with southern Thailand. Even on a shared tour, the catamaran's size means you are not crammed against other guests the way you would be on a long-tail or budget speedboat.

Maithon Island

Maithon, also known as Coral Island by some operators, sits closer to the southern tip of Phuket and offers a markedly quieter experience than Phi Phi. The beaches here see far fewer day-trippers, and the shallows are calm enough for children and non-swimmers to wade comfortably. This stop serves as a counterpoint to Phi Phi — less dramatic visually, but genuinely relaxed. It is a good place to dry off, walk the shoreline, or simply sit with a soft drink and do very little.

Lunch on board

A freshly prepared lunch is served on the catamaran during the tour. Eating on board keeps the day seamless — there is no need to find a restaurant on a busy island or worry about food costs adding up. The catered meal is included in the tour price.

Return transfer

After the final stop, the catamaran returns to the pier and the shared transfer takes guests back to their hotels. The full day runs to approximately 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Best time to visit Phi Phi and Maithon by catamaran

The Andaman coast has a clear seasonal pattern. The dry season runs from November through April, bringing consistent sunshine, low humidity, and the calm seas that make snorkelling visibility exceptional — often 15 to 20 metres at Phi Phi's reefs. January and February are generally the most settled months.

May to October is the southwest monsoon period. Some tours still operate in the shoulder months of May and October when weather windows open, but departures become less predictable and may be cancelled on short notice. The operator monitors conditions daily and will notify guests ahead of any cancellation, offering a full refund or free rescheduling. If your travel dates fall in the wetter months, build flexibility into your itinerary.

What to bring

The inclusion list is generous, so you do not need to pack much. Focus on sun protection and comfort:

• Swimwear (worn under clothes for convenience)
• High-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen
• Towel
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Light cover-up or long-sleeved layer for the return leg when temperatures drop
• Waterproof bag or dry pouch for your phone and documents
• Cash for gratuities and any alcoholic drinks you want on board
• Any personal medication, including seasickness tablets if you are sensitive, taken before departure

Food and core drinks are covered, so there is no need to bring snacks.

Insider tips that improve the experience

Arrive at the pier early. The shared transfer collects guests from multiple hotels, and the schedule is tight. Being ready 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time avoids unnecessary stress.

Claim a shaded seat for the open-water crossing. The catamaran has both open deck space and shaded seating. If you burn easily or find direct sun tiring, establish your shaded spot before departure.

Snorkel at Phi Phi first. The Phi Phi snorkelling stops typically happen when the water is at its clearest and before any afternoon current picks up. Get in the water here even if you are a tentative swimmer — guides assist beginners and the equipment is included.

Use Maithon for genuine rest. Resist the urge to snorkel at every stop. Maithon is an excellent place to rest on the beach and let the day settle. Guests who pace themselves consistently report a better overall experience.

Confirm your hotel pickup details in writing. SIC transfers pick up from multiple points. Having your confirmation with the pickup time and contact number saved on your phone — not just in your email — is practical insurance.

Common mistakes to avoid

Booking a speedboat to save time. Phi Phi is 45 kilometres from Phuket. A speedboat crossing in light chop is genuinely uncomfortable for many people, and the saved time is spent arriving tired and damp. The catamaran trades raw speed for a composed experience that starts the day well.

Skipping sunscreen reapplication. Reflected sunlight on open water intensifies UV exposure significantly. Apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply after each time you are in the water. A full day at sea without this step reliably results in painful sunburn.

Assuming alcohol is included. Water and soft drinks are on the included list; alcoholic beverages are not. Bring cash if you plan to drink.

Ignoring the weather forecast. If a storm system is moving through, the operator will contact you. Check your messages the evening before departure and respond promptly if a reschedule is offered — alternatives fill up quickly during peak season.

Leaving valuables unprotected. The boat is stable, but spray is possible and decks can be wet. A basic waterproof bag costs very little and eliminates an unnecessary risk.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off via shared transfer, the luxury catamaran charter, snorkelling equipment, a freshly prepared on-board lunch, national park entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and mineral water and soft drinks. Gratuities, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, and travel insurance are not included.

Is this suitable for children or people who cannot swim?

Yes. The catamaran is a stable, wide-hulled vessel with ample deck space, and it is a comfortable environment for children and non-swimmers. Snorkelling is entirely optional, and life jackets are available on board for all guests. Families regularly take this tour without issue.

What happens if the weather causes the tour to be cancelled?

The operator monitors sea and weather conditions each day. If conditions are judged unsafe, guests are notified in advance and offered either a full refund or a free reschedule. There is no penalty for weather-related cancellations.

What time does the day start and finish?

The full tour runs approximately 10 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. Pickup times vary by hotel location and are confirmed at the time of booking. Plan for an early morning start and a late afternoon return.

How is a catamaran different from a speedboat for this route?

A catamaran is a twin-hull vessel with a much wider, more stable platform than a speedboat. It moves at a slower cruising speed but provides a significantly more comfortable ride — less noise, less spray, and far less movement in a swell. For a full day at sea, this distinction matters considerably.

Plan your visit

This tour is available to book through Cyber Tour Phuket, which offers confirmed hotel pickup times, current availability, and direct contact for any pre-departure questions. If you are planning a broader Phuket itinerary, pairing this catamaran day with a Phang Nga Bay or sunset cruise on a separate day covers the Andaman's main highlights without overlap. Book as early in your trip as possible during peak season — the catamaran is a smaller, more exclusive vessel than a mass-market speedboat ferry, and available spots are limited.