Blu Anda Catamaran to Phi Phi from Phuket

The Andaman Sea puts on a fine show. Blu Anda’s full-day catamaran trip combines easy snorkeling at Lana Bay with kayaking near Maya Bay, scenic cruising past limestone cliffs, and meals included from start to finish. I like the smooth catamaran ride and the generous supply of gear, beach shoes, towels, and drinks. I also like that pickup and airport drop-off are included. The main drawback is the visit to Phi Phi’s main island, which can feel crowded and less rewarding than the quieter swimming stops.

You spend about 10 hours away from Phuket, though the boat portion runs roughly from the morning departure to the late afternoon return. The boat carries a maximum of 20 people, so you get a more manageable outing than on a large ferry. Still, this is a busy day on the water, and weather, tides, and monsoon conditions can change the order of stops or cancel some of them.

Key points to know before booking

• Snorkel straight from the catamaran at Lana Bay: The boat provides masks and fins, making the morning water stop simple and well organized.
• Kayak near Maya Bay: You paddle around one of Phi Phi’s best-known settings, though access and timing can change with conservation rules and sea conditions.
• See Phi Phi’s classic sights from the water: The route passes Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, Nui Bay, Camel Rock, and other striking rock formations.
• Meals and small comforts are included: Expect canapé breakfast, lunch, fruit, afternoon snacks, hot or cold drinks, freshwater showers, a small towel, beach shoes, and a sarong.
• A small group with flexible return transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and airport drop-off is possible at no extra charge if your flight time works.
• Plan around a long, active day: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sunbathing, and boat transfers fill the schedule, with little time for quiet sightseeing.

From Phuket to Ao Po Grand Marina

Your day begins with pickup by air-conditioned minivan, followed by a short ride to Ao Po in northeastern Phuket. The supplied details give both 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. as start times, so confirm the exact pickup time when booking. The boat itinerary lists departure from Ao Po Grand Marina at about 8:30 a.m., while the meeting information lists 9:00 a.m.

At the pier, you receive a light canapé breakfast before boarding. This is a useful touch. You can eat before the crossing without needing to find a restaurant at the marina, and the small meal takes the edge off an early start.

The boat is the Blu Anda premium catamaran. A catamaran usually feels steadier than a smaller speedboat, though no vessel can promise a smooth ride in rough weather. You will spend much of the morning crossing open water, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare accordingly.

The group size is capped at 20 people. That matters when you are collecting snorkeling gear, getting into the water, or moving between the boat and beach. It does not make the day private, but it should feel less cramped than a high-capacity island transfer.

Koh Pai and the morning on the water

The itinerary includes a stop at Koh Pai, also called Bamboo Island, for swimming, snorkeling, and time on the beach. This gives you an early chance to get into the water before the later Phi Phi stops.

The exact order can change. One description places the first snorkeling stop at Loh Lana, or Lana Bay, on Phi Phi Don. Another lists Koh Pai first, followed by scenic cruising and a midday stop at Ao Ling, also called Monkey Bay. Treat the named sequence as a plan rather than a guarantee. Tides and sea conditions control much of the day.

Koh Pai is best approached as a water-and-beach stop rather than a cultural visit. You can swim, snorkel, or sit on the sand, depending on conditions and how much energy you want to save. The included mask and fins mean you do not need to rent equipment separately.

The boat then cruises past Koh Yoong, Leam Tong, Camel Rock, and Nui Bay. These views are a major part of the trip. Phi Phi is famous for steep limestone formations rising from clear water, and seeing them from the boat gives you a better sense of their shape than a quick beach stop can.

Camel Rock and Nui Bay are mainly scenic points in this program. Keep your camera ready, but remember that the boat may not stop for a long photo session. You are seeing several places in one day, not slowly exploring one cove.

Snorkeling at Lana Bay and Monkey Bay

Lana Bay, or Loh Lana, is described as the main snorkeling stop on Phi Phi Don. You enter the water from the catamaran’s steps, using the supplied mask and fins, and spend time looking for colorful fish around the coral reef.

This is the part of the trip I would prioritize. The water activities receive the strongest praise, and the arrangement is practical: the boat stays nearby, equipment is already supplied, and you can return aboard when you are ready to dry off or rest.

The itinerary also includes snorkeling and swimming at Ao Ling, or Monkey Bay. Names can be confusing here because Phi Phi’s coves are often known by more than one name. The important point is that you should have more than one chance to get into the water.

Bring your own waterproof phone case if you want photos from the water. Professional photos are available for an additional 2,500 baht, but that cost is not included. You should also tell the operator about food allergies or special dietary needs when booking, since lunch arrangements are made ahead of time.

Snorkeling depends heavily on visibility, wind, and tide. Even a well-planned stop may look different from one day to the next. The tour includes marine park fees and travel insurance, but it cannot control the condition of the reef or water.

Lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard, with seafood, chicken, or vegetarian options described among the choices. The supplies include lunch boxes, fresh fruit, afternoon snacks, and hot or cold drinks.

Eating on the boat saves time. You do not need to leave the water, search for a restaurant, or wait for a table at a crowded beach. You can eat while looking toward Camel Rock and Nui Bay, then return to the deck for sun and sea views.

There is one tradeoff. The timetable also refers to a restaurant stop at Phi Phi, and a full day of island activity leaves limited time for a relaxed meal on a beach. If you prefer eating with your feet in the sand, this arrangement may disappoint. If you prefer a predictable meal without losing more sightseeing time, lunch onboard makes sense.

Tell the operator about dietary needs at booking. The supplied information specifically asks passengers with allergies or special diets to give advance notice so Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel can make suitable arrangements.

Maya Bay and the famous Phi Phi scenery

After lunch, the route heads toward Ko Phi Phi Lee, the smaller island south of Phi Phi Don. The program includes kayaking around Maya Bay, followed by views of Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and other limestone formations.

Maya Bay is the visual centerpiece for many people. Kayaking lets you experience the bay from the water rather than simply taking a quick photograph from a crowded viewpoint. The activity also breaks up the day nicely after snorkeling and lunch.

Access rules can change. The supplied information notes that Maya Bay was closed for coral reef rehabilitation from June 1 through September 30, 2018, with the boat allowed to cruise past instead. Because that note is tied to a specific past period, confirm the current operating rules and seasonal access before you go. The tour can also alter or cancel stops during the monsoon season because of weather, tides, and sea conditions.

Pileh Lagoon is another strong scenic stop. Its enclosed water and tall rock walls make it one of the most memorable views on the route. Viking Cave is seen from the boat, as are Loh Samah Bay and other sites around Phi Phi Lee. Do not expect a long shore visit at every location. Several are sightseeing passes, designed to give you broad coverage in one day.

Tonsai Bay and Phi Phi’s crowded side

The final stop is Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don. You can shop along the beach, swim, sunbathe, or simply walk around before the return crossing.

This is where expectations matter. Tonsai Bay is the developed, busy part of Phi Phi, and the supplied experience notes that it may feel crowded with limited sights beyond the beach and shops. If your ideal island day means quiet sand and empty water, this stop may be the weakest part.

On the other hand, Tonsai gives you a chance to stretch your legs after a long day aboard the catamaran. You can use the provided beach shoes, small towel, and sarong, then rinse off with the boat’s freshwater showers before heading back to Phuket.

I would treat Tonsai as a short orientation stop, not the reason to book the trip. The snorkeling, kayaking, and views from the boat are more compelling. If you would rather spend extra time in the water, you may wish the schedule allowed less time at the developed island.

Return to Phuket and airport planning

The boat returns to Ao Po Grand Marina at about 4:00 p.m. From there, the minivan takes you back to your hotel. Airport drop-off is available at no extra cost, but you must provide your flight time.

The stated advice is to book this option only if your flight leaves no earlier than 9:30 p.m. That gives you room for the return drive, check-in, and possible delays caused by weather or traffic. I would not pair this tour with an earlier flight. A full-day sea trip should not end with a frantic airport dash.

The return journey includes freshwater showers, which are welcome after saltwater swimming and sunscreen. The Blu Anda is a non-smoking vessel, another point worth knowing before you commit to a long day onboard.

What the $128.95 price really covers

At $128.95 per person, the price is not just for a boat ride. It includes hotel transport, the catamaran, an English-speaking guide, marine park fees, travel insurance, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, drinks, snorkeling equipment, beach shoes, a towel, and a sarong.

That bundle gives the tour solid value if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, park admission, meals, and water gear. The small group limit also helps justify the price, since you are not being packed onto a huge vessel.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to see Maya Bay from a distance. Much of the cost supports a full activity schedule, so you should be willing to swim, snorkel, kayak, and spend most of the day outside. There is no separate charge listed for ordinary photographs, but professional photos cost 2,500 baht.

The tour requires at least six people to operate. Even after confirmation, it can be canceled if that minimum is not met, with an alternative date or full refund offered. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made later are not accepted for a refund, except when poor weather causes the operator to cancel.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend Blu Anda to you if you want to cover several Phi Phi highlights in one organized day without arranging separate transport, meals, or gear. It suits active families with children, couples, and first-time visitors who prefer a guided plan.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate. You should be comfortable getting on and off the boat, swimming in open water, and spending long periods in the sun. The schedule may feel too full if you want a slow beach day.

I would also choose this tour if snorkeling is your priority. The strongest part of the program is the repeated access to the water, especially around Lana Bay and the other swimming stops. The scenic cruise adds plenty of value between activities.

I would skip it if you dislike fixed schedules, busy beach areas, or weather-dependent plans. You may also prefer a quieter, more focused trip instead of a route that checks off several famous Phi Phi locations.

Should you book Blu Anda?

Book this tour if you want a well-equipped, active day on the Phi Phi islands and value having transport, food, fees, and water gear bundled together. The catamaran, small group size, snorkeling stops, and Maya Bay kayaking make it a strong choice for first-time visitors to Phuket.

Go in with realistic expectations. Tonsai Bay may feel crowded, Maya Bay access can change, and the sea may force the crew to alter the plan. If you can accept that flexibility, Blu Anda offers a practical way to see Phi Phi’s best water scenery without managing the details yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Blu Anda Phi Phi tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 10 hours, including transport between Phuket and the marina. The boat itinerary lists a return to Ao Po Grand Marina at about 4:00 p.m.

What time does the tour start?

The supplied information lists a meeting time of 9:00 a.m. and an Ao Po Grand Marina departure of 8:30 a.m. Confirm your exact pickup time when booking because hotel collection times can vary.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan are included.

Can I be dropped at Phuket airport?

Yes. Airport drop-off is available at no additional cost. You must provide your flight time, and the stated recommendation is to use this option only for flights departing no earlier than 9:30 p.m.

Are snorkeling equipment and beach items provided?

Yes. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong.

Are meals included?

Yes. The package includes canapé breakfast, lunch boxes, fruit, afternoon snacks, and hot or cold beverages.

Is Maya Bay always open during this tour?

No. The schedule can change because of weather, tides, sea conditions, and conservation rules. The supplied information records a Maya Bay closure from June 1 through September 30, 2018, when the boat could cruise past the bay only.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour may be canceled or changed for safety. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund.