Phi Phi Maya and Maithon by Indigo Luxury Catamaran in Phuket

Phuket’s best day on the water starts early. This eight-hour Indigo Luxury Catamaran trip packs Phi Phi Le, Pileh Bay, Maya Bay, and Maithon Island into one polished day, with a maximum of 40 people, air-conditioned seating, open decks, snorkeling, lunch, and hotel transfers. I like the small group size and the clever mix of famous sights with playful water activities. I also like that the new twin-hull boat includes two toilets, a useful detail on a full-day outing.

The guides are a major part of the experience. Mike is praised for his energy and clear English, while Minnie is described as warm and helpful with families. The main drawback is simple: Phi Phi can be crowded, especially around the famous bays, and the schedule leaves little room to linger at each stop.

At a glance

• A 40-person catamaran: More room than a large day boat, with an air-conditioned lounge, 360-degree open deck, and bow sun deck.
• Two snorkeling sessions: One near Phi Phi and another off Maithon Island, with equipment and disposable mouthpieces supplied.
• A traditional long-tail ride: You travel into Pileh Bay by Thai long-tail boat rather than viewing it only from the catamaran.
• Maya Bay beach time: You can step ashore at the famous bay, though it closes from August 1 through September 30.
• Water fun at Maithon: Kayaks, a transparent boat or kayak, inflatable pools, water slides, and sea scooters add variety to the afternoon.
• Food included: Breakfast sandwiches, Thai buffet lunch, fruit, soft drinks, and afternoon tea are part of the day.

Why the Indigo catamaran matters

At $162.94 per person, this is not Phuket’s bargain island trip. It is priced as a more comfortable, activity-filled day, and the value depends on how much you use what is included.

You are paying for hotel pickup and drop-off across Phuket, national park fees, accident insurance, food, snorkeling equipment, a bilingual Chinese and English-speaking guide, towels, and several water activities. Five edited photos are also included. Once you add up transport, meals, equipment, and entry costs, the price becomes easier to understand.

The boat itself is the main reason to choose this outing over a basic speedboat tour. It is a 2024 twin-hull catamaran with an air-conditioned lounge, open-air deck, and front sun deck. A catamaran generally gives you more space to move around, and the 40-person limit helps prevent the boat from feeling like a floating waiting room.

You should still keep expectations sensible. This is a busy full-day route, not a private cruise. Four famous locations, two snorkeling sessions, meals, and several activities require a firm timetable.

Morning pickup and the trip from Chalong Pier

Pickup takes place between 8:00 and 9:30 in the morning, with the exact time confirmed after booking. You will be collected from your Phuket hotel and taken to Seven Plus Travel’s pier in Chalong, where the boat departs around 10:30.

The pickup service is valuable because Phuket’s hotels are spread across the island. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to Chalong or work out the pier on your own. The return is also included, with arrival back at the pier expected between 18:10 and 18:30.

The start time listed for the activity is 9:00 a.m., but your actual pickup may be earlier or later within the stated window. Check the confirmation details carefully. I would also keep the morning free rather than scheduling another activity after the cruise.

The boat has a modern feel, with indoor air conditioning for hot periods and open decks for views and fresh air. The bow sun deck is the place for photos and open-water views, while the lounge gives you a cooler place to sit between activities.

Phi Phi Le and lunch on the water

The boat reaches the Phi Phi area around midday. Thai buffet lunch is served on board, along with fruit and soft drinks. Breakfast sandwiches are also included earlier in the day, and afternoon tea is provided later.

Eating on the boat saves time. You do not lose an hour looking for a restaurant on an island, and you can enjoy the scenery while you eat. Several comments also praise the freshness of the food, and halal options are available according to one detailed account. If food matters to you, this is a useful advantage over tours that provide only a basic packed meal.

The first main stop is Phi Phi Le, with about 90 minutes set aside for the area, including snorkeling later in the schedule. Phi Phi Le is famous for high limestone cliffs, clear water, and the concentrated beauty that helped make these islands a major Phuket day-trip destination.

There is a tradeoff. Phi Phi is one of the most popular places in southern Thailand, so you should expect other boats and plenty of activity around the well-known sites. The catamaran gives you a more comfortable base, but it cannot make a popular island quiet.

Pileh Bay by Thai long-tail boat

Pileh Bay is one of the most memorable parts of the route. Instead of simply looking at the bay from the catamaran, you transfer to a traditional Thai long-tail boat for a roughly 50-minute ride.

That change of boat adds local character to the day. Long-tail boats sit low on the water and let you get closer to the cliffs and narrow spaces around the bay. It is also a better setup for taking photos than trying to frame everything from a larger vessel.

Pileh Bay is mainly a scenic stop, so bring a phone or camera that you can protect from splashes. The tour description specifically includes photo time, and you will want to keep your camera ready as the boat moves through the bay.

The transfer does require some mobility. The activity advises a moderate level of physical fitness, and moving between boats, climbing steps, and getting in and out of the water may not suit everyone. Ask the crew for help if needed, but do not treat this as a completely effortless sightseeing cruise.

Maya Bay and its seasonal closure

Maya Bay is the headline stop. You leave the boat and have free time on the beach, with about one hour allocated for the visit.

The bay is famous for its dramatic setting and its role in the film The Beach. Its reputation is also the reason it can feel crowded. You should come for the scenery and the chance to stand on the sand, not for a private beach experience.

Maya Bay closes from August 1 through September 30. During that period, the schedule gives you extra time at other locations instead. If Maya Bay is the main reason you are booking, confirm the date before paying. The rest of the trip still operates, but the most famous beach stop will not be available during those two months.

One hour is enough to see the bay and take photos, but it is not a long beach day. I would wear a swimsuit under quick-drying clothes and use footwear that is easy to remove. You will be moving on and off the boat several times.

The first snorkeling session near Phi Phi

The first snorkeling stop takes place in the waters near Phi Phi at about 14:40, with roughly 90 minutes allocated for this part of the day. Masks, snorkels, life jackets, and disposable mouthpieces are supplied.

Two snorkeling sessions are a real strength. If visibility or sea conditions are less favorable at one reef, you have another chance later. It also lets you enjoy the famous Phi Phi scenery without spending the entire day on the beach.

The equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or snorkel. You should still bring swimwear, sun protection, and a way to protect valuables. The supplied information does not promise underwater photography, so do not assume that photos beneath the surface are included.

The crew’s role matters here. Mike is repeatedly praised for keeping the mood lively while explaining the activities clearly. The crew also makes an effort to give people turns with the limited water equipment, which is important when several activities are available at once.

Maithon Island and the afternoon water park

The final major stop is Ko Mai Thon, also called Honeymoon Island, reached around 16:30. You get about one hour and 50 minutes here, making it the longest scheduled stop.

This is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to play. You can use water slides, kayaks, inflatable pools, and a transparent boat or kayak. Sea scooters are also listed among the available equipment. A second snorkeling session takes place here.

The transparent boat or kayak is a nice touch for anyone who wants to see the water below without spending the whole time with a mask on. Kayaking gives you a more active way to explore the shoreline, while the inflatable pools and slides suit people who simply want to relax and have fun.

Because the water equipment is shared, you may need to wait for a turn. The crew reportedly manages this fairly and makes sure people get opportunities to use the popular items. That is one reason the small group limit matters.

Maithon works well as the closing stop because it gives you freedom after the more tightly timed Phi Phi and Maya Bay visits. Still, one hour and 50 minutes goes quickly when you want to snorkel, kayak, use the slide, and take photos. Choose your priorities before reaching the island.

Food, service, and the human side of the day

The strongest pattern in the feedback is the crew. Mike is singled out for his humor, energy, professionalism, and strong English. Minnie is praised for being especially welcoming and for helping people feel comfortable at the start of the trip.

That human touch matters on a day with repeated transfers and a fixed schedule. Clear instructions can make the difference between a relaxed outing and a confusing one. The crew also provides snacks and drinks throughout the day, according to the detailed comments.

The food receives positive attention as well. You get breakfast sandwiches, Thai buffet lunch, fruit, soft drinks, and afternoon tea. Halal food is available, which makes the tour more practical for people who need that option.

The boat is reported to be clean and has two toilets. Those details sound minor until you are several hours into a boat trip. I consider them meaningful advantages, especially for families and anyone who prefers not to spend a full day at sea without basic facilities.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to see the famous Phi Phi and Maya Bay sights but also want a comfortable boat and plenty of activities. Families, couples, and small groups who enjoy mixing sightseeing with swimming and play should find the format appealing.

It also suits people who want the day organized from start to finish. Pickup, meals, equipment, park fees, insurance, guiding, and return transport are handled in one booking.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, boat transfers, or fixed schedules. Maya Bay and Phi Phi are popular for good reason, but popularity brings other boats. The tour also requires moderate physical fitness, and you will need to move between the catamaran, long-tail boat, beach, and water equipment.

The 4.8 rating from 48 reviews and 92 percent recommendation point to a strong overall experience. The praise focuses less on empty beaches and more on the crew, food, clean boat, fair activity rotations, and the amount included.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded for late cancellation.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the same choice of another date, another experience, or a refund.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a waterproof way to carry essentials. Towels and snorkeling gear are included, but the available details do not specify every personal item supplied, so pack as you would for a full beach day.

Should you book the Indigo Luxury Catamaran?

Book it if comfort, food, organized transport, and variety matter more to you than having quiet beaches. For $162.94, you get a full day with Phi Phi, Pileh Bay, Maya Bay when open, two snorkeling sessions, Maithon activities, meals, equipment, and hotel transfers.

Skip it if your priority is solitude or a slow pace. The route is ambitious, Phi Phi can be crowded, and every stop runs on a timetable.

For most people visiting Phuket for the first time, this is a well-rounded way to see the region’s famous islands without arranging separate transport and activities. The boat and crew do much of the work, while the two snorkeling sessions and Maithon water activities keep the day from becoming a string of photo stops.

FAQ

How long is the Indigo Luxury Catamaran tour?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Hotel pickup is scheduled between 8:00 and 9:30 in the morning, and return to the pier is expected between 18:10 and 18:30.

Where does the tour start?

The activity starts at Seven Plus Travel Chalong Pier, located at 43/42 Tambon Chalong, Mueang Phuket, Thailand. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available across Phuket Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai buffet lunch, fruit, and soft drinks are included. Breakfast sandwiches and afternoon tea are also provided.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes life jackets, masks, snorkels, and disposable mouthpieces. Snorkeling is scheduled twice, near Phi Phi and at Maithon Island.

Is Maya Bay open all year?

No. Maya Bay is closed from August 1 through September 30. During that period, the tour extends the time spent at other destinations.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 40 people. The catamaran includes an air-conditioned lounge, an open-air deck, and a bow sun deck.

What happens if the weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.