Blu Anda Catamaran to Phi Phi from Phuket

The best part of the Blu Anda Phi Phi trip is the time spent in the water. You can slip straight from the catamaran into clear coves, swim among colorful fish, and see Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs from sea level. The boat also makes room for kayaking, beach time, and a proper lunch, so this is more than a quick photo stop.

I like the included equipment and transfers, which remove two common headaches in Phuket. Snorkel gear, fins, beach shoes, a small towel, sarong, food, drinks, and minivan transport are all covered. I also like the small maximum group of 20 people, which should feel more manageable than a packed day boat.

The main catch is the schedule. Phi Phi is popular for good reason, but Tonsai Bay and the main Phi Phi island can feel crowded, and one published account found the island stop less interesting than the snorkeling. Sea conditions can also change the order of stops or cancel some visits during monsoon weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Snorkeling is the main attraction: Swim at Lana Bay or the alternate stops listed for the day, with fins and snorkeling equipment supplied.
• The catamaran covers many famous sights: You may pass Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, Camel Rock, Nui Bay, and Maya Bay.
• Kayaking adds variety: The program includes a paddle near Maya Bay, though exact access can change with tide, weather, and park rules.
• Food is included all day: Start with canapé breakfast, eat a seafood, chicken, or vegetarian lunch, and finish with fruit and afternoon snacks.
• The group is capped at 20: That is a useful middle ground between a private charter and a large boat excursion.
• Airport drop-off is available: You can finish at the airport at no extra charge, but your flight should be no earlier than 9:30 p.m.

From Phuket to the Andaman Sea

Your day begins with hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan. The information supplied for the tour gives several morning times, including an 8:30 a.m. departure from Ao Po Grand Marina, a 9:00 a.m. start time, and arrival near 9:30 a.m. at Pier 88 Seafood Terminal at Ao Po.

That variation matters. Ask for your exact pickup time when you book, especially if you are staying far from Ao Po or planning an airport drop-off later in the day. Once at the pier, you receive a light canapé breakfast with hot or cold drinks before boarding.

The Blu Anda is a non-smoking vessel. Its premium catamaran design should provide a smoother crossing than a small speedboat, though no boat can erase rough seas during poor weather. The ride across the Andaman Sea is part of the day, not just a transfer. You will have views of open water, scattered islands, cliffs, and the changing color of the sea.

The boat carries no more than 20 people according to the supplied details. That is one of the stronger practical points here. You still share the day with a group, but you are less likely to feel lost in a large crowd when the guide explains the stops or helps with the snorkeling equipment.

First water stops: Koh Pai and Lana Bay

The published schedule lists Koh Pai, also called Bamboo Island, as an early stop for swimming, snorkeling, and time on the beach. The more detailed program describes the first water activity at Loh Lana, or Lana Bay, on Phi Phi Don. The exact order can change, and the two descriptions do not match perfectly, so you should treat the morning location as flexible.

That is not necessarily a problem. Both the Bamboo Island and Lana Bay portions are designed around swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing rather than a long cultural visit. The boat provides masks, fins, and other snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own kit unless you prefer a personal fit.

Lana Bay is described as a cove on the northwest side of Phi Phi Don. From the catamaran, you can walk down the steps into the water and look for colorful fish around the coral reef. This direct access saves time. You are not waiting for a separate long-tail boat or ferry transfer before getting wet.

The snorkeling is the most praised part of the experience, and I can see why. The day gives you a real block of water time, rather than a rushed ten-minute swim squeezed between sightseeing stops. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof phone pouch, and a dry change of clothes. The boat has freshwater showers for the return trip, but you will still want something dry for the minivan ride back.

The sea floor and visibility can vary. Do not expect the same conditions every day, especially in monsoon season. Waves, tides, and weather may change the stop or cancel it for safety.

A scenic cruise past Camel Rock and Nui Bay

After the first swim, the boat continues around Phi Phi’s famous coastal formations. The route includes views of Koh Yoong, Leam Tong, Camel Rock, and Nui Bay in the schedule provided. The longer description also mentions blue water around Nui Bay and the striking rock walls that make Phi Phi recognizable from the sea.

This part of the day is useful for anyone who wants more than beach time. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. The most interesting views are often not at a formal stop. They come while the catamaran is passing a cliff, a narrow bay, or a tall limestone outcrop.

Camel Rock is a particularly memorable name on the route, but the value is in the setting rather than a long visit on land. You are likely seeing these formations from the boat, with no extended walk or viewpoint. That keeps the day moving, though it also means you should not expect a detailed geological talk or a quiet period at each landmark.

I like this balance. The catamaran lets you see more of the island group without turning every stop into a scramble to get off, take a picture, and get back aboard.

Lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is included and served onboard. The available choices are listed as seafood, chicken, or vegetarian food, with ingredients selected for the meal. You also receive fruit, afternoon snacks, and hot or cold drinks during the day.

The supplied description places lunch near Camel Rock and Nui Bay, while the schedule gives a 12:30 p.m. lunch followed by swimming and snorkeling at Ao Ling, also called Monkey Bay. That timing creates a sensible break after the morning water activities. You can eat while watching the islands rather than losing another hour to a mainland restaurant.

Still, there is one point to weigh. One published account preferred the snorkeling and swimming to the visit at the main Phi Phi island and wished lunch had been served on one of the snorkeling beaches instead of at a restaurant. The current details describe lunch onboard, so you should confirm the exact meal setting and route before departure. In any case, the day is built around convenience, not a private beach picnic.

If you have a food allergy or special dietary requirement, tell the operator at booking. The information states that Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel needs advance notice to arrange lunch. Do not wait until you board.

Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave

After lunch, the route moves toward Phi Phi Lee, the smaller island south of Phi Phi Don. The boat may stop near Maya Bay for kayaking, then cruise past Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave.

Maya Bay is the famous name here, but the access rules matter. The supplied information notes a closure for coral rehabilitation from June 1 through September 30, 2018, when the boat could cruise past without visitors entering. That date is historical, so you should confirm the current park rules before booking. The program also warns that stops can be altered or canceled because of weather, tide, and sea conditions.

Kayaking gives you a different view of the cliffs. From a small craft, the walls feel closer and the water-level perspective changes. It is a short activity within a packed day, not a long independent paddle. Equipment for the listed activities is included.

Pileh Lagoon is another scenic highlight. Its enclosed water and steep limestone sides make it one of the most photogenic parts of the Phi Phi route. The boat may cruise through or stop according to conditions. Loh Samah Bay offers another view of the rock formations, while Viking Cave is generally a sightseeing pass from the water rather than a cave visit.

This sequence works best if you accept that you are seeing a lot in one day. You will collect a broad picture of Phi Phi rather than spend hours at one quiet cove.

Tonsai Bay and the final beach stop

The final stop is Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don. Here, you can shop along the beach, swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the late afternoon light. Beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong are provided.

Tonsai is the practical heart of Phi Phi, with boats, shops, and a steady stream of people. It is not the best place on the itinerary for solitude. If you prefer swimming and sun, use your time near the beach. If you want a look at the island’s visitor center, this is your chance, but keep an eye on the meeting time.

The main drawback is crowding. The supplied account found little to see at the actual Phi Phi island compared with the snorkeling stops. That is useful advice. Do not book this excursion mainly for a peaceful village walk at Tonsai. Book it for the full combination of water activities and boat views, with Tonsai as a final taste of the island’s busy side.

Afterward, you can rinse off in the catamaran’s freshwater showers during the return ride. The driver then takes you back to your hotel or to Phuket airport.

What the $128.95 price covers

At $128.95 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi. It is also not simply a boat ticket. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan, the catamaran, an English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, fruit, drinks, snorkeling equipment, beach shoes, a small towel, a sarong, travel insurance, and the Marine National Park fee.

That package makes the price easier to justify. If you paid separately for transport, a boat, park access, meals, and equipment, the difference could become small. You also avoid organizing several moving parts yourself.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a ready-made day from Phuket. It is less compelling if you already have a private boat, your own snorkeling gear, or a strong preference for spending most of the day at one beach.

Professional photographs are not included. The listed charge is 2,500 baht. You can bring your own camera or phone, but keep it protected around the swim stops.

Weather, timing, and who should book

This is an active day, but most people can participate according to the supplied details. You need to be comfortable boarding a catamaran, walking down into the water, snorkeling, and taking part in a short kayaking session. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Monsoon season needs special attention. The operator may change the order of the stops or cancel destinations without prior notice when tides, waves, or weather make the original plan unsafe. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The minimum operating group is six people. Even after confirmation, the operator may cancel if there are not enough participants, offering an alternative or full refund. That is worth knowing if you are arranging a tightly timed holiday.

For an airport finish, provide your flight time in advance. The stated recommendation is a departure no earlier than 9:30 p.m. That leaves room for the return to Ao Po, the minivan transfer, airport check-in, and possible delays. I would not pair this trip with an early evening flight.

Should you book the Blu Anda Phi Phi catamaran?

Book it if you want a full water-focused day from Phuket, with transport, meals, equipment, park fees, and a guide handled in one package. The snorkeling is the strongest reason to choose it, and the small group size, catamaran ride, kayaking, and scenic cruise add good variety.

Think twice if you want a quiet island day or dislike fixed schedules. Tonsai Bay may feel crowded, exact stops can change, and the main Phi Phi island is not the highlight for everyone. Confirm the current Maya Bay access rules, your pickup time, and the lunch arrangement before paying.

For an active first visit to Phi Phi, the Blu Anda offers solid value. Just set your expectations correctly: this is a well-packed overview of the islands, not a private escape.

FAQ

How long does the Blu Anda Phi Phi tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 10 hours. The supplied schedule lists a morning departure from Ao Po Grand Marina and a return around 4:00 p.m., though pickup and transfer time from your hotel affect the total day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan are included. Airport drop-off is also available at no additional cost.

What food is included?

You receive a light canapé breakfast, lunch onboard, afternoon snacks, fruit, and hot or cold beverages. Lunch options include seafood, chicken, and vegetarian cuisine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and fins are included. Beach shoes, a small towel, and a sarong are also provided.

Does the tour visit Maya Bay?

The program includes kayaking near Maya Bay and cruising through the Phi Phi Lee area. Access can change because of weather, sea conditions, tides, and park rules. The supplied information also records a June to September 2018 closure for coral rehabilitation, so confirm current access before booking.

Can I be dropped off at Phuket airport?

Yes. Airport drop-off is available at no extra charge. You should provide your flight time, and the stated recommendation is to book a flight no earlier than 9:30 p.m.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.