Phuket Phi Phi Island Catamaran Tour Review 2026: Worth the Upgrade?

Planning a trip to Phuket usually means one thing: an unforgettable Phi Phi Island tour. It's a must-see, but when you start looking into tours, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.

My biggest dilemma was choosing between a **speedboat and a catamaran**.

There's a noticeable price difference, which made me wonder if a catamaran was truly worth the extra cost. But after experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say: **it was absolutely worth dedicating a full day to, and I have zero regrets!**

If you're considering a Phi Phi Island tour, let's break down the differences between the two boat types.

Speedboat vs. Catamaran: Which to Choose?

As you research tours, you'll primarily find two options: speedboats and catamarans. Personally, I believe your boat choice dictates about 80% of your comfort and enjoyment for the day.

A standard **speedboat**, as the name suggests, is fast. However, because these boats are relatively smaller, they tend to be quite bumpy on the waves.

If you're prone to seasickness, a speedboat might honestly be a tough experience.

In contrast, a Phi Phi Island **catamaran** tour offers a much more stable and smoother ride. The boat's interior is also significantly more spacious, allowing you to relax comfortably during transit, which is a huge plus.

Since this was my first island hopping tour, I opted for the **catamaran for a more comfortable experience**.

If you're traveling with elderly parents or young children, I wholeheartedly recommend a catamaran – no questions asked.

Speedboat tours typically range from **~$37-~$52**, while catamaran tours are usually **~$66-~$74**, showing a clear price difference based on the vessel type.

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A Glimpse into the Phi Phi Island Tour Itinerary

The Phi Phi Island tour is a full-day adventure, usually starting with hotel pick-up around **9:00 AM** and concluding around **7:00 PM** (times may vary slightly by operator).

Before your tour departs, make sure to **enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel! Also, wear your swimsuit under your clothes and it's a good idea to bring a towel from your hotel.**

Beach towels are also available for rent on-site, so if you're traveling with kids, definitely consider bringing or renting one. It can get a bit chilly after getting out of the water.

**Snorkeling gear can be rented on the boat**, but we brought our own personal equipment.

Most tours follow a similar itinerary, visiting key spots like **Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Khai Island.**

You'll travel about an hour by boat from Phuket to reach the Phi Phi Islands.

Seeing the massive limestone cliffs embrace the beaches like a natural screen, you'll immediately understand why Phi Phi Island tours are so popular.

The itinerary also includes the unique Monkey Beach, where you can observe wild monkeys up close – a truly memorable experience.

Once we arrived at the main island spots, it was time for the much-anticipated snorkeling! The water is incredibly clear and transparent, allowing you to witness countless tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs up close.

My husband absolutely loved the snorkeling. Even if you can't swim, simply floating around with a life jacket on is an incredibly uplifting and joyful experience.

And of course, the undeniable highlight is Pileh Lagoon. Here, you can experience cruising through emerald waters on a traditional Thai longtail boat.

There was an additional charge for the longtail boat, which I recall being about **300 Baht per person**.

Finally, you'll visit Maya Bay, made famous worldwide as the backdrop for the movie 'The Beach.' It's one of the iconic stops on any Phi Phi Island tour, and the scenery here is truly breathtaking.

Moving between several islands and spots in one day makes for a packed schedule, but it's the quintessential island hopping tour to fully immerse yourself in Thailand's magnificent natural beauty.

Both my husband and I were incredibly satisfied with our Phi Phi Island tour.

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While a catamaran is definitely a bit more expensive than a speedboat,

**since you'll be on the boat all day, moving between various stunning locations, comfort and reducing fatigue during transit are paramount.**

**That's why, if I were to go again, I would still choose the catamaran.**

However, keep in mind that inclusions can vary slightly between different Phi Phi Island tour packages, so it's always a good idea to double-check before booking!

A Phi Phi Island tour is a full-day commitment, but the surreal azure waters and diverse activities you'll experience will make you forget any tiredness.

If you're looking to discover the authentic charm of Southern Thailand's seas, I highly recommend adding this to your 2026 itinerary!