Relaxing Day with Snorkeling – Away From The Crowds

The best part of this Phuket boat trip is its calm pace. Instead of racing between packed beaches, you cruise toward quieter bays and stop two or three times for snorkeling and swimming. I like the roomy boat, with cushioned sun beds and shaded seating, and I like that lunch, drinks, snacks, equipment, and hotel transfers are included.

The main tradeoff is that this is not a fast island-hopping adventure. The route changes with weather and comfort, and the snorkeling locations are around southern Phuket rather than a far-flung national park. You should also check your pickup area, since some outer zones cost an extra 1,200 Thai baht per booking.

Key points to know before booking

• A slower route away from boat traffic: The cruise seeks quiet stretches around southern Phuket rather than the busiest swimming spots.
• Two or three water stops: You can snorkel and swim from the boat, with the day’s route shaped by weather and sea conditions.
• A real lunch onboard: The Thai buffet includes three dishes and salad, with vegetarian and vegan needs handled if requested ahead of time.
• Comfort beyond the water: Choose between a large cushioned sundeck and shaded lounging areas with open windows.
• A small but not private group: The boat holds a maximum of 38 people, so there is space, but you are not booking a private charter.
• Useful extras included: Hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, fruit, pancakes, snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee, water, and WiFi are part of the package.

A quieter way to see Phuket from the sea

Phuket has no shortage of boat trips. Many involve speedboats, loud engines, tight schedules, and a long parade of boats at the same famous beaches. This cruise takes a different approach. It moves slowly along the Andaman Sea coast and aims for a peaceful day on the water, with time to sit, eat, swim, and watch the shore.

The cruise begins with pickup from your Phuket hotel and a transfer to Chalong Bay. The advertised start time is 9:30 am, and the full experience lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes. At the marina, you meet the captain and crew before settling onto the boat.

The experience is designed for a mixed group. Families, older adults, couples, and groups of friends can all take part, and you do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the boat ride. Children must stay with an adult, and the crew can adjust the route for safety and comfort.

The maximum group size is 38 people. That is small enough to feel more relaxed than a large ferry, but you should not expect a private yacht. The boat is the main attraction here: you have room to spread out, with a broad sundeck, cushions, shaded areas, and open windows for viewing the coast.

From Chalong Bay toward southern Phuket

Once you leave Chalong Bay, the appeal is the change of pace. You are not being pushed from one attraction to the next. The boat cruises slowly, giving you time to look toward Phuket’s beaches and bays from the water.

The route focuses on the south of the island, including beaches that are easier to see from offshore than from land. Since the captain and tour leaders can alter the route, no two departures should be treated as identical. Weather, sea conditions, and the comfort of the group all matter.

That flexibility is useful, especially during unsettled weather. It also means you should not book this trip expecting a fixed list of named islands or exact snorkeling reefs. The plan is to visit at least two different locations, with up to three stops possible.

The slow speed suits anyone who finds speedboat trips tiring. You can sit in the shade, stretch out on a cushion, or move around to take in the views. If you want a packed schedule with constant activity, this may feel too gentle. If you want a restful day where snorkeling is only part of the outing, the pace works well.

What the two or three water stops are like

The snorkeling stops are made from the boat. You swim and snorkel in warm coastal water, looking for tropical fish and other marine life. Equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental.

The number of stops depends on the day. Plan on at least two, with a third possible if conditions and timing allow. The crew selects locations based on the route and sea conditions, so the quality and visibility of the water can vary.

That uncertainty is worth understanding before you book. This is not sold as a specialist snorkeling expedition, and no exact species list or reef location is promised. You get a pleasant chance to see underwater life, then return to a comfortable boat rather than spending the entire day in the water.

The boat works well for people in a mixed group. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while others can remain onboard and enjoy the coast. The trip is also a good fit for older family members who want an attractive sea outing without being expected to swim at every stop.

One practical point comes from the equipment. A previous outing had plenty of enthusiasm for the snorkeling but not enough smaller fins for one person, with the available fins better suited to larger feet. If you need a particular size, ask the crew about availability rather than assuming every size will be on hand.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes. Those items are not listed as included, and you will want them after swimming. The boat has sun and shade, so you can choose how much exposure feels comfortable.

Lunch, fruit, and the food that shapes the day

Lunch is served onboard as a Thai buffet with three different dishes and salad. Vegetarian options are available, and you should give dietary requirements when booking. Vegan needs should also be identified ahead of time.

The food is more than a minor snack between water stops. It gives the day a proper break and saves you from hunting for a restaurant during the cruise. Fresh fruit and snacks are also included, along with cookies and freshly made pancakes.

A fruit presentation featuring seasonal Thai fruit adds a small cultural touch to the meal. It is a simple way to try produce you may not recognize at home, without turning lunch into a formal activity.

Drinks include tea, coffee, water, orange juice, soft drinks, and rosella. Alcohol is not included, but you can buy it onboard. Listed prices are 80 baht for beer, 180 baht for wine, and 180 baht for a gin and tonic or vodka.

The food and hosting receive some of the strongest praise attached to this outing. On the MV Champagne, the crew is described as attentive and keen to make the day memorable. On LaMoet, Lotta is specifically praised for hosting, while the food and service are described as particularly strong.

I would treat those details as a guide to the atmosphere rather than a guarantee that the same host or boat will operate every departure. The provider is La Moet and MV Phuket Champagne Tours, and boats may include MV Champagne or LaMoet.

Comfort onboard, from the sundeck to the shade

This cruise makes a useful distinction between being on a boat and being comfortable on a boat. You get a large sundeck with cushions for sunbathing, plus shaded lounging spaces with open windows.

That matters in Phuket. A day under direct sun can become exhausting, especially after swimming. The shaded areas let you enjoy the breeze and views without spending every hour exposed. If the weather turns cloudy, you still have a pleasant place to sit.

Free WiFi is included, though the strength of a connection at sea can vary. It is a handy extra, but I would not choose this cruise expecting a reliable work session. The better use of the boat is to put the phone away for a while and watch the coast pass by.

The boat is described as suitable for families and older adults, but the water stops still involve getting into and out of the sea. Most people can participate, yet you should consider your own swimming ability and comfort around a boat ladder. The information does not promise a lift or special water access, so ask the provider directly if you need specific assistance.

Hotel pickup and the end of the route

Return transfers are provided in air-conditioned vans from your hotel lobby. That removes one of the common hassles of Phuket boat trips: arranging a taxi to the marina before breakfast and finding another ride after a long day at sea.

The cruise ends in Patong, where a driver waits to return you to your hotel. Because the boat departs from Chalong Bay and finishes in Patong, the transfer arrangement is an important part of the day. Confirm your hotel details carefully when booking.

The listed price is $123.87 per person. That is not the cheapest way to spend a day near Phuket, but it covers more than a seat on a boat. You get hotel pickup and return, the cruise, two or three possible swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, Thai lunch, snacks, fruit, nonalcoholic drinks, and the crew’s assistance.

For me, the value depends on what you want from a sea day. If you only want a quick swim, the price may feel high. If you want transport, food, a comfortable boat, and a low-stress schedule bundled together, it is easier to justify.

Transfers from outside the standard service area cost an extra 1,200 baht per booking, payable onboard in Thai baht cash. Check this before paying for the excursion, since the added cost can change the value for a distant hotel.

This trip is commonly reserved well ahead of time, with an average booking point about 28 days before departure. The 98 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating from 99 reviews suggest strong demand, so booking early makes sense if your Phuket dates are fixed.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this tour for you if you want a relaxed sea day rather than a high-speed adventure. It suits couples, families, friends, and older adults who appreciate seating, shade, food, and a route that avoids the worst boat traffic.

It is also a good choice if some people in your group want to snorkel while others would rather stay dry. The boat gives everyone a place to settle, and the schedule does not require nonstop swimming.

You may want a different trip if your main goal is advanced snorkeling, a named island destination, or a tightly fixed itinerary. Since the route changes with the conditions, you should value the overall day more than any single stop.

The multilingual team may operate in English, Scandinavian languages, and Thai. That can help mixed-language groups, though the exact guide lineup is not fixed. The information specifically names Lotta in connection with hosting on LaMoet, but you should not assume she will be on every departure.

Booking, cancellations, and practical details

Confirmation is provided when you book. You will need to provide each participant’s name as shown in a passport, a passport copy, year of birth, nationality, phone number, and hotel information.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The provider also requires a minimum number of participants and can cancel if that minimum is not reached, offering another date or a full refund.

The tour has a maximum of 38 participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and special dietary requirements should be sent when you reserve.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want comfort, quiet water time, and an easy all-inclusive day around Phuket. The strongest reasons are the slower route, the roomy boat, the Thai buffet, and the included transfers. The positive feedback about food and service, including the hosting associated with Lotta, supports the idea that the crew is a major part of the experience.

Think twice if you want guaranteed reef conditions, a specific island, or an action-packed schedule. This cruise is built around flexibility and relaxation. At $123.87 per person, it makes the most sense when you will use the whole package: hotel transport, food, gear, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and several hours of calm time at sea.

FAQ

How long does the Phuket snorkeling cruise last?

The experience lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, with a listed start time of 9:30 am.

Where does the cruise depart?

You are picked up from your Phuket hotel and taken to Chalong Bay, where you meet the captain and crew and board the boat.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise ends in Patong, where a driver is scheduled to return you to your hotel.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The boat stops at least two times for swimming and snorkeling, with up to three locations possible depending on the day and weather.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a Thai buffet with three dishes and salad. Fresh fruit, snacks, cookies, and pancakes are also included.

Can vegetarian or vegan guests join?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available, and vegan or other dietary requirements should be provided when booking.

Are drinks included?

Tea, coffee, water, orange juice, soft drinks, and rosella are included. Alcoholic drinks cost extra and can be purchased onboard.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.