Pattaya 3 Islands Catamaran Tour: Is it Worth it?

So, you’re looking at spending some of your precious vacation time checking out a Pattaya 3 Islands catamaran tour? Thailand has tons of tours to choose from, but you’re trying to figure out if this cruise option is actually something that lives up to the hype, and whether or not the tour suits what you enjoy on your time off.

I recently got back from exploring the islands near Pattaya, Thailand by way of this catamaran cruise. This review should offer some solid info. It is going to breakdown exactly what the tour includes, my thoughts on all the stops, what I feel like they did well, and where I feel there’s room for development. My goal? You have enough info to figure out whether or not the Pattaya 3 Islands Catamaran Tour is for you!

What’s Included in the Pattaya 3 Islands Catamaran Tour?

The Pattaya 3 Islands Catamaran Tour typically involves hitting up Koh Pai (Bamboo Island), Koh Rin, and Koh Ped (Monkey Island). Most tours include pickup and drop-off at your hotel, very tasty food on board (think buffet lunch), plus some fun activities like snorkeling, swimming, and just relaxing on the beaches. That is, if that sounds exciting to you. You get free flow beverages too.

Here’s what a typical itinerary could look like:

Hotel Pickup: Kicking things off with convenient transportation from your hotel to the departure pier. That part’s always a big plus.
Departure: Setting sail on a catamaran, usually at around 9:00 AM, to head toward the islands.
Koh Pai (Bamboo Island): It seems like the first stop usually involves some time chilling on Bamboo Island, a really fantastic place to unwind. You can swim, sunbathe, or just relax on the super nice beach.
Koh Rin: Next up is Koh Rin. Here, they tend to drop anchor for some snorkeling. They allow time for exploring the underwater scene.
Lunch Buffet: This happens on board the catamaran. It is a spread of local dishes, seafood, and different options, refuelling for the afternoon. I could nosh all day!
Koh Ped (Monkey Island): They swing by Monkey Island. It allows folks to watch the monkeys from the boat (that said, you aren’t actually able to get off on the island, and interact with the cheeky creatures).
Return: Around 4:00 PM or so, you head back to Pattaya, and you’re dropped off at your hotel.

Exploring Koh Pai (Bamboo Island): A Slice of Paradise

So, Koh Pai, also called Bamboo Island, that could be the highlight of the entire trip. This island, with its soft, pale sands and see-through blue waters, might be something you would picture when thinking “tropical paradise”. Actually chilling on the beach soaking up the sun could easily eat up an entire afternoon here. The swimming is excellent because the water is quite calm, which makes it excellent for little ones too.

One thing I noticed is that Koh Pai can get kinda crowded. This really depends on when you go. So, to potentially dodge a lot of people, think about planning your tour for a weekday, and also during Thailand’s off-peak times. The vibe on the beach is fairly laid-back, and a whole bunch of people simply decide to spread out their towels and relax.

This stop can really feel rushed. Like your visit to Koh Pai breezes past too fast. Some individuals might love to chill here all day. So just have that in the back of your mind. Enjoy the soft sands and turquoise water while you can!

Snorkeling at Koh Rin: Discovering the Underwater World

Alright, so Koh Rin is likely a different flavor. That is the location the catamaran anchors. It makes time for everyone to do a bit of snorkeling. I feel the visibility can be a little “hit or miss,” like at times the water could be ultra clear, and other instances a bit cloudy. Regardless, there are still plenty of marine critters to catch a glimpse of. Keep your eyes peeled for all different kinds of fish! It would be awesome if you brought an underwater camera to grab cool pictures.

So, snorkeling gear, that stuff is generally supplied, and usually pretty standard. Now, if you’re a regular snorkeler (is that even a thing?), that means you might be better off lugging your own gear to be certain of a great fit. This spot has, potentially, a stronger current. Individuals that may not be totally confident in the water, too, ought to think about sticking close to the boat or rocking a life vest. No big deal!

Lunch on Board: A Buffet with a View

Let’s discuss food! Food can make or break any outing! The buffet lunch on the catamaran, so it tends to be better than anticipated. There are local Thai dishes, plus seafood, and a couple of vegetarian choices too. That way there’s enough choice to chow down.

Honestly, feasting on authentic Thai food whilst being out on the open water… it’s like, really really something! The boat crew, too, they tend to be really on top of things making sure there’s always tons of food out there. Beverages, plus soft drinks, tend to be available too. It’s almost like a party on a boat.

The seating situation can be kind of crowded. So it’s not really like a fancy restaurant kind of setup. It feels more like a picnic, which, when you really give it some thought, it makes it way more casual and fun! This provides you with an opportunity to interact and hang out with others that are on your tour.

Monkey Island (Koh Ped): Observing Wildlife from a Distance

Koh Ped, so Monkey Island, that might be a fast stop but it’s still really interesting. The catamaran usually sails kinda close to the island, which is kinda fun because you can spot monkeys chilling on the beach from afar. People may possibly get let down because the tours commonly don’t let you to set foot on the island itself. So interacting with monkeys might be off the cards for some individuals.

These monkeys are known to be rather bold, to the point that if you could walk on the beach, you really ought to hold on tight to your possessions. Even though you can’t step onto the island. It’s still great seeing such captivating animals just be themselves.

Consider this part as kinda like a “drive-by” experience, and if you approach it with that understanding you are certain to have fun looking at the cheeky primates hanging along the beaches of the island.

The Catamaran Experience: Comfort and Vibe

So, the catamaran itself, you will find it provides a pretty steady and cozy ride. There are shaded parts where you can chill, but also sundecks to get your tan on. Space might be at a premium depending upon the total size of the group. Therefore, hopping on earlier to secure yourself a super spot is most likely a smart idea.

Most catamarans have stuff like restrooms available. But let me give you a “heads up,” it may be kinda basic. So really don’t be thinking about anything super luxurious! That said, it is great that they are available when you really have to use them!

It is, in fact, crucial to factor in the time of year you might be travelling, seeing that it will have an effect on the state of the sea. Seasickness, actually, might possibly be an issue for many people at certain times of year, therefore bringing medication could possibly be a wise move.

What Makes This Tour Shine

Okay, so let’s talk about a few things they did well. This might provide you with more insight into why it could be something that you could be in to.

All-inclusive Convenience: This trip is super convenient. Hotel pickup, so it’s just that you do not need to figure out transport. The lunch buffet is great, plus you do not have to worry about finding someplace to eat. All the gear you might need, is provided to you. So convenience tends to make everything way more pleasant.
Relaxing Pace: The speed of the tour is pretty laid-back. It is a chance to sit back and chill while not rushing from spot to spot. I am sure you can all agree that it can make a world of difference on holiday.
Beautiful Scenery: All 3 islands tend to be stunning, offering various environments and things to check out, which keeps the tour interesting. This makes for exceptional images to post all over your social media!
Professional Crew: You are in secure hands. So the staff on these tours are knowledgable and pleasant to deal with. So it would assist in the whole experience going very smoothly.

Areas for Possible Improvement

So nothing is truly perfect, correct? Here are a handful of things that could potentially be far better.

Crowd Control: As touched on, several islands might get busy. More tightly controlled group sizes would make a difference. You might actually get additional “one on one” time with the destination, rather than having to split up your awareness amongst several other visitors.
More Island Time: Getting even more time on a couple of the islands, that would be so incredibly clutch. Imagine finding a tour group that provided an hour or so longer than the other individuals… they could possibly bill a higher price!
Better Snorkeling Conditions: Guaranteeing clearer water for snorkeling, so perhaps checking conditions just before heading to particular locations may lead to a better all around experience for snorkelers.

Is This Tour Right for You?

Alright, so at the end of the day, thinking about who this tour most closely fits is significant. Here are several things to consider.

Ideal for:
- Individuals after a calm day out on the sea.
- Couples and families seeking to chill and see awesome views.
- Anyone who really likes convenient, all-inclusive tour packages.
Maybe Not for:
- Someone wanting hardcore adventures or lots of action packed moments.
- Anyone that dislikes big crowds.
- Individuals wanting very long snorkeling sessions.

Some Additional Tips

I would advise on packing a few items too. A cap can really keep the sun from turning your skin crimson. Sunglasses are very helpful. High factor sunscreen ought to protect you from sunburns. Also bring your camera because it should assist you in preserving a great deal of those epic times!

I’d advise booking your catamaran tour ahead. It gives some certainty, most specifically when you happen to be going to Thailand during peak vacationer seasons.

Alternatives to the Catamaran Tour

And if you find you want other alternatives to the Catamaran, don’t panic, as there actually is plenty of them.

Speedboat Tours: Like hopping around the islands much faster, consider choosing a speedboat tour. This could possibly get you to far more spots in one day, although it really doesn’t offer quite as chilled of a vibe.
Longtail Boat Trips: For those searching for a far more private option, you could possibly charter a longtail boat. Negotiate the price, but you might also customize your itinerary depending on the charter company you partner with.
Diving Trips: Then there are folks that are primarily enthusiastic about being in the sea. So think about diving expeditions rather than some thing that’s primarily centered upon island hopping.