A full-day catamaran cruise from Pattaya to the outer islands — Koh Phai, Koh Rin and neighbours — with snorkeling stops and a Thai buffet on board. Two near-identical, highly rated boats compete on this route: one from around ฿2,400 (from $66.72 on GetYourGuide), the bigger 71-footer from around ฿2,980 (from $82.68). Calmer, roomier and better value per hour than any speedboat trip.
Tour Highlights
- Big, stable catamarans (71–73 ft) — far gentler than speedboats
- Outer islands: Koh Phai, Koh Rin and neighbours, clearer water than Koh Larn
- Snorkeling stops with gear included, plus nets and deck loungers
- Thai buffet lunch served on board
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Pattaya and Jomtien
Itinerary
- 108:00Hotel pickup in Pattaya or Jomtien; transfer to the marina.
- 209:00Board the catamaran and sail out towards the outer islands — about an hour of open-deck cruising.
- 310:30First stop: snorkeling over coral in the Koh Phai / Koh Rin group (gear and vests provided).
- 412:00Thai buffet lunch on board while the boat repositions.
- 513:00Second and third stops: swimming, kayaks or SUP boards where conditions allow, or just the bow nets and a cold drink.
- 615:30Sail back with music and the coastline view.
- 716:30Dock and transfer back to your hotel.
What's included
- Hotel pickup & drop-off
- Catamaran cruise with crew
- Snorkel gear and life vests
- Thai buffet lunch
- Drinking water and soft drinks
- Insurance
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (sold on board)
- Towels on some boats — ask when booking
- National park or landing fees where applicable
Who is this tour best for?
- Anyone who hates the slam of a speedboat — catamarans barely roll
- Couples and groups who want a boat day, not just a beach transfer
- Snorkelers: the outer islands are visibly clearer than Koh Larn
- Sun-deck loungers — the bow nets are half the point
Where to book & compare
| Provider | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Islands Day Tour on Catamaran (71 ft) | around ฿2,980 (from $82.68 on GetYourGuide) | 4.8★ from 801 reviews — the longest-running option, 7–8 hours to Koh Phai, Koh Rin and Koh Ped with buffet lunch. |
| Exclusive 3-Island Catamaran (73 ft) | around ฿2,400 (from $66.72 on GetYourGuide) | 4.8★ from 716 reviews — same concept, slightly cheaper, 7 hours, with fishing and snorkeling stops; also runs a sunset version. |
| Speedboat 3-islands tour | from ~1,500 THB | Cheaper and faster between stops, but bumpy, louder and with nowhere to lounge. See our 3-islands snorkeling page. |
Frequently asked questions
Which of the two catamaran tours should I pick?
Honestly, they are close: both score 4.8 on GetYourGuide (801 and 716 reviews respectively), both run 7–8 hours with buffet lunch and snorkel stops in the outer islands. The 71-ft boat costs about ฿580 more and has the longer track record; the 73-ft "Exclusive" boat is the value pick and also offers a sunset departure. Pick on price and available date.
How is this different from the Koh Larn speedboat trips?
Different islands and a different kind of day. Speedboats blast you to Koh Larn for beach time; the catamarans sail further out to Koh Phai and Koh Rin, where the water is clearer and the crowds thinner, and the boat itself — nets, decks, buffet — is the venue. You trade beach hours for boat hours.
Will I get seasick on a catamaran?
Much less likely than on a speedboat. Twin hulls make catamarans notably stable, and the outer-island crossing takes about an hour at an easy pace. In the May–October monsoon there can still be swell — if you are very sensitive, take a tablet before boarding and stay on deck.
Is the snorkeling good out there?
Better than the near islands, with the usual Gulf caveat: expect 5–10 m visibility on a good November–February day, live coral patches and plenty of reef fish — pleasant, easy snorkeling rather than a world-class reef. Gear and vests are provided at every stop.
Can children come?
Yes — the stability, shaded saloon and buffet make catamarans the easiest boat day with kids in Pattaya. Life vests in child sizes are on board; tell the crew your children’s ages when boarding and keep toddlers off the bow nets while sailing.
What should I bring?
Swimwear worn under clothes, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with a strap, and some cash for drinks at the on-board bar. Phones are fine — the ride is dry — but a waterproof pouch helps at snorkel stops.