New Power catamaran for Phang Nga and Phi Phi island excursions

A brand-new catamaran makes island days easier. On this Hot Chili day charter, the wide 5.5-meter beam helps with stability, and the Thai buffet lunch on board keeps the day feeling smooth. One catch: national park fees and alcohol aren’t included, so you may want extra budget for the extras.

What really sets the tone is the private, day-charter feel. You get pickup for a roughly 08:00 start, boarding at Chalong Marina, and a return around 17:30, with a crew focused on safety and clear communication. If you want a long, laid-back schedule with minimal hassle, this format fits well.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Hot Chili is new and built for comfort, with a 5.5-meter beam for steadier cruising
• Fast 15-knot speed helps fit major island stops into one day
• A shaded cockpit plus a front sun balcony means everyone can find their spot
• On-board Thai buffet lunch and drinks are included, with snorkeling gear and WiFi
• A route built around classic sights: Phi Phi, Ko Hong, James Bond Island, plus Racha Yai/Noi snorkeling
• Weather matters, since the day charter runs only in good conditions

Hot Chili power catamaran: what new speed and stability mean

This isn’t a basic speedboat day. The Hot Chili is a brand-new power catamaran designed for island hopping with a cruising speed of 15 knots. That speed matters here because it gives the operator enough travel time to reach far-flung stops from Phuket and still leave you time on the islands.

Then there’s the stability. A catamaran with a 5.5-meter beam tends to feel calmer on the water than narrower boats, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade when you’re spending hours underway. You’re also not stuck choosing between comfort and movement—this boat has room to spread out.

You’ll also like the layout if you’re traveling with a mixed group. There’s a sunbathing area at the front, and a shady cockpit/saloon area in the back. That means you can match your mood: heat and photos in the front, or shade, chatting, and cooling down at the back.

Price and value: $1,629 for a private day, not a cramped boat

The price is listed as $1,629.44 per group, up to 8 people. If you divide it out, it can work out surprisingly well compared to paying separately for smaller tours—especially because the boat day includes a lot that usually costs extra.

Here’s what you’re getting in the base price:

• Freshly prepared Thai buffet lunch on board
• Soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee
• Snorkeling equipment
• WiFi on board

What’s not included:

• National park fees
• Alcoholic beverages
• SUP (stand-up paddleboard)

So your real cost is the total you pay plus whatever park fees apply and any drink choices you make. If you’re the type who wants alcohol on a boat day, plan for that. If you’re happy with water and soft drinks, the included package covers the basics well.

One more detail to double-check before you go: the boat is described as suited for up to 14 people with 3 crew, but the pricing is per group up to 8. Your final headcount rules depend on how your specific booking is set up, so your confirmation will be the authority.

Your day’s timeline: pickup at 08:00 and back by 17:30

This itinerary runs as a long day, and you’ll feel it in a good way. Pickup is scheduled around 08:00, you board at Chalong Marina around 09:00, and you return at about 17:30. That timing gives you daylight for swimming, snorkeling, and multiple stops without rushing every moment.

Plan to treat the day like an outing, not a quick excursion. You’ll be outside in the sun for parts of the day, then you’ll shift into shade and meal time on the boat. The boat pacing is built for comfort: you’re not constantly stepping on and off land, and you get long stretches to relax between stops.

Stop by stop: how the route flows and what each place is for

This charter is designed around a mix of beach time, snorkeling, and classic landmark stops. The exact water conditions can influence where you snorkel and what’s comfortable, but the overall structure stays the same.

Phi Phi Islands first: Monkey Beach and a long swim break

The day starts with a stop at the Phi Phi Islands, with the first activity centered on Monkey Beach near Ko Phi Phi Don. You’ll arrive at Monkey Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

Why this works early: you get your water time before you’re tired. After boarding and getting underway, a swim-and-snorkel block is a great way to reset and start the day feeling like vacation.

A practical consideration: snorkeling is included, but you should still be ready for saltwater and sun. If you burn easily, you’ll want a strategy before you hit the beach.

Ko Panak: kayak and cave time, plus a Thai buffet lunch onboard

After the Phi Phi portion, the route heads toward Ko Panak. Here you’ll do kayak and cave excursion activities. Then you’ll get Thai-style buffet lunch on board and some downtime to relax.

This is where the day shifts from beach time to a more active sightseeing block. Kayaking plus cave visits tend to feel more memorable than just floating in the water, and the timing is smart because lunch gives everyone a break before the next island segment.

If you prefer to snorkel more than kayak, you might still enjoy Ko Panak for the scenery. But it’s worth knowing that this stop includes paddling-style time.

Ko Hong and James Bond Island: the photo stops that still need real time

Next up are Ko Hong and James Bond Island. The trip description doesn’t list every minute-by-minute detail, but the structure is clear: you’ll visit both as part of this full-day circuit.

These stops are popular for a reason. They’re the type of places where being on the water from the start gives you a different view than a land-based viewpoint. Still, you’ll want to keep expectations realistic: a boat day isn’t a museum visit where you have unlimited time in one spot.

Racha Yai & Racha Noi: snorkeling that adapts to weather

The final major segment focuses on Racha Yai and Racha Noi Island. You meet the captain and crew at Chalong Bay Marina, then the route picks a snorkeling location depending on conditions.

This flexibility is a plus. Weather and sea state can change fast around Phuket, and a good crew uses that reality to aim for the best water. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you can focus on enjoying the water rather than juggling equipment.

What’s included on board: lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and WiFi

The included package is one of the best reasons to book this format.

Thai buffet lunch that actually keeps you fueled

Lunch is Thai-style buffet and prepared fresh for the day. It’s included along with iced water, plus tea and coffee and soft drinks. That means you’re not constantly hunting for snacks, and you won’t end up paying separate meal prices.

I like this setup because it removes the stress of deciding where to eat between islands. You can focus on the scenery and the water.

Snorkeling equipment is part of the deal

You get use of snorkeling equipment included. If you’re traveling light, that’s big. You can also keep your day simple: swim when the time comes, snorkel when you’re at the best sites, and move on.

You should still bring your own personal items, like sunscreen and any comfort gear you need. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment, but it won’t cover your preferences.

WiFi helps, but don’t make the day work

There is WiFi on board. In real terms, that’s helpful for messaging, sharing photos, or grabbing maps. It’s also a reminder that you might be tempted to check things. If you want the day to feel like a break, treat WiFi like a bonus, not a requirement.

The crew experience: professional English and safety-first habits

A boat day lives or dies on the crew. On this charter style, the service tone is practical: you get a welcome and safety briefing when you board, and the crew stays organized across multiple stops.

You’ll also see a clear pattern in what gets praised: professional service, good English, and safety prioritized. In other trips within this operator’s fleet, names like Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, Em, and a chef named Nui show up in positive feedback. You can’t assume the exact same team will be on your day, but it’s a good sign that this company puts effort into communication and onboard food.

If you value smooth logistics—knowing when to gear up, where to go next, and how to do it safely—this is the kind of crew approach that makes a difference.

Getting the best out of the day: practical tips before you board

You can make this day feel effortless if you plan for the basics.

• Bring a towel or plan to use whatever drying setup you can while you’re on and off the water.
• Have sun protection ready, since you’ll be exposed on beaches and while snorkeling.
• If you want a drink beyond soft drinks, alcohol is not included, so plan for it.
• Decide if you care about SUP. It’s not included, so if you want it, you’ll need to pay extra.

And one small mindset tip: this itinerary is packed with stops, but it’s not meant to feel like a checklist. Use the shade area on the boat to reset between activities.

Who this private catamaran day fits best

This is ideal if you want:

• A private day charter feel without booking separate tours for every island
• A balance of swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing
• Comfortable downtime between stops, not constant rushing
• Included food and drinks so you’re not thinking about meals

It also works well for groups who don’t all want the exact same activity. The boat layout gives calmer options in the shade, while snorkeling and kayaking cover the active side.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, this can still be a good choice when you value comfort and want a simpler day structure. Just keep in mind the pricing is per group.

Should you book Hot Chili for Phi Phi and Ko Hong style islands?

Book it if you want a new, stable-feeling catamaran, a full-day route with multiple highlights, and a package that includes lunch plus snorkeling gear. The value is strongest when you’ll actually use the time on the water and you prefer the ease of being taken door-to-door to the marina.

Don’t book (or at least think twice) if you’re trying to keep every cost minimal, since national park fees and alcohol/SUP can add up. Also, the day runs in good weather, so if you’re traveling during uncertain periods, you should be flexible with dates.

If your main goal is one confident day that covers the classic sights around Phi Phi, Ko Hong, James Bond Island, and Racha Yai/Noi with less stress, this charter style is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the excursion?

The duration is listed as 4 to 10 hours approximately. For the Phi Phi day schedule, pickup starts around 08:00 and the tour returns at about 17:30.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is listed as Phuket International Airport (Mai Khao, Phuket). The activity ends back at the same meeting point. The itinerary also includes pickup and boarding at Chalong Marina.

Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s described as a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.

How many people can go?

The yacht description says it’s for up to 14 guests and 3 crew. The price is listed per group up to 8, so you’ll want to check your confirmation for the exact group size rules.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch is included (fresh Thai-style buffet), along with soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee. You also get snorkeling equipment and WiFi on board.

What is not included?

National park fees are not included. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and SUP is also not included.

Do I need to pay national park fees separately?

Yes, national park fees are not included in the tour price.

What about cancellation and bad weather?

The experience allows free cancellation, as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. It requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is WiFi available?

Yes, WiFi is available on board.