REVIEW · PHUKET
Relaxing Day with Snorkeling – Away From The Crowds
Book on Viator →Operated by La Moet & Mv Phuket Champagne Tours · Bookable on Viator
Three quiet snorkel stops beat Phuket crowds. This full-day Phuket boat cruise is built for an easy pace, with hotel pickup and a low-key route meant to get you away from the busiest areas. You’ll cruise along Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast, then swap deck time for snorkeling whenever conditions allow.
I especially like the combination of real onboard comfort (wide sundeck with cushions plus shady lounging) and a day that doesn’t feel rushed. The one drawback to consider is that snorkeling time and stop locations can shift with weather and captain decisions, so it’s not a strict, “same beaches every day” plan.
In This Review
- Key Highlights Worth Your Attention
- The Crowd-Avoiding Plan That Actually Feels Different
- Getting Going: 9:30 Pickup and a Smooth Trip to Chalong Bay
- Cruise Time Between Snorkel Stops: Why Slow Sailing Is the Point
- Stop Structure in Real Terms: Phuket South, Then 2–3 Snorkel/Swim Sessions
- Stop 1: Phuket (South-Coast Style Views)
- Chalong Bay and the Next Stops (Up to 3 Total)
- Onboard Comfort You Can Actually Use: Sundeck Cushions and Shady Windows
- Food, Snacks, and Drinks: A Lunch That’s Actually Included
- Snorkeling Equipment and Fins: Helpful Inclusion, One Small Tradeoff
- How the Crew Runs the Day (And Why That Matters)
- Price and Value: Is $123.87 a Fair Deal?
- Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)
- Should You Book This Away-From-Crowds Snorkeling Day?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- How long is the cruise?
- How many snorkeling stops will I get?
- What’s included in the price?
- Is there a vegetarian option?
- What if I need to cancel?
Key Highlights Worth Your Attention
- Small-group feel with a maximum of 38 people, plus a slow cruising pace away from other boats
- Up to three snorkeling/swimming locations, with at least two planned stops
- Hot Thai buffet lunch onboard plus fruit and snacks that keep the day simple
- Snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t need to pack or buy gear
- Comfort-first boat design: sun cushions up top and shaded seating with open windows for views
The Crowd-Avoiding Plan That Actually Feels Different
A lot of Phuket day trips promise calm and then still end up in the same photo-line as everyone else. This cruise is designed to feel quieter from the start. The route runs at a slow pace, and the goal is to get you to areas where you’re not constantly circling with other boats.
That matters because snorkeling is better when the water is calmer and the group isn’t packed tight. When the crew can take their time, you tend to get more unhurried water time—and you also get better “just cruising” views from the deck. Think white sand beaches and tranquil bays seen from the sea, not from a busy sidewalk.
Also, the boat setup helps. You’re not stuck in one place. There’s a large sundeck for sun lovers, plus shaded lounging spots where you can still see out through open windows.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Phuket
Getting Going: 9:30 Pickup and a Smooth Trip to Chalong Bay
Your day starts early with pickup from your Phuket hotel (you’ll meet the captain and crew after the short ride to Chalong Bay). The start time is 9:30am, which is early enough to get into the rhythm of the morning before water spots fill up.
This is also one of those trips where logistics are meant to be painless. You’re picked up from your hotel lobby, and the cruise ends later with a driver waiting in Patong to take you back to your hotel. That back half is important: you’re not scrambling for transportation when you’re already sun-tired.
Onboard, the crew handles the flow of the day—where you go, when you stop, and how long you have in the water—so you can focus on relaxing.
Cruise Time Between Snorkel Stops: Why Slow Sailing Is the Point
The itinerary can vary based on weather and comfort, but the overall structure is consistent: cruise first, swim and snorkel at planned stops, then refuel and head to the next location.
This “boat day” pacing is ideal if you’re not trying to turn your vacation into a fitness challenge. You get long stretches to watch the coastline roll by, take photos from the deck, and settle in with snacks and drinks. When your first snorkeling stop comes, you’re already in holiday mode.
From the information you’re given, the captain and crew can change the route for guest comfort and safety. In other words: if conditions aren’t right at a specific spot, you’re not stuck “doing it anyway.” That’s a big plus for people who want a smooth day instead of a stressful one.
Stop Structure in Real Terms: Phuket South, Then 2–3 Snorkel/Swim Sessions
Even though the exact stop sequence can vary, you can count on multiple water sessions. At least two snorkeling/swimming locations are planned, and you may visit up to three.
Stop 1: Phuket (South-Coast Style Views)
One stop is focused on the Phuket area, with the cruise routing toward south Phuket and beaches that are easier to reach from the sea. The pitch here is simple: quiet views and shoreline angles most people don’t see from land.
What you’ll like: you get scenery without the “stand in line” feeling. The boat stays at a slow pace, so your photos aren’t taken from a bouncing, rushed moment.
What to watch: if you’re expecting guaranteed “right off the boat” snorkeling at the exact same location every day, this trip is more flexible than that. Weather can steer the final mix.
Chalong Bay and the Next Stops (Up to 3 Total)
The tour description also points to swimming and snorkeling around Chalong Bay, which is a practical starting point for a Phuket-based cruise day. After that, there are additional stops tied to conditions.
These extra stops are where you can catch variety—different coves, different water visuals, and a change of pace in the day. The crew keeps the schedule comfortable, and you’ll have equipment available so you don’t need to scramble.
Onboard Comfort You Can Actually Use: Sundeck Cushions and Shady Windows
The boat isn’t just a mode of transportation. It’s part of the experience. I like that the design caters to different temperaments: sun seekers can stay up top, while anyone who prefers shade has shaded lounging areas with open windows for viewing.
Practical tip: if you go straight from pickup into morning sun, plan to use the shaded seating when you’re not in the water. It’s an easy way to keep the day relaxing instead of turning it into sun management all afternoon.
Also, this cruise is described as peaceful and paced for a range of guests—families, older travelers, and groups of friends. The overall vibe is “easy day on a boat,” not “hard-core snorkeling challenge.”
Food, Snacks, and Drinks: A Lunch That’s Actually Included
A big reason these day cruises succeed or fail is lunch. Here, lunch isn’t a sad afterthought—it’s a hot Thai buffet onboard with salad and 3 different dishes. Vegetarian options are available if you flag it in advance, and it’s handled during booking.
You’ll also get:
- Cookies and snacks
- Freshly made pancakes
- Fruit (including a fruit presentation of tropical fruit in season)
- Drinks like tea, coffee, water, orange juice, coke, and rosella
So you’re not paying extra every time you feel thirsty or snack-hungry. That’s real value on a Phuket day, where it’s easy to burn through money and time just finding what you need.
One note: alcohol is not included, but it’s available to purchase onboard (beer and wine are listed). If you want to drink, budget for it. If you’re not planning to, you can still have a comfortable day without adding costs.
Snorkeling Equipment and Fins: Helpful Inclusion, One Small Tradeoff
Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t have to buy or rent gear separately. That’s a simple win.
There is one consideration that came up in the reviews: fin sizes may skew toward larger sizes. If you’re the kind of person who needs specific fin fit (or if you’re buying something small is hard), it’s worth keeping expectations flexible. You can still snorkel without perfect-fit fins, but it helps to know this ahead of time.
Also, remember this is a relaxed cruise. The point is enjoying water time, spotting marine life, and then returning to deck comfort—not maximizing hours in the ocean.
How the Crew Runs the Day (And Why That Matters)
Good boat days feel smooth. This one is set up around a captain and crew that guide the route and stops, and they keep things comfortable and safe. You’ll meet them after pickup, then sail off along the coast.
On LaMoet, the hosting is praised—especially a host named Lotta—who seems to keep the day friendly and well paced. Another boat option mentioned is MV Champagne, with strong comments about food quality and service. What stands out is the pattern: service that isn’t fussy, and crews that focus on making the day enjoyable rather than rigidly scripted.
If you get seasick easily, you’ll want to mention it ahead of time to the operator. The captain can adjust the route for comfort and safety, and that’s the part you can influence early.
Price and Value: Is $123.87 a Fair Deal?
At $123.87 per person, you’re paying for a full-day boat experience with a lot folded in: round-trip hotel pickup/drop-off within the Phuket area, onboard lunch, multiple swim/snorkel stops, snacks, drinks, fruit, and snorkeling gear.
The main way you judge value is to compare what you’d otherwise buy separately:
- If you tried to book a boat ride plus lunch plus gear rental on your own, the math usually goes sideways fast.
- Here, lunch and drinks are already handled, which matters if you hate spending your limited vacation hours hunting for food.
There’s also a small cost warning: transfer from outside the area is listed as 1,200 THB return, paid onboard in Thai baht cash. If your hotel is outside the usual pickup zone, plan for that added expense.
Bottom line: for a relaxing snorkeling day that includes the essentials, this price looks competitive—especially because the experience is aimed at being uncrowded and unhurried.
Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)
This is a great match if you want:
- a relaxing Phuket snorkeling cruise without the “we’re herding people” feeling
- a day with multiple water breaks but still enough time onboard to unwind
- included lunch and snacks so you’re not planning meals while on a schedule
It may be less ideal if you want:
- a strict, guaranteed set of specific snorkeling spots no matter the weather
- a long, nonstop snorkeling session all day
- very specialized fin sizes
If your priority is comfort, convenience, and calmer conditions, this is the kind of day-trip that usually lands well.
Should You Book This Away-From-Crowds Snorkeling Day?
I’d book it if you’re going to Phuket and want a snorkeling day that feels like a real break. The combination of small-group max, multiple snorkeling opportunities, onboard lunch, and a slower route away from crowds is exactly what most people mean when they say they want “less chaotic.”
Skip it (or choose another style of trip) if you’re the type who needs a very rigid itinerary and exact locations, or if you’re particular about fin fit and don’t want to compromise.
If you’re flexible and you want a comfortable, well-fed boat day with calm energy, this one is a strong bet.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 9:30am.
How long is the cruise?
The duration is about 6 hours 30 minutes.
How many snorkeling stops will I get?
You’ll stop for swimming and snorkeling at least two different locations, and you may visit 2–3 times depending on the day and weather conditions.
What’s included in the price?
Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (from Phuket hotels), snorkeling equipment, free WiFi, all fees and taxes, lunch (Thai buffet with 3 dishes and salad), cookies and snacks, freshly made pancakes, fruit and fruit presentation, and drinks like tea, coffee, water, orange juice, coke, and rosella.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes. Vegetarian options are available if you let the operator know at booking.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If it’s canceled because there aren’t enough travelers, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
