Pattaya: 2 Islands one day trip on Catamaran with Lunch

Pattaya’s best day on the water is less about rushing between sights and more about settling into a catamaran, eating well, and choosing your own pace. You’ll visit Koh Phai and Koh Rin, with time for snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, and a slide from the flybridge.

I like the door-to-door pickup in Pattaya and the fact that lunch, drinks, towels, equipment, and island fees are included. I also like the mix of quiet water time and playful yacht features, so you can snorkel one moment and shoot down the slide the next.

The main drawback is the long amount of time spent sailing, with roughly three hours on the catamaran between the two islands. Beach access on Koh Rin is also closed during sea turtle nesting season, currently expected through September 30, though the water program continues.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in one day: Visit Koh Phai and Koh Rin from a single catamaran.
• Plenty to do onboard: Try snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, swimming, or the flybridge slide.
• Thai buffet included: Lunch comes with fresh tropical fruit, snacks, water, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
• Pickup from Pattaya hotels: A van takes you from your accommodation to Ocean Marina Yacht Club.
• Koh Rin seasonal restriction: The beach is closed during turtle nesting season, but you can still enjoy water activities nearby.
• Best for active adults: The tour is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 60.

Setting out from Pattaya to Ocean Marina

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Pattaya city. You should be ready in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The operator contacts you one day before departure to confirm the pickup slot, so keep your phone and email handy.

The van ride to Ocean Marina Yacht Club takes about an hour. This transfer is useful because it removes the need to arrange a taxi to the marina, though it does make the morning longer. If you are staying in central Pattaya, allow plenty of time from hotel pickup to your first swim.

At Ocean Marina, you have about 15 minutes before boarding the catamaran. It is a short stop, not a marina tour, but it gives you time to get organized. Put on sunscreen, check your swimwear, and keep anything you may need close at hand. Once the boat leaves, you will spend about 105 minutes sailing toward Koh Phai.

A catamaran day with room to choose your pace

The catamaran is the main attraction, not just transport between islands. You can sit back on the deck, take in the sea views, or join the activities when the crew sets them up. A professional captain, English-speaking guide, and experienced crew are included.

This suits you if you want more variety than a basic beach transfer. The day includes snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, a dinghy, paddleboards, towels, and a slide. You do not need to pack your own mask, fins, or board, which keeps luggage simple.

The boat time is also the part to consider carefully. The schedule includes about one hour and 45 minutes to Koh Phai, one hour between Koh Phai and Koh Rin, and another hour back toward the marina. That is a substantial portion of an eight-hour day. I would choose this trip for the boat experience as much as for the islands themselves.

Motion sickness prevention is specifically worth bringing. Pack medication if you normally need it, and take practical precautions before the longer crossings. Sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, beachwear, and a change of clothes belong in your day bag.

Koh Phai: lunch, swimming, and snorkeling

Koh Phai is the first island stop. You have about 45 minutes here for a mix of lunch, swimming, and snorkeling. That is enough time to get into the water and eat, but it is not a long, lazy beach afternoon.

Lunch is a Thai buffet served as part of the package. Fresh tropical fruit, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, ice, coffee, and tea are also included. This is one of the clearest benefits of the $124 price, since you are not adding a separate meal or paying for basic drinks throughout the day.

The food is practical for a boat outing. You can eat, cool off, and return to the water without arranging anything yourself. One piece of direct feedback about the trip described the food as good and sufficient, which matches the role lunch plays here: it is a well-covered meal during a busy day, rather than a formal dining experience.

Koh Phai gives you your first chance to test the water and equipment. If snorkeling is your main goal, use this stop to get comfortable with the gear. If you prefer not to snorkel, swimming or relaxing with the beach umbrellas provides an easier option.

The short stop means you should not wait until the last minute. Have your swimwear on before arriving, keep your towel accessible, and listen for the crew’s return instructions. With lunch and water activities sharing the same 45 minutes, time can pass quickly.

The hour between islands

After Koh Phai, the catamaran sails for about an hour toward Koh Rin. This is a good moment to dry off, have a drink, and enjoy the boat rather than trying to fill every minute with activity.

You can also use the crossing to try fishing from the yacht or spend time on the paddleboard when conditions and crew instructions allow. The schedule is designed around a full day at sea, so you do not need to treat every activity as a must-do. Pick two or three that appeal to you and leave room to sit down.

The boat’s slide adds a playful touch for confident swimmers. It starts from the flybridge, giving you a more active way into the water. If you prefer a quieter afternoon, the catamaran still works as a comfortable floating base with drinks, snacks, and a crew nearby.

Koh Rin and the turtle nesting restriction

Koh Rin is the longer island stop, with about 75 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water activities continue around the island, giving you time to use the gear, paddleboard, fish, or swim from the boat.

The important seasonal rule is that beach access on Koh Rin is strictly prohibited during sea turtle nesting season. The current notice says this period is expected to last until September 30. You should not expect to walk onto the beach during that time, even though the rest of the Koh Rin program continues as normal.

This changes the feel of the stop. You are visiting the island area from the water, not spending time on its sand. For you, that may be a minor issue if snorkeling and swimming matter most. If your picture of an island tour includes a long beach break, it is a genuine limitation and worth considering before you pay.

The 75-minute stop is more generous than the Koh Phai break. You have a better chance to fit in several activities, though you still need to follow the crew’s timing. Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and swimming are the main focus here, with the catamaran and dinghy providing access to the water around the island.

What the price includes at $124

At $124 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see islands near Pattaya. The value comes from the amount bundled into the day. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off within Pattaya city, island entrance fees, a crewed yacht, an English-speaking instructor or guide, lunch, drinks, snacks, equipment, towels, insurance, and group fees.

A cheaper boat trip may be better if you only want a simple ride to a beach. This tour makes more sense if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, food, snorkeling equipment, and water activities. The slide and paddleboard also make it more than a standard sightseeing cruise.

The price is easier to justify for people who will use the included features. If you plan to spend most of the day sitting on deck and skip snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, and swimming, you may not get as much from the package. If you enjoy active water time, the inclusions reduce the small extra costs that can add up on a full-day outing.

There is no listed allowance for personal expenses, so bring money for anything outside the package. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcohol is not part of the included drinks.

Returning through Ocean Marina to Pattaya

After Koh Rin, the catamaran takes about an hour to return toward Ocean Marina Yacht Club. You then have another short 15-minute stop before the van brings you back to Pattaya.

The full experience lasts eight hours, but the exact pickup time is set after checking availability. The operator contacts you the day before to arrange the time slot. Keep the rest of your evening flexible, especially if you have a dinner reservation or another activity planned.

A change of clothes is useful after several hours around salt water. The included towel helps, but dry clothing makes the van ride back more comfortable. Keep wet items in a separate bag if possible.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a full day at sea with several ways to spend your time. It suits couples, groups of friends, and active adults who like the idea of a boat with snorkeling, fishing, paddleboards, and a slide rather than a simple island transfer.

It is also a good fit if you value convenience. Pickup, meals, drinks, equipment, island fees, and insurance are already arranged. You can leave the hotel without planning every detail.

The age and health restrictions are important. The experience is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 60. If motion sickness is a concern, prepare before the day begins. Long boat crossings can be tiring even when the activities are enjoyable.

Families with older children may need to check the operator’s current rules before booking, since only the under-two restriction is stated here. Do not assume every child can use the slide or water equipment without following the crew’s instructions.

What to pack for a smoother day

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Swimwear and beachwear
• A change of clothes
• Motion sickness prevention if needed
• Personal items that can handle water

You will receive snorkeling and fishing gear, a towel, drinks, snacks, and lunch. That means you do not need to bring bulky equipment. Your most useful preparation is wearing easy swim clothing and keeping sun protection close.

The personal information required for the reservation includes your full name, passport number, Thai phone contact, email address, and date of birth. For children, a scanned copy of the passport’s first page is required. Have those details ready before booking to avoid delays.

Final decision: is Koh Phai and Koh Rin worth your day?

Book this trip if you want a polished, activity-filled catamaran day with transport from Pattaya and food already covered. The strongest reasons are the range of water activities, the included Thai buffet, and the comfort of having a crew handle the practical details.

Think twice if you want long beach time, a quiet short boat ride, or guaranteed access to Koh Rin’s sand during turtle nesting season. The schedule includes a lot of sailing, and the Koh Rin beach restriction may matter to you.

For most active adults who enjoy being on the water, the package offers fair value at $124. The best approach is to treat the catamaran as part of the attraction, not merely a vehicle. That is where the slide, paddleboards, fishing, drinks, and comfortable breaks make the eight-hour day worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the Pattaya island trip last?

The activity lasts eight hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off within Pattaya city.

Which islands does the catamaran visit?

The tour visits Koh Phai and Koh Rin in Chonburi Province.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from accommodations within Pattaya city. You should wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a Thai buffet lunch, fresh tropical fruits, snacks, individual bottles of water, soft drinks, ice, coffee, and tea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and fishing gear are included, along with a paddleboard, dinghy, slide, and towel.

Can I visit the beach on Koh Rin?

Beach access on Koh Rin is prohibited during the sea turtle nesting season, currently expected to last until September 30. Snorkeling, fishing, paddleboarding, and other water activities continue around the island.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under two are not permitted. The information provided does not state specific age rules for older children, so check with the operator before booking.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people over 60. You should also prepare for motion sickness if you are sensitive to boat travel.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option allows you to book without paying immediately.