Hype Boat Club: Phuket ‘s Most Unique Catamaran Experience

Hype Boat Club: Phuket’s Most Unique Catamaran Experience

When you think of Phuket, images of beautiful beaches and lively nightlife might come to mind. But to truly appreciate this island’s natural beauty, seeing the coastline from the water offers a whole new perspective. For about $132 per person, we found a 7-hour cruise that promises not just scenic views but also a taste of luxury and fun aboard a sleek black catamaran. Starting around 11:30 am, the tour includes stops at Coral Island and Racha Yai Island, where swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing are front and center.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the balcony-style ocean cruise gives you ample space and comfort, with options to lounge on sunbeds or take a walk on the beach. Second, a buffet lunch with bottled water, fresh fruit, and soft drinks means you’re well-fed while soaking in the sea breeze. And if you upgrade, you’ll enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics a breeze.

However, a few reviews highlight potential hiccups, such as long wait times or issues with onboard service. Still, the overall atmosphere is lively and inviting. This trip suits those who love relaxed, scenic days on the water with plenty of opportunities to swim, snorkel, and enjoy good company. It’s especially good for travelers who want to explore Phuket’s coastal beauty without sacrificing comfort.

Key Points

• Scenic water views from a stylish catamaran make for an unforgettable experience.
• Stops at Coral Island and Racha Yai offer diverse opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
• Buffet lunch and drinks ensure you’re well taken care of during the trip.
• Optional hotel pickup adds convenience. Without it, expect a possibly longer transfer.
• Varying reviews highlight both fantastic moments and minor service frustrations.
• Ideal for travelers seeking a leisurely, scenic day with water activities and good food.

A Deep Dive into the Phuket Catamaran Adventure

Setting Off on a Stylish Catamaran

From the moment we arrived at the meeting point, housed at Goan Bistro Indian Restaurant, the expectations were set for a fun day. The Hype Boat Club’s sleek black catamaran exudes style, promising a bit of luxury on the sea. As we board, it’s hard not to feel excited — the crew greets us warmly, and the boat feels spacious and well-maintained. This vessel is designed for comfort, with covered sun loungers and shared daybeds that beckon you to relax in style.

The Itinerary: Coral Island and Racha Yai

The first stop is Coral Island, a favorite among visitors for its bright white sands and crystal-clear waters. Our guide suggests about an hour here, which is enough time to swim, walk along the beach, or simply enjoy the scenery. Many reviews reflect on how unhurried and pleasant these stops are, with Kylie_M sharing, “The stops to swim and snorkel weren’t rushed and the scenery was incredible.”

Next, the boat heads to Racha Yai Island, renowned for its excellent snorkeling. Here, you can snorkel among colorful coral and tropical fish, a highlight for many. The calm, warm waters make for easy swimming, and the onboard snorkel gear is of decent quality. After drying off, you get to soak up the sun or relax on the deck.

What to Expect on Board

Throughout the trip, the crew offers welcome cocktails, bottled water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit. The buffet lunch is plentiful and includes a variety of dishes—many reviewers rave about how tasty the food is. The music varies from lively dance beats to more relaxed tunes, creating a fun, upbeat atmosphere, though some found the DJ too loud or mismatched with the mood, as one review pointed out.

The seating options are versatile. The lower deck provides shaded areas perfect for escaping the sun, while the upper deck lounge offers more privacy and a great view, especially if you prefer a quieter experience. The sun loungers and daybeds are a real treat, allowing you to lounge comfortably or sunbathe as you watch the horizon.

Swimming and Snorkeling: Highlights or Hassles?

If you love water activities, this tour delivers. Coral Island’s warm waters and Racha Yai’s snorkeling spots are often praised as some of the best in Phuket. The snorkel equipment is included, and reviews suggest the marine life is vibrant. Kylie_M notes, “The scenery was incredible. Staff were extremely helpful and friendly,” which extends to the snorkeling gear and safety support.

Some reviewers, however, mention issues like hot walkways or not being given their shoes back, which made getting on and off the boats a bit uncomfortable. Hennah_H warns about the boiling hot walkways at Coral Island, so bringing water shoes might be wise.

Lunch and Refreshments

The buffet lunch is a core part of this tour. It features delicious food and fresh fruit, with options to satisfy different tastes. The drinks selection is reasonable, with bottled water and soft drinks included, and alcohol available for purchase. Many travelers appreciate the value of the meal, considering it’s included in the price, and some mention the good quality of the food and drinks.

Reviews like Mia_D’s say, “Water was so warm, snorkeling was great,” indicating that the food and drinks complement the day well. However, a few reviews point out that food ran out quickly, or that the service was slow or disorganized, so don’t expect gourmet cuisine, but it’s definitely filling and satisfying.

Atmosphere and Music

The vibe onboard is lively, with upbeat dance music that many find fun and energizing. Yet, some guests found the music too loud, especially on the upper deck, which could be an issue if you prefer a quieter experience. The crew tries to keep the energy high, and many reviews praise the friendly staff and good vibes.

Sunset and Return

The tour concludes with a sunset view from the water, a beautiful way to cap off the day. Afterward, you’ll head back to the port. If you’ve upgraded to hotel pickup, the transfer is generally smooth, though some reviews report long delays (up to three hours) getting back to their hotel, mainly due to traffic.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed day on the water with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. It’s especially suited for those who value good food, lively atmosphere, and a stylish boat. Those seeking luxury or ultra-quiet experiences might be disappointed by the busy vibe and some service inconsistencies.

Final Thoughts: Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a fun, scenic, and well-organized day in Phuket’s waters with a good mix of activities, the Hype Boat Club is worth considering. The value for money is solid, especially with the included buffet lunch, drinks, and comfortable seating options. The stops at Coral Island and Racha Yai are genuinely beautiful and well-suited for water lovers.

However, be prepared for the potential for crowds and occasional service hiccups. If you prefer a more secluded, high-end experience, or if you’re sensitive to loud music or long transfers, you might want to explore other options. Still, if you enjoy a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of scenic water views, this cruise offers a memorable day with a good balance of adventure and relaxation.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
You can upgrade to include hotel pickup and drop-off, adding significant convenience. Without the upgrade, you’ll need to make your way to the port at Goan Bistro.

What’s the duration of the trip?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, starting at 11:30 am and ending back at the meeting point.

What islands are visited?
The stops are at Coral Island, known for its white sands and warm waters, and Racha Yai Island, famous for snorkeling among vibrant coral and tropical fish.

Can I swim and snorkel at both stops?
Yes, both stops offer ample time for swimming and snorkeling, with snorkel gear provided onboard.

What food is included?
A buffet lunch with various options, along with bottled water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit, are included. Alcohol is available for purchase.

Are there quiet areas on the boat?
Yes, the upper deck lounge offers a more private space, perfect if you prefer less noise and a calmer environment.

How many people are typically on the tour?
The tour accommodates up to 75 travelers, which means it can be lively but also crowded during peak times.

What about the music?
Music is generally lively and fun, but some guests find it too loud; requesting quieter spaces might help.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, for a full refund.

Final Word

The Hype Boat Club offers a vibrant, scenic day on Phuket’s waters that balances water activities, good food, and lively vibes. It’s perfect for social travelers, water lovers, and those wanting a hassle-free day exploring from the deck of an elegant catamaran. While it may not suit those seeking complete tranquility or luxury, it delivers a fun, memorable experience for most who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation. Adequately organized, sometimes bustling, but always scenic — it’s a solid choice for a day of Phuket adventure.