REVIEW · PATTAYA
Pattaya Full-Day 3 Tropical Island tour Snorkeling Cruise Buffet
Book on Viator →Operated by Serenity Yachting Ltd · Bookable on Viator
You’re signing up for a sea day that feels a lot calmer than Pattaya’s streets, with hotel pickup and a full on-board lunch that keeps the day moving. This trip also hits the fun stuff: snorkel time in the Gulf of Thailand, plus island breaks that include Monkey Island moments. One heads-up: snorkeling visibility around Pattaya can be hit or miss, so go in ready to swim more than expect perfect reef.
What I like most is how the day is built for convenience and comfort. You get air-conditioned round-trip transport, snorkeling gear on site, shade on the boat, and a Thai buffet served onboard while you take in Gulf views. If you’re sensitive to waves, you may want to plan for motion sickness—some guests report meds are available on the boat.
In This Review
- Key things that make this tour worth your attention
- Koh Phai, Koh Rin and Koh Ped: the “escape” part of Pattaya
- Price and value: what $97.83 is buying you in real terms
- Getting picked up and onto the boat without wasting your morning
- The catamaran day: snorkeling time plus other on-water fun
- Lunch on board: Thai buffet, steady drinks, and no hunting for food
- Monkey Island: the fun stop that needs footwear and rules
- Crew energy and how the day stays organized
- Who should book this, and who should consider a different option
- Quick checklist before you go (so you don’t suffer on the island)
- Should you book this three-island snorkeling cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the full-day tour?
- What is the price per person?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Which islands are included in the cruise?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- What should I bring for the day?
- Are there any rules for children?
- What’s the maximum group size?
Key things that make this tour worth your attention

- Hotel-to-boat convenience: air-conditioned round-trip pickup and drop-off means less logistics stress
- Snorkeling gear included: use of snorkeling equipment is part of the package
- Three-island island time: Koh Phai, Koh Rin, and Koh Ped, with a monkey-focused stop
- On-board Thai buffet lunch: you eat while the catamaran is cruising and relaxing
- Extra on-water activities: paddle boards, an inflatable slide, and fishing are part of the fun set
- Small-ish group size: capped at 54 travelers, so it’s not a massive cattle-car day
Koh Phai, Koh Rin and Koh Ped: the “escape” part of Pattaya

Pattaya can be loud, busy, and full of temptations. This cruise gives you the opposite vibe: time on open water, quiet beaches, and clear “change of scenery” energy fast. The route focuses on three islands—Koh Phai, Koh Rin, and Koh Ped—so you’re not just sitting on a single beach for hours.
The island stop that stands out is the one with monkeys. Expect an active, silly, slightly chaotic natural theme—bring the right footwear and keep your camera ready, because this is the kind of place where you need to watch your belongings as much as your surroundings. It’s fun, but it also has rules (more on that below).
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Pattaya.
Price and value: what $97.83 is buying you in real terms

At $97.83 per person, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. The value comes from stacking the “big costs” together:
- Hotel round-trip transfer by air-conditioned minivan
- National park fees included
- Snorkeling equipment provided
- A Thai buffet lunch on-board, plus drinks/snacks
- A planned day that’s long enough to feel like you left Pattaya, but not so long you lose the rest of your holiday
Is it a luxury charter? No. But it’s also not the cheapest way to do an island day. In my view, it fits well if you want a smooth, low-effort day where food, transport, and gear are handled.
Getting picked up and onto the boat without wasting your morning
Most days like this live or die on timing. Here, the system is set up for a straightforward flow: you get pickup from your hotel, then you head to the marina area and transfer onto the catamaran.
Two practical points you should care about:
- Plan for a long day. The tour runs about 7 hours 15 minutes, so you’ll want to eat before pickup and keep your energy up.
- Bring a small change of clothes. If you snorkel or get wet on water toys, having something dry helps your mood at the end of the day.
On the boat, things that matter in heat also come into play: shade, access to toilets, and enough room to rotate between lounging, snorkeling, and island time. Past guests also mention the boat is well-kept and the crew runs things tightly.
The catamaran day: snorkeling time plus other on-water fun

This isn’t a “stand by the railing” cruise. It’s built around swim-and-snorkel time in the Gulf of Thailand with access to snorkeling equipment. You’ll spend time around the island areas of Koh Phai, Koh Rin, and Koh Ped, with time structured so you can actually get in the water.
Now the honest part: snorkeling in this region can be variable. One thing I’d do is treat snorkeling as the goal, but treat swimming as the Plan B. If visibility isn’t great on the day you go, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy: the boat ride, the water play, and the beach stops.
Beyond snorkeling, you can expect extra activities that change the tone from “quiet nature day” to “playful sea day,” including:
- Paddle boards
- An inflatable water slide
- Fishing
- Other water activities offered during the cruise time
If you like active travel—short bursts of effort, then shade and snacks—you’ll probably have a good match here.
Lunch on board: Thai buffet, steady drinks, and no hunting for food

One of the strongest reasons people rate this tour so highly is the food situation. Lunch is a Thai buffet served onboard, and it’s not just a token meal. Guests mention it’s tasty, fresh, and that there’s more than enough to eat.
What’s practical for you:
- You’re not searching for lunch in a crowded area.
- You can eat and keep your day rhythm going while the boat is still moving or between stops.
- Drinks are part of the package—soft drinks and water are widely available, and coffee/tea are also mentioned.
Alcohol isn’t included, but it’s available to purchase. If you want a calmer budget day, just stick to the included non-alcohol options and save your drink money for Pattaya afterward.
Monkey Island: the fun stop that needs footwear and rules

The monkey part of the itinerary is a big draw, and it’s not just “see monkeys from a distance.” You’ll be on Monkey Island territory, which means you’re close enough for real interactions—like monkeys approaching for food and hopping onto people.
Here’s how to handle it so it stays fun, not stressful:
- Wear water shoes or footwear with grip. Bare feet can get beat up by sharp rocks, and stepping off dinghies can be tricky.
- Keep your hands controlled around food. If you’re holding snacks, expect monkeys to notice.
- Pay attention to the way crew and staff remind everyone what not to do. Even if you’ve been around animals before, this is a high-contact environment.
One safety note I take seriously from the day’s guidance: watch your balance and your steps. There’s also a separate theme from one guest about safety briefing being too light—so I recommend that if anything about safety feels unclear, ask right away at the start. Don’t “wait and see.” Get your questions answered, then relax.
Also, if you’re wearing something you’d hate to get messy, plan for it. Monkeys can be unpredictable, including climbing behaviors that people mention around towels and heads.
Crew energy and how the day stays organized

A sea day is only as good as the organization on the water. What stands out here is how smoothly the day is managed: transport runs on time, seating and movement between boats is handled, and the crew keeps things moving between snorkeling and island time.
There’s also a lively side. Past participants mention a music/dance moment near the end of the trip, including a dance-party vibe on the upper deck. It sounds silly on paper, but it works because it gives everyone one last shared moment before heading back.
If you’re the type who likes a friendly atmosphere—clear instructions, quick help, and a relaxed “we’ve got this” mood—you’ll likely appreciate how the crew runs the day.
Who should book this, and who should consider a different option

This tour is a good match if you want:
- A full day outside Pattaya without planning your own transport
- Snorkeling and swimming time with equipment included
- A real lunch onboard instead of a snack-only setup
- A trip with both chill moments and active water play
You might want to think twice if:
- You’re expecting consistently crystal-clear snorkeling like you’d see in some other regions. Visibility can vary.
- You don’t like animal encounters or you’re uncomfortable in environments with monkeys at close range.
If you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family with an adult chaperone, the format is built for that. There’s also a note that children must be accompanied by an adult, so plan accordingly.
Quick checklist before you go (so you don’t suffer on the island)
Bring what matters for this kind of day:
- Extra clothing to change into after snorkeling or water activities
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Sandals, and ideally water-friendly footwear for rough steps on the monkey island
- A camera (monkeys and beaches can surprise you)
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, be ready with your own solution. Some guests report help onboard, but I wouldn’t rely on it as your only plan.
Also pack a towel strategy mentally: you’ll be wet at some point, and the day is structured around water time.
Should you book this three-island snorkeling cruise?
I’d book it if you want one “easy win” day in Pattaya: transport handled, snorkeling gear included, a lunch you don’t have to chase down, and island time that feels like a break from the city. At $97.83, it’s priced like a value-focused day tour that still leaves room for fun (paddle boards, inflatable slide, fishing) and memorable monkey island chaos.
Skip it or choose carefully if snorkeling quality is your #1 priority. Go for the full day experience—boat ride, beaches, swimming, and activities—rather than expecting perfect underwater visibility every time.
FAQ
How long is the full-day tour?
The tour runs about 7 hours 15 minutes (approx.).
What is the price per person?
The price is $97.83 per person.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. The tour includes round-trip transfer from your hotel by air-conditioned minivan.
Which islands are included in the cruise?
The tour includes stops around Koh Phai, Koh Rin, and Koh Ped.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. You get use of snorkeling equipment.
What’s included for food and drinks?
A Thai buffet lunch is included, along with beverages, snacks, soft drinks, water, and tea/coffee.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
No. Alcoholic drinks are not included, though they may be available to purchase.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring extra clothing to change if you go snorkeling, sunscreen, a hat, sandals, and a camera. Water shoes can help for island steps.
Are there any rules for children?
Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
What’s the maximum group size?
The tour has a maximum of 54 travelers.

























