Exclusive Squid Fishing on Chic Floating Café from Pattaya

Introduction

Imagine spending an evening on the water, fishing for your own squid while surrounded by the glittering lights of Pattaya’s coastline. That’s exactly what this floating café experience promises, and it’s gaining popularity among travelers seeking something different from the usual beach or nightlife outings.

We’ve seen some great things about this tour, like the beautiful setting of the floating café, the opportunity to catch your own seafood, and the relaxed, social atmosphere with live music. However, it’s worth noting that fishing success can be unpredictable, and prices for food and drinks may be higher than average. This experience is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of adventure, good food, and scenic views, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends looking for a memorable evening.

Good To Know

• Scenic setting on a floating café with panoramic sea views
• Hands-on fishing experience with all necessary gear provided
• Delicious seafood options prepared directly from your catch
• Relaxed atmosphere with live music and social vibes
• Good value for money considering the unique experience and included amenities
• Limited to a maximum of 200 travelers, ensuring a comfortable environment

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour begins at Bali Hai Pier, a well-known departure point in Pattaya, where you’ll hop onto a speedboat heading to the floating café. The journey itself is quick—about 15 minutes—and sets the tone for a fun, scenic trip across the bay. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted at the floating café, a stylish two-story structure offering plenty of space to relax and take in the views.

The Floating Café and Its Atmosphere

The café is designed to feel both chic and welcoming, with open-air spaces perfect for enjoying the sea breeze. As you settle in, staff will give you a short fishing tutorial—a handy tip for first-timers and a good refresher for seasoned anglers. This is a great chance to learn about the best techniques for catching squid, which can be surprisingly lively and challenging, as some reviews note.

One traveler mentioned, “I thought the floating café would be tiny for some reason but as you can see from the photo, it isn’t. Great little excursion across the bay to a relaxing experience savouring beautifully prepared seafood in the evening air.” This highlights that the café is larger than expected, providing ample space for groups and socializing.

The Fishing Experience

Once equipped with fishing gear and live bait, you’ll cast your line and wait for that thrilling moment of a bite. Many reviews reflect that the fishing can be hit-or-miss—some guests caught a handful of squid, while others found it a bit slow. As one reviewer pointed out, “Out of 20 people fishing, maybe 8 squid an hour were caught,” which indicates decent but not guaranteed success.

The real value here is the hands-on experience. For many, catching their own squid is a highlight, turning what might be a simple dinner into a story worth telling. Plus, all the gear and bait are included, with optional rod and bait rentals available at 100 Baht per set.

Food and Drink

After catching your squid, the café’s skilled chefs will prepare your catch into delicious sashimi or grilled squid, served with spicy seafood sauce and wasabi. Several reviews mention the quality of the food, with one saying, “food is good and ambience is great,” making this experience rewarding beyond just the fishing.

Guests are also offered a signature drink included in the package, which complements the relaxed, festive vibe. For those who prefer to skip fishing, simply soaking up the view and enjoying the live music or snapping photos can be equally enjoyable.

Evening Views and Atmosphere

The real magic happens as the sun sets and the city lights reflect on the water. It’s a scene that’s perfect for Instagram photos and quiet moments of appreciation. The live music adds to the fun, creating a lively yet laid-back ambiance.

Return Journey and Overall Duration

The entire experience lasts around 4 hours and 45 minutes, including transportation, fishing, dining, and relaxing. The speedboat transfer is frequent, running every 30 minutes from 4:00 PM, which offers flexibility for your schedule.

Pricing and Value

At $20.43 per person, this tour offers a unique blend of adventure and leisure. The cost includes round-trip transport, fishing gear, live bait, and a drink, which makes it quite reasonable considering the overall experience.

However, be aware that additional expenses like food, drinks (outside the included signature drink), and rod rentals are extra. Some reviews note that food and drinks are priced higher than usual, with some guests mentioning a table charge of around 1000 Baht and prices about 3x the local average. That’s something to keep in mind if you plan to indulge extensively.

Is It Worth the Money?

For those who enjoy interactive experiences with a tangible reward—like catching your own seafood—this tour offers solid value. The chance to fish under the stars, combined with the delicious meal prepared from your catch, makes it memorable. Plus, the scenic setting and relaxed atmosphere add to the overall appeal.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Departure from Bali Hai Pier

Starting at Bali Hai Pier, you’ll gather with other travelers, board the speedboat, and cruise across Pattaya Bay. The ride is quick but scenic, offering glimpses of the Pattaya skyline and the shimmering sea. Many guests find this part delightful, as it sets a casual, anticipation-building tone for the evening.

Arrival at the Floating Café

The floating structure itself is an eye-catcher, a two-story space with open-air decks that allow for panoramic views. Some guests have commented on its size, surprised that it’s larger than anticipated, which helps keep the atmosphere lively and comfortable even during busy times.

The Fishing Session

The fishing element is approachable for all ages—children over 4 can participate, although they won’t be provided with their own gear. The process involves casting the line, waiting patiently, and feeling the rush when a squid bites. Reviewers have noted that reeling in squid can be a bit challenging, but it’s part of the fun.

Food Preparation and Dining

Once you’ve caught your squid, the staff promptly prepares it into sashimi or grilled squid. The quality is noted as good, with some guests mentioning that the seafood was “beautifully prepared.” If you’re not fishing, you can still enjoy the scenery, live music, and a drink, making this a laid-back, social experience.

The Return Trip

After a relaxed evening, you’ll be ferried back to Bali Hai Pier. The experience wraps up with plenty of photo opportunities and shared stories, often leaving guests with photographs of stunning sunsets and seafood feasts.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability in fishing success. It’s ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for something different in Pattaya—combining light-hearted activity, scenic views, and good food.

If you’re seeking a peaceful, scenic cruise with no fishing or a more refined dining experience, this may not be the best fit. However, if you love hands-on activities and want to try your luck at catching seafood yourself, it’s a memorable choice.

Travelers appreciative of authentic, informal settings and relaxed nightlife vibes will find this tour appealing, especially given its affordability and the chance to create personal memories.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This floating café night fishing experience offers a refreshing twist on Pattaya’s coastal activities. The chance to catch your own squid and enjoy fresh seafood in a stylish setting is a rare combination. The scenic views, live music, and social atmosphere elevate the experience beyond just fishing.

While success on the fishing front can vary, the overall value is good, particularly for those who enjoy interactive, memorable evenings. The higher food and drink prices might give some pause, but the quality and experience generally justify the cost.

This tour is perfect for adventurers, seafood lovers, and those seeking a fun, scenic outing with a touch of local flavor. It’s a relaxing yet lively way to spend an evening in Pattaya, especially if you’re interested in a blend of activity and leisure.

FAQ

How do I get to the starting point?
The tour begins at Bali Hai Pier, which is accessible by public transportation or taxi. It’s centrally located, so most travelers can reach it easily.

What time does the tour start?
Shuttle speedboats run every 30 minutes starting from 4:00 PM, so you can choose a time slot that suits your schedule.

Is there an age limit for participating?
Children aged 0-3 years and under 90 cm in height can join free of charge but won’t be provided with fishing gear. Kids over 4 are charged at the child rate, but they can still participate in fishing if they wish.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring their own attire suitable for water activities and personal items. Outside food or drinks are not allowed onboard.

What’s included in the price?
Round-trip speedboat transfer, one signature drink, fishing gear with live bait, seafood dipping sauce, and wasabi are included.

Are additional expenses expected?
Yes, fishing rod and live bait rentals are 100 Baht per set, and extra food and drinks outside the included signature drink are at your own expense.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How many people typically join?
The tour can accommodate up to 200 travelers, providing enough space for a lively but comfortable group.

Can I reserve a specific seat?
No, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; you can choose your seat upon arrival.

In The Sum Up

This floating café squid fishing tour in Pattaya offers a blend of fun, scenic beauty, and fresh seafood that appeals to a range of travelers. It’s particularly suited for those looking for interactive activities and a relaxed, social environment in the evening. While success with catching squid isn’t guaranteed, the experience’s overall charm lies in the setting, ambiance, and the chance to enjoy a meal crafted from your own catch.

If you’re after a unique, affordable night out that combines adventure and leisure, this tour delivers. It’s a playful, memorable way to see Pattaya from a different perspective—by sea, under the stars, with good company and great food.