Romance and Thrill of Squid Fishing in the Middle of the Sea: A Full Review of 'Tako Trip' Pattaya

1. A Unique Discovery in Pattaya: A Floating Squid Cafe

When people think of Pattaya, they usually picture the neon-lit Walking Street or day trips to Koh Larn (Coral Island). However, on my recent trip, I wanted to experience something more distinctive and local. This led me to discover 'Tako Trip', a massive floating squid fishing cafe anchored right in the middle of the Pattaya sea. To sum it up in one sentence: it was one of the absolute highlights of my trip, and I highly recommend it to couples, groups of friends, and families alike. Feeling the cool ocean breeze on a spacious wooden barge while angling for fresh squid provided an unforgettable nighttime experience.

2. The Exciting Journey Starting from Bali Hai Pier

To embark on this adventure, you need to head to Bali Hai Pier, located at the southern end of Pattaya Beach. Walking toward the piers, you will easily spot the bright 'Tako Trip' registration booth near Speedboat Pier No. 3. Upon presenting my pre-booked voucher (tickets cost around 400 THB per person), the staff checked me in and guided me toward the speedboat. Considering that this price covers the round-trip speedboat transfer, fishing rod rental, bait, and complimentary preparation of any squid you catch, I found it to be exceptionally good value for money.

After putting on life jackets, we boarded a sleek speedboat that cut effortlessly through the waves. We headed out around 5:30 PM, right before dusk, and the view of the Pattaya coastline silhouette bathed in a golden-crimson sunset was nothing short of spectacular. After a thrilling 5 to 10-minute ride, a massive, brilliantly illuminated floating platform appeared on the horizon. The barge was much larger and more stable than I had anticipated, engineered solidly enough that you barely felt any rocking motion.

3. The Thrill of the Catch and Sunset Views

Stepping onto the floating platform, I was immediately greeted by a breathtaking, panoramic 360-degree ocean view. Friendly crew members escorted us to our seats and provided us with our fishing gear. The equipment consisted of a compact rod equipped with a reel and a colorful artificial lure (called an 'egi'). Because it uses artificial lures rather than live bait, it is clean, odorless, and perfectly approachable for absolute beginners, women, and young children.

The fishing technique was straightforward: lower the lure to the seabed, and then gently twitch or 'jig' the rod up and down to simulate a swimming shrimp, tempting the squid to strike. Although it took me about thirty minutes to get the hang of it, there was never a dull moment. Sitting at the edge of the barge, watching the sun dip below the horizon while sipping a freezing cold Singha beer was pure bliss. The ambient background music combined with the rhythmic sound of gentle waves created an upscale, romantic lounge atmosphere.

Once complete darkness fell, powerful green underwater LED lights were switched on along the perimeter of the boat. This is when the real magic happens, as squids are naturally drawn to bright lights in the dark water. Not long after focusing on my jigging technique, I felt a sudden, heavy tug on my line! I enthusiastically reeled it in, and lo and behold, a beautiful, translucent squid emerged, squirting a defense mechanism of ink. The staff cheered and skillfully scooped it up with a net. That raw, tactile thrill of catching your own food is something a standard restaurant simply cannot replicate.

4. Tasting the Absolute Freshness of Instant Squid Sashimi

The ultimate culinary reward at Tako Trip is having your fresh catch prepared instantly by the onboard chefs. I handed my squid over to the open kitchen, and within minutes, the chef skillfully sliced it into pristine, crystal-clear squid sashimi and tender blanched pieces. Served on a bed of crushed ice, the instantly prepared sashimi was spectacular. Dipping a translucent slice into the spicy-sour Thai seafood dipping sauce (Nam Jim Talay) and a bit of wasabi soy sauce revealed an incredibly crisp texture and a subtle, natural sweetness that built up with every chew. It was a world apart from frozen squid or anything you would find at a standard city restaurant.

Even if luck isn't on your side and you don't catch anything, there is absolutely no reason to worry. The floating kitchen features an extensive and reasonably priced menu packed with authentic Thai delicacies. You can easily order classic dishes like Pad Thai, crispy fried shrimp, grilled whole fish, and Tom Yum soup. Our group decided to supplement our catch with some charcoal-grilled river prawns (Goong Pao) and a spicy glass noodle salad (Yam Wun Sen). Perhaps it was the magical marine setting, but the food tasted significantly better than many renowned mainland establishments.

5. Final Verdict and Practical Tips for Visitors

Pattaya's Tako Trip successfully transcends being a mere fishing spot; it functions beautifully as a romantic floating restaurant, an engaging activity hub, and an exceptional viewpoint. The facilities are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, including the western-style restrooms on board which were surprisingly hygienic. Furthermore, the hospitality displayed by the crew was exemplary; they were always eager to teach fishing techniques or capture photos for guests.

For those planning a visit, I highly recommend taking the shuttle boat between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM. This specific window guarantees you experience both the stunning golden hour sunset and the vibrant neon nightscape of Pattaya from the sea. Additionally, the open water can get quite breezy and chilly after dark, so packing a light jacket, cardigan, or shawl is highly advisable. While the platform is stable, individuals highly sensitive to motion sickness should proactively take medication 30 minutes prior to boarding. If you are looking to skip the repetitive mainland itineraries and seek a night filled with sea romance and unique excitement, making a booking at Tako Trip is a decision you certainly won't regret.