From Phi Phi Island: Maya Bay Sunset & Plankton by Speedboat

Travelers often rave about the chance to see the famous Maya Bay and snorkel amidst glowing plankton, and this tour from Koh Phi Phi aims to deliver just that. With a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and a sunset experience, it combines the best of what the Phi Phi Islands have to offer in a compact 5-hour trip.

What makes this tour stand out are the expert guides who keep the day lively and informative, the chance to see sharks and tropical fish in their natural habitat, and the magical bioluminescent plankton that glow in the dark — an experience that’s as surreal as it sounds.

That said, the tour does involve several stops in popular tourist spots, so crowds and long queues at Maya Bay can be a downside, especially during peak season. Also, since Maya Bay is closed from August to September for ecological recovery, timing is key to enjoying this part of the trip.

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a blend of adventure, wildlife, and iconic scenery in a relatively short time. It’s ideal for those who appreciate professional guides and excellent value, but not suited for pregnant women or those with mobility issues due to boat activities.

Key Points

• Stunning Views & Iconic Sites: Visit Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Pileh Lagoon for postcard-perfect scenery.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: Spot tropical fish, reef sharks, and vibrant corals in clear waters.
• Bioluminescent Plankton: Experience the glowing plankton at night, a highlight for many.
• Expert Guides & Smooth Logistics: Well-reviewed guides like Courtney and Coco make the experience fun and safe.
• Value & Flexibility: Includes drinks, snacks, and enough time at each stop for photos and relaxation.
• Weather & Timing Considerations: Tours adapt to weather, but schedules can be affected by tides and sea conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point & Group Size

The adventure kicks off at Ton Sai Pier, conveniently located next to the local McDonald’s. The meeting time is at 1:30 PM, and groups tend to be well-organized. While the reviews mention around 30 people on the boat, the crew manages to keep the pace comfortable, ensuring everyone gets enough time at each spot.

Monkey Beach & Marine Wildlife

The tour begins with a visit to Monkey Beach, where playful crab-eating macaques roam freely. Expect about 30 minutes here, giving you a chance to observe the monkeys up close. Several reviewers mention the overcrowding, which slightly diminishes the tranquility, but it’s still a fun spot. Some travelers noted seeing monkeys play and chew on plastic rubbish, a reminder of how much plastic pollution affects even the most beautiful spots.

Snorkeling at Ko Phi Phi Le

Next, the boat heads to Ko Phi Phi Le for snorkeling. This is where your guide’s expertise truly shines — many reviews commend the guides like Courtney and Coco for their helpfulness and ability to point out sharks and tropical fish. In fact, numerous reviewers mention seeing reef sharks, multiple reef sharks, and a vibrant array of fish. The water is generally clear, with enough time allocated for everyone to enjoy the underwater world.

More Great Tours Nearby

Swimming in Pileh Lagoon

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to Pileh Lagoon, described as a “natural swimming pool surrounded by limestone mountains.” The 40-minute swim allows you to soak in the stunning scenery, and many reviewers loved this quiet, photogenic spot. The lagoon’s calm waters and striking limestone cliffs make it perfect for relaxing and taking incredible photos.

Viking Cave & Maya Bay

The tour makes a quick photo stop at Viking Cave, famous for its cave paintings and seabird colonies. While access inside is restricted, the view from the boat is enough for many to snap memorable shots.

The Maya Bay visit is a key moment — although it only lasts about an hour, reviewers appreciate that they often get a more peaceful experience because they arrive earlier or later than the crowds. Keep in mind Maya Bay is closed from August to September for environmental reasons, so check your travel dates.

Sunset & Night Snorkeling

As the sun begins to set, the boat drifts to the open water for a spectacular sunset view. Many visitors describe the experience as magical, with the sky transforming into shades of gold and orange.

The night concludes with snorkeling with luminous plankton, which many say is the “surreal” moment of the trip. You might not see the Hollywood-style glowing, but many reviews highlight how the tiny plankton sparkle in the dark, giving the impression of swimming among stars. Some mention that the experience can depend on luck and sea conditions, but overall, it’s a unique way to finish the day.

What to Expect & Practical Details

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s flexible schedule covers six main stops, each offering different experiences. The 30-minute Monkey Beach gives a glimpse of local wildlife, while the 30-minute snorkeling at Ko Phi Phi Le immerses you in vibrant marine life. The 40-minute swim at Pileh Lagoon offers a peaceful retreat, and the 5-minute Viking Cave provides a quick photo opportunity.

The longer visit to Maya Bay allows for a more relaxed exploration, especially during the off-peak hours — an advantage many reviews appreciate. The sunset and plankton snorkeling round out the experience, making it suitable for those wanting a bit of everything.

Transportation & Comfort

The use of speedboats ensures quick transit between sites, and the modern boat is praised for its quality and smooth ride. Some reviews mention that the boat can be cramped with around 30 people, but the crew manages to keep everyone comfortable and entertained.

Timing & Duration

The entire tour lasts about 5 hours, starting at 1:30 PM, making it a perfect afternoon activity. The schedule is subject to weather and sea conditions — and in case of unsafe weather, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled.

What to Bring & Restrictions

Travelers are advised to bring sunglasses, sun hats, towels, and sunscreen. Large luggage or bulky bags are not permitted onboard, so pack light. Remember, swimming in Maya Bay or using drones is prohibited.

Cost & Value

While specific prices are not mentioned, reviews suggest that the tour offers good value for money, especially considering the inclusions like drinks, snacks, and professional guides. Many reviewers feel they received a well-organized, memorable experience that justifies the expense.

Authentic Reviews & Insights

One review from a guest in December 2025 highlights the amazing crew and guide Dani, calling the trip “an absolute blast,” emphasizing the friendly and helpful nature of the staff. Many mention their guides, like Courtney and Coco, providing fun, informative, and responsible supervision throughout the day.

Multiple travelers appreciated the timing in Maya Bay, arriving early or late to escape the crowds, which significantly enhances the experience. Snorkeling with tropical fish, sharks, and plankton is consistently praised, with many reviewers describing the underwater encounters as “life-changing” or “magical”.

The sunset views receive high marks, with some calling the sky’s colors “breathtaking,” and the bioluminescent plankton being a surreal highlight. Several note that even if the plankton aren’t as bright as in TikTok videos, the overall experience is still well worth the effort.

Some constructive feedback includes:

• The crowded Monkey Beach can detract from the tranquility.
• The length of stay at Maya Bay varies depending on timing and crowd levels.
• Weather can impact visibility of plankton and marine life, so flexibility is key.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventure lovers and scenery seekers who want to see the highlights of Phi Phi Islands in a single trip. It’s especially great for those interested in snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and sunset views.

Travelers who value knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics will find this tour reassuring, while those wanting a laid-back, picture-perfect day will also appreciate the stops. It’s not ideal for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, given the boat activities and walking involved.

This tour is perfect if you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and iconic sights, with enough flexibility to adapt to weather or crowds.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as children are comfortable on speedboats and in the water. Keep in mind the tour involves a fair amount of swimming and boat time, so younger kids should be prepared for that.

What is the best time to see Maya Bay?
Arriving early or later in the afternoon helps avoid the crowds, especially since Maya Bay is closed from August to September. Peak times tend to be busier, but the tour tries to give you the best window possible.

Can I swim in Maya Bay?
No, swimming in Maya Bay is currently not permitted, but you can enjoy the beach views and take photos from the boat.

Is lunch included?
No, meals are not provided. It’s recommended to bring snacks and water for the trip, although on-board drinks and fruit are available.

How long do we get at each stop?
Most stops range from about 20 to 40 minutes, with longer time at Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. The schedule is designed to balance sightseeing with enough time for snorkeling and photos.

Are the guides experienced and friendly?
Absolutely. Reviewers frequently mention guides like Courtney and Coco as helpful, fun, and knowledgeable, making the trip more enjoyable.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour will be canceled or rescheduled if sea conditions are unsafe. Rain usually doesn’t stop the trip, but safety is the priority.

In Closing

This speedboat tour from Phi Phi Island offers a well-rounded experience of the area’s most iconic sights, marine life, and a touch of magic with bioluminescent plankton. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate professional guides, scenic beauty, and a good mix of activities, all wrapped in a comfortably paced 5-hour adventure.

While crowds and weather can influence the experience, many reviews highlight the value, friendly staff, and stunning scenery that make it a worthwhile option. If you’re after a memorable afternoon exploring the best of Phi Phi with a knowledgeable crew to guide the way, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Note: Always check current schedules, weather conditions, and Maya Bay’s opening status before booking, especially during the off-season from August to September. Being flexible will ensure you get the most out of this beautiful journey.

You can check availability for your dates here: