Phi Phi Don: Sunset and Plankton Snorkeling by Speedboat

Planning a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands often promises picture-perfect beaches, vibrant marine life, and unforgettable sunsets. This particular tour, offered by Krabi Ezy Trails, promises all that and more — including a rare chance to swim in bioluminescent plankton at night. We’ve looked closely at what this experience offers, weighing the highlights, practical details, and honest reviews, to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic, less crowded spots, the knowledgeable guides, and the variety packed into just one day. However, a potential drawback for some could be the long day’s pace, especially if you’re not an early riser or prefer a more relaxed itinerary. This tour is best suited for travelers who want an active, adventure-filled day with plenty of snorkeling and sightseeing, and who aren’t afraid of spending several hours on a speedboat.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Combines popular spots like Maya Bay with lesser-known snorkel sites.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local insights.
• Water-based adventure: Includes snorkeling, swimming, and observing marine life.
• Bioluminescent plankton: Unique night snorkeling experience away from crowds.
• Long day: Around 9 hours, so good for active travelers but may be tiring for some.
• Group size: Max 38 people, offering a balance of intimacy and social vibe.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

This tour is designed as a full-day exploration, starting early at the meeting point — McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don Island. From there, it’s a swift transition to a large, fast speedboat that ensures more time at each location compared to traditional slower boats. The boat is sizable, accommodating up to 38 guests, and is generally equipped for comfort, with safety briefings and guide commentary throughout.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Monkey Bay: We begin with a 30-minute stop at Monkey Bay, where you can see the famous crab-eating macaque monkeys in their natural habitat. This is a fun, relaxed start that offers good photo opportunities, especially with the lively monkeys peering curiously from the trees. The reviews highlight that guides, like Jan and Peter, are well-versed and attentive—spotting the monkeys and giving visitors interesting facts.

Viking Cave: Next, a quick 15-minute pass-by offers a chance to view the Viking Cave, famous for its bird nests, which you cannot enter. Passengers appreciate the photo opportunities from the boat; one reviewer notes it’s just enough time to snap some shots without feeling rushed.

Pileh Lagoon: The highlight for many is the 45-minute stop at Pileh Lagoon. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, swimming here feels like entering an idyllic postcard. The water is crystal clear, and the natural pool’s serenity is a stark contrast to the bustling beaches. Travelers often mention that the lagoon’s beauty is breathtaking — perfect for relaxing and swimming. One reviewer loved the way guides led small groups into the lagoon to maximize their time.

Maya Bay: The iconic Maya Bay gets a one-hour visit, where you can admire the famous beach’s stunning white sands and turquoise waters. While some reviews note that swimming isn’t permitted here during certain months, the walk and photo stops still deliver a memorable experience. The guides emphasize conservation efforts, which is good to keep in mind, especially as Maya Bay often suffers from overcrowding.

Bamboo Island: An hour is allocated for Bamboo Island, where visitors can snorkel, swim, or just lounge on powdery sand. The shallow waters and vibrant coral reefs make it an ideal spot for beginners or those who want a chill break. Reviewers appreciated the flexibility, with some mentioning that they enjoyed a laid-back swim and sunbathing.

Secret Stop & Night Snorkeling: The final adventure is the night swim with bioluminescent plankton. This is the tour’s most unique feature, and travelers love how it feels like floating in a galaxy of tiny lights. Moving your limbs lights up the water, creating a surreal experience. A reviewer from Australia described it as “awesome,” praising the guides’ ability to find less crowded spots and ensure relaxed times.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

Traveling on a speedboat allows for more efficient use of time, giving you longer periods at each location. The tour departs around 9 hours earlier from Ton Sai Pier, with the return around 7:30 p.m. The large boat’s capacity of 38 guests strikes a balance—more personal than large cruise ships but still lively.

Getting to the meeting point is your responsibility, as you need to arrange your own transfer to McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don. If you’re staying elsewhere, early planning for a longtail boat to Ton Sai Pier is recommended. The tour is suitable for active travelers, but not for young children under 4 or those with serious medical conditions, pregnant women, or seniors over 70.

Practical Details

• Duration: 9 hours
• Group size: Up to 38 people
• Includes: Snorkeling gear, water, snacks, and lunch
• What to bring: Sunglasses, sun hat, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, water shoes, waterproof bag, cash
• Not allowed: Pets, large bags, alcohol, or feeding animals

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The Value Proposition

Compared to other tours, this one offers a solid balance: it visits all the key highlights of Phi Phi, with added focus on lesser-crowded snorkel spots. The guided commentary and small-group feel improve the experience, making it feel more personalized. The inclusion of bioluminescent plankton snorkeling at night is a rare chance to see something truly enchanting — for many, the highlight of the day.

Honest Feedback from Travelers

One reviewer from Germany rated the tour 3 out of 5, mentioning that some spots like the well-visited beaches felt crowded, and the plankton snorkeling was disappointing for him. He noted that “some things you just don’t need to see,” which might resonate with travelers seeking quieter, less commercialized experiences.

In contrast, another guest from Australia gave a perfect 5-star review, praising the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to explore less populated snorkeling sites. They appreciated that guides like Julia and Mike went out of their way to ensure everyone had enough time to relax and enjoy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see the main sights of Phi Phi Islands in a single day, with the bonus of night snorkeling. It suits those who appreciate guided tours with knowledgeable guides, appreciate good photo opportunities, and are comfortable with 9 hours on a boat.

If you’re looking for an over-the-top luxury experience or a very relaxed pace, this might not be the best choice. But if you want a well-rounded, active day exploring stunning scenery, snorkeling, and enjoying a magical night swim, this tour offers excellent value.

Final Thoughts

This full-day speedboat tour of Phi Phi Don combines iconic sights with hidden gems, making it a comprehensive way to experience the islands’ natural beauty. The focus on snorkeling, especially with the bioluminescent plankton, adds a unique touch that many other tours can’t match. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary help ensure a smooth, memorable adventure.

While the long hours and busy schedule might be tiring for some, the chance to see limestone lagoons, beaches from movies, and shimmering plankton makes it worthwhile. It’s a great option for active travelers eager to pack their day with diverse experiences without sacrificing quality.

This tour offers an engaging, value-packed way to explore the Phi Phi Islands—perfect for those craving adventure, stunning scenery, and a touch of magic at night.

FAQ

Is transportation included to the meeting point?
No, travelers must organize their own transfer to McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don Island, Tonsai Pier, before the tour departs.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring essentials like sunglasses, sun hat, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, water shoes, cash, and a waterproof bag. These items will help you stay comfortable and prepared.

Can I swim or snorkel at all stops?
Yes, the tour includes swimming and snorkeling at spots like Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island. Keep in mind that Maya Bay currently restricts swimming to protect the environment.

What is the maximum group size?
The large speedboat accommodates up to 38 guests, allowing for a lively yet manageable group.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 4 years old, pregnant women, or travelers with serious medical conditions. Active participation and long hours on a boat are required.

What if the weather is bad?
In case of poor weather, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, with a full refund offered if you prefer. Be aware that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather and tide conditions.

This Phi Phi Don: Sunset and Plankton Snorkeling tour combines adventure, stunning views, and a touch of magic — an experience that will leave you with incredible memories of your Thailand trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: