Phi Phi: Exclusive Half Day Longtail Boat to Maya Bay

If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters, iconic beaches, and underwater adventures on Koh Phi Phi, this private longtail boat tour offers a personalized way to see the highlights. It’s a perfect blend of scenic cruising, snorkeling, and relaxation—without the typical crowds and rushed schedules.

What makes this experience particularly appealing? First, the flexibility in timing—you can pick a departure that suits your plans, from early morning to sunset. Second, the small group size ensures a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere, often with just you and your partner or a small group of friends. Third, the expert captain and the opportunity to explore at your own pace means you’ll likely get a more authentic, less cookie-cutter experience.

However, a caveat is that the tour relies heavily on good weather due to its outdoor, boat-based nature. Strong winds or rough seas could lead to cancellations or limited activity at certain stops. This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a flexible schedule, are comfortable on boats, and want to focus on natural beauty rather than guided commentary.

This tour works well for those seeking a private, scenic adventure with ample time to take photos, snorkel, and truly enjoy Koh Phi Phi’s most famous sights in a laid-back setting.

Key Points

• Personalized Schedule: You can choose your departure time, making it adaptable to your day.
• Small Group & Privacy: Limited to 1-2 persons or more, ideal for couples or small groups.
• Comprehensive Stops: Includes Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, Shark Point, and Loh Samah Bay.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: Opportunities to snorkel and observe vibrant marine ecosystems.
• Expertise in Guides: The captain is knowledgeable and provides insights into marine and local history.
• Sufficient Time & Flexibility: Approximate 4-hour duration allows relaxed exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Tour Experience

Booking and Meeting

The tour begins at the McDonald’s on Koh Phi Phi’s Tonsai Bay, a familiar landmark that’s easy to find. You should arrive about 20 minutes early to meet your captain, who communicates via WhatsApp—something many reviewers appreciated for its clarity and convenience. The meeting point coordinates are specific, so checking your map beforehand prevents confusion, especially since some apps might mistakenly point to Ao Nang or Krabi.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour packs in several must-see spots, each with its unique appeal. Starting at Monkey Beach, you’ll have a chance to see wild monkeys in their natural environment. A reviewer mentioned that spotting and photographing these creatures is a highlight, but they also advised being careful—”watch and photograph wild monkeys in their natural coastal habitat.”

Next is Viking Cave, renowned for its ancient drawings on limestone walls. Many travelers find Viking Cave fascinating, both for its historical significance and the chance to see it from the boat, offering a different perspective from the crowded boat tours.

Pileh Lagoon offers a peaceful swim in clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and snapping photos of the dramatic cliffs surrounding it. Some reviews mention the lagoon’s beauty and recommend taking your time here, as it’s a tranquil spot to relax and soak in the scenery.

The Loh Samah Bay stop allows you to hop off onto a floating pier for a brief exploration before heading to Maya Bay, the star of the tour. Although Maya Bay has been closed to visitors on land since August 2026 for conservation, the boat still offers spectacular views of its famous white sands and shimmering turquoise waters. Travelers have noted that this is a unique chance to admire the iconic bay without the crowds.

Shark Point is a highlight for many snorkeling aficionados. The waters here are known for their coral reefs and the chance to observe blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitat. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was especially insightful about marine life behavior, making the snorkeling experience both safe and interesting.

The Experience

The longtail boat itself is a classic Thai vessel—small, nimble, and perfect for navigating the intricate coastline of Koh Phi Phi. The boat’s size and the private nature of the trip mean you can customize your stops and spend as much or as little time at each location as you wish. Reviewers appreciated this freedom, noting that they could linger at Maya Bay or Shark Point without feeling rushed.

The captain plays a vital role in the experience. Many reviews praise the guides for their friendliness, local knowledge, and safety-conscious attitude. One reviewer specifically praised the captain for allowing them to explore independently, making the day feel more like a personalized adventure rather than a scripted tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Snorkeling & Marine Encounters

Snorkeling opportunities abound at Pileh Lagoon and Shark Point. The waters are clear, and the marine life is vibrant. Some travelers shared that they saw a variety of colorful fish and coral, making it well worth bringing your underwater camera. The chance to see blacktip reef sharks in their natural environment is a memorable highlight—many reviewers commented on the thrill and the professionalism of the guide in keeping everything safe.

Timing and Sunset Option

The standard duration is about 4 hours, but the tour offers flexibility to end at sunset if you choose. Witnessing the sunset from the boat is described as breathtaking—a perfect way to cap off a day of island exploration.

Cost, Value, and Practicalities

While the tour doesn’t specify a fixed price in the data, it’s important to consider the value of a private, flexible experience. For a small group (1-2 persons), you’re paying for personalized service, fewer crowds, and the chance to customize your day. The 400 THB National Park fee is an additional cost payable in cash at Maya Bay, which is standard for conservation efforts.

The tour includes essentials like transportation, snorkeling gear, and a knowledgeable captain. Remember to bring along sunscreen, a hat, towel, camera, and cash for the park fee and any extras.

Reviews and Real-World Insights

Authentic reviews give a balanced picture. Some travelers highlight the excellent communication and flexibility, with one saying, “The guide on the day was brilliant and allowed us full freedom.” Others, however, recall issues like a boat breakdown—“the boat broke down 20 minutes into the trip,” and the captain’s lack of communication. While such incidents are unpredictable, they underscore the importance of good weather and a trustworthy captain.

Overall, most reviews are positive, emphasizing stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and a relaxed pace. The tour’s small group size and ability to customize the itinerary make it stand out from larger, more rigid options.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who value a private, flexible adventure over a large, crowded tour. It’s perfect if you want a scenic day with plenty of opportunities to snorkel and take photos, and if you enjoy being on the water in a laid-back setting.

It’s also a good pick for adventurous travelers comfortable on boats and those willing to pay a bit extra for a more personalized experience. If you’re seeking a more guided, educational tour, some may find this a bit lacking, as the focus is on exploring rather than detailed commentary.

Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or babies under one year, due to the outdoor boat setting and physical nature of the experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s best for children over the age of one who are comfortable on boats. Very young kids or babies may not be suitable due to safety and comfort concerns.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for the national park fee.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, you can select a departure time from 6:00 to 19:00, allowing you to plan around your other activities.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Light rain and some weather conditions are common, and tours usually still operate if safe. However, severe weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

How many people are on the boat?
The tour is limited to 1-2 persons or more, providing a private, intimate experience.

What is the duration of the tour?
Approximately 4 hours, but flexible depending on your preferences and weather.

Is there a guide on board?
Yes, the captain is knowledgeable and provides insights into the marine environment and local sights.

Are there snorkeling opportunities?
Absolutely, at Pileh Lagoon and Shark Point, with vibrant marine life and coral reefs to explore.

Do I have to pay extra for park entry?
Yes, a 400 THB national park fee is payable in cash at Maya Bay.

Are there any restrictions on what I can do?
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing at each stop, but Maya Bay’s beach remains closed to visitors for conservation until 2026.

Final Word

This private longtail boat tour of Koh Phi Phi offers a fantastic option for travelers craving an authentic, customizable day out on the water. The ability to choose your start time, explore at your own pace, and enjoy stunning scenery makes it stand out from larger group tours. The knowledge of the captain and the small group setting create a relaxed, personalized vibe that’s hard to beat.

While weather can be a factor, most reviewers agree that the experience is worthwhile, especially if you’re passionate about marine life, photography, and scenic vistas. It’s best suited for those who want a peaceful, flexible adventure with a genuine connection to Koh Phi Phi’s natural beauty.

If you’re after a memorable, intimate escape that balances sightseeing with relaxation, this tour might just fit the bill perfectly.

You can check availability for your dates here: