Phuket: Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling by Speedboat

Planning a day trip from Phuket to explore the famous Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island? This 10-hour speedboat tour promises a full day of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation in some of Thailand’s most breathtaking spots. While it packs in plenty of highlights, you’ll want to be prepared for a busy schedule and some crowds at popular sites.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines stunning natural beauty with fun activities like snorkeling and swimming, all guided by knowledgeable staff. The chance to see Viking Cave and Monkey Beach adds a sense of discovery you won’t get on a typical beach holiday. Plus, the included buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don gives travelers a chance to refuel without breaking the bank.

A minor consideration is that some stops can get quite crowded, especially Maya Bay, making that perfect photo moment a little more challenging. However, if you’re after a full, immersive day of island exploration with good value, this trip hits many marks. It’s best suited for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, marine life, and a lively boat ride.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering the highlights of Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island
• Expert-guided experience with lively, informative English-speaking guides
• Snorkeling and swimming opportunities in vibrant coral reefs and lagoons
• Includes a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, making fueling up easy
• Perfect for adventurous travelers looking for a full-day escape
• Crowds and weather considerations can influence the experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour starts with a hotel pickup (or meeting at Royal Phuket Marina) before a brief safety briefing—always good to know what to expect. Afterward, you’ll hop aboard a speedboat, which whisks you across the Gulf of Thailand in about an hour. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, offering quick, scenic passages between islands.

Visiting Maya Bay

One of the main attractions, Maya Bay, gained fame as the filming location for “The Beach.” The tour offers a photo stop and sightseeing around this iconic spot, which is often crowded but still breathtaking. Reviewers mention the crew’s attention to safety and their effort to get everyone the best view possible, even during busy times. You’ll have about 40 minutes here to take photos, snorkel, or just enjoy the scenery.

Exploring Pileh Lagoon

Next, the boat moves to Pileh Lagoon, a tranquil, emerald green spot perfect for swimming and marine life viewing. Visitors love the calm waters and the chance to paddleboard or snorkel in a less crowded environment—something that truly enhances the experience. Reviewers highlight how the guides are attentive, ensuring everyone gets the chance to enjoy the water comfortably.

Viking Cave and Monkey Beach

A quick stop at Viking Cave offers a glimpse into the past, with the added bonus of photos of its famous limestone cliffs. The Monkey Beach stop is lively, with playful monkeys that can be quite cheeky—be sure to keep your belongings secure. One reviewer notes, “naughty monkeys on the beach,” adding a memorable and amusing element to the day.

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Lunch at Phi Phi Don

The buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don is a highlight for many. It provides a chance to relax, refuel, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the main island. Reviewers describe the meal as delicious and satisfying, with enough variety to keep everyone happy.

Bamboo Island – A Tropical Paradise

The last major stop is Bamboo Island, a true picture postcard with white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Here, you’ll have about 70 minutes to swim, snorkel, or just unwind in the peaceful surroundings. Reviewers mention how this spot feels less crowded and more laid-back, offering a perfect end to the day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour’s structure is designed for maximum sightseeing within a tight schedule. Starting from Phuket, you’ll experience a 30-minute safety briefing before heading out on the one-hour speedboat ride. Each stop is carefully timed—around 40 minutes for Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave, plus 20 minutes at Monkey Beach—so you get a taste of everything without feeling rushed.

The main lunch stop at Phi Phi Don lasts about an hour, providing enough time to enjoy the buffet and explore a bit on foot. The final leg, taking about 70 minutes, is a relaxed cruise to Bamboo Island, where you can soak up the tranquility.

What Makes the Stops Special

• Maya Bay is a cinematic icon, but the crowds can be intense. Expect a busy, lively atmosphere but still incredible views.
• Pileh Lagoon offers a quieter, more serene environment for swimming and snorkeling.
• Viking Cave is fascinating, with its historical significance and stunning limestone walls.
• Monkey Beach is playful and lively—an experience that adds a dash of wildlife adventure.
• Bamboo Island delivers a relaxing finish with pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling.

The Guide and Crew: Making the Difference

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides like James and Dino for their friendly attitude and info-sharing. They’re attentive to safety, offering plenty of drinks, and ensuring everyone is comfortable. One reviewer mentioned having interesting conversations, which adds a personal touch. The crew’s efforts to keep the atmosphere lively and caring really stand out.

Practical Aspects

• The tour lasts about 10 hours, so be prepared for a full day.
• The group size is not specified but seems to be moderate, allowing for a more intimate experience.
• Transport and timing are generally smooth, with clear instructions on pickup and check-in.
• The price includes the boat rides, lunch, snorkeling gear, and guide services, offering good value given the number of stops.

What to Bring

To make the most of your day, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, cash for park fees (400 THB), and comfortable clothes. The tour operates rain or shine, so check the weather forecast but expect to go ahead in most conditions.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Several travelers appreciated the professionalism and friendliness of the crew, and the stellar guidance from guides like James and Dino. One reviewer described the snorkeling as incredible, highlighting the vibrant marine life around the reefs. Others mentioned the crowd levels at busy spots but noted that the staff did their best to maximize photo opportunities and safety.

A less positive review criticized the transportation logistics and price for rescheduling, but this seems to be an outlier. Overall, most found the experience to be well-organized and worth the price, especially considering the included meals, snorkeling gear, and expert guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to see the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands in one day. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable on boats, enjoy snorkeling, and want a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure. Families with children over 2 are welcome, but those with back problems, pregnant women, or heart issues should consider safety.

If you’re after a relaxed beach day with less emphasis on travel logistics, this might feel busy. However, if you love learning from guides, exploring caves, and taking photographs of iconic scenery, this tour is hard to beat.

The Sum Up

In the end, this speedboat tour of Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands offers an excellent way to pack a lot of natural beauty and adventure into one day. The guided experience helps you navigate the crowded spots and discover the stories behind the sights. You’ll love the variety of stops, from cinematic Maya Bay to tranquil Bamboo Island, and the chance to snorkel among vibrant reefs.

While the schedule is packed, the value for money is clear—especially with the included lunch and snorkeling gear. It suits travelers who want a full, engaging day in Thailand’s tropical waters with expert guides and incredible scenery.

If you’re keen to see the highlights of Phuket’s island gems, this tour provides a practical, memorable, and fun-packed experience that’s worth considering.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts around 10 hours from pickup to drop-off.

• What is included in the price?
  It covers boat rides, snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, guide services, and park fees.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  Children over 2 years old can join, but must be accompanied by a guardian.

• What should I bring?
  Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, camera, cash for fees, hat, and comfortable clothes.

• Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or those with health issues?
  No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or heart issues.

• How do I know pickup time?
  The exact pickup time is sent through the booking system; be ready 5 minutes before.

• Are vegetarian meals available?
  Yes, vegetarian options can be requested at booking.

• What happens if the weather is bad?
  The tour runs rain or shine, except in extreme weather conditions.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

• How crowded are the popular spots like Maya Bay?
  Expect crowds, but guides do their best to maximize your photo opportunities and comfort.

This tour offers a well-rounded, lively introduction to Phuket’s most famous islands. With stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and plenty of time for snorkeling and relaxing, it’s a great way to experience Thailand’s island magic in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: