Phi Phi: 7 Islands Speed Boat to Maya Bay and Bamboo

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, soft white beaches, and a day packed with island adventures, the Phi Phi: 7 Islands Speed Boat tour offers just that. While it’s not a perfect experience — with some mixed reviews about service and organization — it does have standout moments that make it a worthwhile choice for eager explorers. We’ll take you through what to expect, the highlights, and some honest insights to help you decide if this tour suits your travel style.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to visit Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, is a draw for many. Second, snorkeling at Shark Point to spot blacktip reef sharks offers a thrill for underwater enthusiasts. Lastly, the evening stop to observe bioluminescent plankton provides a magical, almost otherworldly experience.

However, a potential caveat is that some guests have experienced abrupt staff behavior and issues with lunch service, which can impact the overall vibe. The tour is best suited for those who love a packed itinerary, stunning scenery, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability in service. If you’re after a relaxed, luxury experience, you might want to explore other options. But for adventure-seekers and photo lovers, this trip packs plenty of photo-worthy moments.

Key Points

• Iconic sights: Visit Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach on a single day.
• Snorkeling opportunities: Encounter marine life, including reef sharks, at Shark Point and Nui Bay.
• Beautiful beaches: Relax at Bamboo Island and Loh Moo Dee Beach.
• Unique experiences: See bioluminescent plankton at sunset, offering a magical glow.
• Fast-paced itinerary: Expect a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and beach time.
• Mixed reviews: Staff and lunch service may not meet all expectations, so manage your expectations accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point and Group Size

You’ll meet your guides in front of McDonald’s at Koh Phi Phi Krabi, with options for different departure times — 8:30 am or 9:30 am. The tour is conducted in English with a live guide, but specific group sizes aren’t stated, though speedboat tours typically keep groups manageable for better interaction.

The Itinerary: A Whirlwind of Highlights

Monkey Beach kicks off the day — a fun, lively spot to see wild monkeys close up. While adorable, be cautious about your belongings as monkeys are notorious for grabbing snacks and sunglasses. Expect about 30 minutes here, which is enough for some photos and a quick peek.

Next, you’ll visit the Viking Cave, which is not only visually striking but also piques curiosity with its history and the bird’s nests. The tour includes some snorkeling here, giving you an initial taste of the marine life.

Pileh Lagoon is a standout moment — a natural pool with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. We loved the tranquility of this spot, though it’s often crowded, so arrive early or be prepared for some elbowing in the water.

Loh Samah Bay is a quick hop-on, hop-off stop that leads to the main event, Maya Bay. The beach here is stunning, but swimming is restricted for conservation reasons, so you’ll spend about an hour relaxing or taking photos from the shore.

Shark Point offers a chance to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks — a rare and exciting experience. One reviewer noted, “We snorkeled with reef sharks — it was honestly quite thrilling, and the water was clear enough to see plenty of marine life.” Keep in mind, Shark Point is more about observing the sharks than swimming with them closely.

Bamboo Island is your next stop, where you can unwind on soft white sands, swim, or snorkel. It’s a highlight for many, especially those looking for a relaxing break amid the busy day. Expect about an hour here.

Finally, the tour includes a stop at Nui Bay, where you can snorkel in front of the “camel rock,” a distinctive natural formation, before returning to Koh Phi Phi. The trip wraps up back at McDonald’s, around 8 hours after departure.

The Experience: Realities and Rewards

While the itinerary promises a full day of island hopping, marine exploration, and beach lounging, the actual experience can vary. Some guests have expressed dissatisfaction with the food service, noting that despite paying for lunch, they never received it. One reviewer from the UK commented, “We never got any kind of food, even at lunch we paid for — they never gave us.” This suggests that you should consider bringing your own snacks or a packed lunch if possible.

The boat ride itself is a major part of the adventure. Expect a speedy journey across waters, which can be exhilarating but also a bit bumpy depending on sea conditions. The tour’s duration of 8 hours is tight but designed to cover as much ground as possible, making it better suited for energetic travelers rather than those seeking a leisurely day.

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Weather and Seasonality

The tour operates year-round but is subject to weather conditions, especially during the rainy season from May to December. Rain might not cancel the trip but could make the experience less enjoyable, especially at open-air stops. The tour will proceed in rain if conditions are deemed safe, but refunds are not provided for weather-related issues. Maya Bay itself is closed annually in August and September to protect the environment, during which the tour adjusts to spend more time at other locations.

Transportation and Logistics

You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Koh Phi Phi, as the tour departs from Krabi. Since the island is only accessible by ferry or speedboat, an overnight stay is recommended if you want to maximize your time. The tour does not include transfers, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who crave adventure, scenic vistas, and a packed schedule. It’s perfect if you want to tick off multiple iconic spots in one day, especially if marine life snorkeling and beach lounging are high on your list. Underwater photography enthusiasts will love the chance to see reef sharks and vibrant coral, while those seeking a magical sunset experience will enjoy the bioluminescent plankton.

However, if you prioritize luxury, relaxed pace, or premium amenities, this tour might fall short. The mixed reviews about staff behavior and the lack of included lunch highlight that this is more of a budget-friendly, activity-heavy experience rather than a premium service.

Final Thoughts

This speedboat tour offers a whirlwind introduction to the Phi Phi Islands’ most famous spots. You’ll get the chance to see the iconic Maya Bay, snorkel with sharks, and relax on pristine beaches, all packed into a single day. The stunning scenery and variety of stops make it a good choice for energetic travelers eager to maximize their island time.

That said, it’s worth managing your expectations around service quality and meal arrangements. The experience’s highlights — especially the snorkeling and the chance to see bioluminescence — are worth the price if you’re up for a lively, adventure-filled day. Keep in mind that the weather can influence your journey, so flexibility is key.

In short, if you’re looking for an active day with plenty of photo opportunities and marine encounters, this tour could be just what you need. Just be prepared for a fast-paced ride and some bumps along the way.

FAQ

Is transportation included to the tour starting point?
No, you will need to arrange your own transport to Koh Phi Phi Krabi where the tour departs. An overnight stay on Koh Phi Phi is recommended due to limited transfer options.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. It’s also wise to carry some snacks or drinks, especially since lunch may not be provided.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or babies under 1 year, likely due to the speedboat ride and physical activity involved.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, starting early in the morning and returning around late afternoon.

What is the biggest highlight of this tour?
Many guests find snorkeling at Shark Point and the views around Maya Bay to be the standout moments, alongside the magical evening bioluminescent plankton.

Are the beaches crowded?
Yes, especially Maya Bay and Bamboo Island, which are popular and can get busy. Arriving early helps avoid some of the crowds.

Can I swim at Maya Bay?
Swimming is restricted at Maya Bay for conservation, but you can relax on the beach or take photos from the shore.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour proceeds in rainy weather if conditions are safe. However, severe weather could lead to cancellations or delays.

Is there a lunch included?
Paid for but not guaranteed. Some guests, including a reviewer from the UK, reported not receiving lunch even after paying, so consider bringing your own food.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, action-packed day of island discovery with some unforgettable sights. While not perfect, its emphasis on scenic views, snorkeling, and beach relaxation makes it a good pick for those eager to experience much of Phi Phi in a single day — just keep your expectations in check regarding service and amenities.

You can check availability for your dates here: