Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser with Lunch by The Sea

Thinking about a day trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands from Phuket? This tour promises scenic ferry rides, snorkeling, beach time, and a tasty Thai buffet—all wrapped up in a comfortable boat experience. While the tour offers some incredible views and memorable moments, it also has its share of hiccups worth considering.

We love the chance to glide across the emerald waters aboard a spacious vessel, the opportunity to snorkel among vibrant marine life, and the convenience of hotel pickup—especially if you’re staying in busy Phuket. The inclusion of a delicious local Thai buffet on the island is another highlight, perfect for sampling authentic flavors.

However, some reviews point out that the boat can feel crowded and that the trip sometimes skims the surface rather than offering a fully immersive experience. This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a relaxed day with scenic highlights, decent facilities, and a straightforward itinerary—ideal for those who prioritize comfort over adventure.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transport: Spacious, air-conditioned boat and hotel pickups make for a relaxing journey.
• Scenic Views: Expect stunning vistas of limestone cliffs, white sands, and emerald waters.
• Snorkeling & Beach Time: Good opportunity for snorkeling and relaxing on pristine beaches.
• Delicious Thai Lunch: An included buffet offers authentic Thai dishes, adding value.
• Crowded Boat Experience: Some reviews mention the boat can be packed, impacting comfort.
• Variable Tour Quality: Experiences can fluctuate depending on weather, sighting conditions, and crowd size.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

Easy Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The tour kicks off early, with pickup times generally between 7:00 and 7:15 am, depending on your hotel’s location in Phuket. The shared van transfer heads straight to Rassada Pier, where you’ll board the Royal Jet Cruiser—an impressively large and comfortable vessel. This aspect is a definite plus, especially if you’re traveling with family or in a group, as the transfer is smooth and hassle-free, with most travelers appreciating the convenience.

The Scenic Ferry Ride

Departing around 8:30 am, the cruise across the Andaman Sea is a highlight for many. You’ll enjoy snacks and soft drinks on board while taking in the views of towering limestone formations and emerald waters that define the islands. The boat’s size and comfort level aim to provide a stable ride, but some reviews mention it can be crowded. Still, the scenery from the deck is stunning, making it a great way to start the day.

Sightseeing and Island Hopping

The first stop is Phi Phi Ley Island, around 10:40 am, where the boat cruises past iconic spots like Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay. These sites are naturally photogenic, with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. During the sightseeing cruise, the guide points out notable features, but some travelers note that the journey is more about quick glimpses than in-depth exploration. Depending on weather conditions, the exact sightseeing route might vary.

Beach Time at Phi Phi Don

Around 11:15 am, the boat arrives at Phi Phi Don for a brief swimming session. This is usually the most relaxed part of the trip, allowing you to dip into warm, clear waters and enjoy some leisure time on the beach. Reviewers mention that this stop provides a decent chance to unwind and take photos, though the limited time means you need to be quick to enjoy the water.

Lunch on the Island

At approximately 12:30 pm, a buffet lunch is served at a local restaurant, offering Thai specialties. Many travelers appreciate the variety and quality of the food, describing it as good value and tasty. After lunch, you have some free time—ideal for exploring nearby shops or relaxing on the beach. Keep in mind that some reviews advise rushing back to the boat promptly, as the schedule is tight.

Return Journey and Drop-off

The cruise back to Phuket departs around 2:30 pm, arriving at Rassada Pier by around 4:00 pm. Hotel transfers are included again, making the end of your day smooth and convenient.

The Good, The Not-So-Good, and The Unexpected

Why You’ll Love It

Incredible Views & Snorkeling: The cruise offers the chance to see some of the most iconic limestone cliffs and white sandy beaches in the region. Snorkeling among coral reefs and marine life is a definite highlight for many travelers. Reviewers mention seeing exotic fish and vibrant coral, with some even paying extra for additional island boat rides.

Comfortable, Well-Organized Transport: The large, air-conditioned boat and hotel pickup service make for a relaxed start and end to your day. The tour’s logistics are generally smooth, with most reviews appreciating the efficiency.

Value for Money: At around $159.67 per person, including lunch, transportation, island entry fees, and a guide, the overall package is reasonable—especially if you’re after a straightforward day with scenic stops and some beach time.

What Could Be Better

Crowded Boat Experience: Several reviews complain that the boat can feel jam-packed, diminishing comfort and making it harder to enjoy the scenery or relax on deck. If you’re prone to feeling claustrophobic, this could be a drawback.

Limited Time on Islands: The schedule is tight, with just about an hour and a half on Phi Phi Don and a quick swim. This leaves little room for exploring or relaxing at your own pace.

Tour Content vs. Expectation: Some travelers felt that the trip was mostly transportation with limited actual touring—just a quick cruise past sights. One reviewer summed it up as “merely a ferry transportation from Phuket to one of the Phi Phi islands,” with the buffet lunch being subpar.

Weather & Sea Conditions: The itinerary mentions that sightseeing and stops depend heavily on weather—bad weather could mean changes or cancellations of certain activities, impacting your experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers wanting a stress-free introduction to Phi Phi Islands with comfortable transport, scenic views, and a decent amount of beach time. It’s ideal if you prefer a guided, organized day rather than a DIY island-hopping adventure, and if you’re happy with a schedule that’s more about sightseeing than in-depth exploration.

However, if you’re after a more intimate or active experience—like longer snorkeling sessions or exploring hidden beaches—this tour might feel a bit rushed or superficial. The crowded boat environment may also not be suitable for those seeking serenity or solitude.

Final Thoughts

This Phi Phi Island tour offers a solid balance of scenic beauty, comfort, and convenience. The boat’s spaciousness, the onboard snacks, and the included buffet lunch are definite perks, making it a reasonable choice for those who want to see the highlights without too much hassle.

That said, the experience’s quality can fluctuate based on weather and group size. If you’re okay with some crowds and a fast-paced schedule, you’ll likely enjoy the stunning views and snorkeling opportunities. For travelers seeking a more private or leisurely adventure, consider smaller tours or private excursions.

This tour presents good value for those who prioritize comfort, scenic views, and easy logistics, making it a practical day trip option from Phuket.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour typically begins with hotel pickups around 7:00 to 7:15 am, depending on your location, with departure from Rassada Pier at 8:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, shared van transfer from Phuket hotels in areas like Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, or Karon Beach is included.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours, from pickup to return, with the main activities concentrated around a few hours on Phi Phi Don.

What is included in the price?
The package covers hotel transfers, round-trip boat transfers, snacks and soft drinks on board, a buffet lunch, a guide, and island entry fees.

Are there any activities not included?
Optional gratuities are not included, and additional boat rides or snorkeling gear might be extra if you choose to extend your time or explore independently.

Is snorkeling available?
Yes, you can snorkel among marine life and coral reefs during the beach stop—many reviews mention seeing vibrant fish and clear waters.

What about the crowd level?
Some reviews mention that the boat can be quite full, which might affect comfort. It’s advisable if you dislike crowds or prefer more space, to consider early or private options.

Can I expect a relaxing day?
It depends. The schedule is tight, and the boat can be crowded, but if you enjoy scenic rides, snorkeling, and a quick beach escape, you’ll find it enjoyable.

In summary, the Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser provides a practical, scenic, and comfortable way to see some of Phuket’s most famous islands, albeit with some compromises on intimacy and pace. It’s best suited for travelers who value convenience, good value, and iconic views over privacy or extended exploration.