Phi Phi Island Tour by Speedboat from Krabi with Lunch (SHA Plus)

Taking a trip to the Phi Phi Islands is often considered a highlight of any Thailand itinerary. This speedboat tour from Krabi promises a day of stunning scenery, snorkeling, and island hopping—packed into roughly 10 hours. While many travelers rave about the scenery and guide expertise, some point out that the crowds and transportation quality can be hit or miss. We’ll look at what you can realistically expect, from the highlights to the pitfalls, to help you decide if this trip suits your travel style.

What we love about this experience are the opportunity to see iconic spots like Maya Bay (yes, the “Beach” film location), the value-packed lunch overlooking Phi Phi Don, and the knowledgeable guides who make sure you get the most from your day. The snorkeling gear included at no extra cost is also a plus. On the flip side, some mention that the crowd levels and transportation comfort could be better, especially during peak season. If you’re after a fun, scenic day with plenty of photo opportunities, and don’t mind sharing the beaches with other travelers, this tour could be perfect. It’s ideal for those who want a guided, organized trip that covers the main highlights efficiently.

Key Points

• Highlights iconic locations like Maya Bay and Bamboo Island, perfect for photo ops.
• Includes a Thai lunch, with scenic views, offering good value for money.
• Snorkeling equipment provided, no hidden charges, making it easy to explore underwater life.
• Group size is small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Reviews mention both stunning scenery and overcrowded beaches, so expectations should be managed.
• Tour operates with professional guides, who provide helpful tips and insights throughout the day.

What to Expect from the Phi Phi Island Speedboat Tour

The Booking and Meeting Points

Most travelers book the tour around 24 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular but also manageable to secure a spot well ahead of time. The tour begins early, with pick-ups from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or Klong Muang around 7:50–8:00 am. This means you’ll need to be ready for an early start. The return from Ao Nang is around 4:00 pm, giving you a full 10 hours to enjoy the islands.

Transportation & Group Size

The tour uses a speedboat, which offers quick and lively transit between islands. The watercraft accommodates about 35 people, but the land transfer is limited to 15 travelers per vehicle. This smaller group size helps avoid feeling too crowded during pickup and drop-off, but on the water, it’s a shared experience with other boats, which can sometimes lead to congestion at popular stops.

Itinerary Breakdown

Now, let’s walk through the day’s itinerary, which hits some of the most famous spots in the Phi Phi archipelago:

Bamboo Island: Starting off, you’ll hop onto the speedboat and head directly to Bamboo Island. It’s praised for its golden sands, coral reefs, and shallow waters perfect for snorkeling. Reviewers mention it’s a great spot to relax, explore coral formations, and take photos. One traveler noted, “Beautiful water, snorkeling, beaches, free water and lunch, and island tours for both the main 2 islands.” However, others have remarked that the beaches can get crowded quickly, especially on peak days.

Viking Cave: A brief sightseeing stop where you can admire the caves famous for their historical significance and seabird nests. No entry is included, but the sight of the caves adds a scenic touch to the journey.

Loh Samah Bay: Known for its colorful coral reefs and vibrant marine life, this stop allows for snorkeling. Travelers report abundant fish and coral, making it a highlight for underwater enthusiasts. One reviewer said, “Colorful fishes and corals,” which indicates plenty to see if you have your snorkeling gear.

Paleh Bay: Often described as a postcard-perfect lagoon, this quiet bay offers calm waters and stunning cliffs. It’s a good spot for swimming and relaxing, with no mention of overcrowding here, making it a serene break from the busy spots.

Maya Bay: The star of the tour, featured in “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay is stunning but often crowded. Many travelers are excited to see it, but some mention it gets overwhelmed by travelers, which can detract from the experience. As one review states, “the beaches are overcrowded,” and fumes from boats can be noticeable. Still, for many, the iconic views make it worthwhile.

Monkey Beach: Seen from the boat rather than on foot, you’ll get a quick glimpse of the lively monkeys and the beach itself. It’s a fun photo opportunity but keep in mind this is a quick stop rather than an in-depth visit.

Phi Phi Don & Lunch: The largest island hosts the tour’s lunch break, where you’ll enjoy a buffet with Thai food and scenic views from a lookout point. Some reviews mention that the lunch is “complimentary,” and the food is decent, making it a good value add. Afterward, there’s time for souvenir shopping, giving you a chance to pick up mementos.

Snorkeling and Equipment

Snorkeling gear is included on the boat, which many travelers appreciate for convenience. You won’t need to pay extra for equipment, and guides often offer tips on where to get the best underwater photos.

Guide and Safety

The guides are generally praised for being knowledgeable and helpful. They provide hints on the best spots for snorkeling and taking photos, which can enhance your experience. Insurance and marine park fees are included, giving peace of mind that your safety and park entry costs are covered.

Experience Quality and Review Insights

Travelers’ reviews paint a mixed picture. Some describe the day as “beautiful, like paradise,” with wonderful water and beaches. Olivia_S loved the “free water and lunch,” and the chance to explore both main islands. Conversely, others found the experience too crowded and noisy, with Lisa_M noting that beaches felt “overcrowded” and transportation was “uncomfortable.” One reviewer even pointed out the water fumes and trash at a swimming stop—highlighting that the reality can sometimes fall short of postcard-perfect expectations.

Despite these varied opinions, many appreciate the expert guides and the scenic highlights. Lakshmi_P called it “the best Phi Phi island tour,” emphasizing the fun and the guide’s quality. This suggests that if you’re flexible and enjoy organized tours, you’ll find plenty to love.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $108.05 per person, the tour offers a lot—transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, and a guided itinerary. For many, this represents good value, especially considering the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. The included Marine Park fee and insurance are added bonuses, removing unexpected costs. Still, the crowds can impact overall enjoyment, so if you seek quiet, this might not be your ideal trip.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, guided day to see the main highlights of the Phi Phi Islands without the hassle of planning individual transportation. It suits those who don’t mind sharing with other travelers and are keen to see Maya Bay and other iconic spots. It’s also a good choice if you value included food and snorkeling gear as part of the package.

However, if you prefer a more private, leisurely experience or dislike crowded beaches, you might want to explore alternative options or visit during less busy times.

The Sum Up

In the end, the Phi Phi Island Tour by Speedboat from Krabi offers a fun-packed day filled with beauty, snorkeling, and iconic sights. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for a convenient, guided experience with good value, especially if visiting during peak season when crowds are inevitable. The knowledgeable guides and scenic stops make it memorable, even if some beaches can get busy.

This tour is best suited for those who want to tick off the main sights quickly, enjoy snorkeling, and don’t mind sharing the space with many others. It’s a great way to see the highlights of Phi Phi in a single day, provided you go into it with realistic expectations about crowds and transportation comfort.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (at selected hotels), a Thai buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, an experienced guide, insurance, and marine park fees.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning with pickups around 7:50–8:00 am and returning around 4:00 pm.

Where does the tour depart from?
From Krabi, with pickups available from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and Klong Muang.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included at no extra cost.

What are the main stops on this tour?
Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Bay, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Phi Phi Don for lunch and shopping.

Are the beaches crowded?
Many reviews mention overcrowding at Maya Bay and other popular spots, especially during peak times.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers find it appropriate, but keep in mind the early start and long day. Small groups help make the trip more comfortable.

Can I expect quiet spots?
Some stops, like Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Bay, are quieter and more relaxed, but overall, the area can be busy.

Is the tour safe?
Yes, safety measures are in place, including life jackets and insurance, with guides providing helpful instructions.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and waterproof camera; the tour provides water and fruits, but extra snacks are optional.

Choosing this Phi Phi Islands tour means opting for a day of stunning scenery, guided insights, and fun on the water. Just remember to set realistic expectations about crowds—those postcard-perfect shots might be more crowded than you think!