Phi Phi Islands: Maya & Khai Speedboat Experience

A trip to Phuket isn’t complete without a visit to the world-famous Phi Phi Islands. Known for their towering limestone cliffs, sparkling beaches, and vibrant marine life, these islands draw travelers from around the globe. We’ve taken a close look at this speedboat tour to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your adventure in Thailand.

What immediately catches your eye about this experience is the value for money, the variety of stops, and the friendly, informative guides. You’ll get a full day of exploring, swimming, and relaxing, all packed into roughly 8 hours.

One potential downside is the group size and boat capacity, which some reviews mention as a concern. The experience might feel crowded if you’re expecting a more intimate trip. This tour generally suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day out and don’t mind sharing the boat with others. If you love sightseeing, swimming, and a touch of adventure, this could be a good choice.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers major highlights of Phi Phi and surrounding islands
• Value-driven price includes lunch, snorkeling gear, transfers, and entry fees
• Friendly guides known for their helpful and cheerful attitude
• Crowded boats are common, so expect a lively, bustling atmosphere
• Timing and flexibility might be affected by weather or group size
• Suitable for most travelers, but be prepared for a full day on the water

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups from various Phuket locations, including Patong, Kata, Karon, and others, around 7:30 am. The journey begins with a scenic transfer to the pier where a light breakfast awaits— a nice touch to start the day before the adventure begins.

Leaving Phuket by speedboat, your first stop is Maya Bay. Known globally thanks to the movie “The Beach,” Maya Bay offers stunning white sands and towering cliffs. The tour lasts about 45 minutes here, giving ample time for photos and a quick relax on the beach. However, it’s important to note that Maya Bay will be closed from August 1 to October 1, 2024, so if you’re traveling during that time, you’ll enjoy the view from the boat instead.

Monkey Beach follows, and while it’s a charming spot known for its playful primates, some reviews mention that the tide can cause the island to temporarily disappear. During high tide, the beach is submerged, so the stops can feel a bit unpredictable. Expect about 45 minutes here, with some opportunity to swim or just watch the monkeys.

Next is Viking Cave, famous for its ancient paintings and swallows’ nests. It’s a quick 30-minute sightseeing stop from the boat, giving you a glimpse into a mysterious part of the Phi Phi landscape.

The tour then heads to Pileh Bay, a highlight for many. The calm lagoon invites swimming and paddleboarding, and you might opt to pay extra for a longtail boat ride to capture pictures—locals often offer photo excursions here. Expect around 45 minutes at this serene spot, perfect for cooling off from the tropical sun.

Lunch and Snorkeling at Phi Phi Don

One of the tour’s key moments is lunch at Arida restaurant on Phi Phi Don. If you’re not into snorkeling first, you can opt to relax and enjoy your meal, which offers Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, and Halal options**. The meal is described as “great,” giving you a break to refuel before the next activity.

For those eager to snorkel, the guide will take you to nearby reefs for about 40 minutes before lunch, helping you avoid the post-meal nausea some travelers mention. The snorkeling gear is provided, ensuring you have everything needed to see the colorful fish and coral.

In the afternoon, the tour moves toward Khai Nok Island, a lesser-known spot where you can swim and relax. Some reviews highlight that water activities are available but charged extra, so budget accordingly if you want to try paddleboarding or rent equipment.

The Final Stops and Return

The last major stop is the Khai Island, where you can drink, swim, or just soak in the sun for about an hour. Many guests enjoy this peaceful finale before heading back to Phuket around 4:30 pm. The return trip offers time to reflect on a busy day, with the boat arriving at the pier for transfer back to your hotel.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

The most praised aspect is the knowledgeable and cheerful guides who make the day enjoyable despite the crowds. They often give helpful safety instructions, share interesting facts about the islands, and keep the energy high.

The stunning scenery is another key highlight. From Maya Bay’s iconic cliffs to Pileh Bay’s tranquil waters, the views are genuinely captivating—perfect for photos and moments of awe. Several reviews mention the delicious Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don, with some saying it was “lit” and an enjoyable break from sightseeing.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and many guests appreciated the chance to swim with colorful fish, especially at Khai Nok Island. The inclusion of fruits on board is a simple but thoughtful gesture that adds to the comfort and refreshment of the day.

The Main Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite the many positives, some reviews reveal common frustrations. Boat crowding is a frequent complaint, with travelers feeling squeezed into boats that often approach maximum capacity. One review specifically mentions over 35 passengers on a boat meant for 47, which could be uncomfortable for some.

Timing issues are also noted—delays in departure, short stops, and the unpredictability of island conditions can impact the overall experience. For example, if Maya Bay is closed, you might miss out on the famous beach, which could be disappointing.

Another consideration is the level of organization. Some guests felt that the stops were too short, and the crowds made it difficult to enjoy each spot fully. The tour is designed as a “see as much as possible” kind of day, so if you prefer a slower pace or more secluded experiences, this might not be your ideal trip.

Practical Details and Value for Money

At $88 per person, this tour offers good value considering it includes hotel transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, insurance, and entrance fees (THB 400 per adult, THB 200 per child). For a full day of sightseeing with multiple stops, it’s competitive, especially when you factor in the convenience of door-to-door pickup.

The group size, capped at 47, ensures a lively atmosphere but may feel crowded depending on the day. The timing from 7:30 am to around 4:30 pm makes it a long but rewarding day trip.

What’s included:

• Transfers from key Phuket locations
• Light breakfast and fruits
• Snorkeling equipment
• Thai lunch with dietary options
• Insurance and entrance fees

What’s not included:

• Towels (bring your own)
• Extra water activities (which can be paid for on-site)
• Private expenses or souvenirs

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who want a comprehensive day out, covering major highlights and enjoying guided commentary. It’s great for those comfortable with large groups and crowded boats, and who appreciate value for money. If you’re keen on snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing on beaches, this tour hits most of those points.

However, if you prefer a quiet, intimate experience or are sensitive to crowding, you might want to consider private options or smaller tours. Also, if visiting Maya Bay during its open season is a priority, plan accordingly before booking.

The Sum Up

The Phi Phi Islands: Maya & Khai Speedboat Experience offers a lively, full-day adventure packed with iconic sights, water activities, and local flavor. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a no-fuss, guided day that hits all the major spots with excellent scenery and good food.

While the crowds and short stops may not appeal to everyone, the tour’s friendly guides, stunning vistas, and inclusive price make it a solid choice for most travelers. It’s especially suited for those who want a value-packed day and don’t mind sharing the boat with others.

For a fun, scenic day out with plenty of swimming and sightseeing, this tour delivers a memorable experience – just come prepared for a bustling, energetic ride.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
Pickups begin around 7:30 am, with the exact time confirmed the day before. The tour typically ends around 4:30-5 pm.

Is breakfast included?
Yes, a light breakfast is provided at the pier before departure.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the location and conditions like tides.

Are snorkeling masks included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment including masks, snorkels, and life jackets are provided.

Can I bring my own towel?
Towels are not provided, so it’s a good idea to bring your own if you want to dry off after swimming.

What about food options?
A Thai lunch is included, with options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal diets.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the maximum group size is 47 travelers.

Will I see Maya Bay?
Yes, unless it’s closed from August to October 2024, in which case you will enjoy the view from the boat.

Are extra activities available?
Yes, water activities like paddleboarding or paying for a longtail boat ride are available, but at an additional cost.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers found it suitable for families, but watch out for the crowd and ensure your kids are comfortable on boats.

The Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour is a lively, scenic way to experience some of Thailand’s most famous islands, offering a good balance of adventure, comfort, and value. Just pack a sense of adventure and your sense of humor—you’re in for a memorable day.