Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour: Khai & Maya

A trip to Phuket wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the stunning Phi Phi Islands. Known worldwide for their dramatic limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, these islands are a highlight for anyone visiting Thailand. While many tours promise a memorable day, this particular speedboat adventure from Phuket stands out for its seamless organization, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to visit multiple iconic spots in one day.

In this review, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — from the itinerary and what makes each stop special to the overall value and potential caveats. If you’re considering this tour, understanding its details will help you decide if it fits what you’re looking for in a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands.

Three Things We Love About This Tour

1. Well-Organized and Informative Guides: The tour boasts a licensed, highly knowledgeable guide who keeps everyone safe and well-informed. Based on reviews, guides like Dee Dee make the experience both fun and educational, with ample tips on safety and the islands’ highlights.

2. Variety of Stunning Stops: From the famous Maya Bay to the more secluded Khai Nok Island, the itinerary balances popular sights with quieter spots. This means you get to see the breathtaking scenery and enjoy ample leisure time for swimming, relaxing, or snapping photos.

3. Good Value for the Price: At approximately $58.47 per person, this trip includes roundtrip transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, insurance, and fruit onboard. Considering the number of stops and the full-day itinerary, it offers considerable value, especially for first-time visitors eager to tick off multiple highlights in one go.

Potential Drawback: Some guests have mentioned that the boat ride can be a bit crowded, especially at popular photo spots like Maya Bay and Khai Nok Island. If you’re sensitive to noise or crowds, this is worth keeping in mind.

Who Would Love This Tour?
Travelers looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free day with plenty of opportunities for swimming and sightseeing will appreciate this trip. It’s especially good for those who want a balance of guided information and free time to explore independently.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Licensed, friendly, and informative, making the experience more enjoyable.
• Multiple Stops: Including Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, and Khai Nok Island.
• Full-Day Adventure: Around 8 hours from pickup to return, offering a thorough exploration.
• All-Inclusive Value: Lunch, snorkeling gear, insurance, and transfers included.
• Caution on Crowds: Popular stops may be busy, especially during peak season.
• Flexible Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing on beaches.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Departure and Early Morning Pickup

The day starts early around 7:30 am with hotel pickups (timing depends on your location). Reviews praise the smooth pickup process, though some mention delays due to Phuket traffic — a common issue in busy tourist spots. Expect a quick transfer to the pier, where you’ll register and receive your snorkeling gear, along with coffee, tea, snacks, and seasick pills. This thoughtful touch offers comfort after an early start.

First Stop: Maya Bay

The tour’s highlight, Maya Bay, is rightfully famous for its appearance in The Beach movie. You’ll get about 45 minutes on the white sandy beach to relax, soak up the scenery, or snap photos of the towering limestone cliffs. However, note that Maya Bay will be closed from August 1, 2024, to October 1, 2024, for conservation efforts. During this time, the tour will do a close-up sightseeing cruise instead, which some guests found a bit anticlimactic after the hype.

Monkey Beach: A Peek at Local Wildlife

Next, the boat stops at Monkey Beach, a tiny bay where you might encounter the island’s famous monkeys. Be aware, as some reviewers noted, the tide can make this stop tricky: during high tide, the island disappears, and the stop might be just for sightseeing rather than swimming. This flexibility is good, but if you’re eager to snorkel or get close to the monkeys, timing and tide conditions matter.

Viking Cave: A Cultural Landmark

The Viking Cave, visible from the boat, is famous for its ancient paintings attributed to pirates or early explorers. While you won’t disembark, seeing it from the boat offers a glimpse into the island’s history. The cave’s mysterious murals add an extra layer of intrigue for those interested in local lore.

Pileh Bay: Crystal Clear Waters

At Pileh Lagoon, around 45 minutes are allocated for swimming and paddleboarding. Many guests rave about the pristine, turquoise waters — perfect for a leisurely float or capturing postcard-worthy shots. For an extra fee, you can hire a traditional Thai longtail boat to take photos from different angles, adding a unique perspective to your trip.

Lunch and Free Time at Phi Phi Don

Midday is dedicated to Phi Phi Don, the main island. Guests who prefer not to snorkel first can enjoy a Thai lunch at Arida Restaurant, which caters to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal diets. After eating, you get about an hour to relax on the beach, soak up the sun, or explore the island’s shops and cafes at your own pace.

Snorkeling and Optional Water Activities

Some travelers, including reviewers, appreciated being taken snorkeling before lunch to prevent discomfort from full stomachs. The shallow reefs around Phi Phi offer vibrant marine life, and the guides are known for their patience and helpful instructions. If you want to go beyond snorkeling, Khai Nok Island offers additional water activities, though extras are charged separately.

Khai Nok Island: Relaxation and Marine Life

The final stop is Khai Nok Island, just an hour of swimming, sunbathing, or relaxing among the fish. It’s a quiet, less crowded spot ideal for winding down with a cocktail or some water play. Guests have shared that the island’s waters are lively with fish, making it a favorite for underwater photos and swimming.

Return to Phuket

The trip wraps up around 4:30 pm with a smooth transfer back to the pier and your hotel. Some guests mention that the early start and long day make this tour best suited for those eager for a full experience rather than a leisurely, dawdling day.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Guides and Crew

Guests consistently praise the guides — particularly Dee Dee — for their friendliness and professionalism. They keep the group safe, distribute snorkeling gear efficiently, and provide engaging commentary. Their enthusiasm adds a lot to what could otherwise feel like a standard boat ride.

The Variety of Stops

Covering Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, and Khai Nok Island, this tour offers a comprehensive look at the Phi Phi Islands’ most acclaimed sights. The mix of beaches, cultural landmarks, and marine activities ensures there’s something for all, whether you want to relax, swim, or learn.

The Food and Amenities

The included Thai lunch is well-reviewed and accommodating of dietary preferences. Fruits and bottled water keep you refreshed throughout the day. The safety equipment and insurance coverage add peace of mind, especially for those new to snorkeling or boat trips.

The Value Proposition

At just under $60, this trip packs in a lot of value. You’re paying for a full day’s adventure with transportation, guides, meals, and equipment—all of which you’d likely pay extra for independently. The flexible timing and variety of spots mean you can tailor your experience to your preferences.

Potential Caveats and Considerations

While many guests love the experience, some highlight areas for improvement. Crowds can be intense at popular stops like Maya Bay and Khai Nok Island, which could detract from the tranquility some travelers seek. The boat ride, especially during peak season, can feel crowded and noisy. Plus, Maya Bay’s temporary closure might disappoint those hoping to see it in its full glory.

Lastly, the tour’s logistics depend heavily on Phuket’s traffic conditions, which can sometimes cause delays in pickup or return. Reviewers suggest being patient and flexible on timing.

Final Thoughts

This Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour from Phuket balances excitement, scenic beauty, and convenience. It’s best suited for travelers who want to see multiple key sights without the hassle of planning each detail themselves. The guides’ expertise, combined with the variety of stops, creates a rich experience—perfect for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.

If you’re after a busy, full-day adventure with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying delicious Thai cuisine, this tour delivers. Its strong reviews and comprehensive itinerary make it a trustworthy option for exploring the iconic Phi Phi Islands.

However, if you prefer quieter, less crowded environments or a more relaxed pace, you might want to consider timings outside peak season or look for a smaller group tour. Either way, this trip provides a fantastic snapshot of what makes the Phi Phi Islands a must-see destination for anyone visiting Thailand.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel is offered, though the timing depends on your location. The tour confirms pickup times the day before.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, from early morning pickup to late afternoon return.

What is included in the price?
The price covers roundtrip transfers, lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fruits, accident insurance, a licensed guide, and life jackets.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Yes, the national park entrance fee is THB400 per adult (THB200 per child), payable on site. Additional water activities at Khai Nok Island are charged separately.

Will I get to snorkel?
Yes, snorkeling is included and is offered at multiple stops, including Pileh Bay and Phi Phi Island, with guides helping those new to the activity.

What about Maya Bay’s closure?
Maya Bay is closed from August 1 to October 1, 2024, for conservation. During this time, the tour will do a scenic cruise rather than beach visits.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely, yes, especially since it includes safety gear and a flexible itinerary. However, very young children should be comfortable on a speedboat for several hours.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour is fixed in its itinerary, but you can choose to swim or relax at each stop according to your preference. Optional activities like paddleboarding are available at extra cost.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience the Phi Phi Islands for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. With excellent guides, diverse stops, and good value, it’s a solid choice if you’re eager for a full day of island exploration.