Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour By Speedboat From Phuket

Phi Phi’s limestone shores, the famous curve of Maya Bay and a quick ride across the Andaman Sea make this a full, fast-paced day from Phuket. I like that hotel transfers, lunch, drinks and snorkeling gear are included, and I like the itinerary’s mix of water stops and a meal on Phi Phi Don.

The trade-off is that this is a sightseeing tour with snorkeling along the way, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. Conditions, crowds and the exact time you get in the water can vary, and the speedboat can make for a rough ride.

What to know before booking

• Maya Bay is a photo stop, not a promise of a quiet beach. You have about 30 minutes there, and the area can be crowded.
• Snorkeling time is limited and can vary. Some stops are primarily for views or swimming, and the water may be busy with other boats.
• The speedboat covers a lot of ground. The trade-off for visiting several islands in one day is a long ride, which can feel rough in unsettled weather.
• Ton Sai Beach is your lunch break. The itinerary allows an hour on Phi Phi Don for the included meal.
• Budget for the national park fee. It is listed separately at 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.
• The crew is a major part of the experience. Guides including Kit, Delia, Alex and Sunny have been singled out for keeping the group informed and in good spirits.

A long island day, with a quick boat ride

The tour lasts about 8 to 9 hours, starts at Royal Phuket Marina and returns there at the end. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but check your exact pickup time and location before the morning of the trip. Some schedules may involve a wait at the marina before the boat departs, so bring water, sun protection and a little patience.

The group can have up to 45 people. That is a useful limit to know, but it does not guarantee roomy seating: some people have found the boat crowded, with little space for belongings. Ask the operator if comfort and room to move are priorities for you.

The speedboat makes it possible to visit several places in one day, but this is not a gentle ferry crossing. One person described the ride as a rollercoaster, especially at the front. If you enjoy the thrill, that may be part of the fun. If you are prone to motion sickness, or simply prefer a steadier crossing, consider carefully before booking.

Ko Phi Phi Lee: swimming and snorkeling first

The first listed stop is Ko Phi Phi Lee, with about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is a short introduction to the day’s water time, rather than a long session to explore at your own pace. Bring your own mask if fit matters to you, though snorkeling equipment and life jackets are supplied.

The amount you can see in the water depends on the conditions and where the boat stops. Some people have enjoyed spotting fish, while others found the snorkeling brief or less rewarding than the scenery. I would book this trip for the islands as a whole, not on the assumption that every stop will offer clear water and abundant marine life.

Monkey Beach: a boat-side look

Monkey Beach is scheduled for about 30 minutes, but the name can create the wrong expectation. You may see the beach and monkeys from the boat rather than step ashore. If walking on the sand is important to you, check how this stop is operated on your departure date.

Wild monkeys are best seen without being fed or approached. Keep your belongings close, follow the crew’s directions and enjoy the view from a respectful distance. The beach itself is one part of the Phi Phi scenery, but this stop may be brief and dependent on local conditions.

Phi Phi Don and Ton Sai Beach: time to swim and eat

At Ko Phi Phi Don, the itinerary allows about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. It is another chance to get into the water, though this tour does not promise an uninterrupted hour of snorkeling. The boat may stop in an area shared with other vessels, and the conditions can affect how appealing it is to swim.

Ton Sai Beach is the lunch stop, also scheduled for an hour. Lunch and fresh fruit are included, along with soft drinks, tea and coffee during the tour. The meal has been described as a buffet, and the crew has accommodated vegetarian requests when told in the morning. If you have dietary needs or allergies, mention them before boarding and ask what is in the food.

Phi Phi Lee and Pi Leh Bay: more time on the water

The itinerary returns to Ko Phi Phi Lee for about 30 minutes of sightseeing and swimming, then allows another 30 minutes at Pi Leh Bay for swimming. These stops give you more chances to see the island from the water and take a break from the boat ride.

In practice, the number of boats and the water conditions can shape each stop. Some people have found certain bays crowded or less inviting for swimming. Treat the scheduled times as a guide to the day, not a guarantee that every cove will feel secluded.

Maya Bay: famous views, brief visit

Maya Bay is the tour’s best-known stop, associated with the film The Beach. You get about 30 minutes for sightseeing and photos, with swimming listed in the nearby area. The bay’s fame is part of the appeal, but it also draws crowds, and a short visit can feel rushed when many boats and people are there.

Set your expectations accordingly: this is a chance to see the setting and take a picture, not to claim a quiet patch of sand for the afternoon. The best way to enjoy it is to focus on the dramatic shore and the view from the designated visit area, rather than expecting solitude.

Koh Khai Nai: a final beach hour

The last listed stop is Koh Khai Nai, where you have about an hour to relax on the white sand, swim or snorkel. After a busy day of short stops, this is the longest single break on a beach. It can be a welcome chance to slow down before returning to Phuket.

This stop has a more commercial feel than an empty island escape may suggest. Some people have found vendors persistent, and noted that certain facilities or activities cost extra. Bring cash for incidental purchases if you want options, but remember that these extras are not part of the tour price.

What the $84.47 price covers

At $84.47 per person, the price includes an English-speaking guide, round-trip hotel transfers, lunch, fresh fruit, drinks, snorkeling equipment, life jackets and travel insurance. Those inclusions make the cost easier to judge than a bare boat fare: transport, food and basic water gear are already accounted for.

The national park fee is not included. Budget another 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child, as specified for this tour. A child ticket applies to ages 4 to 11.

Value depends on what you want from the day. If you want to see several famous island stops without arranging boats, meals and transfers separately, the package can be good value. If you mainly want extended snorkeling, quiet beaches or lots of time on land, the tight schedule may not suit you as well.

Photos may also be offered for an extra charge. One person found the quoted price, around AUD $56, disappointing, so ask about the cost before agreeing if you are interested.

Crew, comfort and safety

The crew and guides receive strong praise for being friendly, funny and attentive. Kit is a name that comes up more than once, while Delia, Alex, Sunny, Tik, Itim and Cindy have also been appreciated for their energy and help. If you do not swim confidently, one person said the guide offered free help learning; ask the crew directly what support is available on your day.

There are important health restrictions. Pregnant people cannot join, and no refund is offered on that basis. The tour is not recommended for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma or seizure disorders. The operator may cancel for poor weather, offering another date or a full refund, but rough conditions can still affect the day when the tour runs.

Wear plenty of sunscreen. The boat and beach stops leave you exposed for much of the day, and a sunburn can turn a good outing into an uncomfortable ride home. Pack a towel and secure your valuables, since the boat may feel cramped.

Should you book this Phi Phi speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a convenient, full-day overview of Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island, and you are happy to trade long stays for a string of scenic stops. The included transfers, meal, drinks and gear are practical advantages, and a lively guide can make the long day more enjoyable.

Skip it if snorkeling is your main goal, if you strongly dislike crowded beaches or boats, or if a rough crossing would be a serious problem. For the best chance of enjoying it, go for the scenery and island-hopping, bring sun protection, and treat snorkeling as a welcome extra rather than the day’s central promise.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours. It starts and ends at Royal Phuket Marina, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:00 am. Confirm your personal pickup time and location with the operator before the trip.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, hotel transfers, lunch, fresh fruit, soft drinks, tea and coffee, snorkeling equipment, life jackets and travel insurance.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The stated fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are available as part of the tour.

What ages qualify for a child ticket?

Child tickets are for children aged 4 to 11.

Can pregnant people join the tour?

No. Pregnant people are not allowed to join, and the stated policy says no refund will be given.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.