Phi Phi Island Big Boat Tour – Snorkeling, Beaches & Scenic Views

Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs, coves, and clear-water snorkeling are the draw here, and a larger boat gives you more room to sit back between stops than a speedboat. I like the combination of boat-side scenery and free time on Phi Phi Don, rather than spending the entire day on a guided island walk.

I also like that snorkel gear, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, and Phuket hotel transfers are included. The trade-off is a long day with a sizeable share spent in transit, plus the THB400 national park fee is extra. Pickup instructions and service can also be a weak spot, so confirm your arrangements before the morning departure.

Key points before you book

• A roomy ride, not a small-boat outing: The watercraft can carry up to 50 people, depending on the vessel.
• Phi Phi Don is the main stop: You’ll have time for lunch, the beach, and snorkeling, though the schedule changes by season.
• Phi Phi Lay is viewed from the boat: Sightseeing around the island is listed for November through April.
• The park fee costs extra: Budget THB400 per person for the national park fee.
• Pickup is limited: Hotel transfers are included for Patong, Kata, and Karon, with a stated start time of 7:00 am.
• Expect a full day: The tour lasts about 10 hours, with boat travel from Phuket and island time built into the schedule.

The value of taking a larger boat

This tour is designed for people who want to see Phi Phi without arranging each part of the trip themselves. Phuket hotel pickup, round-trip boat transport, a guide, snorkeling gear, lunch, fruit, and soft drinks are bundled into one day. That can make the trip easier to manage, especially if you are traveling with family or prefer not to plan transfers and meals on your own.

The larger boat is a meaningful part of the deal. You have more space to lounge while moving between the islands, though vessel size varies. The stated maximum for water transport ranges from 12 people on a longtail boat to 35 on a speedboat and 50 on a June Bahtra. The listing also gives a maximum of 15 travelers for the land transport, so do not assume that number applies to every part of the trip.

The comfort comes with a trade-off: a large boat is not as nimble as a small craft, and getting to the islands takes time. This is a day for enjoying the views from the water and making a few island stops, not for a fast, intimate trip to every cove. If your priority is room to sit and a package with meals and transfers, the format has practical value.

Starting early in Phuket

Pickup is scheduled around 7:00 am, and the stated meeting point is Sun Leisure World at The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa in Patong. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Patong, Kata, and Karon. If you are staying elsewhere, check directly with the operator rather than assuming your hotel is covered.

The pickup note asks you to wait in the hotel lobby because traffic may make the driver early or late. That is a sensible instruction for a day with several transport stages, but pickup coordination deserves your attention. Confirm your hotel details and exact pickup point before bed, and keep your phone available in case the operator needs to reach you.

The day begins at the pier, where the boat is scheduled to depart at 8:30 am. Coffee, tea, and dessert are listed for the ride out. Those small comforts help on an early start, but they do not make the transfer short: the schedule gives roughly 80 minutes between the pier departure and the listed 9:50 arrival at Phi Phi Don on one seasonal itinerary.

Phi Phi Don: lunch, beach time, and snorkeling

Phi Phi Don is the main island stop and the point where the day shifts from transport to free time. The schedule describes an arrival at Tonsai Pier at about 9:50 am for the November to April program. The May to October schedule instead describes a stop at Tonsai Pier before continuing to Laemtong Beach, with arrival there at about 11:15 am. The exact sequence depends on the season, so check the operator’s current route when booking.

The itinerary offers free time on Phi Phi Don for lunch, snorkeling, and the beach. That open time is useful: you can choose a swim or a slow meal rather than being marched from one fixed viewpoint to the next. A beach stop is not just a photo break here. One of the strongest parts of the trip is the chance to get in the water at Long Beach, which has been singled out as a particularly lovely snorkeling and beach stop.

Snorkel masks and life jackets are included, so you do not need to bring your own kit. The tour promises a look at Thailand’s marine life, but visibility and what you see can vary. If snorkeling is a main reason for booking, bring a towel and swimsuit, and be ready to use your free time efficiently. The schedule does not specify how long each swim lasts.

Lunch is included, along with seasonal fresh fruit and cool soft drinks. A buffet lunch has been described as halal, which may matter if you need that option, but the details given do not guarantee the same menu on every date. Food quality can be a personal matter, and the meal may feel ordinary for the price if you were hoping for a destination dining experience. Think of it as a convenient included lunch that keeps the day moving, not a reason to book on its own.

Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and the Phi Phi Lay coast

The tour’s overview names Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave among the places passed on the route. That is not the same as promising a landing at each one. The itinerary specifically describes sightseeing around Phi Phi Lay from the boat during the November to April high season, so plan on scenic viewing rather than assuming you will set foot at every named site.

Boat-side sightseeing can still be a highlight. Phi Phi’s dramatic cliffs and coves are best understood from the water, and a bigger vessel gives you time to look around without the constant rush of a short transfer. The views from the boat are one of the trip’s clear attractions. Keep your camera ready, but also take a moment to watch the coastline without a screen in front of you.

Season matters. The high-season route, listed for November through April, includes boat sightseeing around Phi Phi Lay. The May to October description focuses on a cruise to Phi Phi and a stop at Laemtong Beach. Since the route changes, do not book on the assumption that every named site will receive the same treatment year-round.

The national park fee is not included in the stated package. It is THB400 per person, so add that to the advertised price when comparing this tour with a ferry ticket or another island excursion. There is a mismatch between broad descriptions that refer to some admission fees being included and the specific inclusion list, which says the park fee is extra. I would treat the THB400 charge as an additional cost and confirm what, if anything, is covered before departure.

What the $98.77 price does and does not cover

At $98.77 per person, the package costs more than simply buying a ferry ticket. The extra cost pays for a guided day, hotel transfers in the covered areas, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, and round-trip boat transport. If you value having those pieces arranged for you, the fare can be reasonable. If you are comfortable organizing your own transfer and meal, a ferry may offer better value.

One useful way to judge the price is to ask how much independent planning you want to do. A ferry ticket can get you to Phi Phi, but it does not automatically include the same combination of hotel pickup, guide commentary, food, and snorkeling gear. On the other hand, this tour still gives you a substantial amount of time on the boat, and the national park fee adds to the total.

The published average booking window is 52 days ahead. That is a useful sign to plan early if you have fixed travel dates, but it does not mean every departure sells out that far in advance. The tour is listed as having free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, the fare is not refunded, and changes made inside that window are not accepted.

Who is likely to enjoy this day

I would consider this tour if you want a straightforward way to visit Phi Phi from Phuket and value included transport, food, and snorkeling equipment. It suits a small family that would rather have room on a larger boat than spend the day on a speedboat. It also suits people who want a mix of beach time and scenery without having to arrange each transfer separately.

It is less appealing if you want a quiet, small-group outing or maximum time ashore. Watercraft capacity varies, and the longest parts of the day involve travel between Phuket and the islands. The overall rating is 3.4 out of 5 from 46 reviews, which suggests a mixed experience rather than a sure bet. Service and charge handling have not been consistently reliable, so clear communication before the tour matters.

The stated tour maximum of 15 applies to land transport, while the watercraft limits depend on the boat. That distinction is worth keeping in mind if you picture a group of 15 throughout the day. The boat may carry more people, and the exact vessel type can affect how spacious the ride feels.

A practical verdict on the Phi Phi big boat tour

Book this trip if you want the convenience of a packaged day, appreciate a roomier boat, and are happy with a schedule that combines scenic cruising and a limited amount of island time. The most persuasive parts are the Long Beach snorkeling, the views from the boat, and the included lunch and transfers. Keep expectations grounded: the itinerary varies by season, the park fee is extra, and the boat ride is a major part of the day.

I would be cautious if your main goal is an unhurried visit to every famous Phi Phi location, or if you are choosing solely for a low price. Confirm your pickup in writing, ask which seasonal route applies to your date, and clarify the national park fee before you pay. If those details suit you, this is a convenient way to see the islands without piecing together the day yourself.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about 10 hours. The scheduled pickup is around 7:00 am, and the day ends back at the meeting point.

What time does pickup start?

The stated start time is 7:00 am. Pickup may be early or late depending on traffic, so wait in the hotel lobby.

Which areas have hotel pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Patong, Kata, and Karon. The stated meeting point is Sun Leisure World at The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa in Patong.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with seasonal fresh fruit and cool soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, snorkel, and life jacket are included.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The national park fee is listed as THB400 per person and is not included in the tour price.

Which islands and sights are included?

The route visits Phi Phi Don. Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave are named as places passed on the route, and sightseeing around Phi Phi Lay is listed for November through April.

Does the route change by season?

Yes. The itinerary differs between November through April and May through October. Check which route applies to your date.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum depends on the vessel: 12 on a longtail boat, 35 on a speedboat, or 50 on a June Bahtra. The stated limit of 15 applies to land transport.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.