From Phi Phi : Maya Bay snorkeling trip by Speed Boat

A speedboat trip from Phi Phi to Maya Bay offers a compact yet lively taste of Thailand’s iconic islands. Priced at around $47 per person, this tour covers a handful of spectacular spots, including Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Pileh Lagoon, with an added thrill of snorkeling—sometimes even with blacktip reef sharks. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours, making it a perfect half-day escape for those eager to see the highlights without committing a full day.

What we really appreciate about this experience are two key features. First, the knowledgeable guides often make or break a tour, and from reviews, it’s clear that some guides add a friendly, informative touch that enhances the trip’s charm. Second, the stunning vistas at Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay are breathtaking, and snorkeling here offers a wonderful glimpse into Thailand’s vibrant marine life—especially at the less-crowded spots.

However, a potential drawback is that Maya Bay is currently closed to swimming due to conservation efforts, which might disappoint those hoping for direct beach time. Also, some reviews mention that the snorkeling with sharks isn’t always as expected, with some travelers feeling misled by promotional images.

This tour suits travelers who want a quick, affordable introduction to Phi Phi’s most famous sites, especially if they enjoy boat rides and snorkeling but don’t mind a fast-paced itinerary. It’s ideal for those who prioritize seeing multiple spots in a short window and are comfortable with some potential crowds or changes in schedule due to weather.

• Highlights include Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Pileh Lagoon for stunning scenery and marine life.
• Snorkeling at Shark Point offers a thrilling chance to see blacktip reef sharks in the wild.
• Limited group size (up to 25 people) helps keep the experience more personal and less hectic.
• Tour scheduling is flexible with multiple departure times, but weather can cause schedule adjustments.
• Maya Bay’s closure means no beach swimming, but you can still admire it from the boat.
• Cost includes guide, snorkeling gear, water, fruits, and park fees, offering decent value for a half-day adventure.

When you think about Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, visions of crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lively marine life instantly come to mind. This speedboat tour aims to showcase those iconic sights in about four to five hours, taking you to Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Pileh Lagoon. Priced at $47, it’s a budget-friendly way to tick off many of the highlights with a quick, energetic trip.

We’ll start with what makes this trip worth your while. First, the itinerary is packed with diverse experiences—swimming, snorkeling, and spotting playful monkeys. Visiting Viking Cave will give you a glimpse of ancient wall art and a dash of history, while Maya Bay’s famous white sands and turquoise waters are undeniably picture-perfect. The snorkeling spots let you see vibrant marine life, and the chance to snorkel at Shark Point with blacktip reef sharks is a rare highlight for adventure lovers.

On the flip side, it’s worth noting that Maya Bay is currently closed for swimming until late 2025, part of Thailand’s conservation efforts. This means you won’t be able to walk on the beach, only admire it from a distance. Also, some travelers have reported that snorkeling with sharks isn’t always as described or expected, with crew sometimes seeming unaware of promotional claims. The short stops and quick pace might also leave some feeling they need more time at each location.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want a snapshot of Phi Phi’s best spots without the time commitment of a full-day tour. It’s perfect if you enjoy boat rides, snorkeling, and scenic views and are okay with a busy schedule and possible crowds.

• Multiple stops provide a well-rounded experience of Phi Phi’s most famous locations.
• Snorkeling at Shark Point offers a unique chance to see sharks in their natural environment.
• Group size limited to 25 for a more personalized experience.
• Schedule flexibility helps accommodate weather changes, but tours may be adjusted.
• Maya Bay’s closure means no beach swimming, but the views are still stunning from the boat.
• Cost includes guide, snorkeling gear, park fees, and refreshments, making it a good value.

Starting Point and Meeting

You’ll meet your guide in front of McDonald’s at Koh Phi Phi, with various departure times to suit your plans. Early risers can catch the 8:30 AM departure, while those preferring a more relaxed start can opt for the 10:00 AM or afternoon trips. Meeting 30 minutes early helps avoid the crowds and allows time for a quick briefing.

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Monkey Beach

The tour kicks off at Monkey Beach, a lively spot where the playful wild monkeys are the main attraction. From the reviews, it seems the crew emphasizes that there’s no real need to worry about monkeys—“there is no monkey,” they say, to prevent butt-in-seat disappointment. Still, you’ll get to watch and photograph these curious creatures in their natural habitat, a highlight for travelers wanting a taste of wildlife.

Viking Cave

Next, the boat glides toward Viking Cave, famous for its ancient wall art and historical significance. Here, you’ll learn about the cave’s past and marvel at the limestone walls decorated with mysterious drawings. It’s a quick visit, but one that adds an element of history and culture to the day.

Pileh Lagoon

A favorite stop for many, Pileh Lagoon offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You’ll love the chance to float above vibrant fish and coral, surrounded by towering cliffs. For many, this is the highlight—an idyllic spot to relax and take photos of nature’s artistry.

Loh Samah Bay & Maya Bay

The boat then visits Loh Samah Bay, from which you’ll transfer via floating pier to Maya Bay. While swimming and beach lounging are currently off-limits, the view from the boat remains captivating. The bay’s fame is deserved; the towering cliffs, white sands, and turquoise waters make it a postcard scene.

One reviewer mentioned they’d prefer more time here but acknowledged that the current restrictions limit the experience. Still, just seeing it from the boat provides a sense of its grandeur.

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Shark Point

For the thrill-seekers, Snorkeling at Shark Point is on the agenda, where you might spot blacktip reef sharks in the wild. The experience is guided for safety, and although some reviews note sharks weren’t always seen or the crew seemed unaware of promotional claims, it remains a unique chance to observe these shy predators in their natural environment.

Sunset & Plankton (Optional)

On some trips, there’s an option for snorkeling with glowing plankton or witnessing a sunset. These are often scheduled for later in the afternoon, providing a magical end to your island adventure. It’s an optional activity, so check if it’s included or available for your departure.

Return Journey

After a busy morning of sightseeing, the boat heads back to the meeting point, offering scenic views along the way. The return trip is a good chance to relax, soak in the scenery, and chat with fellow travelers.

This tour offers good value considering the price. Included are an English-speaking guide, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, drinking water, soft drinks, fruits, and the National Park Fee. These essentials make it straightforward and convenient.

However, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward. Also, hotel transfers and overnight accommodation are not part of the package, so you’ll need to organize your transportation to the meeting point.

• Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected.
• Arrive early—especially if you want first pick of the best spots or prefer to avoid crowds.
• Be aware of Maya Bay’s closure; you’ll admire it from the boat, but no swimming or walking on the beach.
• Prepare for weather changes, as rain can happen, but tours typically run if safe.
• Bring cash (about 400 THB) for the national park fee, payable at the park entrance.
• Limit pets, smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs on the boat for safety and compliance.

The reviews reveal a mixed picture. One traveler called the day “awesome” and praised the guide’s friendliness, noting they could have happily lingered longer at the snorkeling spots. Conversely, another traveler expressed disappointment, mentioning that the experience was not as advertised. They felt misled about shark sightings and Monkey Beach, and they found the snorkeling with sharks was not as straightforward as promoted.

This highlights an important point—expectations might not always match reality, especially with promotional images or descriptions. It’s wise to view this tour as a quick snapshot rather than a deep dive into every site.

If you’re looking for a lively, fast-paced adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to snorkel in vibrant waters, this trip is a good fit. It’s particularly suitable for budget-conscious travelers who want a brief, comprehensive taste of Phi Phi’s top spots. The limited group size means you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd, which is a plus.

However, if you’re hoping for a tranquil beach day or close encounters with sharks, you might find this tour’s brief stops and current Maya Bay restrictions less satisfying. It’s more about seeing many highlights quickly than lounging or exploring each site in depth.

This speedboat tour from Phi Phi offers a lively, scenic, and adventurous way to experience many of the island’s most famous sights. It’s a cost-effective option that combines stunning vistas, wildlife encounters, and snorkeling, all within a manageable four to five hours. The guide’s knowledge and the beautiful landscapes are what make it stand out.

While Maya Bay’s closure limits some expectations, the boat views are still impressive, and the snorkeling spots deliver enough marine spectacle to satisfy many travelers. Be prepared for a fast-paced itinerary and potential crowds; it’s best suited for those who want a snapshot of the islands rather than a relaxed, immersive experience.

This tour is perfect for adventure-minded travelers eager to check off Phi Phi’s highlights without the fuss of a full-day commitment. It’s well-suited for those comfortable with a bit of unpredictability and eager to enjoy Thailand’s natural beauty from a boat.

Is the tour suitable for families with young children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, the group size and boat movement might be challenging for very small children or babies under one year. Always check with the provider about age restrictions.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Also, carry cash (around 400 THB) for the national park fee. Snacks and extra water are optional, but the tour provides drinks and fruits.

Can I snorkel with sharks?
You might see sharks at Shark Point, but sightings are not guaranteed. The crew guides snorkeling and emphasizes safety, but some reviews note sharks weren’t always visible or the crew was unaware of promotional claims.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not part of the tour, so plan to eat before or after your trip. The tour includes drinks and fruits to keep you energized.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours may be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsafe. Rain doesn’t necessarily halt the trip, but safety is the priority.

How long is the tour?
Expect approximately 4 to 5 hours, including stops for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

Are hotel pickups available?
No, the tour starts at the meeting point in front of McDonald’s, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport.

Can I book this tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

This speedboat trip from Phi Phi is a lively, reasonably priced way to experience some of Thailand’s most beloved sights, perfect for travelers eager to see a lot in a short time. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy wildlife, scenic vistas, and snorkeling, with the understanding that some restrictions, like Maya Bay’s closure, might limit certain experiences. As always, check the weather, prepare adequately, and keep your expectations aligned with the short, energetic pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: