From Phuket: Snorkeling Ferry Cruise to Phi Phi Islands

Thinking about spending a day exploring Thailand’s world-famous Phi Phi Islands? This full-day tour offers a chance to see some of the most iconic spots like Maya Bay, made famous by the film “The Beach,” and Viking Cave, a site known for swallow nesting. With a reasonable price of $37 per person and a 10-hour schedule, it’s an accessible way to tick these beautiful islands off your list.

What we particularly like about this trip is how it combines scenic cruising along limestone cliffs and hidden coves with snorkeling in crystal-clear waters—perfect for spotting tropical fish and colorful marine life. Plus, the included buffet lunch by the sea is a nice touch, giving you a genuine taste of local flavors while soaking up the views.

A potential consideration is the timing—some travelers have mentioned that the shorter stays on the islands can leave you wishing for more time to explore or relax. If you’re after a leisurely experience, this might feel a bit rushed. However, if you enjoy packed days with plenty of highlights, this tour could be just right.

This experience suits visitors who are eager to see the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands without spending a fortune, especially those who appreciate stunning vistas and snorkeling. If you’re okay with a busy schedule and don’t mind the crowds or brief visits, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Affordable value at just $37 per person, including many essentials.
• Highlights include Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Pileh Cove, famous for their natural beauty.
• Snorkeling gear is provided, offering a chance to see vibrant marine life.
• The short island stops might feel a bit rushed for some travelers.
• Tour duration is about 10 hours, making it a full but manageable day.
• Weather considerations: The itinerary depends on good weather, and delays or partial visits are possible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

What the Tour Includes and How It’s Structured

This tour begins early, with hotel pickup between 7:00 and 7:15 am—if you opt for the pickup option—setting the tone for a well-organized day. After a short ride to Phuket Rassada Pier, you’ll board a royal ferry cruise at around 8:30 am. The boat, often called a Jet Cruiser, provides refreshments onboard, which makes the morning ride more enjoyable, especially if you’re not a morning person.

The first major stop is Phi Phi Leh Island at around 10:30 am, where the boat cruises past Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Viking Cave. These sights are truly breathtaking—sheer limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters, with the chance to see the Viking Cave‘s swallows nesting in the cliffs. Depending on weather conditions, the cruise might adjust its route or sightseeing stops, which could slightly affect your experience.

By around 11:30 am, the boat reaches Phi Phi Don, the only inhabited island, where you’ll have about an hour to swim, sunbathe, or explore. The beaches here are inviting, and you might find yourself drawn to Long Beach or Laemtong Beach—both offer good spots for relaxing and taking photos.

Snorkeling and Lunch: The Heart of the Day

At around noon, the snorkeling session kicks off near the shore of Phi Phi Don. With mask and snorkel rentals included, you’ll get the chance to see tropical marine life in shallow waters—an activity suitable for most skill levels. Reviewers mention enjoying this part, with one noting it as a highlight, despite the brief time available.

Post-snorkeling, a buffet lunch is served at a restaurant by the sea at 12:45 pm. The buffet is a good value, offering a variety of dishes to fuel your afternoon. After lunch, you’re free to wander, relax, or return to the beach. Some travelers appreciate the free time but wish it lasted longer—this was a common theme in reviews, with one noting, “It should be more time.”

Return Journey and Overall Timing

The return trip begins at 2:15 pm, with the ferry sailing back to Phuket around 4:15 pm. The journey offers more chances to enjoy scenic views and perhaps spot some wildlife or nearby islands. You’ll arrive back at Phuket around 4:30 pm, where a van will transfer you back to your hotel.

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What We Love About This Tour

Two standout features are the well-organized itinerary and the stunning vistas that are picture-perfect and immersive. The route passes by some of Thailand’s most iconic seascapes, which makes the cruise itself a memorable part of the experience. The snorkeling gear included gives you an easy way to explore underwater life, and the buffet lunch by the water adds a relaxing, local flavor.

What to Keep in Mind

The main drawback is that time on the islands is limited, with reviews indicating that some visitors felt they didn’t get enough time to fully enjoy each spot or to relax. If you’re someone who needs a slower pace or wants to explore in depth, this may not be the best choice. Also, as weather conditions influence the route, there’s a chance of delays or partial sightseeing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect for budget-conscious travelers seeking a convenient way to see the Phi Phi highlights without the hassle of arranging multiple activities. It’s suited for those who want iconic sights, snorkeling, and a taste of island life in one day. It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind a busy schedule and appreciate stunning views and organized tours rather than independent adventuring.

However, it might not suit families with very young children, people with mobility issues, or those seeking a more relaxed pace. If you’re particularly interested in longer stays or exploring beyond the main tourist spots, you might find the short stops limiting.

The Sum Up

This ferry cruise to the Phi Phi Islands offers an efficient, value-packed way to experience some of Thailand’s most beautiful seascapes and iconic attractions. You’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas, lively snorkeling opportunities, and a well-organized itinerary that packs in the highlights. The included lunch and snorkeling gear make it a practical choice, especially if you’re pressed for time or traveling on a budget.

While the short stays may leave some wishing for more time on the beaches or to explore further, the overall experience captures the essence of the Phi Phi Islands—stunning cliffs, vibrant marine life, and picture-perfect beaches. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, memorable day without the hassle of planning every detail.

This tour might not satisfy those craving a slow pace or private experience, but if your goal is to see the highlights, enjoy spectacular views, and get a taste of island life, it’s a dependable choice that will deliver plenty of photo-worthy moments.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, a van will pick you up from your accommodation between 7:00 and 7:15 am.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience is about 10 hours, with the return to Phuket around 4:30 pm.

What are the main sights visited?
You’ll see Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove, and beaches on Phi Phi Don.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, mask and snorkel rentals are included, so you can explore underwater without extra cost.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, a national park fee (400 THB for foreigners) and a cleaning fee at Tonsai Pier (20 THB) are not included.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for most ages, but note that it’s not recommended for pregnant women or mobility-impaired travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a swimming suit, a towel, and clothes to change into.

Can weather affect the tour?
Yes, the itinerary depends on weather conditions, and delays or route changes may happen.

Is the tour available year-round?
Highly likely to operate even on rainy days, but weather-related cancellations or partial visits are possible.

Are the trips flexible in timing?
Check availability for different starting times, but once booked, the schedule is fixed.

This guided trip offers a dependable way to enjoy the Phi Phi Islands’ highlights. It’s perfect if you want a well-organized, scenic, and fun day that balances sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing by the sea.

You can check availability for your dates here: