Phuket: Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip with Lunch

Imagine spending a day on crystal-clear waters, soaking up incredible sea views, snorkeling alongside vibrant marine life, and wandering around picture-perfect islands. That’s exactly what you get on this full-day speedboat tour from Phuket that takes you to the famous Phi Phi Islands, including Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and more. The experience is priced at around $55 per person, lasting roughly 8 hours, which offers a fantastic balance between adventure and relaxation.

Two things we love about this trip are the well-organized itinerary that balances sightseeing, snorkeling, and free time, and the quality of guides, who are praised for their helpfulness and humor—making the journey both informative and fun. Plus, the buffet lunch by the beach is a real treat, allowing you to recharge and enjoy the island atmosphere.

A potential consideration is the boat ride itself, which can be bumpy, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or have mobility issues. The tour involves a fair amount of time on the water, so it’s best for those comfortable with boat travel. This trip suits travelers who want a comprehensive, value-packed day exploring some of Thailand’s most iconic islands, with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

Key Points

Comprehensive itinerary: Includes visits to Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, and Phi Phi Don, with plenty of time for snorkeling and exploring.
Value for money: For around $55, the trip includes transport, a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and park fees.
Expert guides: Highly praised for their helpfulness, humor, and local knowledge, enhancing the overall experience.
Multiple stops: Offers snorkeling at Green Island and Viking Cave, sightseeing at Maya Bay, and free time on Phi Phi Don.
Photogenic scenery: Expect stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and lively marine life.
Limited Maya Bay access: Note that Maya Bay is temporarily closed from August 1 to September 30 for recovery, so check the schedule if that’s a priority.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

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The Journey Begins: Pickup and Transfer

Most travelers start the day with a hotel pickup, which is convenient and helps streamline the experience. The pickup times vary depending on your location, but early mornings (around 7:00–8:45 AM) are typical, especially if you’re staying in Phuket Town, Kata, Patong, or other popular areas. Getting picked up in a comfortable van sets the tone for a hassle-free day.

You’ll then enjoy a roughly two-hour ride to the AA Marina, where the adventure truly begins. During this transfer, you’ll likely be greeted with a welcome coffee or tea and cookies—small touches that make the experience feel welcoming.

The Speedboat: Your Ticket to Island Hopping

Once aboard the speedboat, you’ll immediately notice the up-close access to the islands. The boat ride itself, lasting about an hour from Phuket, offers scenic views and a chance to prepare mentally for the day ahead. The boat’s size varies, but most reviews praise the crew for being friendly and attentive, ensuring safety and comfort.

Stop 1: Green Island – Snorkeling and Marine Wildlife

The first stop is Green Island, where snorkelers will love the crystal water and marine life. You’ll be provided with snorkeling gear, and many reviewers mention the joy of seeing colorful fish and coral beneath the surface. One traveler shared, “We saw tons of wildlife above and below the water,” which highlights how vibrant the underwater scene can be.

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Stop 2: Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay – Iconic Scenes and Scenic Views

Next, you’ll cruise past Maya Bay, famed from “The Beach.” While Maya Bay was temporarily closed from August 1 to September 30 for eco-recovery, at the time of writing, tours still include sightseeing around Loh Samah Bay and other scenic spots. You’ll get a 30-minute viewing window—enough time for photos and soaking in the legendary scenery.

Many reviewers say the views are breathtaking, with towering limestone cliffs dropping sharply into the ocean. However, keep in mind that Maya Bay’s access is limited during its closure, so check the schedule if you’re eager to see it up close.

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Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon – Unique Sights and Refreshing Swims

Viking Cave, with its bird nests and cave paintings, offers a glimpse into traditional sea-nesting practices. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling. From there, you’ll head to Pileh Lagoon, a hidden jewel with emerald waters enclosed by limestone cliffs. Many travelers describe Pileh Lagoon as a peaceful, postcard-worthy spot perfect for swimming or just relaxing in the water.

Lunch Break on Phi Phi Don

Around noon, the boat arrives at Phi Phi Don, the larger inhabited island. Here, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch by the beach—an impressive spread that includes local Thai flavors and fresh seafood. The lunch is often praised as a highlight, with reviews mentioning the quality and the relaxed setting.

Post-lunch, you’ll have about an hour of free time to explore the shops, cafes, or simply relax on the beach. Popular spots include Monkey Beach, where you can see monkeys in their natural habitat, and Nui Bay, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Additional Stops: Monkey Beach & Zcoco Beach

Monkey Beach is a photo-worthy stop—although some visitors note the monkeys here can be a bit mischievous, so watch your belongings. Zcoco Beach offers a serene environment with soft sand and clear water, ideal for a final dip before heading back.

Return Journey

After a full day of island hopping and water activities, you’ll board the speedboat back to Phuket, with a roughly two-hour ride. Most reviews mention the crew’s friendly service and the sense of satisfaction after a day well spent.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Timing

The tour begins with hotel pickup, which varies based on your location, typically between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM. After about two hours on the road, you’ll arrive at the marina for the speedboat trip. The entire day lasts around 8 hours, so expect to be back by late afternoon or early evening.

Group Size & Atmosphere

Most reviews suggest a friendly, social atmosphere with groups of varying sizes. The guides are praised for their humor and helpfulness, making the day feel engaging rather than rushed.

Cost & Value

At $55 per person, this tour offers value for money, considering it includes hotel transfers, all park fees, snorkeling gear, and a buffet lunch. The reviews consistently highlight how well-organized and comprehensive the experience feels compared to the cost.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), guide, national park fees, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and water. Extras like personal water activities or souvenir shopping are on your own tab. Be aware there’s a small fee (around 300 THB) for a long tail boat experience in Pileh Lagoon, if available.

Important Tips

Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and towel. Luggage or large bags aren’t permitted on the boat, so pack light. And, while water and snacks are provided, some reviews suggest bringing extra snacks or a waterproof camera.

Authentic Experiences & Real Traveler Feedback

Many travelers rave about their guides, with comments like “Pom was funny and helpful,” and “Yohan was a fantastic guide,” showing the importance of knowledgeable, friendly staff. The scenery also garners praise, with many describing the views as “breathtaking,” “perfect for photos,” and “like a living postcard.”

The snorkeling stops are frequently mentioned as highlights, with reviewers impressed by the marine biodiversity. However, some mention the snorkeling gear could be better, so bringing your own mask if you’re particular might be worth considering.

The lunch gets high marks for being tasty and plentiful, giving travelers the energy to continue exploring afterward. The mix of organized activities and free time appeals to both those seeking adventure and those wanting a relaxed day on the beach.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a full experience without breaking the bank. If you’re eager to see iconic sights like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon but don’t want to spend hours planning, this all-in-one tour offers a reliable solution. Snorkelers and beach lovers will appreciate the multiple swim stops and marine encounters, while social travelers will enjoy the lively guides and shared experience. However, if you’re sensitive to seasickness, prone to mobility issues, or pregnant, this trip might be less suitable due to boat rides and physical activity.

The Sum Up

The Phuket Phi Phi Islands day trip by speedboat delivers a well-rounded taste of Thailand’s stunning marine scenery, vibrant islands, and warm local hospitality—all at a very reasonable price. With expert guides, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to snorkel and relax, it strikes a good balance for most travelers looking to maximize their island adventure.

If you’re after Instagram-worthy scenery and a lively, organized day filled with swimming, sightseeing, and good food, this tour will serve you well. Be prepared for a day on the water, bring your camera, and leave with a collection of memories from one of Thailand’s most famous island chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you choose the pickup option, most hotels in Phuket Town, Patong, Karon, and nearby areas are covered. Pickup times vary based on your location.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat from Phuket to the islands takes about one hour, giving you plenty of scenic views along the way.

What is the snorkeling like?
You’ll enjoy two snorkeling stops, at Green Island and Viking Cave, where marine life and coral are vibrant. Snorkeling gear is provided, though some reviews mention gear quality could be better.

Can I visit Maya Bay?
Maya Bay is temporarily closed from August 1 to September 30 for environmental recovery, so check the schedule if visiting Maya Bay specifically is a priority.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and maybe some extra snacks. Large luggage isn’t allowed on the boat.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for travelers comfortable with boat rides and water activities. Pregnant women and those with mobility issues are advised against it.

How long does the whole trip last?
Expect an 8-hour experience, including transfers, boat rides, sightseeing, lunch, and free time. It’s a full day, so plan accordingly.

In short, this Phuket day trip to the Phi Phi Islands offers a solid value, stunning scenery, and fun guides, making it a memorable highlight of your Thailand travels—especially if you enjoy a balance of adventure and relaxation.