Best of Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

Imagine hopping onto a speedboat early in the morning, heading out across azure waters to visit some of Thailand’s most iconic islands and beaches. For around $72.40 per person, this full-day tour from Phuket packs in not just sightseeing, but opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in some of the most beautiful spots in the Andaman Sea. The experience lasts about 9 hours 30 minutes, and includes hotel pickup, a buffet lunch, and all necessary snorkel gear.

In our experience, two things really shine: the variety of stops, from Monkey Beach to Maya Bay, offers a mix of wildlife and cinematic scenery, and the professional guides make every moment feel safe and fun. We also love how the tour balances structured sightseeing with free time—enough exploration and relaxation to satisfy both thrill-seekers and chill enthusiasts.

Of course, a potential downside is the crowd factor, especially at Maya Bay, which can feel overwhelmed with visitors. If you’re craving solitude on your island adventures, this might be a consideration. However, if you’re eager to see a variety of sites and enjoy a lively, well-organized trip, this tour checks most boxes.

Ultimately, this tour suits travelers looking for a comprehensive day of island-hopping with snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and a touch of Hollywood scenery. It’s perfect for those who appreciate good guides, delicious food, and great value.

Key Points

• Diverse highlights: from Monkey Beach to Maya Bay, each stop offers a unique experience.
• Great value: includes hotel transfers, buffet lunch, and snorkeling gear.
• Professional guides: knowledgeable, multilingual, and friendly, they keep the day running smoothly.
• Crowd factor: Maya Bay can be very busy; consider this if seeking quiet.
• Optimal for active travelers: with plenty of swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing opportunities.
• Environmental concerns: some reviews mention coral damage and overcrowding, highlighting the need for responsible tourism.

An In-Depth Look at the Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket, this tour offers a chance to see the most famous sights of the Phi Phi Islands without the hassle of organizing transport or activities yourself. For $72.40, you get a full-day adventure that covers the highlights, with a good balance of guided discovery and free time to soak it all in.

Pickup and Departure

The adventure begins with hotel pickup in the morning, a small but significant convenience that saves you the stress of finding your way to the marina. The tour operates with a maximum group size of 30, which helps keep things personal but lively. Once at the marina, you meet your guide, often a multi-lingual local who provides a quick briefing on the day ahead. Many reviews praise the organization as “first class,” ensuring everyone feels ready to enjoy the day.

The Speedboat Ride

After boarding, you’ll set out across the Turquoise waters aboard a fast, modern speedboat. The ride itself is part of the fun — the wind in your hair, the spray of salty air, and the endless views of islands, cliffs, and open sea. For most, the ride time is comfortable, though some note it can be a bit bumpy, so it’s wise to bring seasickness pills if you’re sensitive.

First Stop: Bamboo Island

The first highlight is Bamboo Island, a small, pristine stretch of white sand surrounded by coral reefs. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear waters, or snorkel with your feet touching the coral gardens. Many reviewers loved this stop: “Swim and snorkel up close to the colorful fishes and coral reefs right by the beach,” as one reviewer put it. The hour-long visit allows plenty of time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the view.

Monkey Beach Encounter

Next, you’ll visit Monkey Beach, known for its playful primates swinging through the trees, climbing along cliffs, and even swimming in the water. While the monkeys are adorable and a highlight for many, some travelers mention the brief stop — 15 minutes — isn’t enough for a thorough encounter. Still, it’s a fun chance to see animals in their natural habitat and is often described as a “truly unique experience.”

Snorkeling at Ko Phi Phi Le

The tour then continues to Ko Phi Phi Le, where you’ll snorkel amidst colorful fish and coral reefs. This is a major draw — many reviews call it breathtaking. The 45-minute stop is enough to get a good taste of underwater life, and guides usually help those new to snorkeling feel comfortable.

Lunch on Phi Phi Don

Midday brings a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, often with ocean views. Many reviewers rave about the delicious food and generous servings, with vegetarian options available. “The food was delicious, and the staff took care of everything,” states one happy traveler. This break also offers a chance to stretch, relax, or explore slightly beyond the dining spot if time permits.

Viking Cave and its Stories

Post-lunch, you’ll visit the Viking Cave, famous for its ancient drawings and bird’s nest harvesting history. The brief stop (about 10 minutes) provides some local flavor and cultural context, which guides are happy to explain.

Pileh Bay and Swimming in the Lagoon

Next, you’ll jump into Pileh Bay’s emerald lagoon for 40 minutes of swimming and relaxing. The limestone cliffs, towering around the water, set a dramatic scene. Many guests mention how refreshing and beautiful this spot is, with some saying it’s one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Maya Bay: The Film Star

The last stop is Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach. While it remains stunning, many reviews mention the crowds — sometimes overwhelming with thousands of visitors. Still, you’ll get about an hour here, enough for photos, a quick walk, and appreciation of the pristine beauty. Some advise that if you’re after serenity, Maya Bay might not be the best choice, as it’s heavily visited and the environment is under stress.

Return and Dropoff

By 5:00 to 5:30 pm, the boat heads back to the marina, and you’re transferred back to your hotel. Many find the long day well worth the effort, especially with the all-inclusive feel — from snacks, drinks, and lunch to snorkel equipment and restroom facilities onboard.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback from Travelers

The reviews reveal a tour that generally exceeds expectations, especially regarding guides and scenery. “Our guide Ray was the most hospitable I can imagine,” one reviewer states, emphasizing the friendly and helpful staff. Many mention the delicious buffet lunch, describing it as “great” and offering many vegetarian options.

The snorkeling stops are a highlight, with many travelers noting how plentiful the fish and coral are, despite some environmental concerns about coral damage and over-tourism. One reviewer highlights seeing a black-tipped reef shark — a memorable encounter for snorkelers.

However, not everyone is enamored. A few mention that Maya Bay felt overcrowded and not worth the hassle, especially given the environmental concerns. Snorkeling at the less crowded spots or enjoying the natural beauty without the crowds might be a better plan for some.

Is it worth the price?

Considering what’s included — hotel pickup, boat transfers, lunch, snacks, and snorkel gear — the tour offers solid value. It’s a well-organized way to see multiple islands in one day, saving you time and effort. The professional guides add a layer of safety and insight that makes the experience more meaningful.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for active travelers who enjoy a full day of outdoor adventure. If you love snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and scenic beaches, this tour will satisfy. It’s also ideal if you want a comfortably organized experience with hotel transfers and a good variety of sights.

However, if your priority is peace and quiet or environmental preservation, you might find the crowds at Maya Bay less appealing. The tour’s large group size and busy schedule mean it’s more about covering the highlights than relaxing on untouched beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient and stress-free.

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $72.40 per person, which includes most activities, lunch, and equipment.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts approximately 9 hours 30 minutes, from pickup to return.

What stops are included?
Stops include Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Ko Phi Phi Le, Phi Phi Don for lunch, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, and Maya Bay.

Are snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkel equipment is included with the tour.

Do I need to pay park fees?
Yes, admission to national parks costs 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children, payable on-site.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say yes, especially with the short stops and family-friendly activities, but always check with the operator for age restrictions.

How crowded is Maya Bay?
Quite crowded, especially during peak times, with some visitors noting lines and large crowds crossing the beach.

Can I choose which sites to visit?
The itinerary is fixed, but guides often adapt based on weather and crowds.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to see the iconic sights of the Phi Phi Islands, this well-organized snorkeling tour offers a comprehensive and enjoyable day. It balances sightseeing, wildlife encounters, underwater adventures, and delicious local food — all led by friendly and knowledgeable guides who keep things running smoothly.

While the crowds at Maya Bay may be a downside for some, many find the variety of stops and the quality of the experience more than makes up for it. This tour is a great value for those who want to maximize their island-hopping in a single day, especially if they’re comfortable with some hustle and bustle.

For active, adventure-loving travelers who enjoy snorkeling, scenic views, and a lively atmosphere, it’s an excellent choice. If your main goal is peaceful solitude, you might want to consider visiting these sites independently or at less crowded times.

Summary

This Best of Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour from Phuket offers a dynamic, fun-filled day packed with spectacular scenery, wildlife sightings, and underwater fun. With professional guides and all-inclusive amenities, it provides great value for travelers wanting a full taste of island life in Thailand. While crowds at Maya Bay can be overwhelming, the diverse stops and friendly atmosphere help make this a memorable adventure for most.

Enjoy the journey, soak in the stunning views, and come back with stories and photos that will last a lifetime.