Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat

Experience the Best of the Phi Phi Islands on a Speedboat Snorkeling Tour

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, then the Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour from Phi Phi offers an excellent way to see it all. For $64.89 per person, you’ll spend roughly 9.5 hours exploring some of Thailand’s most iconic island scenery. Led by an experienced captain and crew, this tour takes you to both well-known highlights like Maya Bay, and hidden gems few travelers get to see.

What we really like about this tour is the fast speedboat, which cuts down on transit time and maximizes the time you spend at each destination. Plus, the opportunity to snorkel at multiple vibrant spots, encounter wildlife including monkeys, colorful fish, and even harmless sharks, makes it an adventure you won’t forget. On the downside, some reviews mention the crowded boats and overrun popular spots, so be prepared for busy scenes and plan your expectations accordingly. This tour suits travelers who love active sightseeing, enjoy snorkeling, and want a thorough overview of Phi Phi’s top sights in one day.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits to Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh, Pileh Bay, Monkey Beach, and Shark Point.
• Speedboat advantage: More time at each site, less time on the water.
• Wildlife encounters: Monkeys, fish, and even harmless sharks.
• Crowded spots: Expect large crowds at popular locations, with some areas closed or restricted.
• Value for money: Well-priced for a full day of snorkeling, sightseeing, and fun.
• Family friendly: Suitable for most, but unsuitable for pregnant women and those with certain health issues.

A Full Breakdown of What to Expect on the Tour

Starting Point and Meeting Logistics

The tour begins with a straightforward walk to the McDonald’s near Tonsai Pier in Krabi. This is convenient if you’re staying nearby, with the meet-up spot being easy to find and near public transportation. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Duration and Group Size

Spanning about 9.5 hours, the tour is long but packed with stops. You’ll be grouped with a maximum of 30 travelers, which tends to keep the experience intimate enough to feel personal without being over-crowded. The mobile ticket system makes check-in smooth and flexible.

How the Day Unfolds

The itinerary is designed to hit the most famous and photogenic sites of the Phi Phi Islands. After departing on a fast speedboat, you’ll head to Koh Phi Phi Leh, a limestone island in the middle of the green waters. Here, you’ll see Maya Bay, famous from the film The Beach. The bay is a semi-circular cove framed by towering cliffs, with clear green water and soft white sand—excellent for photos.

One of the big draws is the chance to snorkel in several spots. The crew, known for being helpful and professional, takes you to locations like Shark Point and lagoons where marine life is abundant. Multiple reviews mention the plenty of snorkel time, with some travelers enjoying around 1.5 hours of underwater exploration.

Next, you’ll visit Pileh Bay, an enclosed bay surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs, with transparent waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Unlike the overcrowded Maya Bay, Pileh Bay offers a slightly quieter, more relaxed environment—though crowds are still present.

A highlight for many is Monkey Beach, where you might see playful monkeys in the trees, as one reviewer noted. It’s a good photo opportunity and adds a touch of wildness to your day. You’ll also stop at Bamboo Island for lunch, providing a chance to relax on a beautiful beach with stunning views.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

Snorkeling is a core part of this tour. You’ll explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish, and the chance to spot harmless sharks adds an extra thrill. Many reviewers rave about the beautiful water clarity and the variety of fish. One called the snorkeling “better in Krabi,” but most agree it’s still impressive and well worth the effort.

Wildlife and Unique Encounters

Beyond marine life, you’ll see monkeys at Monkey Beach and may even spot sea turtles or black tip sharks—though sightings are not guaranteed. Some reviews mention the bioluminescent plankton at night, a rare and magical experience if the timing aligns. Others note the playful monkeys and their antics, which add a fun, unpredictable element.

Food and Refreshments

Lunch is typically served on Bamboo Island, with many reviewers describing it as tasty. While the menu isn’t detailed, the opportunity to dine on a paradise island amid stunning scenery makes it a memorable part of the day.

Crowds and Restrictions

One recurring theme in reviews is the crowded nature of the popular spots like Maya Bay and the beaches. Some visitors describe the area as a zoo, with boats packed in tightly. While this is common in such famous places, it does affect the tranquility and your personal experience. Plus, some stops—especially protected areas—restrict snorkeling, which might be disappointing for some.

Comfort and Group Dynamics

The speedboat offers a more efficient way to explore, but some reviews mention overcrowding and less comfort, especially if the boat is full. The crew, however, is praised for being helpful, friendly, and professional, helping recover dropped equipment and assisting with photos.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a full day of adventure with diverse activities. It’s well-suited for active travelers who want to maximize their time exploring multiple islands without the need to switch boats or spend hours on slow ferries. Families and groups that enjoy snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and taking plenty of photos will find it rewarding.

However, if you’re sensitive to crowds or prefer less busy, more secluded beaches, you might find this tour a bit hectic. It’s also not ideal for pregnant women or those with certain health issues, as noted in the tour details.

Why Choose This Tour?

The value offered by this trip is quite high. For around $65, you get nearly 10 hours of island hopping, snorkeling, and sightseeing—more than enough to justify the cost if you want a rundown of the Phi Phi Islands. The speedboat ensures more time at each site, and the helpful crew adds to the experience, making it more enjoyable and less stressful.

This tour excels at providing authentic, memorable moments—whether it’s swimming with colorful fish, taking iconic photos at Maya Bay, or watching playful monkeys. The combination of guided assistance and freedom to snorkel makes it suitable for both first-timers and seasoned snorkelers.

Final Thoughts

For those eager to see the highlight reels of Phi Phi with minimal fuss, this speedboat snorkeling tour offers a practical and rewarding approach. It balances the must-see sights with enough flexibility and adventure to keep everyone engaged. The professional crew and well-organized itinerary make it a safe and enjoyable way to explore the islands in one full day.

While crowds and some restrictions are unavoidable in such popular spots, the overall experience is worthwhile—especially if you value time efficiency and diverse marine encounters. This tour is best for active travelers, families, or anyone wanting a comprehensive snapshot of the Phi Phi Islands’ natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
You’ll visit key spots such as Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Monkey Beach, and Shark Point, with snorkeling equipment provided. Lunch is included on Bamboo Island, and the tour ends back where it started.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore and snorkel.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the crew helps with snorkeling gear. Some reviews mention crew assistance with lost equipment, which adds a friendly touch.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a towel, water, and possibly a waterproof camera. Wearing comfortable swimwear and a hat for sun protection is also recommended.

Are there age restrictions?
Children aged 4-10 can participate, but the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with certain health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone conditions.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In essence, this tour offers a rich taste of the Phi Phi Islands—famous beaches, vibrant reefs, and wild monkeys—all within a well-organized and lively day on the water. It’s an adventure that balances spectacular scenery with practical convenience, making it a solid choice for most travelers eager to experience the highlights of Thailand’s most iconic islands.