Exclusive Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Bamboo Island by Speed Boat

A Full-Day Speedboat Adventure to Thailand’s Iconic Islands

If you’re dreaming of a day exploring Thailand’s most famous islands, this Exclusive Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island tour from Phuket offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, cultural sights, and fun in the sun. Priced at around $62.75 per person, this 9.5-hour trip is perfect for those who want to maximize their island time without the hassle of organizing transportation and meals. The tour includes hotel pickup (if booked with transfer), a delicious Thai buffet lunch, and all the necessary snorkeling gear.

What we love most? First, the chance to see Maya Bay—famous for its role in “The Beach”—even from outside the closed-off area, and second, the opportunity to relax on Bamboo Island’s powdery white sands. The professional guides are clearly knowledgeable, which makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

A potential consideration is that the tour can feel a bit rushed, especially the time spent on each island, which some reviewers find limited. If you’re after a leisurely pace with more time for exploration, this might not be your best fit. Still, if your goal is to see as much as possible in one day with convenience, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate stunning views, guided snorkeling, and a well-organized itinerary. It’s great for first-time visitors eager to tick off the iconic sights of the Phi Phi Islands without needing to plan each detail themselves.

Key Points

• Convenience: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and roundtrip transfer make this a hassle-free option.
• Scenic Highlights: Enjoy the breathtaking views of limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches.
• Educational Guides: Guides provide coral-friendly safety instructions and insight into the area’s natural beauty.
• Limited Time on Islands: Expect a packed schedule, with around an hour at each significant stop.
• Snorkeling Included: Snorkeling gear is provided, giving you a chance to see colorful fish and coral reefs.
• Food & Comfort: A Thai buffet lunch and fresh fruits are included, but some reviews mention the food being served cold or limited.

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Early Morning Pickup and Arrival at Panwa Pier

The day begins early, with hotel pickups starting around 6:00 am if you opt for the transfer service. This is a good way to start the day relaxed, avoiding the stress of navigating Phuket’s busy streets. Once at Panwa Pier around 8:00 am, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast—sandwiches, fresh fruit, and drinks—before preparing for the boat trip. The briefing from your guides covers safety and coral-friendly snorkeling practices, setting a responsible tone for the day.

The Speedboat Ride: Scenery and Excitement

Departing at 9:00 am, the speedboat whisks you across brilliant turquoise waters, passing stunning cliffs and curved bays. The quick ride means more time on the islands but does contribute to a slightly hurried pace. We loved watching the coastline slip away as the boat gained speed, feeling the thrill of adventure.

Maya Bay: Iconic but Mostly From Afar

By around 9:45 am, you arrive at Maya Bay—the world-famous crescent-shaped beach. While the National Park restricts access to protect the environment, you can still view Maya Bay from the lagoon, which is a pretty spectacular sight itself. The bay’s towering limestone cliffs and pristine white sand make this a photograph-worthy stop. One reviewer noted, “The beauty is in the world’s rank,” and even from afar, it’s easy to see why this place is so celebrated.

Pileh Bay: A Natural Swimming Pool

Next, around 10:45 am, you reach Pileh Lagoon. This emerald-green basin, surrounded by limestone cliffs, feels like a swimming pool at sea level—a calm, inviting spot for a quick dip. We found this to be a highlight for its tranquility and unique scenery. You’ll likely spend about an hour here, enjoying the waters and taking photos.

Viking Cave and Snorkeling

At approximately 12:15 pm, the boat moves to Viking Cave, famous for its swallow nests and cave paintings. It’s a quick stop for photos, but the real highlight is snorkeling among vibrant fish around the coral reefs. Providing snorkeling equipment, guides help ensure everyone’s safety. One review mentioned, “Enjoy snorkeling among various kinds of fish along the coral reef,” which is a common and cherished part of the tour.

Monkey Beach: Cute but Brief

Around 1:20 pm, the boat pulls up to Monkey Beach. This small stretch of sand is home to adorable monkeys that often interact with visitors. The stop is brief—about 10 minutes—but enough to snap some photos and enjoy the lively, forested backdrop. Be mindful that some reviewers noted the briefness of this stop; if monkeys are your thing, you’ll want to be quick.

Lunch at Tonsai Beach

At 1:30 pm, it’s time for a buffet lunch at a seaside restaurant on Phi Phi Don. The menu typically includes seafood, Thai dishes, and fresh fruit. While some travelers, like David, found the food served cold, others enjoyed the delicious variety. This break gives a much-needed rest from the boat and a chance to explore a bit of the town if you wish.

Bamboo Island: Relaxation and Swimming

By 2:30 pm, the boat heads to Bamboo Island, one of the most picturesque beaches with powdery white sand and clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming and relaxing on the beach for about an hour. You’ll love the scene—long, curved beach with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the scenery, as one review describes.

Return to Phuket and Hotel Drop-Off

At 3:30 pm, the tour departs Bamboo Island, heading back to Panwa Pier for the ride back. The journey offers more chances to enjoy the scenery, reflect on the day, or chat with fellow travelers. Afterward, the transfer takes you back to your hotel, wrapping up around 4:30-5:00 pm, depending on traffic.

Authentic Experiences and Authentic Challenges

We appreciated the guides’ knowledge about environmental conservation, especially their emphasis on coral-safe snorkeling. Their friendly demeanor and clear safety instructions made the experience both fun and secure. You’ll also love the scenic boat ride, which offers plenty of opportunities for photos and simply soaking in the natural beauty.

However, the limited time on each island can be a downside. As some reviews point out, the stops are quite brief—about an hour at Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island. If you’re eager to explore in depth or relax longer, this pace might feel rushed.

Another aspect to consider is the food—some found the buffet to be mediocre or served cold, which can detract from the overall experience. Pack your own snacks if you’re particularly hungry or picky.

In terms of value, the trip is reasonably priced considering all-inclusive benefits—transport, lunch, snorkeling gear, and guide service. For first-timers or those short on time, the tour offers a well-rounded introduction to the Phi Phi Islands.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure suits travelers who want to see key sights without the hassle of planning. It’s ideal for first-time visitors eager to tick off Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Viking Cave in one day. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and organized tours with guides, you’ll find this trip very fulfilling.

That said, if you prefer more relaxed pacing or longer time on each island, consider alternatives or private options. The tour’s packed schedule means you’ll need to be comfortable with a busy day, but it’s perfect for those who want efficiency and convenience.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

In total, this tour offers a solid value for the price. You get professional guides, beautiful scenery, and the chance to snorkel in vibrant reefs—all included in a single day. The scenic boat ride and the highlights of Maya Bay and Bamboo Island make this a memorable experience.

The organized nature of the trip helps minimize the stress of logistics, especially if you’re new to Phuket or Thailand. The food might not impress everyone, and the time on each stop is limited, but if your priority is to see the iconic sights efficiently, this tour is a good choice.

This tour would best suit first-time visitors, adventurers eager for scenic views, and those wanting a hassle-free day with snorkeling and sightseeing all in one package. It’s ideal if you want a well-organized, guided experience that covers the highlights with minimum fuss.

FAQ

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, if you book the transfer option, pickup from your hotel in Phuket is included. Make sure to confirm your pickup location.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, from early morning pickup to returning to your hotel.

Are meals included?
Yes, a Thai buffet lunch and snacks are included, along with bottled water. Keep in mind some reviews mention the food being served cold or limited.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment such as life jackets, breathing tubes, and mouthpieces are supplied, making it easy to enjoy the reefs.

How much time do we spend on each island?
Expect about an hour at Maya Bay (viewing only), an hour at Pileh Bay, about an hour at Bamboo Island, and brief stops at Viking Cave and Monkey Beach. Lunch is about an hour.

Are there any extra fees I should know about?
Yes, the National Park fee of 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children is not included in the tour price. You’ll need to pay this separately.

What about the tour’s size?
The trip accommodates up to 47 travelers, making it a reasonably intimate experience, but still with a lively group atmosphere.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and snorkeling is generally safe with provided equipment. Keep in mind the early start and busy schedule.

Can I expect good photo opportunities?
Absolutely. The views of limestone cliffs, beaches, and the sea make for excellent photos. Be prepared to move quickly to capture the best shots, especially at Maya Bay and Bamboo Island.

In all, this tour offers a convenient, scenic way to experience some of Thailand’s most famed islands. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a guided day filled with natural beauty, snorkeling, and a taste of local cuisine, all without the fuss of planning their own logistics.