Snorkel Tour to Phi Phi Islands by Speed Boat from Koh Lanta

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat from Koh Lanta: A Practical Guide

This full-day tour offers an exciting way to experience some of Thailand’s most iconic islands, all in just about seven hours. For $50.32 per person, you’ll be picked up from your Koh Lanta hotel, transferred to Saladan Pier, and whisked away on a speedboat adventure that visits Maya Bay, Viking Bay, Monkey Beach, Shark Point, and Bamboo Island. Along the way, you’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore lush beaches, and enjoy a Thai buffet lunch on Koh Phi Phi Don.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is the speedboat approach, which allows more flexible access to the varied sights of the islands—no slow ferry here. We also love that hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the entire day smooth and hassle-free. Plus, snorkel gear and life jackets are provided, so you’re ready to explore Marine life immediately.

However, one consideration is that the itinerary has been adjusted due to Maya Bay’s indefinite closure by the Thai authorities, so some iconic spots like the actual “Beach” may not be accessible onshore. This highlights the importance of being flexible and understanding that environmental conservation efforts can change the experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, well-organized day with plenty of snorkeling and sightseeing, especially those who value professional guides and good food. If you’re looking for a balance of adventure, scenery, and comfort, this could be a great choice.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary with multiple stops around Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don.
• All-in-one experience with hotel transfers, lunch, and snorkeling gear included.
• Beautiful scenery from limestone cliffs to white-sand beaches.
• Authentic Thai buffet with a variety of flavors.
• Expert guides ensure safety and enrich the trip with interesting commentary.
• Environmental note: Maya Bay is closed, so some sites are viewed from a boat.

In-Depth Review of the Snorkel Tour to Phi Phi Islands from Koh Lanta

An Overview of What to Expect

From the moment you’re picked up from your Koh Lanta accommodation, the tone of this tour is set for a full day of island exploration. The transfer to Saladan Pier is straightforward, allowing you to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead. Once aboard the speedboat, your guide and crew—likely to be professional and organized based on reviews—will streamline the process and set expectations.

The first stop at Viking Cave offers a quick glance at the swiftlets’ nests harvested by locals, a small but interesting cultural insight. The real highlight begins with snorkeling in Viking Bay, where you can swim over artificial and natural reefs, marveling at the marine life and colorful coral. Expect to see a variety of fish, and if you’re lucky, some shy sea urchins or even tropical fish darting through the reefs.

Next, the boat cruises to Pileh Bay, famous for its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs framing an emerald lagoon. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you reach for your camera. The boat then moves on to Loh Samah Bay, a spot associated with “The Beach,” which may be a highlight for many travelers, although access to the actual beach might be limited due to park restrictions.

Visiting Maya Bay—Adjustments and Realities

Maya Bay remains the star attraction of the Phi Phi Islands, but recent restrictions mean you won’t be able to set foot on the sand or explore the beach as in previous years. Instead, you’ll see this famous bay from the water, soaking in its towering limestone cliffs and soft white sands from a distance. The 50-minute stop allows you to appreciate the natural beauty and underwater reef, which is still vibrant and teeming with fish, making snorkeling here worthwhile.

According to reviews, many travelers find this change disappointing, but they still enjoy the stunning views from the boat and the chance to experience the iconic scenery. As one reviewer put it, “The boat was clean, and we were given interesting traditional stories,” which shows the tour guides do their best to make up for the limited land access with engaging commentary.

Time on Koh Phi Phi Don

After the boat trip around the main sights, you’ll anchor on Koh Phi Phi Don for a Thai buffet lunch. The menu features popular dishes like Massaman chicken curry, fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, steamed rice, and fresh fruit. Many reviews highlight the quality and variety of the food, describing it as flavorful and satisfying after a morning of activity.

Following lunch, you’ll have about 90 minutes to explore. The island’s twin rocky ends connected by a narrow sand strip are charming, and you might be tempted to walk along the beaches or browse small shops. The opportunity to see Monkey Beach offers a chance to observe the lively macaques and snorkel near a coral reef just 50 meters offshore. Be mindful not to feed the monkeys—they can become aggressive if encouraged.

The Final Snorkel at Shark Point

Before heading back to Koh Lanta, the boat makes a last stop at Shark Point, known for its colorful corals and active marine life. This is a good chance to spot soft corals, fish, and sea urchins—another highlight for snorkelers. Several reviews mention how vibrant and lively the underwater scenes are, making this stop a worthwhile conclusion to the day’s aquatic adventures.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The standout elements include professional guides, who create a safe and informative environment, and the variety of stops—from lagoons and caves to beaches and reefs—offering a well-rounded experience. The snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, so you’re ready to explore without extra hassle. The hotel pickup adds significant convenience, especially if you’re staying outside the main pier area.

Considerations and Caveats

Despite the many positives, it’s important to note that Maya Bay’s closure means you won’t get the traditional beach experience that made it famous. Some travelers might find this disappointing, but the water views still impress. Also, the tour requires a minimum of 13 participants to operate, so small groups or solo travelers should check availability.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for active travelers who want a full day of sightseeing and snorkeling without worrying about logistics. It’s ideal for those who appreciate professional guides and are happy to see the sights from a boat, especially since some land-based attractions are off-limits currently. Families, couples, or solo adventurers looking for a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and aquatic fun will find this tour engaging.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Approximately 7 hours, with most of it spent on the water or exploring the islands.
• Price: At $50.32, the value is reasonable considering the included lunch, snorkeling gear, and transfers.
• Booking: On average, most travelers book about 15 days in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.
• What to Bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, extra dry clothes for after snorkeling, and a waterproof camera if you’d like photos.
• Weather: The tour is weather-dependent, and poor weather may result in cancellation or modifications.
• Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 60 travelers, ensuring space and comfort.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re eager for a well-paced, sightseeing-heavy day with plenty of snorkeling, this tour offers solid value and memorable scenery. The professional guides and delicious Thai lunch make it comfortable and satisfying, especially for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s best suited for travelers who are okay with seeing Maya Bay from afar and prefer to avoid crowded ferry trips.

However, if your heart is set on walking on the sand at Maya Bay or exploring more remote beaches, you might need to wait until access is restored or choose a different tour.

This experience offers a beautiful snapshot of the Phi Phi Islands—a blend of stunning vistas, vibrant marine life, and a taste of local culture. It’s a day that can create lasting memories of Thailand’s natural beauty, especially if you’re eager to snorkel in clear waters and enjoy a Thai feast with new friends.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off on Koh Lanta, making the experience more convenient.

How long is the tour? Expect around 7 hours from pickup to drop-off, with most of that time spent on the water or exploring the islands.

What spots will I visit? You’ll see Viking Cave, Viking Bay, Pileh Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay (from water), Koh Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach, and Shark Point.

Can I snorkel at all stops? Yes, snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided, and most stops are suitable for snorkeling, including Shark Point and Viking Bay.

Is the itinerary flexible? Due to environmental restrictions, Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay are viewed from the boat instead of onshore, which is a change from past experiences.

What food is included? A Thai buffet lunch with dishes like Massaman chicken curry, fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, steamed rice, and fresh fruit is included.

Are there any age restrictions? Basic accident insurance is available for guests aged 4 to 69, making it suitable for most families and solo travelers.

This speedboat tour from Koh Lanta offers a lively, scenic, and hassle-free way to explore the Phi Phi Islands—perfect for those who want a full day packed with snorkeling, stunning views, and a taste of Thailand’s famed marine beauty.