Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser with Lunch by The Sea

Experience the Beauty and Flaws of the Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser

This tour offers a full day of exploring the famed Phi Phi Islands, starting with hotel pickup in Phuket, followed by a scenic cruise on a sizable, comfortable ferry. For $159.67 per person, you’ll spend about nine hours immersed in stunning landscapes, with snacks, a Thai lunch, and guided sightseeing included.

What we especially like about this tour is the chance to see the limestone cliffs, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a flavorful Thai meal in a relaxed setting. The boat ride itself is spacious, offering refreshments and sightseeing on the way. Plus, the local guide’s insights add a friendly touch to the experience.

However, there are some considerations. Several reviews highlight crowded boats and a lack of detailed guided commentary or stops beyond the basic sightseeing. This tour is better suited for travelers who value the scenery and the relaxed island vibe over a more structured or exclusive experience. If you’re looking to snorkel or explore with a personal touch, you might want to consider more specialized options.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Phuket seeking a straightforward, reasonably priced day out that combines island scenery, marine life, and local cuisine. If you’re okay with larger groups and just want a taste of the Phi Phi Islands, this could very well suit your needs.

Key Points

Convenient hotel pickup and round-trip transfer make logistics easy.
Scenic ferry ride provides beautiful views of limestone cliffs and emerald waters.
Includes a Thai buffet lunch and snacks—good value for a full day.
Multiple sightseeing stops like Maya Bay and Viking Cave appeal to first-time visitors.
Some reviews mention overcrowded boats and limited guided commentary.
Tour is best suited for casual travelers looking for a relaxed day trip rather than an exclusive experience.

Detailed Review of the Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser

An Overview of the Experience

This tour promises a full day of island hopping, snorkeling, and scenic cruising from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, with a focus on easy logistics and comfort. It’s priced at just over $150, which includes hotel pickup, boat transfer, lunch, and sightseeing, making it a popular choice for those who want a hassle-free trip.

The trip begins early, with pickup times around 7:00 am, depending on your hotel location, and takes you to Phuket’s Rassada Pier. From there, you board the Royal Jet Cruiser, a large and comfortable vessel that feels more spacious compared to smaller speedboats, with refreshments served onboard.

The cruise heads out across the Andaman Sea, offering views of vivid turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and lush islands. The itinerary includes a cruise past Phi Phi Ley, Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Pi-Le Cove, giving you plenty of vistas to enjoy from the deck.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure and Scenic Cruising
The voyage kicks off with a smooth departure around 8:30 am. The onboard amenities make the trip enjoyable, with snacks and soft drinks to keep you fueled. As you cruise, the views of towering limestone formations and shimmering waters are truly picture-perfect, ideal for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

Stop at Phi Phi Ley
Around 10:40 am, the boat reaches the Phi Phi Ley area, famous for Maya Bay, made globally popular by “The Beach.” During the cruise past Phi Phi Ley, you’ll see Viking Cave and Loh Samah Bay, which are fascinating for their limestone formations and wildlife. The reviews indicate that during certain times of the year, sightseeing on board might be adjusted due to sea or weather conditions—a reminder to expect a degree of variability.

Time on Phi Phi Don
At about 11:15 am, the boat docks at Phi Phi Don, the larger, inhabited island. Here, you’ll have free time for swimming and relaxing on the beach. Many reviewers appreciated the clean beaches and transparent water, perfect for a quick swim and lounging.

Lunch and Leisure
Around 12:30 pm, a buffet lunch of Thai specialties is served at a local restaurant. After filling up, you’re free to relax or explore a bit on your own before leaving around 2:30 pm.
One reviewer praised the delicious food and cool, air-conditioned restaurant, considering it a highlight. Others mentioned the lunch was basic but adequate for refueling after a morning of activities.

Return Cruise and Arrival
The return journey starts at 2:30 pm, with the boat heading back to Phuket, arriving at Rassada Pier by 4:00 pm. From there, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, ending a full day that mixes scenic beauty, marine activities, and local flavor.

Sightseeing Highlights and Authentic Experiences

The sightseeing on board the boat is a major part of this experience. You’ll pass Viking Cave, famous for ancient paintings and swiftlet nests; Loh Samah Bay, with its dramatic cliffs; and of course Maya Bay, with its iconic white sands and steep limestone cliffs. These sights give you a real sense of the dramatic geography that makes the Phi Phi Islands so captivating.

Several reviews highlight the impressive views and the opportunity to see marine life while snorkeling. While snorkeling isn’t explicitly included in the itinerary, some travelers take the chance to swim among exotic marine life and coral reefs, which is a big plus for water lovers.

The Experience for Different Types of Travelers

If you’re someone who appreciates a relaxed, all-in-one day trip with minimal planning and logistics taken care of, this tour could be perfect. The comfortable boat and included lunch add value, making it a good option for families, first-time visitors, and those who prefer a guided, social group experience.

However, the tour isn’t suited for travelers seeking intimate or highly personalized experiences. Several reviews mention crowded boats and limited guided commentary, which can diminish the sense of discovery for seasoned travelers or those wanting to explore at their own pace.

Real Feedback from Travelers

Some reviews are glowing, such as: “This is an amazing day tour complete with snorkling, swimming, high speed tour of the islands with a great lunch.” Others are less enthusiastic: “The trip was merely a ferry transportation from Phuket to one of the Phi Phi islands,” with complaints about crowded conditions and mediocre food.

For example, a disappointed traveler noted: “Boat is RAMMED full of people, too many people, for the experience to be enjoyable.” This underscores the importance of expecting a lively, group atmosphere rather than a tranquil escape.

On the positive side, several travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery, describing the experience as value-packed and enjoyable for first-timers.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Arrive early for pickup, especially if staying outside Phuket Town, to ensure timely boarding.
• Bring sun protection, waterproof camera, and snorkeling gear if you want to explore marine life more closely—though gear may sometimes be available onboard.
• Prepare for crowds, especially at popular spots like Maya Bay. If you prefer quieter experiences, consider how this might affect your enjoyment.
• The lunch is included, but if you have dietary restrictions, it’s worth confirming beforehand.
• Be aware that sea and weather conditions can alter the itinerary or sightseeing opportunities, so flexibility is key.

The Sum Up: Who Would Love This Tour?

This day trip offers a great introduction to the Phi Phi Islands’ stunning scenery, marine environment, and local cuisine. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or families looking for a hassle-free, comfortable day out. The included lunch and scenic cruise provide excellent value, especially considering the easy logistics.

That said, if your priority is small group intimacy, snorkeling variety, or in-depth exploration, you might find this tour a bit crowded or basic. The large boat and group nature make it less suited for travelers craving a more exclusive adventure, but for most, it hits the sweet spot of value and memorable views.

This tour delivers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that captures the essence of the Phi Phi Islands—stunning scenery, relaxed island time, and good food—with some caveats about crowds and limited guided commentary.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes shared van transfer from your hotel in Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, or Karon Beach.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about nine hours, from pickup to return to your hotel.

What’s included in the price?
You get round-trip boat transfer, hotel pickup, snacks, soft drinks, a Thai buffet lunch, an English-speaking guide onboard, and entry fees to Tonsai Pier and Phi Phi Island.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
While snorkeling isn’t explicitly listed as included, many travelers take advantage of swimming time and the chance to snorkel among marine life and coral reefs.

What are the main sightseeing stops?
You’ll see Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, and have leisure time on Phi Phi Don for swimming and relaxing.

Is the boat crowded?
Some reviews mention the boat being rammed full of people, which might impact comfort and enjoyment.

Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians or specific diets?
The tour offers a buffet Thai lunch, but it’s best to inquire if you have special dietary needs.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, water, a camera, snorkeling gear, and possibly cash for optional extras.

How flexible is the itinerary?
The schedule can change depending on sea and weather conditions, so some stops or sightseeing may vary.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for first-time visitors, families, and travelers seeking a relaxed, all-in-one day trip with beautiful scenery and good value.

In the end, the Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser offers a solid, scenic adventure that’s perfect for those wanting a straightforward experience with plenty of photo ops, good food, and island relaxation. Just brace yourself for some crowds and a lively group atmosphere—this isn’t a secluded escape but rather a fun, social day among stunning landscapes.