Escape to Phi Phi Islands: Ferry with Lunch

Planning a trip to Thailand often means considering a day trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands. Known for their crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, they are a highlight for many travelers. This particular tour, priced at around $54.22 per person, offers a seven to eight-hour adventure that combines sailing, snorkelling, and a buffet lunch, making it a solid choice for those wanting to explore without breaking the bank. Guided by the reputable Phuket Dive Provider, this trip promises a taste of the local beauty with the comfort of roundtrip transfers and included amenities.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it runs—timing is well-organized, and the boat ride itself provides fantastic views of the islands, even passing by well-known sites like Maya Bay and Viking Cave. Plus, the lunch at Long Beach offers an opportunity to enjoy some free time to swim, relax, or soak up the sun on long beach. On the downside, the admission fees for the national park are extra, and some reviews mention organizational hiccups during meal times or seating issues, so it’s worth arriving prepared for a full day of activity.

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation, particularly those who appreciate stunning scenery and marine activities. If you’re comfortable with group tours that can sometimes be crowded or slightly chaotic, you’ll find this experience offers value and memorable sights. However, if you’re looking for a more exclusive or luxurious experience, or if you’re sensitive to organizational issues, you might want to explore alternative options.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Expect iconic sights like Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Pi-Le Cove.
• Snorkelling included: Use provided equipment to explore vibrant underwater life.
• Well-organized itinerary: Timing allows for sightseeing, beach time, and lunch.
• Cost-effective: Offers good value with transfers, lunch, and activities included.
• Some reviews highlight: issues with seating, food hygiene, and organization.
• Best suited for: travelers who want an authentic, reasonably priced day on the water with plenty of photo opportunities.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting the Day: Pickup and Transfer

The day begins early—around 7:00 am—with pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point. The transfer to Rassada Pier takes about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to get excited about the day ahead. The group sizes can be up to 80 travelers, but this ensures a lively atmosphere without feeling overcrowded. The reassurance of included accident insurance and licensed guides means you’re well looked after from the start.

The First Leg: Boat to the Phi Phi Islands

By 8:30 am, you board the Royal Jet Cruiser, a vessel that sets sail toward the Phi Phi Islands. The cruise itself is a highlight, with refreshments served onboard, allowing you to relax and enjoy the panoramic views. Depending on the weather, you might find the boat ride to be smooth or a little choppy—it’s part of the adventure. Several reviews mention that the sea voyage offers incredible vistas and that the boat’s amenities make the journey comfortable.

Visiting Ko Phi Phi Le: The Iconic Maya Bay and Beyond

At around 10:30 am, you arrive at Ko Phi Phi Le, famous for its Maya Bay—the stunning cove made famous by the movie “The Beach.” While Maya Bay was closed from August 2023 to September 2023 for environmental restoration, visitors can still see it from the boat. The cruise passes by spots like Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, and Loh Samah Bay, giving you plenty of chances for photo ops and sightseeing without the crowds.

Some reviews note that the sightseeing from the boat is truly worthwhile, with one reviewer stating, “the views of the traversal are worth it.” However, the limited time at each stop means you won’t spend hours here—just enough to snap photos and take in the scenery.

Beach Time at Long Beach, Phi Phi Don

Next, at 11:15 am, the boat docks at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim, sunbathe, or relax. The setting is ideal for unwinding after the busy morning of sightseeing. The reviews indicate that this beach is beautiful and lively, perfect for a quick escape into the water or just lounging in the sun.

Lunch: The Culinary Highlight

At 12:30 pm, it’s time for the buffet lunch at Long Beach. The food is included in the tour price, and while some reviews express dissatisfaction with the chaotic organization of the meal service, others find the food enjoyable. The lunch is served buffet-style, offering a variety of options, and the free time afterward allows you to linger, explore more of the beach, or simply relax.

Wrapping Up: Return Journey

In the early afternoon, at about 2:15 pm, the group boards the Sea Angel Cruise to leave the island. The return cruise to Phuket departs around 2:30 pm, arriving back at the pier by 4:30 pm. The transfer back to your hotel wraps up a full day of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Despite some organizational challenges reported in reviews, this tour offers a genuine chance to see some of Thailand’s most famous sights. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and the marine life visible while snorkelling often exceeds expectations. The inclusive amenities—snorkeling gear, bottled water, fresh fruit, coffee, and a licensed guide—add to the overall value, making it a practical choice.

We loved the way the boat cruise presents the landscape—pass by Viking Cave and Pi-Le Cove, capturing the essence of Phuket’s marine beauty. The free time at Long Beach is particularly appreciated, giving us space to bask in the sun or take a dip.

However, some travelers have voiced concerns about seating arrangements—if you’re looking for perfect views, consider upgrading seats if possible. Food quality and hygiene also received mixed reviews, so if you have special dietary needs, it’s worth noting that the tour can accommodate vegetarian or vegan options if specified in advance.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At just over $54, this tour provides solid value when you consider roundtrip transfers, a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and insurance. The included sights are iconic, and the overall schedule allows for photo opportunities and leisure. Comparing to other tours, it strikes a balance between cost and experience, especially if you’re after a full day of exploring without the hassle of organizing transport.

While some reviews point out disorganization at mealtime or limited time at each stop, these are common in group tours, and the overall experience remains positive for most travelers seeking authentic scenery and marine fun.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurers on a budget who want to see the most famous sights of Phi Phi Islands. It’s perfect for those interested in snorkelling, breathtaking scenery, and a lively tour atmosphere. If you are comfortable with group tours, and don’t mind some organizational quirks, you’ll find this offers great value.

On the other hand, if you’re after a luxury experience, or prefer a more relaxed, private day, other options might be better. Also, if you’re sensitive to crowded spots or chaotic meal arrangements, it’s good to keep those points in mind.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes roundtrip transfers, a buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, fresh fruits, coffee/tea, accident insurance, and a licensed guide.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about 7 to 8 hours, starting at 7:00 am and returning around 4:30 pm.

Is there an extra fee I should be aware of?
Yes, the National Park Fee of THB 400 for adults and THB 200 for children is not included in the price and must be paid separately on-site.

Can I snorkel at the stops?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear is provided for exploring underwater at designated spots, usually near Long Beach.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers, including families, can participate. Just be aware of the duration and the sea conditions.

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

Do I need to bring a towel?
Towels are not included, but many travelers bring their own for comfort and drying off after swimming.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, the tour can cater to vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs if informed when booking.

How crowded does it get?
The tour can host up to 80 travelers, so expect a lively group, especially during peak season.

Is there a guarantee of good views?
While seating is general, upgrading to better seats may improve your chances of enjoying the scenery more comfortably.

Final Thoughts

This Phi Phi Islands tour by ferry with lunch offers a cost-effective and scenic way to experience some of Thailand’s most famous island sights. With stunning landscapes, opportunities for snorkelling, and a relaxed beach stop, it caters well to travelers wanting a full day of adventure without the fuss.

While minor organizational issues are noted, the overall value, beautiful scenery, and lively atmosphere make this a popular choice among budget-conscious visitors. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Phuket for more, this tour delivers a well-rounded taste of the island paradise.

If you prioritize authentic experiences, good views, and marine activities over luxury, you’ll likely find this trip worth your while. Just remember to arrive prepared for a busy day and be ready for some lively group energy. For those craving an easy, scenic, and fun-filled day on the water, this tour strikes a very reasonable balance.