Full Day Tour of Phi Phi Island by Big Boat from Rassada Pier, Phuket (SHA Plus)

Planning a day trip to explore the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket? This full-day tour offers a comfortable way to see some of Thailand’s most iconic sights, including the famed Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave. For around $74.05 per person, you’ll enjoy a roughly 10-hour adventure that includes round-trip transfers, snorkeling gear, a tasty buffet lunch, and plenty of time to relax on the beaches.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the larger boat means more space to lounge and move around freely—perfect if you’re traveling with family or a group. Second, the insightful guides and thoughtful details like included snorkeling gear and admission fees add value and ensure a smoother experience.

A potential drawback? The limited time on some stops, especially at Phi Phi Don, might leave you wishing for more leisure or exploration. Also, the national park fee of 400 THB isn’t included in the price, so budget accordingly.

If you’re after a comfortable, well-organized day that balances sightseeing and relaxing, and you don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour is likely a good fit—especially for those who prefer a larger boat with more space and ease of access.

Key Points

• Comfortable size boat: More room to relax during the cruise.
• Scenic stops: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and others for iconic photo ops.
• All-inclusive essentials: Lunch, snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and insurance included.
• Active schedule: About 1 hour of snorkeling and limited time on each stop.
• Weather-dependent: The high-season itinerary involves specific sightseeing, which can change based on sea conditions.
• National park fee: An extra 400 THB payable on-site if you snorkel at Maya Bay.

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is designed for travelers who want to enjoy the Phi Phi Islands without feeling rushed or cramped. It’s offered by Sightseeingbangkok.com and operates with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate, less crowded experience. The large boat provides stability and space, which makes a noticeable difference if you’ve been on smaller speedboats before.

Morning Departure and Meeting Point

The adventure begins early—meet at Rassada Pier between 7:00 and 7:20 am. The tour includes round-trip transfers from Phuket, so all you need to do is show up at the meeting point. The provided mobile tickets make check-in smooth, and the company’s SHA Plus certification confirms their adherence to safety and health protocols, especially important during ongoing health concerns.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Rassada Pier to Phi Phi Islands

• At around 7:00 am, you’ll gather at Rassada Pier, where a friendly guide will greet you.
• The boat departs around 8:30 am, with a complimentary coffee, tea, and dessert service to start the day comfortably.
• The duration of the cruise is roughly an hour and a half, giving you time to settle in, enjoy the views, and chat with fellow travelers.

Sightseeing and Swimming at Phi Phi Ley and Phi Phi Don

• During high season (November to April), the boat first stops at the Phi Phi Ley Islands area, cruising past Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay—the star of many postcards.
• The sightseeing here is largely by boat, depending on weather and sea conditions. Many reviews mention beautiful views and the chance to see this world-famous bay from a distance.
• Around 11:15 am, the boat arrives at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don, where you’ll have about an hour to swim and relax on the sand.

Lunch and Leisure

• A buffet lunch is served at Long Beach around 12:30 pm. The reviews highlight that the lunch is delicious and all halal, which is a thoughtful touch for Muslim travelers.
• After eating, you’re free to relax on the beach or stroll around at your own pace. Reviews note that the beach is beautiful and worth the visit, especially if you enjoy a good swim.

Returning and Final Stops

• The tour begins its return around 2:15 pm, with a transfer from the beach to the boat.
• The cruise back departs around 2:30 pm, with sightseeing around other parts of Phi Phi Ley if weather allows.
• The journey concludes with a return to Rassada Pier around 4:30 pm.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Authentic Views and Guide Insights
Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides who provide interesting commentary, enhancing the sightseeing experience. The views from the large boat are described as stunning, especially the cruise past Maya Bay and Viking Cave.

Snorkeling and Marine Life
The inclusion of snorkeling gear and some admission fees, such as at Maya Bay, offer a good value for those wanting to explore Thailand’s vibrant undersea world. The long beach snorkeling was specifically highlighted as beautiful in one review.

Comfort and Convenience
The larger boat makes a noticeable difference—it’s more spacious and stable, making the day more comfortable, especially during the longer cruise portions. The round-trip transfers from Phuket and the mobile tickets simplify logistics.

What You Should Consider Before Booking

Limited Time on Stops
While the itinerary is packed, some travelers wish for more time on each beach or at the island’s key spots. With only about an hour at Long Beach and a brief stop at Phi Phi Ley, you might find yourself wishing for extra leisure to soak in the scenery.

Weather Dependence
Many of the sightseeing highlights depend on sea conditions. If weather turns poor, some stops or views could be altered or canceled, which could disappoint those expecting iconic sights like Maya Bay to be accessible.

Additional Costs
The national park fee of 400 THB isn’t included in the initial price, and you’ll need to pay this if you snorkel at Maya Bay. Also, some reviews mention extra charges for activities, but overall, most essentials are covered.

Group Size and Atmosphere
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this tour tends to be more intimate than larger boats, which many travelers appreciate. However, it also means you should book early to secure a spot, especially during peak season.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip suits families, small groups, or couples seeking a comfortable, relaxing day out rather than a high-adrenaline adventure. It’s ideal for those who value space to lounge and appreciate guided commentary. If you’re keen on snorkeling and sightseeing without a hectic schedule, this tour delivers good value.

It’s especially valuable for travelers new to the area or those who prefer more stable, larger boats over speedboats. Budget-conscious travelers will also find the all-inclusive nature and included transfers appealing, though remember to budget for the park fee.

Final Thoughts

This Full Day Tour of Phi Phi Islands by Big Boat from Phuket strikes a balance between comfort and adventure. The larger vessel and thoughtful inclusions make it an attractive option for those who want a relaxed yet scenic day on the water. While it’s not the most extensive or flexible tour out there—given the limited time at each stop—its comfort, ease, and decent value make it worth considering.

If you’re traveling with family, prefer a more spacious boat, or simply want to enjoy the stunning views of Thailand’s iconic islands without the rush, this trip offers a solid, dependable choice. Just remember, if snorkeling or exploring the beaches at your leisure is a priority, you might wish for a tour with longer stops or more free time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to arrive?
You should meet at Rassada Pier between 7:00 and 7:20 am. The tour departs around 8:30 am, so arriving early ensures smooth check-in.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour meets at Rassada Pier. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes round-trip boat transfer, snorkel gear, lunch, fruits and drinks, a tour guide, and insurance.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, the national park fee of 400 THB per person applies if you snorkel at Maya Bay or other park areas.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children over 120 cm are charged as adults, and the tour’s size (max 15 travelers) makes it manageable for families. However, the itinerary is fairly packed, so consider your child’s comfort with long boat rides and busy schedules.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent; if conditions are poor, it may be canceled or rescheduled. In that case, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, from early morning meet-up to late afternoon return.

Can I snorkel?
Yes, snorkel gear is provided, and snorkeling is one of the tour’s highlights. Be prepared for about an hour of snorkeling time, based on reviews.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Remember to have cash for the park fee if you plan to snorkel at Maya Bay.

This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to see the highlights of Phi Phi Islands, especially if comfort and ease are your priorities. It’s a route well-suited for those wanting everything taken care of, with scenic views, snorkeling fun, and a relaxed pace.