Phi Phi Islands One Day Tour By Ferry From Phuket

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands on a Day Trip from Phuket

When considering a day tour to the iconic Phi Phi Islands, you’ll find options that promise a bit of everything—scenic views, snorkeling, and a taste of island life. This particular ferry trip from Phuket, costing around $49.81 per person, offers a straightforward way to tick off the must-see sights of Koh Phi Phi. The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, including hotel transfers, which makes it suitable for those who prefer a hassle-free, full-day adventure.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is its convenience: the round-trip ferry transfer from Phuket, combined with free hotel pickup in select areas, means you avoid the hassle of organizing transportation on your own. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and snorkeling gear adds value, allowing you to enjoy the day without extra costs or planning. The spectacular views of Phi Phi Leh, including Viking Cave and Maya Bay, are the highlights that make this trip worth considering.

However, one key point to keep in mind is that with the ferry approach, your beach access is somewhat limited—most beaches are viewed from afar, and snorkeling time might be constrained to about one hour at the best spots. For travelers eager to set foot on multiple beaches or explore more remote cove areas, this may feel a bit restrictive. Also, the tour is relatively quick, so if you’re seeking a more in-depth or personalized experience, other options like speedboats might deliver more personalized visits.

This tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers or families who want a reliable, all-in-one day with basic sightseeing, some snorkeling, and a good meal. If you’re comfortable with group tours and don’t mind the limited beach time, this trip offers good value for the cost.

Key Points

• Convenient round-trip ferry transfer from Phuket with hotel pickup in select areas makes logistics simple.
• Sightseeing of Phi Phi Leh from the boat includes Viking Cave, Maya Bay, and other notable landmarks.
• Includes a buffet lunch and snorkeling gear, allowing you to relax and enjoy the water without extra expenses.
• Limited beach access and only about an hour of snorkeling time at the main beach.
• Tour duration of 8-9 hours suits travelers wanting a full yet manageable day trip.
• Pricing around $49.81 offers a budget-friendly way to visit the islands, but extra costs like the national park fee are not included in the base price.

A Deep Dive into the Phi Phi Islands Tour

When we think about the Phi Phi Islands, images of towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life come to mind. This tour offers a practical taste of that, but it’s wise to understand what’s involved for a full picture.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The journey begins early in the morning, with hotel pickups in Phuket scheduled between 7:00 am and 7:15 am. This early start is typical for day tours, giving you ample time to enjoy the islands without feeling rushed. From Phuket, you’ll hop onto a newly built motorboat — a comfortable vessel that promises a smooth ride for about 1.5 hours to reach Phi Phi Leh.

Onboard, you’ll get to enjoy sightseeing from the boat itself, with views of Viking Cave, Pileh Cove, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, and Monkey Beach. These are the star attractions that draw millions of visitors, and from the boat, you’ll see all their natural beauty, but not necessarily step foot on all of them.

Visiting Phi Phi Leh: The Highlights

Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous worldwide thanks to its cinematic scenery and dramatic cliffs. From the deck, you’ll glimpse Viking Cave, home to swiftlets whose nests fetch high prices, and Maya Bay, which gained fame from The Beach. The boat stops briefly at the harbor for a chance to swim and snorkel in the inviting waters, which are home to colorful tropical fish and coral.

However, based on reviews, the snorkeling time can be somewhat limited—about one hour at the main beach. For many, this is enough to see some marine life, but if you’re after a more extensive underwater experience, this might feel a bit rushed.

Lunch at Phi Phi Don: A Taste of Local Flavors

After the boat adventure, you’ll land on Phi Phi Don, the larger inhabited island. Here, a buffet-style lunch awaits at an island restaurant. The menu includes seafood, which many find satisfying, especially after a morning of sightseeing. The lunch is a highlight for those who enjoy hearty, local cuisine and a break from the boat.

The tour also offers free time of about three hours to explore the island. You can wander the streets, browse shops, or relax at a beachside café. Keep in mind that extra costs for souvenirs or additional activities are not included, but the free time provides a decent window to soak in the island atmosphere.

The End of the Day: Return to Phuket

As afternoon approaches, you’ll reboard the ferry for the return voyage, with views of the islands’ coastlines fading behind you. The entire experience wraps up with hotel drop-offs in Phuket, ensuring the day remains stress-free.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

One review summed it up by saying, “Transfer was on time. View was nice but with Ferry you cannot visit Beaches except one. So you have to look them from far till you go to Hafen where Ferry stops and you have lunch.” This highlights the main limitation: limited beach access due to the ferry’s route and schedule.

Another reviewer commented, “We had just one hour time for Snorkelling at that beach,” emphasizing the quick nature of snorkeling stops. For travelers who want to dive deep into the underwater environment or visit multiple beaches, this might not be the ideal setup.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a straightforward, cost-effective day trip with decent sightseeing and a tasty meal, this tour fits the bill. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or budget travelers who want a taste of Phi Phi without the hassle of organizing transportation or paying high prices.

Final Thoughts

This ferry tour from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands offers an efficient way to see some of Thailand’s most iconic scenery. The views from the boat are stunning, and the included lunch and snorkeling gear add value. Still, it’s important to recognize its limitations, especially if your goal is to spend more time on beaches or explore underwater habitats in depth.

For those who prefer a relaxed, organized experience, and don’t mind the quick visits, this trip provides great value for a full day of island sightseeing. It’s especially suitable for travelers on a budget or those wanting a stress-free way to tick off the main sights of Phi Phi.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the price of this tour?
  The tour costs approximately $49.81 per person, which includes ferry transfer, lunch, snorkeling gear, and hotel pickup in select areas.

• How long does the tour last?
  It runs about 8 to 9 hours, from early morning pickup to late afternoon return.

• Are meals included?
  Yes, there’s a buffet lunch with seafood options, along with refreshments like tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

• What should I bring?
  Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Snorkeling gear is included but feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

• Is snorkeling included?
  Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for free, and there’s about an hour of snorkeling time at the beach.

• What about optional excursions?
  Extra costs are not included in the base price, such as the THB 400 national park entrance fee for some options.

• Can I visit multiple beaches?
  Not quite; the ferry route limits you mainly to viewing beaches from the boat or a brief stop for snorkeling.

• Are there any age restrictions?
  Child tickets are available for children 4-11 years old under 120 cm tall. Pregnant women or those with certain health issues are advised against participating.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you are offered a full refund or a different date.

• Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
  Since it involves ferry travel and some walking, it may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges.

This tour offers a reliable, budget-friendly way to glimpse the stunning Phi Phi Islands. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or those who want a casual day of sightseeing, snorkeling, and enjoying delicious Thai food. For travelers craving more flexibility or in-depth exploration, other options like speedboat trips might be worth exploring. But for a straightforward, well-organized experience, this tour hits the right notes.