Phi Phi Islands One Day Tour By Speedboat from Krabi

Experience the Stunning Phi Phi Islands in a Small Group Speedboat Tour from Krabi

If you’re looking to explore one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations without the overwhelming crowds, this Phi Phi Islands One Day Tour by speedboat is a fantastic choice. Priced at around $56.50 per person, it offers roughly 7 to 8 hours of unforgettable island-hopping, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine beaches. The tour departs early from Nang An Pier in Krabi, with convenient door-to-door transfers available from Ao Nang — a real bonus if you want to skip the hassle of renting a boat or navigating public transport.

What really draws us in is the small-group setting and expert guides who know how to balance the must-see sights with some quieter moments — a big plus for travelers who dislike feeling like just another face in a crowd. Plus, the full snorkeling gear and life jackets included ensure you’ll comfortably enjoy the vibrant marine life, and the buffet lunch with water and fresh fruit keeps you energized through a busy day. On the downside, some reviews mention that Maya Bay can be crowded, and the tour can feel rushed, especially during peak seasons, so travelers should keep that in mind.

This tour suits those who are eager to see multiple islands, enjoy snorkeling, and appreciate the convenience of a guided experience with door-to-door pickup. It’s perfect for active travelers, families with older children, or anyone craving an authentic day on the water without the hassle of planning every detail.

Key Points

• Small group size means more personalized attention and less overcrowding.
• Comprehensive itinerary includes snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxing at various iconic sites.
• Full snorkeling gear and buffet lunch add convenience and value.
• Expert guides like “Boat” and “Jame” are repeatedly praised for their professionalism and knowledge.
• Crowds can be an issue, especially at Maya Bay, so early or off-peak visits might improve the experience.
• Costs include most activities, but there’s a national park fee and optional extra transfers.

A Closer Look at the Phi Phi Islands Tour

When we think about Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, images of crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lively beaches come to mind. This tour offers a well-rounded taste of those sights in a manageable, day-long package. It’s designed to maximize your time, focus on the highlights, and avoid some of the pitfalls of large, overcrowded tours.

How the Day is Structured

The tour begins bright and early at Nang An Pier at 8:00 am, with a pickup from your hotel in Ao Nang, if you choose that option. This allows you to beat some of the crowds and set off before the day warms up. You’ll hop aboard a speedboat—a faster, more agile way to hop from island to island than traditional longtail boats. With a maximum of 45 travelers, the experience feels more intimate, though it can still be lively.

First Stop: Bamboo Island

Your first destination is Bamboo Island — a small, picturesque spot ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. The reefs here attract colorful fish, and the shallow waters make it easy to wade in. Reviewers like Bryant_Y appreciated the opportunity to explore the coral reefs and relax away from crowds. Keep in mind that admission tickets are not included and need to be paid separately if you want to enter specific areas.

Viking Cave and Its Photogenic Appeal

Next, the boat heads toward Viking Cave. Here, the focus is on photo opportunities and sightseeing; the cave is famous for its ancient murals and swiftlet nests. It’s a quick stop of about 30 minutes, but the admission ticket is included, so you can step ashore or peer from the boat.

Pileh Bay: A Must-See Lagoon

The highlight for many is Pileh Bay, a stunning lagoon in Phi Phi with calm, emerald waters and impressive limestone cliffs. Snorkeling here is particularly rewarding, with vibrant coral reefs and schools of multi-colored fish. Reviewers like Sandra_D praised the well-supported snorkeling and the mesmerizing views. You’ll spend about 45 minutes here, soaking in the scenery.

Loh Samah Bay: Snorkeling & Marine Life

Loh Samah Bay offers another snorkeling stop with abundant colorful fish and coral reefs. The shallow waters make it accessible for most swimmers, and its vibrant underwater life is a crowd favorite. Reviewers often mention how the guides help you spot marine creatures, making this part of the trip both fun and educational.

Maya Bay: The Iconic Movie Scene

Maya Bay, famous for “The Beach”, is a must-see, but with Maya Island still closed for conservation efforts, you’ll only stop for sightseeing, swimming, and photos. While some reviews point out that it can be crowded, the early arrival helps avoid the worst crowds. The 30-minute stop gives you time for quick photos and a dip, but don’t expect solitude here.

Ko Phi Phi Don: Free Time & Shopping

The largest island, Ko Phi Phi Don, gets about two hours of free time. This is your chance to browse shops, grab a snack, or relax on the beach. Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to stretch their legs and soak in the laid-back island vibe. This break gives a good balance to the busy water stops.

Wang Long Bay & Monkey Beach

Later, you’ll visit Wang Long Bay, a remote, mountain-fringed area where locals farm swallows’ nests — a unique sight that’s great for photos and quiet exploration. Following that, Monkey Beach offers another chance for photography and observing primates in their natural habitat. While some reviews mention crowded conditions, guides like “Coke” are praised for their attentiveness, helping you enjoy these spots safely and comfortably.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up back at the pier after a full day, typically around 4-5 pm. Throughout the day, lunch is served — a buffet with water and fresh fruit, which reviewers like Karen_m found to be one of the best during their trip. The included snorkeling gear, life jackets, and guide support ensure a seamless experience.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

Many reviews mention the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. “Boat” and “Jame” are especially praised for their knowledge and helpfulness. One reviewer noted how their guide planned the day around weather conditions, ensuring they still enjoyed Maya Bay despite high tides or possible rain. It’s clear that good guides make a difference in making this a memorable trip.

However, some travelers found the experience overcrowded and rushed, particularly at Maya Bay during peak times. For them, this diminishes the feeling of peaceful island escapism. The tour’s large group size can sometimes make the boat experience feel cramped, and the short time at each stop might leave some wishing for a bit more leisure.

Value for Money

At $56.50, this tour offers a pretty good deal considering it includes transport, guide support, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and insurance. While there are additional fees such as the 400 THB national park entry, these are standard for such trips. Many reviewers feel the quality of the guides, the variety of stops, and the quality of snorkeling justify the price, especially when compared to similar tours.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book in advance: The tour is popular, often booked 20 days ahead.
• Bring cash for entrance fees: The national park fee isn’t included, so prepare for 400 THB per adult.
• Arrive early: The tour starts promptly at 8:00 am, so punctuality is key.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be strong during the day.
• Snorkel gear is provided, but you can bring your own if preferred.
• Watch the weather: Tours can be canceled or altered in bad weather, and some stops may be less accessible during high tides.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience that includes snorkeling, island sightseeing, and a taste of Thai cuisine. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a full, active day but prefer to leave logistics and transportation to the experts. The small-group setting helps foster a more relaxed atmosphere, but keep in mind that crowds at Maya Bay can still be an issue during peak seasons.

If you’re someone who values professional guides, appreciates delicious food, and wants to see multiple sights in one day, this tour is likely to leave you with wonderful memories. However, if you’re chasing solitude or a leisurely pace, you might find some stops a bit rushed or crowded.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, free hotel pickup is offered for the Ao Nang area, making it easy to start your day without transport worries.

How long is the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, from early morning pickup to return.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes transfers, snorkeling equipment, guide, lunch, water and fruit, life jackets, first aid kit, and insurance.

Are there any extra fees?
Yes, you’ll need to pay a 400 THB national park fee at the entrance. There’s also a 100 THB round-trip transfer fee if your pickup point isn’t Ao Nang.

What stops do we visit?
Stops include Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Don, Wang Long Bay, and Monkey Beach.

Can I snorkel without experience?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear is provided, and guides are available to assist beginners.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-11 can join, but very young kids or pregnant women should consider their comfort with boat rides and physical activity.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 45 travelers, though many reviews mention a more intimate feel due to the small-group approach.

What’s the quality of the lunch?
Most reviews praise the buffet lunch, describing it as delicious and filling, with water and fresh fruit to keep you energized.

Is swimming included?
Yes, several stops feature swimming and snorkeling in calm, scenic waters, all supported with full equipment.

To sum it up, this tour strikes a fine balance between adventure and comfort, providing an authentic glimpse of the Phi Phi Islands with knowledgeable guides and good value. It’s ideal for travelers eager to experience Thailand’s famed islands in a lively but manageable setting. While crowds at Maya Bay can be unavoidable, early booking and guides’ planning help mitigate this. For those looking to snorkel, explore, and enjoy some of the best scenery Thailand has to offer, this trip is a solid, enjoyable choice.