Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Trip By Big Boat From Phuket

Experience the Stunning Phi Phi Islands on a Full-Day Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

If you’re looking to escape the busy streets of Phuket and spend a day exploring some of Thailand’s most iconic islands, this Phi Phi Islands snorkeling trip by big boat offers an accessible, budget-friendly way to do just that. For around $50, you’ll get a roughly 8 to 9-hour journey filled with scenic vistas, snorkeling, and a taste of island life. The tour departs early from Rassada Pier and takes you to famous spots like Viking Cave, Coral Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Paleh Lagoon—each offering a different side of the archipelago’s natural beauty.

One aspect we really appreciate is the convenient hotel pickup from key locations like Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, and Karon—no need to worry about finding your way to the pier. Plus, the lunch buffet on Phi Phi Don and the snorkeling gear included make it a straightforward, worry-free day. That said, some travelers have noted that the overall experience can feel rushed or not quite match the expectations set by the tour description, so managing expectations about timing and stops is wise.

If you’re someone who values stunning views and a good value for money, this trip might suit you best. However, those who crave more snorkeling or time on the islands might find it less satisfying, as some reviews point out shorter than expected visits and limited snorkeling opportunities. Overall, it’s a trip that serves well for first-timers or travelers with limited time who want a taste of the Phi Phi Islands without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Accessible and convenient with hotel pickup from multiple Phuket locations
• Includes lunch and snorkeling gear, simplifying the day
• Highlights iconic spots like Viking Cave, Coral Bay, and Pileh Lagoon
• Travel time can be lengthy, with about 4.5 hours each way
• Mixed reviews about the value and experience, especially regarding timing and inclusions
• Suitable for travelers who want a budget-friendly, guided day trip with scenic island stops

An In-Depth Look at the Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Trip

What’s Included and How It Works

This tour is designed as a full-day escape from Phuket, offering round-trip transfer from most major beaches and towns, which means you don’t have to worry about logistics. The trip by ferry takes you to the Phi Phi Islands, with a friendly English-speaking guide who is mindful of eco-tourism. The lunch buffet and snorkeling equipment are included, aiming to keep your day hassle-free.

The tour begins early at 7:00 am, with check-in at Rassada Pier. The admission tickets to Viking Cave and other spots are included, but you’ll need to pay the national park fee (400THB per adult, 200THB per child) separately on-site—something to keep in mind when budgeting. The max group size is around 100 travelers, which might mean a lively, social atmosphere or, for some, a crowded boat.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

First stop: Rassada Pier.
You start with a short check-in and photo opportunities at the pier—a chance to capture your first views of the boats and the busy port. This initial pause sets the tone for the day, giving you a taste of the island vibe.

Viking Cave.
After about 30 minutes, you’ll visit Viking Cave, famous for its ancient cave paintings and the bird’s nest industry. It’s a quick sightseeing stop, but the admission is included, and many enjoy the chance to snap photos of the dramatic cliffs and caves.

Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Lagoon.
These are some of the most stunning spots on Phi Phi Leh, where we loved the chance to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The calm, sheltered nature of these bays makes for ideal snorkeling, though some reviews suggest the time here can be quite limited—about 30 minutes at each site.

Coral Bay at Ko Phi Phi Don.
This is where most of the snorkeling action happens, with equipment provided. The beautiful coral reefs are home to colorful fish, and the shallow waters are great for all skill levels. Here, you’ll also have a lunch break—a buffet served on the island, offering a decent variety of Thai dishes and fresh fruits.

Free time on Phi Phi Don.
After lunch, you get about three hours to explore the island at your own pace. Many travelers use this time to stroll along the beaches, shop for souvenirs, or just relax. However, some review comments highlight that the shorter time at the island can feel rushed, especially when factoring in the boat transfer and other stops.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

One reviewer described the trip as “disappointing because the snorkeling itinerary ended with only snorkeling once” and felt the timing was too tight. Others appreciated the “stunning views” and “good value for money” but noted that the experience might lack the depth some snorkelers crave, especially if expecting multiple snorkeling spots or longer island visits.

A particularly candid comment from Monica_G mentioned the “long travel time” (4.5 hours each way) and lack of free soft drinks, which is not uncommon on budget tours. Some found the lunch quality to be “bad”, so packing some snacks might be wise if you’re sensitive to food.

Pros and Cons: What You Need to Know

Pros:
– The cost is quite reasonable given the full-day experience and included amenities.
– The hotel pickup and drop-off save the hassle of organizing transport.
– Multiple iconic spots are included, offering a variety of scenery and photo opportunities.
– Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Cons:
– The travel time can be long, especially if you’re staying far from the pier.
– Some stops, like Loh Samah Bay and Maya Bay, may be not fully visited or missed entirely, as reported by a reviewer.
– The short time allocated for snorkeling and exploring the islands may leave some wishing for more.
– Lunch quality and limited beverage options could be better, especially considering the price.

Who Is This Tour For?

This trip fits best for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a cost-effective way to see the Phi Phi Islands. It’s ideal if you’re happy with a guided group experience and don’t mind the rushing feel or shorter island visit. If you’re looking for a more relaxed or in-depth snorkeling adventure, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

The Phi Phi Islands snorkeling trip from Phuket offers a solid introduction to this captivating archipelago, especially at a modest price point. While some travelers find the timing tight and feel the experience is less immersive than hoped, many enjoy the opportunity to see iconic sights like Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon and to snorkel in clear waters. The convenience of hotel pickup and included equipment make it a practical choice, particularly for those on a budget.

If you value viewing the scenery and snorkeling in calm waters over extended island exploration, this tour could be a good fit. Just be prepared for a full day on the water and manage expectations about the short stops and limited free time. For travelers wanting a more leisurely experience or more snorkeling stops, researching a slightly different tour might be worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the tour cost?
The tour costs approximately $50.29 per person, which includes transportation, lunch, snorkeling gear, and sightseeing stops.

What’s included in the price?
You get hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry transportation, a guided tour, lunch buffet, snorkeling equipment, and admission to Viking Cave. The national park fee is not included and must be paid separately.

How long is the trip?
The entire experience lasts around 8 to 9 hours, with about 4.5 hours of travel each way and time allocated for sightseeing and activities.

Are children allowed?
Yes, but children aged 4-12 years and under 120 centimeters in height qualify for child tickets. Always check if your child’s age and height align.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is offered from several locations including Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, and Karon.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, possibly a light jacket for the boat, and some cash for the national park fee. Pack snacks if you’re picky about lunch or drinks.

Can I visit Maya Bay or other specific spots?
Some reviews mention that certain stops like Maya Bay may be missed or only briefly seen, depending on the day and the boat schedule.

What are the downsides of this tour?
Expect long travel times, short island stops, and be prepared for basic lunch and limited free drinks. It’s a busy, group experience, which might not suit those seeking tranquility or in-depth exploration.

In the end, this Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour provides an affordable, scenic, and convenient way to experience some of Thailand’s most famous islands. While it’s not perfect—some may find it rushed or lacking in luxury—it offers a taste of paradise, especially for first-timers eager to tick off iconic sights with minimal fuss.