Phi Phi & Khai Islands Snorkeling Trip w/ Lunch and Fins by Speedboat

Experience the Best of Phuket’s Islands: Phi Phi & Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, this speedboat tour from Phuket hits the mark. For around $108 per person, you get a full day of exploring some of Thailand’s most iconic spots — from the famous Maya Bay, where “The Beach” was filmed, to the tranquil Khai Island for swimming and relaxing on powdery sand. The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, includes hotel pickup, and is a well-organized way to see multiple highlights in one day.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on authentic, scenic experiences and the inclusion of snorkeling gear and paddleboarding — perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing. Plus, with a guide who gets high marks for being knowledgeable and fun, you’ll feel well taken care of.

However, a consideration is that the itinerary can feel crowded, especially during peak season, and some travelers might prefer a slightly more relaxed pace. Still, if you’re after stunning views and good value, this trip offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s ideal for adventurous travelers, families, or anyone wanting a comprehensive day on the water.

Key Points

• Stunning destinations: Visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and more.
• All-in-one experience: Includes snorkeling gear, paddleboarding, lunch, and transfers.
• Highly rated guides: Noted for being fun, knowledgeable, and attentive.
• Great value: For around $108, you get nearly a full day of activities with all essentials included.
• Crowded but organized: Can be busy, especially during peak times, but well-managed.
• Ideal for: Travelers seeking a comprehensive, active day with lots of scenic highlights.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and What to Expect

Start at Royal Phuket Marina

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Phuket, where a comfortable air-conditioned minivan whisks you to the Royal Phuket Marina. This convenient start saves you the hassle of figuring out logistics, and the meet-up point is easy to find at Amazing Canoeing’s designated area. Once aboard the speedboat, you’re set for a day of adventure.

Maya Bay: The Iconic Film Location

First stop is Maya Bay, famous worldwide thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Beach.” The bay is stunning — a curved cove with towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. You’ll have about 40 minutes to soak it in, take photos, and marvel at the scene. Some reviews mention that the boat ride to Maya Bay feels quick and smooth, and the guides often give interesting insights into the film’s history and the bay’s natural beauty.

Pileh Lagoon: A Natural Pool

Next, you’ll glide into Pileh Lagoon, often called a “swimming pool in the sea.” Enclosed by limestone cliffs, this emerald-green water invites you to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. It’s a peaceful spot that offers a great opportunity to cool off and admire the surrounding scenery. Expect about 40 minutes here, plenty of time for a refreshing dip.

Viking Cave & Loh Samah Bay: Culture and Marine Life

Cruising through Viking Cave, you’ll see ancient wall paintings and bird’s nest harvesting sites. It’s a quick 40-minute stop where the highlight is often the snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs. Several reviews praise the snorkeling experience, noting the diverse marine life and quality coral. You might not step ashore but will have loads of photo opportunities from the boat.

Monkey Beach: Playful Encounters

After that, it’s just a 15-minute stop at Monkey Beach. Travelers often find it amusing to see macaques in their natural habitat. Be mindful of your belongings, as reviews mention some mischievous monkeys. It’s a fun, quick stop that adds a little wildlife excitement to the trip.

Lunch at Phi Phi Don

One of the highlights is the buffet lunch at a beachside restaurant in Ton Sai Bay. The setting is lovely — overlooking the bay with views of Phi Phi Don. The meal typically includes local dishes and desserts, providing a good break before the afternoon’s activities. Several reviews mention the delicious lunch and the relaxed atmosphere.

Khai Island: Relax and Play

Later, you’ll visit Koh Khai Nai, a small island famous for its white sands and clear waters. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or simply lounge on the beach. An hour gives you enough time to enjoy the tranquility or take a quick dip to cool off. Many travelers describe it as a tropical paradise for relaxing, with the gentle waves and warm sun making it hard to leave.

End at Royal Phuket Marina

After a fantastic day, your speedboat returns to Royal Phuket Marina, and a comfortable transfer takes you back to your hotel. The entire experience emphasizes convenience and smooth logistics, making it an easy way to see a lot with minimal hassle.

The Practicalities and Why They Matter

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, paddleboarding, lunch, and hotel transfers — a package that offers exceptional value. The price of $108 is reasonable considering the amount of time, multiple stops, and the quality of the experience. Plus, with round-trip transfers, you avoid the stress of finding your way around.

The guide’s reputation for being fun and knowledgeable adds to the experience, making it more than just a boat trip — it becomes an engaging, informative outing. The max of 30 travelers means you’re not lost in a crowd, and most reviews highlight the attentive crew and well-run operation.

However, some reviews note that the itinerary can feel busy or crowded, especially at popular spots like Maya Bay and Khai Island. If you prefer a slower pace or fewer people around, this might not be your ideal experience. Also, park fees (400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children) are not included, so remember to bring some cash.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits adventurous travelers eager to see multiple scenic locations in one day. It’s perfect if you enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sightseeing, and don’t mind a busy schedule. Families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate organized, well-structured tours with excellent guides will find it highly rewarding.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, solitary day or prefer to explore at your own pace, you might find this trip a bit fast-paced. But if your goal is to maximize your island experience and see some of the most iconic views in Thailand, this tour delivers.

The Sum Up

This Phi Phi & Khai Islands snorkeling tour offers a fantastic way to pack a lot into a single day. With stunning scenery, lively snorkeling spots, and excellent guides, you gain a well-rounded experience that highlights the best of Phuket’s nearby islands. It’s especially valuable for those who want to combine sightseeing, adventure, and local flavor in one easy package.

While it’s a bit busy — which might not suit everyone — the organized nature and inclusions make it a great choice for travelers seeking good value and memorable sights. Whether it’s your first time in the area or you’re returning and want to see familiar spots from a new perspective, this trip is a dependable and rewarding option.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket in an air-conditioned minivan.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting around 9:30 am and returning in the late afternoon.

Are snorkeling gear and paddleboards provided?
Yes, the tour provides snorkeling equipment and paddleboards for your use at the stops.

Do I need to pay park fees?
Yes, national park fees of 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children are payable to the guide upon check-in.

How crowded is the tour?
Most reviews mention that the tour can be busy, especially at popular spots like Maya Bay. Still, it’s well-managed and offers a chance to meet fellow travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally suitable for families comfortable with a busy schedule.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, cash for park fees, a towel, and your personal essentials. Snacks and drinks are generally available, but you might want to bring extra if you prefer specific refreshments.

This tour offers a lively, scenic, and well-organized day on the water that captures many of Phuket’s highlights. If you’re after a fun, active, and value-packed day exploring Thailand’s famous islands, it’s hard to go wrong with this trip.