Small Groups of 20 people – Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

Experience the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with a Small Group from Phuket

Imagine a day exploring shimmering white-sand beaches, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, and cruising past towering limestone cliffs—all with just 20 fellow travelers. This small-group day trip from Phuket, costing around $99.15, takes you on an approximately 9.5-hour journey to some of Thailand’s most iconic islands, including Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy a well-paced itinerary that balances adventure, relaxation, and authentic local sights.

What we love about this tour is its intimate size—limiting the group to 20 means less crowding and more personalized attention. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes the whole experience hassle-free, while the delicious buffet lunch at Bamboo Island offers a genuine taste of Thai hospitality. The second highlight is the snorkeling — with brand-new gear and plenty of time to explore the underwater world. A potential consideration is the bumpy boat ride, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer smooth sailing; it’s part of the adventure, but worth noting.

This trip is ideal for travelers who value authentic experiences and small-group intimacy. It suits those looking for a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach time, with the flexibility of a well-organized, paced itinerary. If you’re comfortable with water-based activities and want to see the highlights without the overcrowding of larger tours, this is a great choice.

Key Points

• Limited Group Size: Only 20 people, ensuring a more relaxed and personalized experience.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes popular spots like Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Bay, along with snorkeling and a beach lunch.
• Hassle-Free Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, reducing stress right from the start.
• Authentic and Local: Guided by knowledgeable staff who prioritize safety and fun, as praised in reviews.
• Value for Money: At around $99, the trip includes meals, snorkeling gear, insurance, and multiple scenic stops.
• Potential Drawbacks: The boat ride can be choppy and a little bumpy, which might not suit everyone.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Royal Phuket Marina

Your day begins with a brief information and safety session at the marina, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. This is a good time to get your bearings, ask questions, and get excited about the adventure ahead. The included light refreshments set a friendly tone for the day. It’s a quick 15-minute stop, but it signals the beginning of a well-organized day.

Bamboo Island: A Tropical Paradise

Your first major stop is Bamboo Island, a large, relatively barren island that’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The island’s status as part of the marine national park ensures the water is crystal-clear and teeming with marine life. The buffet lunch here is a highlight, offering local Thai dishes and international options, with vegetarian and special dietary choices available upon request.

Guests repeatedly rave about the quality of the meal, noting the authentic flavors and beautiful sea views. One review called it “decent” but emphasized the breathtaking scenery as the real star. During this hour, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, dip in the warm water, or explore the shoreline with your beach towel and snorkeling gear provided.

Monkey Bay: Wildlife Encounters at a Safe Distance

Next, you’ll cruise past Monkey Bay, where mischievous local macaques play and climb along the shoreline. Visitors note it’s a wildlife viewing experience from the boat, with no land access allowed for safety reasons. Most travelers find the sight of monkeys swimming and jumping very entertaining — although, of course, they’re still wild animals. Several reviews mention how cute and playful they are, but they also emphasize keeping a respectful distance.

Phi Phi Holiday Resort: Scenic Lunch with a View

The seaview lunch buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort provides a well-deserved break. Guests love the variety of Thai and foreign dishes, noting that vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available on request. The relaxing seaside atmosphere and friendly staff make it more than just a meal—it’s part of the island experience.

Pileh Bay and the Emerald Lagoon: Photography and Relaxation

From there, the tour heads to Pileh Bay—a favorite among travelers for its dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Expect a 30-minute swim or snorkel in the calm, pristine lagoon. Many reviews highlight how stunning this location looks in person, and some mention that the water is so clear you can see the fish swimming underneath.

Viking Cave: Learning About Bird’s Nest Harvesting

A quick stop at Viking Cave offers insight into how local swallow birds are harvested for their “bird’s nest soup”. Tour guides often share interesting facts, making this stop both educational and photo-worthy, even from the boat deck.

Maya Bay: The Movie Star

Finally, you reach Maya Bay, the star attraction made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio. The bright blue water and sweeping white sand beach are breathtaking, and despite its popularity, many travelers appreciate the chance to see it with fewer crowds than during peak hours. One reviewer described it as “a truly magical place” and gave high praise to the crew for their care and professionalism. You’ll spend about an hour here, soaking in the views and snapping photos.

Return and Reflection

As the day wraps up, you’ll head back to Phuket, often with a sense of having seen a good chunk of paradise in just a half day. The speedboat ride can be lively, sometimes a bit bumpy, which travelers mention as a minor drawback, but the adrenaline adds to the sense of adventure.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour’s small group size is one of its biggest selling points. In reviews, travelers repeatedly comment on how it’s less crowded, more relaxed, and offers better opportunities for snorkeling and photos. The knowledgeable guides are praised for their friendliness, safety-first attitude, and ability to keep the group engaged and informed. The delicious lunch and included gear add to the value, making the roughly $99 price tag a good deal for what’s offered.

What sets this experience apart is the balance of sightseeing, snorkeling, relaxation, and education. You aren’t just rushing from one spot to another; there’s enough time to enjoy each location at your pace. The extra mile taken by guides in helping with photos and safety makes it more memorable and easier for travelers to focus on having fun.

A Word on the Bumpy Ride

Some reviews mention the boat ride can be rough or choppy, especially on the way back. If you’re sensitive to seasickness or prefer calm waters, it’s worth considering this. But many see it as part of the adventure, and the crew generally does their best to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a small-group experience with personalized attention, this trip is ideal. It’s perfect if you appreciate authentic scenery and good value—particularly the lunch and snorkeling gear included. Families with kids, water lovers, or those wanting to avoid the overcrowded mega tours will find this trip hits the sweet spot. The professional guides and emphasis on safety also make it suitable for first-time snorkelers or those a little wary of open water.

However, if you’re extremely sensitive to boat motion or dislike choppy seas, this might not be your first choice. And if your priority is more in-depth marine life exploration, you might want to consider whether a longer or more specialized tour is better.

The Sum Up

This small-group tour of Phuket’s Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day for those seeking authentic experiences without the chaos of larger groups. You’ll love the personalized attention, stunning scenery, and delicious Thai lunch. The balance of snorkeling, sightseeing, and beach relaxation means you’ll return with plenty of memories—and probably a few fantastic photos.

It’s especially suited for travelers who value value for money, small-group intimacy, and professional guides who make the experience smooth and fun. With reviews praising everything from the itinerary to the friendly crew, it’s clear that this tour provides a genuine taste of what makes the Andaman Sea so special—at a price that’s hard to beat.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making it convenient and hassle-free to start and end your day.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes around 9.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to see the main sights without feeling rushed.

What’s the group size?
Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, brand-new snorkeling equipment, including masks, fins, life jackets, and snorkels, are included at no extra cost.

What about food and drinks?
A buffet lunch with local Thai dishes and international options is included, along with fruits, water, coffee/tea, and snacks.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, national park fees of 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child are paid on-site. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for water activities, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and a towel. The tour provides beach towels and waterproof phone cases.

Is this suitable for kids?
Yes, many reviews mention traveling with children, especially with the knowledgeable guides ensuring safety and fun.

How is the weather?
The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. In case of bad weather, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned island hopper, this tour balances the best of Phuket’s stunning ocean scenery with efficient organization and genuine local charm. Its small-group vibe makes it a memorable, personalized way to experience these tropical jewels.