Phi Phi by private speedboat can feel like getting VIP access. This charter runs a private route with multiple beach and cave stops, plus snorkeling equipment so you can spend more time in the water and less time figuring out logistics. One key thing to plan for is that national park fees and lunch are extra, so your final total will be higher than the base price.

What I really like is how the day is built around your pace. You get a real briefing at check-in, and the crew keeps the schedule workable even when conditions shift, which is a big deal on an Andaman Sea day. Another strong point: the itinerary hits the big name spots, including Maya Bay and the lagoon-style swimming areas, without feeling like you are trapped in one long cattle-car schedule.

The main consideration is budget. The tour price covers a lot, but national park fees (400 THB adult, 200 THB child) and lunch are not included, and you pay in cash on the day to the guide.

Key things that make this Phi Phi private tour worth your attention

• Private charter for up to 15, so you control pacing and time at stops
• Snorkeling gear included for the lagoon and coral areas
• A real departure briefing with drinks at 5 Star Marine before you head out
• Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Monkey Beach, Nui Beach, plus Viking Cave viewpoints in one day
• Flex stops when crowds or conditions get tricky
• Crew and boats get consistently praised for comfort, cleanliness, and safety focus

Where the day starts: 5 Star Marine briefing, drinks, and luggage drop

The tour begins at 5 Star Marine in Phuket. You check in, get a full tour briefing, and can grab a coffee, tea, or cool drink while you’re sorting out the plan. If you have luggage that you won’t need on the water, you can store what you don’t require for the trip.

This part matters more than it sounds. A Phi Phi day is timing-heavy, and having the crew explain what to expect helps you get your bearings fast. It also sets expectations around the key stops you care about, since this is a private tour where you can go at your own pace.

You’ll also appreciate the basics that make a long boat day more comfortable: private transportation is offered, and there’s a restroom onboard. There’s bottled water, soda, and snacks included during the outing, so you are not stuck buying your way through the day.

Maya Bay: the famous movie shore, and why early timing helps

Next comes the cruise out to Phi Phi Islands, and the first major stop is Maya Bay. You’re on the water soon after boarding, with about a 45-minute cruise before you reach Maya Bay.

Maya Bay is famous for two things: its cinematic reputation and the way crowds build up around a limited shoreline area. Even on a private charter, you cannot change the fact that this is one of the most photographed places on Phi Phi. What you can do is reduce the time you spend waiting in hot lines, and that’s where a good crew’s timing strategy can pay off.

Important practical note: admission to Maya Bay is not included in the tour price. The itinerary indicates admission ticket is not included at this stop, so budget for that as you plan your cash.

Also, you can see the bay and enjoy the views even if you are not staying in the water. Just remember, this stop is mostly about the scenery and the iconic setting, not a long swim session.

Pileh Bay lagoon time: shallow reefs, blue water, and snorkeling that actually works

After Maya Bay, you move to Pileh Bay, sometimes described as a blue lagoon stop. This is one of the best “get in the water” parts of the day.

The goal here is straightforward: cruise into the lagoon across shallow coral areas and then snorkel while local marine life hangs around the shallows. The tour also provides snorkeling gear, which is a big value add. With equipment included, you avoid the common headache on island days where you end up spending time and money just to be able to snorkel.

The itinerary notes that admission ticket is not included at Pileh Bay, so check your expectations about extra fees. But the snorkeling value here is the point. If you care about seeing fish and coral without turning your day into a gear hunt, this stop is one of the reasons the charter format is worth it.

Viking Cave viewpoint: when you cannot enter, you still learn what’s going on

Viking Cave is next, and this stop comes with an interesting reality check. The tour includes the historical significance of the cave and explains why you currently cannot enter it. You’ll also learn about the small birds flying around there, which gives the stop more meaning than just taking a photo.

Even when a cave visit is restricted, viewing a site and understanding why it is off-limits is a better use of time than you might expect. It turns a “we can’t go in” moment into an actual learning stop, and you get context before you move on to the rest of the day.

Ticket status at this stop is not clearly listed in the details you have, so if you are trying to minimize surprise costs, plan to keep extra cash handy for any additional admissions the guide needs to collect.

Monkey Beach and Ko Phi Phi Don: playful animals and island breathing room

Two of the more fun stops are Monkey Beach and Ko Phi Phi Don, the main island.

At Monkey Beach, you watch monkeys play on the beach and in the trees. The tour description notes these are some of the friendliest and most playful monkeys, and that they often swim out and onto the boats. That means you should keep your eyes open and follow the crew’s instructions, especially if a monkey is close to the waterline or your boat.

Monkey Beach is also listed as a stop where admission ticket is included. So, in this case, it’s one less line-item to handle.

Then you land on Ko Phi Phi Don, where you get time on a white sandy beach and about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the main island. This is the part of the day that breaks up the “constant moving” rhythm. You can pick a local restaurant for lunch on the island, because lunch is not included in the tour price.

A key point for planning: the itinerary gives you freedom here. You choose where to eat, and you spend time with less pressure than a tightly scheduled beach-to-beach day. If you want a break from constant swimming and boat time, this is where you get it.

Nui Beach snorkeling and Koh Rang Yai chill: coral time and a softer landing back to Phuket

Later in the day, you move to Nui Beach, also known as Camel Rock. This is described as one of the best snorkeling locations on Phi Phi, with white sand and excellent coral for exploring.

Nui Beach is listed as a stop where admission ticket is included. So again, it’s one less extra expense to track. If you only snorkel once in the day, it helps that the tour is built with more than one snorkeling opportunity. That gives you flexibility depending on how your timing works out and how your group feels in the moment.

After Nui Beach, there’s a final relaxation stop on Koh Rang Yai. You’re given fresh fruit and cool refreshments, plus time on the sandy beach. The itinerary even mentions sunset if you want it, followed by a short cruise back to the pier.

This ending sequence is smart for a private charter. It avoids the common mistake of stacking one last “must swim” stop right before you’re exhausted. Here, you get a gentler finale.

Price and logistics: what you are paying for, and what to budget for in cash

The price listed is $1,108.78 per group up to 15 for a 6 to 8 hour experience. On paper, that looks expensive. In practice, the math changes because you’re not paying per person for a public speedboat with one fixed route. You’re paying for a private boat day with a crew, private transport, and included essentials like bottled water, soda, snacks, and snorkeling equipment.

So who does this value work best for?

• Groups who want to travel together and split the cost
• Families and friend groups who want flexibility around stops and pacing
• Anyone who cares about time on the water and minimizing waiting around

Now the cash reality. Lunch is not included, and national park fees are not included. The national park fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, and the payment is in cash on the day of the tour, arranged by your guide. This matters because it’s the main thing that can make your total differ from what you first see.

Also note a practical timing detail: the Phuket boat ride can be long and bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, get prepared. One common approach is taking Dramamine the night before. And bring ear plugs, because the ride can be noisy and rough enough to distract you from enjoying the scenery.

How flexible is a private Phi Phi day, really?

Flexibility is the point of a private charter, and the way this one is described is consistent with how you want a day to work on the water.

You can go at your own pace and customize the tour as you like. The crew also emphasizes comfort and safety, and multiple guides and captains are named across successful outings. You might meet people like Yaya, Jessica, Jimmy (as skipper), Tony, or Noon, and you’ll likely feel the common thread: they guide you smoothly, keep the boat clean, and help you make the most of each stop without rushing you.

What that looks like in real terms:

• You can spend extra time where your group is enjoying the water
• You can adjust based on how crowded a place is at that moment
• You get snorkeling equipment ready so you do not lose time

The tradeoff is that Phi Phi is still Phi Phi. You cannot fully erase crowd patterns at the most famous anchors like Maya Bay. A great crew reduces your stress, but they cannot change how popular the area is.

Who this tour is best for, and who might want something else

This is a strong fit if you want a classic Phi Phi highlights day, but you also want control: private boat, multiple stops, snorkeling included, and a schedule that can flex.

It’s especially good for:

• Friend groups and families up to 15
• People who want to see Maya Bay and Viking Cave viewpoints but also snorkel in lagoons and coral areas
• Travelers who value a calmer plan with a dedicated crew, not a crowded group tour

It might be less ideal if:

• Your priority is only one or two stops and you want the lowest possible total cost
• You do not want to handle cash extras for park fees and lunch decisions

If you are going in peak season, plan for crowds at iconic stops. The best strategy is simple: go early when you can, because that reduces your time in the hardest crowd windows.

Should you book this Phi Phi private boat tour with 5 Star Marine?

If you want a private Phi Phi Islands day with snorkeling gear included, multiple curated stops, and a crew that keeps things smooth, I think this is an easy yes for the right group. The price makes sense when you split it across people and treat it as a full-day boat service plus paid admissions and food decisions you can control.

Book it if:

• You have a group up to 15 and want a private charter feel
• You care about snorkeling on the lagoon and coral stops
• You want flexible pacing with a clear briefing before you leave Phuket

Hold off or choose a different option if:

• You are traveling solo or as a small party and would rather pay less for a shared tour
• You want lunch and national park fees fully included in the upfront price

Either way, come ready with cash for park fees, and if you get seasick, plan ahead. A little preparation turns this into one of the most satisfying Phi Phi formats you can book.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi Island private boat tour?

The duration is listed as 6 to 8 hours approximately.

What is the group size for this private tour?

It’s a private tour, and the price is per group up to 15.

Where does the tour start?

The tour is based in Phuket, Thailand, and the meeting point is at 5 Star Marine offices for check-in and briefing.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes private transportation.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is listed as not included.

Are national park fees included in the quoted price?

No. National park fees are not included. The fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid in cash on the day to the guide.

What drinks and snacks are included?

Bottled water, soda or pop, and snacks are included.

Is the tour ticket mobile?

The tour includes mobile ticket delivery.

What is included for restroom access?

There is a restroom on board.