Phi Phi Island days can turn into a crowded zoo. This one stays small, with pickup, a speedboat route, and time at the best-known bays, plus snorkel stops that actually feel like a vacation. I especially like the buffet lunch with a sea-view and the fact that your snorkeling setup is handled for you. One thing to consider: the ride can get choppy at speed, and on a rainy day you may feel it more than you expect.

You’ll start at Royal Phuket Marina with a quick safety chat, then head out for Bamboo Island, Monkey Bay (from the boat only), and time in the Phi Phi area’s signature spots like Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay. Guides I’ve seen on this route include Goodes, Ray, Anton, Alan, and Sunny, and the consistent theme is clear instructions plus a crew that keeps the day moving without making you feel herded.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 20 people is the selling point, but check that your boat headcount matches what you booked if you’re picky about space.
• Snorkeling gear and beach towels are included, so you can travel lighter.
• Monkey Bay is boat-view only, since there’s no on-land access, and the monkeys are wild animals.
• Lunch is at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with dietary restrictions handled if requested in advance.
• Maya Bay timing depends on current status, and it notes a scheduled closure starting August 1, 2025.
• Choppy speedboat possible: motion-sickness meds are smart if you’re sensitive.

Why this small-group Phi Phi and Bamboo day feels different

This tour is built around speedboat island-hopping with a tight group size. That matters because Phi Phi can attract huge crowds, and when the group is smaller you spend more time being in the places and less time queuing, waiting, or squeezing into photos. It also helps at the water entry points, where having a calmer, better-managed group tends to make snorkeling safer and less stressful.

I also like that this isn’t just a drive-by sightseeing trip. You get actual swimming and snorkeling time at Bamboo Island and Pileh Bay, plus a monkey sighting that still feels like a moment even though you stay on the boat.

The one caution is that “smaller group” doesn’t mean “no waves.” Several people note a rougher ride, especially if you’re on the boat when it’s bouncing at speed. Pack for that reality.

Getting to Royal Phuket Marina, then to the water

Your day starts with hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you the hassle of getting yourself to the pier. From there, you head to Royal Phuket Marina for a short information and safety session. Expect light refreshments and a proper briefing before you go.

This part is more important than it sounds. When you have a guide walking you through what happens next, you lose less time figuring out where to stand, when to board, and how the snorkeling stops work. It also helps you get your expectations right: you’re doing several stops, so the timing will feel structured.

Once you board, the crew also provides onboard comforts that make the long day easier: snacks and water during the ride, and even a restroom onboard. One practical note from experience on this kind of boat, if the boat is bouncing, you might prefer using shore facilities when they’re available.

Bamboo Island: your first big swim and snorkel moment

Bamboo Island is the “get your postcard photos early” stop. You’ll have about an hour here, with time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. It’s part of the marine national park system, and that’s part of why the water quality is usually a big draw.

What’s valuable about this stop is that it sets the tone for the whole day. You’re not just looking at islands from the boat. You’re in the water right away, and you’re wearing the included snorkeling kit (mask, snorkel, fins, plus life jacket).

A drawback to keep in mind: conditions can change fast. Rain happens in Phuket, and even when the underwater scene is still worthwhile, the surface can affect visibility a bit. If you’re hoping for the best water clarity, just go with the plan and be ready to adjust your expectations.

Monkey Bay: wild macaques, seen from the speedboat

Monkey Beach and Monkey Bay are fun because the animals look like they’ve been practicing for a nature documentary. But here’s the key rule: you see them from the speedboat only. There’s no on-land access, which keeps the wildlife safer and also keeps you from doing the things that cause problems around wild animals.

You can expect macaques swimming, climbing, and jumping around nearby as you cruise by. It’s one of those stops that can be quick, but it still feels memorable because it’s active.

For your comfort and safety, take the same approach you would for any wild animal encounter: keep your distance, don’t try to feed, and listen to the crew. The tour’s framing is clear that these are wild macaques, not attraction pets.

Lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort with sea views

The lunch stop is at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, and it’s more than just a meal break. You’ll get a sea-view buffet with a mix of Thai and international options, and you can request vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free choices, plus other restrictions.

This is a good value moment because a lot of island tours either give you a rushed boxed lunch or a buffet with limited choices. Here, you get enough variety to actually reset your energy before the afternoon snorkeling and lagoon time.

A realistic caution: lunch quality can be hit or miss depending on what you personally consider great. Some people call it decent and others describe it as excellent. Either way, it’s included, plus seasonal fruit, coffee or tea, snacks, and bottled water throughout the day.

Pileh Bay and the limestone cliff lagoon swim

Pileh Bay is often the highlight for a reason. You’ll swim in emerald-green lagoon waters surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, and this is described as a passenger favorite location. It also lines up with what you want on a Phi Phi day: a dramatic setting where the water looks good from the surface, and you can still enjoy it close up.

The stop is about 30 minutes, so plan on a short but sweet window. That’s plenty of time to enjoy the lagoon, get a quick snorkel pass, and still have time to catch your breath before the next boat movement.

One practical reality: Phi Phi stops can get busy when multiple tours arrive around the same time. If you’re the type who loves quiet beaches, you may feel the crowd energy here. The tour tries to keep the pace organized, but you are still in one of the most photographed areas in Thailand.

Maya Bay and the swallow-bird cave stop

Maya Bay is the “yes, it really looks like the movie” stop. It’s known for bright blue water and a white sand beach made famous by The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Expect the iconic views, plus sightseeing time from the boat and shore areas as allowed.

Important update: Maya Bay is scheduled to be closed starting August 1, 2025, for a period that isn’t listed here. If you’re traveling near that window, you should confirm what the operator has planned instead.

On top of that, the day also includes a cave visit linked to swallow birds, which are valued for bird’s nest soup. This is a more cultural stop than the beaches, and it gives you a sense of how the islands connect to local traditions and food.

Snorkeling gear, safety, and the choppy-boat factor

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and uses life jackets as part of the setup. You’ll get mask, snorkel, and fins, and the description also notes a brand new snorkel mouthpiece. That kind of detail matters if you’ve ever had a mouthpiece that tasted like the last person’s vacation.

You’ll also get a waterproof floating phone case, plus beach towels. That’s a smart inclusion because it lets you take photos without turning your day into a phone-shade management project.

Now, the part you should take seriously: the speedboat ride. Several reviews mention that it can be rough or choppy, especially on the way back. If you get motion sickness easily, take medication before you board, not after your stomach starts arguing. It’s also worth keeping expectations realistic: you’re traveling by fast boat, so wind, spray, and bounce are part of the experience.

What the day includes, and how the price adds up

At $108.43 per person, the value here is mostly in what’s bundled. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, accident insurance, and the snorkeling kit. You also get lunch, seasonal fruit, coffee or tea, snacks, bottled water, plus that waterproof phone case and an onboard restroom.

The part that is not included is the national park fee: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. If you’re traveling with kids, that fee changes your total math, so factor it in early.

One more value note: you’re paying for time efficiency. The route uses speedboat travel to pack in Bamboo Island, Monkey Bay, Phi Phi lunch, Pileh Bay, and Maya Bay in one long day. If you tried to copy this on your own, you’d spend real time figuring out boats, timing, and entry fees. This tour handles the hard parts.

Group size, comfort, and the realistic pros and cons

The tour is marketed as a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 travelers, and that’s a big reason many people book it. Reviews also emphasize that the boat and crew management feel professional and organized, with guides like Goodes, Ray, Anton, Alan, and Sunny showing up in different groups.

That said, one review mentions more than 20 on the boat (around 28), though the trip still felt workable. That’s not something I would bet the farm on, but it’s a fair consideration if you’re very space-sensitive.

Comfort-wise, the boat is described as clean with enough room for the group, and there are regular snacks and drinks served. People also mention cold water being available continuously, which is not a minor detail in Phuket heat.

For the occasional downside: snorkeling conditions and underwater coral variety may not match everyone’s dream. Some people want more live coral, and they report that snorkeling was good but not a full coral show. Also, if it’s raining hard, you might feel like the day is wetter and less photogenic, even though the underwater part can still be worth it.

Who should book this Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands tour

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a structured island day with snorkeling time and a proper lunch stop
• Prefer a smaller-group atmosphere instead of a massive crowd
• Like guided pacing, safety briefings, and clear instructions
• Are okay with a speedboat ride that can be a bit choppy

You might want to think twice if you:

• Are extremely motion sickness prone and hate the idea of bouncing at speed
• Expect solitude at every stop, because Phi Phi can be busy
• Are specifically chasing a massive coral garden underwater, since conditions and what you see can vary

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if you want a classic Phi Phi and Bamboo day that feels organized, includes the practical stuff you’d otherwise pay for or carry, and gives you real water time rather than just photo stops. The included snorkeling gear, sea-view buffet lunch, and the small-group focus are the big wins.

If you’re traveling right around the Maya Bay closure period starting August 1, 2025, double-check the current plan before you commit. And if you’re sensitive to choppy boats, plan your motion-sickness strategy early, bring sunscreen, and assume the day will be fast and energetic.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off.

What time of day is this tour?

The duration is about 9 hours 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included at Phi Phi Holiday Resort as a buffet, and seasonal fruits plus coffee or tea are also provided.

Are snorkeling gear and beach towels included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment (life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins) is included, along with beach towels.

Can I see monkeys on land at Monkey Bay?

No. You only see the macaques from the speedboat, and there is no on-land access.

Do I need to pay national park fees?

Yes. National park fees are listed as 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Is Maya Bay part of the tour?

Maya Bay is included for sightseeing, and there is an important update that it will be closed starting August 1, 2025.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires favorable weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you are offered an alternative date or a full refund.