REVIEW · PHI PHI ISLANDS TOURS
PHI PHI & MAYA & BAMBOO Premium Catamaran Max 28 pax
Speedboat to Phi Phi, then time on Bamboo. This day is interesting because you get a fast ride between iconic stops, plus the right kind of time in the water. I like the Phuket Town hotel pickup and drop-off, and I also like that snorkel gear and lunch are handled for you. One thing to plan for, the Phi Phi Islands entrance fee is listed separately.
You’re traveling on a small catamaran setup (max around 28 to 30 people), with an English-speaking guide who stays with you as the day moves from bay to bay. The pace is busy, and it depends on weather, but when it works you’ll get a full day of photos, snorkeling, and beach lounging.
Key highlights at a glance

- Hotel pickup from Phuket Town makes the day easy from the start
- Included snorkel equipment so you can actually use the water time
- Maya Bay and Viking Cave sights paired with short, useful stops
- Phi Phi Don snorkeling slot timed before lunch so you are not rushed
- Bamboo Island beach time for white sand swimming and relaxing
- Small group catamaran (about 28-30 pax) helps the day feel manageable
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What you really get for the $114.09 price
This is a one-day Phi Phi Islands speedboat experience built around speed, convenience, and a few high-impact locations. The best value part is that it’s not just transport. You get round-trip pickup within Phuket Town, snorkeling equipment, lunch (Thai-Western), and on-board drinks plus water, along with travel insurance.
The trade-off is you still have to budget for the Phi Phi Islands entrance fee. The tour notes a separate fee (200 THB per child and 400 THB per person). So when you compare deals, add that in mentally. Also note that the itinerary is weather-dependent, and the company will offer an alternative date or a refund if it’s canceled for poor conditions.
I like this pricing approach because it keeps the day simple for you: less decision-making, more time at the water and beaches you came for. If your goal is an efficient Phi Phi day without scrambling for gear or meals, the structure is a good fit.
Phuket Town hotel pickup to Boat Lagoon Pier, then off at 9:00

Your day starts early, with pickup from hotels in Phuket Town by air-conditioned minivan around 07:30 to 08:00. You then transfer to Phuket Boat Lagoon Pier, where you depart at 09:00.
This matters because Phi Phi is one of those destinations where timing is everything. When the pickup runs smoothly, you arrive at the pier before the day gets hectic and you get a calmer boarding experience. The tour also builds in a typical rhythm: cruise out, arrive around 10:00, then work through stops before returning by about 16:30 to 17:00.
Also keep in mind the fine print that travel time depends on traffic. If your hotel is outside Phuket Town, you may need to confirm arrangements directly, since pickup is described for Phuket only.
One more practical detail: you’ll get a mobile ticket. That’s handy because you don’t need paper, and you can keep everything on your phone.
Phi Phi Leh cruising: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Island views

Around 10:00 to 11:00, you reach Phi Phi Leh for swimming, photos, and cruising around. This is the part of the day where you get the “this is why people come” factor, because you’ll pass major photo stops such as Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Island.
What I like about this approach is it gives you multiple ways to enjoy the scenery. You are not locked into only one viewpoint. You can spend time in the water if you want, and you can also shift your attention to the bays as the boat moves through the area.
What to consider is the pace and the photo expectation. The iconic Phi Phi spots are busy in general, and this tour compresses a lot into a short window. If you want long, slow photo sessions, you might feel the schedule is tighter than a private boat day. But if you want a strong hit list and a day that stays efficient, this is well matched.
On board, you’ll have soft drinks and seasonal fresh fruits, which is a nice morale booster before the snorkeling part of the program.
Phi Phi Don snorkeling: your water time, planned

From about 11:20 to 12:00, you snorkel at Phi Phi Don. This is your main snorkeling slot after the first swim and photo time on Phi Phi Leh.
Because snorkeling time is limited, go in with a simple plan: get your mask and snorkel sorted quickly, then focus on steady breathing and finding calm water where visibility is best. Since snorkel gear is included, you can spend your energy on enjoying the water rather than hunting for equipment.
This is also where you’ll likely appreciate the clarity people associate with Phi Phi. The tour description emphasizes crystal-clear water, and that matters because you are not just “in the sea,” you’re trying to see colorful marine life. With an included gear setup and a guide accompanying you, you’re more likely to stay confident in the water.
One practical note, the day is weather-dependent. If conditions are rough, snorkeling can feel different, even if the tour runs. If you are sensitive to choppy water, consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen and basic seasickness support just in case.
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Lunch on Phi Phi: Thai-Western buffet and energy for Bamboo Island

Lunch runs roughly 12:30 to 13:30 on Phi Phi Island. The meal is described as a Thai-Western set menu or buffet lunch, and it’s included in the price. This is not a tiny snack stop. It’s a proper break so you can recharge before the afternoon beach time.
I like that they offer a vegetarian option if you ask when booking. If you have any specific dietary requirements, the tour asks you to notify in advance, so the kitchen can plan for you.
What lunch does best on this kind of day trip is keep you from getting grumpy. You’ll be on a boat most of the day, and you’ll likely do at least two water sessions. A solid meal helps you actually enjoy the last stretch at Bamboo Island instead of running on adrenaline and banana carbs.
Bamboo Island beach time: white sand swimming, snorkeling, relaxing

The next big chunk of your day happens around 14:00 to 15:20 on Bamboo Island. This is classic Phi Phi in a softer way: white sandy beach time with swimming, snorkeling, and plenty of relaxing.
If you snorkel early and you’re comfortable in the water, Bamboo is a great place to keep the momentum going. If you prefer a more laid-back day, you can also treat Bamboo as your slow-down stop and simply hang out on the sand.
This is the part of the itinerary that works especially well for mixed groups. Some people love the water. Some people just want a calm beach moment with good views. Bamboo Island gives both options in one stop.
Then you depart Bamboo Island at about 15:30, head back to Phuket Boat Lagoon Pier, and return to your hotel around 16:30 to 17:00.
Boat comfort, crew teamwork, and why group size matters

This experience is operated with a premium catamaran style setup, with a maximum around 28 pax, and the activity is described as a maximum of 30 travelers. For a full-day speedboat tour, that’s the sweet spot where you can still feel like a group without feeling packed.
A bigger boat can reduce the “all eyes on the same side” problem during cruising. You can move, find space for photos, and keep track of your snorkel gear. A small boat also helps the staff manage boarding and transitions between stops.
I also like that the day includes an English-speaking guide, and it may be run by a multi-lingual guide depending on the operation. If you care about understanding what you’re seeing, this matters because you aren’t just dropped at each spot with no context.
Who this tour suits best

This is a strong pick if you want a full Phi Phi day without the hassle of arranging transport, gear, and meals yourself. It’s also a good fit if you like structure and you want a clear sequence of stops: Phi Phi Leh for sights and swimming, Phi Phi Don for snorkeling, then Bamboo Island for beach time.
You’ll likely enjoy it if:
- You’re a first-time Phi Phi visitor and want the headline locations
- You want included snorkel equipment and a lunch break
- Your group includes people who want both swimming and beach relaxation
- You value hotel pickup from Phuket Town to reduce stress
If you are traveling with someone who is pregnant, this tour is not allowed for pregnant travelers. If you have limited mobility or you get worn out by long sitting on boats, you might find the schedule and water transitions tiring.
Watchouts before you book: fees, weather timing, and the pace
Three practical considerations can help you decide calmly.
First, there’s a separate Phi Phi Islands entrance fee listed as 200 THB per child and 400 THB per person. Double-check what you’re paying before you go, so you aren’t surprised on the day.
Second, weather controls the day. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled because of poor conditions you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. That’s reassuring, but it does mean you should be flexible with your Phuket dates.
Third, the day is full and fast. You’ll be on the water early, then snorkeling, then lunch, then Bamboo Island beach time, then back to Phuket. If you want a slow travel pace with long stays at each bay, a private long-tail boat day might suit you better. This one is built for efficiency.
Should you book this Phi Phi speedboat tour?
I’d book it if your goal is a classic Phi Phi day with minimal logistics, included snorkel gear, and real beach time on Bamboo Island. The value is strongest when you compare what’s included: hotel pickup and drop-off from Phuket Town, lunch, snorkel equipment, drinks, and travel insurance, then you add the sights like Maya Bay and Viking Cave by boat.
Skip it if you are looking for a relaxed, unhurried itinerary or if the idea of snorkeling plus a packed day sounds like too much. Also, plan for the Phi Phi entrance fee that’s listed as not included.
If your travel dates are flexible and you’re okay with weather-dependent schedules, this is a solid way to see Phi Phi without turning the day into a checklist.
FAQ
What time does the pickup start?
Pickup from Phuket Town hotels is described around 07:30 to 08:00, then you transfer to Phuket Boat Lagoon Pier.
Where does the boat depart from?
The speedboat departs from Phuket Boat Lagoon Pier.
How long is the tour?
The tour duration is about 7 to 8 hours, depending on transfers and conditions.
What is included in the price?
Included items include fresh fruits, soft drink and bottle of water, lunch (Thai-Western set menu or buffet), an English-speaking tour guide, hotel pickup and drop-off from Phuket Town by air-conditioned minivan, snorkeling equipment, and travel insurance.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.
Is there a vegetarian lunch option?
Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the provider at booking.
Do I need to pay any entrance fees?
Yes. Phi Phi Islands entrance fees are listed as not included: 200 THB per child and 400 THB per person.
Is the tour allowed during pregnancy?
No. The tour/activity is not allowed for pregnant travelers.
What happens if the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
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