Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling: Black Tip Reef Sharks
Skip the crowded Phi Phi tours and snorkel where the sharks are
This snorkeling tour departs from Koh Yao Yai and visits the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Bida Nok on a speedboat with a live English-speaking guide, small groups of 6–14 people, and a flexible itinerary that lets you skip stops like Maya Beach if you prefer. Lunch, snorkeling equipment, onboard restroom and fresh water showers, and beverages are included; the tour runs six hours and suits all fitness levels when children are accompanied by an adult.
The Experience
What makes this tour different is Koh Bida Nok—a snorkeling site the operator reaches and others skip. Black tip reef sharks patrol the coral here, and the small-group format (6–14 people maximum) means you're not jostling for position with fifty others when you spot them. The speedboat has a marine toilet and fresh water showers, so you rinse off between stops instead of staying salt-crusted all day.
The itinerary moves through Maya Bay (optional—skip the beach walk and park fee if you'd rather spend the time in the water), Pileh Bay with its emerald water, Viking Cave, Wang Long Bay where cliffside monkeys watch from the rocks, Monkey Beach with its wild population and soft sand, and Ao Nui for a final snorkel and rest. The guide speaks English and adjusts the route based on conditions and what the group wants to do, so if the sharks are active at one site, you stay longer there. Lunch is cooked onboard.
The tour runs six hours total. Pickup is included, though the operator notes that hotel collection may cost 100–400 THB per person depending on where you're staying. The national park entrance fee (400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children 3–12) is paid separately in cash at the gate. Snorkeling equipment, beverages, and a restroom onboard are part of the price; bring your own towel.
What’s included
- Lunch cooked onboard.
- snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
- onboard marine toilet and fresh water showers.
- beverages throughout the day.
- English-speaking guide.
- speedboat transport from Koh Yao Yai.
Operated by Elixir Divers
Is this one for you?The flexible itinerary and small group size suit snorkelers who want to avoid the packed tours and spend real time at the reefs instead of rushing through a checklist—you can skip Maya Beach entirely if the water is better elsewhere, and the guide adjusts based on where the sharks and fish are active that day.
Traveler reviews
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Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling: Black Tip Reef Sharks★ 4.87 (23)6hENUS$ 109
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Top questions
What's the snorkeling like at Koh Bida Nok, and why is it only on this tour?
Koh Bida Nok is a coral reef site where black tip reef sharks feed in the shallows—the operator has exclusive access to this stop, and other tours in the area don't run there. The reef is healthy and the sharks are accustomed to snorkelers, so sightings are common when conditions are right.
Can I skip Maya Beach and spend more time snorkeling instead?
Yes. The itinerary is flexible, and you can opt out of the Maya Beach beach walk and its 400 THB park fee if you'd rather stay in the water at Koh Bida Nok or Pileh Bay. The guide adjusts the day based on what the group prefers.
How many people are usually on this tour, and will it feel crowded?
Groups stay between 6 and 14 people, which is small enough that you're not competing for space at the snorkeling sites or jostling for photos. The speedboat has room to move around, and the guide keeps the group together without herding.
What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay separately?
Lunch, snorkeling gear, beverages, and the speedboat ride are included. You'll pay the national park entrance fee in cash (400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child 3–12 years old) at the gate, and hotel pickup may add 100–400 THB depending on your location. Bring your own beach towel.
Is this tour suitable for someone who's never snorkeled before?
Yes. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and the guide provides equipment and can show you how to use it. Children must be with an adult, and the minimum group size is six people to run the tour.
How long is the boat ride from Koh Yao Yai to the Phi Phi Islands?
The full tour is six hours, which includes travel time, multiple snorkeling stops, lunch, and time at each site. The speedboat is faster than traditional longtail boats, so you spend less time in transit and more time in the water.
Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling: Black Tip Reef Sharks
6h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 109 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8723 reviews
