Koh Yao Yai: Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour with snorkeling

Summary

Snorkeling with reef sharks & quiet beaches near Phi Phi Islands

You’ll swim in clear waters off Koh Bida Nok, spot black tip reef sharks while snorkeling with a local guide, share laughs over lunch on board, and cruise past limestone cliffs near Phi Phi Islands—all with a small group from Koh Yao Yai. It’s those quiet underwater moments (and maybe a monkey stealing your snack) you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mask and I’m still half-awake, salt in the air already clinging to my skin. Our guide—Tom, I think?—grins and tells us we’re skipping Maya Bay crowds for now. “We’ll go later if you want,” he says, shrugging like it’s no big deal. The boat hums underfoot as we zip away from Koh Yao Yai, spray catching the sun in little arcs. There’s this mix of German, Thai, and English floating around—everyone sort of talking at once but also just looking out at all that blue.

First stop is Koh Bida Nok. I’m not sure what I expected but suddenly there’s this hush when we slip into the water—just our breathing through snorkels and the sound of fins brushing coral. Someone points and yeah, there’s a black tip reef shark gliding by (smaller than I thought, honestly). The water’s cooler here than back on the boat, almost fizzy against my arms. Tom laughs when I try to say something about the fish in Thai—I probably butchered it but he just nods like he gets me anyway.

Lunch is simple—rice, grilled chicken, fruit—but after swimming it tastes like a feast. We drift past Viking Cave (no idea why it’s called that) and then Pileh Bay where the water turns this wild green under limestone cliffs. There are monkeys on Monkey Beach too; one steals someone’s snack right out of their hand and everyone cracks up except maybe the guy who lost his banana. By late afternoon I’m sunburnt in weird places and tired in that good way you only get from being outside all day. We could’ve stopped at Maya Bay but honestly nobody pushed for it—we were happy just floating around these quieter spots.

I keep thinking about that first moment underwater—the quiet, the way everything slows down for a second before you remember to breathe again. If you’re looking for a day trip from Koh Yao Yai to Phi Phi Islands that isn’t just ticking boxes or posing for photos, this felt different somehow. Maybe it was just luck or maybe it was Tom knowing when to steer us away from the crowds—I don’t know. But I’d do it again tomorrow if I could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour

• Snorkel at Koh Bida Nok
• Visit Maya Bay (optional beach walk)
• Swim and cruise in Pileh Bay
• Cruise by Viking Cave
• Explore Wang Long Bay
• Visit Monkey Beach
• Snorkel and relax at Ao Nui

Top questions

Is lunch included on the Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the tour.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size ranges from 6 to 14 people per tour.

Can we skip Maya Bay if we don’t want to visit?

Yes, visiting Maya Bay is optional—you can skip it if you prefer.

Is there a restroom on board the speedboat?

Yes, there is a marine toilet available on board.

Are drinks provided during the trip?

Beverages are included as part of your day trip experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What wildlife might we see while snorkeling?

You may spot black tip reef sharks and various tropical fish at Koh Bida Nok.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Koh Yao Yai pier, all snorkeling equipment provided by your local guide, lunch served onboard along with beverages throughout the trip, plus access to fresh water showers and a restroom on the speedboat before returning in the afternoon.