Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Catamaran Snorkel & Maya Bay

The catamaran cuts through the Andaman Sea toward two islands most travelers only see in photos

You're picked up from your hotel, driven to the pier, and board a catamaran at 9am bound for Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Don, Pileh Lagoon, and Maya Bay. You snorkel at three stops, eat lunch on the beach, and have time to swim and rest between each island. The boat returns you to the pier by late afternoon, and the minivan takes you back to your hotel. No transport or tickets to arrange separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Ko Phi Phi Le1h · entry included
2. Maya Bay1h · entry included

Explore Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands

• Arrive at Ton Sai Bay pier
• Have lunch at beachside restaurant
• Enjoy free time on the beach
• Relax and swim at Pileh Lagoon
• Optional long-tail boat ride
• Visit Monkey Beach and Viking Cave
• Swim and relax at Maya Bay
• Visit Bamboo Island for snorkeling
• Swim, sunbathe, and walk on Bamboo Island

The experience

You're picked up from your Phuket hotel between 7:30 and 8:30am (timing depends on where you're staying), and driven to the pier for a 9am departure. The catamaran pulls away from Krabi's coast and heads straight into open water, and within an hour you're dropping anchor at Bamboo Island, a heart-shaped strip of white sand that stays quiet because most day trips skip it. The water here is so clear you can see the coral before you jump in. Snorkeling gear is provided (mask, snorkel, life jacket), and you've got time to swim, walk the beach, or just float and watch the reef. It's the kind of stop that feels like you've found something on your own, even though you're in a group.

By 12:30pm the boat turns toward Phi Phi Don and pulls into Ton Sai Bay, where you eat lunch at a beachside restaurant and have free time on the sand. After that comes Pileh Lagoon on Phi Phi Leh, more snorkeling, more swimming, and if you want it, an optional long-tail boat ride to Monkey Beach and Viking Cave (that costs extra). The whole afternoon builds toward Maya Bay, the cove where they filmed "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio. You arrive around 3pm when the light is still good, the water is still warm, and you can swim in the exact spot from the movie without feeling rushed. The catamaran tour to Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo Island gives you three separate islands and four snorkel stops in one day, which is why the schedule is tight but never feels hurried.

Your guide speaks English and stays with the group the whole time. Snacks and drinks are waiting at the pier before you leave, and the minivan picks you up from your hotel afterward: no negotiating transport, no figuring out the pier on your own. The boat runs unless weather or sea conditions force a cancellation, which the operator decides based on safety, not convenience. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a light shirt, and a camera. The rest is handled.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and return by air-conditioned minivan, snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, goggles, life jacket), snacks and drinks at the pier before departure, lunch at a beachside restaurant on Phi Phi Don, an English-speaking licensed guide, and visits to Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Don, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay with time to snorkel and swim at each stop.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by I Asia Thailand

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay in one day without arranging your own boat, timing multiple stops, or figuring out lunch: the catamaran and guide handle all three, and hotel pickup means you don't navigate the pier alone.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What time does the tour depart and when do I need to be ready?

Hotel pickup is 30 to 90 minutes before the 9am pier departure, depending on your hotel location. Be waiting in your lobby 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Mask, snorkel, goggles, and life jacket are provided. Bring your own if you prefer.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and return by minivan, snorkeling gear, lunch at a beachside restaurant on Phi Phi Don, snacks and drinks at the pier, and an English-speaking guide for the full day.

Can I do this tour if I'm pregnant or have a heart condition?

No. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or congenital disease. Travelers with back, neck, or joint problems should consider carefully before booking.

What if the weather is bad?

The operator cancels the tour if sea conditions or weather make it unsafe. You'll be notified, and no refund is given if the tour is cancelled for safety reasons.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring swimwear, shorts, a light shirt, beach towel, sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, camera, and deck shoes. Snorkeling gear is provided.

How long is the tour?

The full day runs from hotel pickup (30–90 minutes before 9am) through pier return in late afternoon, typically 8 to 10 hours depending on hotel location.

Is the long-tail boat ride to Monkey Beach included?

No. It's an optional activity at Pileh Lagoon with an additional cost.

What if I have a food allergy?

Tell the operator at the time of booking so they can try to arrange appropriate lunch options.