Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Speedboat Snorkeling Tour with Lunch

Summary

Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands snorkeling day with Maya Bay stop

You’ll jump straight into island life with this day trip from Phuket to Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: swim at Maya Bay’s famous cove, snorkel vibrant reefs near Viking Cave, watch monkeys scamper along white sand, then refuel with lunch overlooking the sea on Phi Phi Don. Expect salt in your hair and plenty of stories by sunset.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the speedboat at Royal Phuket Marina before I’d even finished my first coffee — there’s something about that early morning light in Thailand, kind of soft but already sticky. Our guide, Nok, handed out masks and cracked a joke about sunscreen (I should’ve listened). The engine kicked up salt spray as we left the marina behind, and suddenly Phuket was just a blur. I didn’t expect to feel so small with those limestone cliffs looming up ahead at Phi Phi Leh. Nok pointed out Maya Bay — yes, the one from “The Beach.” It’s quieter than I thought it would be; the water’s this clear blue-green that almost looks fake. We jumped in for a swim, and honestly, I lost track of time floating there.

After Maya Bay we headed for Pileh Lagoon. The boat slowed down so we could paddleboard or just drift — I tried both but mostly ended up watching little fish flash beneath me. There’s this echo in the lagoon when people laugh or shout; it bounces off the rocks in a way that makes everything feel close together. Then Viking Cave came into view, all dark openings and those odd paintings inside (Nok explained about the bird nests — apparently super valuable). Snorkeling nearby was wild: bright corals, darting parrotfish, even a sea cucumber that looked like it belonged on another planet.

Monkey Beach was next — you really do see monkeys hopping around like they own the place. One of them stared me down while I fumbled with my camera (I swear he knew). By lunchtime at Ton Sai Bay on Phi Phi Don, everyone was hungry and sunburnt. The buffet wasn’t fancy but tasted good after swimming all morning; sweet pineapple juice never tasted so refreshing. I sat by the window looking out over the water and felt weirdly peaceful — maybe it was just being far from anything familiar for a bit.

The last stretch took us past beaches lined with palms and little boats bobbing in the shallows. Heading back to Phuket in the late afternoon, skin salty and hair tangled from wind, I realized how much these day trips can stick with you. Even now when I close my eyes I can hear that engine hum and see sunlight flickering through turquoise water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour of Phi Phi Islands

• Hotel pick-up and transfer to marina
• Speedboat journey to Phi Phi Leh
• Explore Maya Beach
• Swim and paddleboard in Pileh Lagoon
• Visit Viking Cave and snorkel coral reef
• Sightseeing at Monkey Beach
• Buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don restaurant
• Walk and relax on Bamboo Island beach
• Return speedboat cruise to marina
• Transfer back to Phuket hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands snorkeling tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off within Phuket province are included.

What islands do you visit on this speedboat tour?

The tour visits Phi Phi Leh (including Maya Bay), Bamboo Island or Maya Beach (depending on conditions), Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and stops at Ton Sai Bay for lunch.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, a buffet lunch is served at a restaurant on Ton Sai Bay (Phi Phi Don) with sea views.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards included?

Yes, use of snorkeling gear and paddleboarding equipment is included in the tour price.

How long does it take to get from Phuket to Phi Phi by speedboat?

The speedboat ride from Royal Phuket Marina to the Phi Phi Islands typically takes 45-60 minutes depending on sea conditions.

Can children join this snorkeling tour?

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

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious cardiovascular issues.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Phuket province by air-conditioned minivan; all speedboat rides between islands; an English-speaking local guide who knows every cove; full use of snorkeling gear and paddleboards; local taxes covered; plus a buffet lunch with desserts served right by the sea before heading back home salty and satisfied.