Phi Phi Islands snorkeling: two reefs, Maya Bay & Monkey Beach

Two snorkeling sessions, four island stops, lunch aboard the yacht

A full-day snorkeling tour of the Phi Phi Islands aboard a luxury yacht, with visits to Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Maya Bay and two coral reefs. The itinerary includes a longtail boat excursion to Maya Bay, a buffet lunch served onboard, snorkeling equipment, water sports (paddle boards, water slides, glass-bottom boat), and park entry. Note: Maya Bay closes August 1–September 30 each year for environmental recovery, and the itinerary adjusts with extended water activities or sightseeing on Koh Phi Phi Don during that period.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Phi Phi Islands by luxury yacht

• Arrive at Monkey Beach
• Pause at Phi Phi Don and buffet lunch
• Take a break at Viking Cave
• Arrive at Phi Phi Leh and boat trip to Maya Bay
• Visit Maya Bay natural sanctuary
• Start snorkeling adventure
• Spot dolphins and enjoy water sports
• Enjoy second water activity at Nemo gathering place

The Experience

Eight to nine hours on the water means you spend the morning and early afternoon moving between four stops instead of rushing through them. The yacht leaves with a live guide speaking English, Thai or Chinese, and the day opens at Monkey Beach — a quiet stretch of white sand where you can move at your own pace while monkeys inhabit the shoreline. From there, the boat heads to Phi Phi Don for a buffet lunch served onboard while you watch the Andaman Sea, then continues to Viking Cave, a seaside limestone formation where swiftlets nest, before the route turns toward Phi Phi Leh.

Maya Bay is the centerpiece stop, though it closes annually from August through September for ecological restoration. When it's open, you take a longtail boat into the bay for photos and time in the water; when it's closed, the itinerary shifts to extended snorkeling or sightseeing elsewhere on Koh Phi Phi Don. Either way, you get two dedicated snorkeling sessions in warm, clear water surrounded by coral and marine life. The first happens in open water near the reefs; the second takes place in a zone known as a natural dolphin habitat, where you might spot them, and where you can also try water slides, paddle boards or a glass-bottom boat if you skipped those activities at an earlier stop.

The yacht is new, and snorkeling gear — mask, snorkel, disposable mouthpiece — comes with you. You also get a towel, safety equipment, drinking water and soda. A photography service runs throughout the day. Park entrance fees are included, as is pickup (confirm your hotel details before booking). Children from age 2 are welcome, and the pace suits families and older travelers as much as anyone else.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, disposable mouthpiece).
• two snorkeling sessions at coral reefs and a dolphin habitat.
• longtail boat trip to Maya Bay.
• water sports including paddle boards, water slides and a glass-bottom boat.
• buffet lunch and drinks served onboard.
• towel and safety gear.
• Phi Phi Islands National Park entrance fee.
• live guide in English, Thai or Chinese.
• hotel pickup.
• photography service.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by OntwayTour

Is this one for you?The eight to nine hour commitment means a full day on the water with four island stops and two snorkeling sessions, so you need to be comfortable entering and exiting the water multiple times and spending extended time aboard the yacht. Children from age 2 travel well on this route, and the pace suits families and older travelers, though anyone with spinal injuries, pregnancy or cardiovascular concerns should check with a doctor first.

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Top questions

What is Monkey Beach like when we arrive?

Monkey Beach is a quiet, peaceful stretch of soft white sand where you can relax at your own pace, surrounded by nature and playful monkeys. The stop gives you time to swim or rest without being rushed.

Can we still visit Maya Bay if we travel in August or September?

Maya Bay closes from August 1 to September 30 each year for environmental rehabilitation. During that period, the tour adjusts its itinerary by extending time for snorkeling and water activities or by including sightseeing on Koh Phi Phi Don instead.

How many times do we get to snorkel, and where?

You snorkel twice during the day. The first session happens in open water near coral reefs; the second takes place in a dolphin habitat zone where you might see dolphins, and where water slides, paddle boards and a glass-bottom boat are also available if you want to try them.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Lunch is a buffet served onboard the yacht while you're anchored at Phi Phi Don, with views of the Andaman Sea. Drinking water and soda are also included throughout the day.

Do we need to bring our own snorkeling gear?

No. Mask, snorkel, disposable mouthpiece, towel and safety equipment are all provided. The gear is brand new, and a photography service documents the day as well.

What time does pickup happen, and which hotels are included?

Pickup is included from your hotel; confirm your valid contact details and hotel location when you book so the operator can arrange the exact time and meeting point for your departure.