Phi Phi Island sunset tour from Phuket: Swim with reef sharks

Snorkel coral reefs and swim with blacktip reef sharks, then watch the Andaman sunset on the return to Phuket

A full-day speedboat tour from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands with a live English or Thai-speaking guide, departing mid-morning and returning by sunset. The tour visits Bamboo Island for snorkeling among coral and fish, Monkey Beach to watch monkeys from the boat, Pileh Lagoon for photos, and Shark Bay for swimming with harmless blacktip reef sharks. Groups stay under 18 people. Lunch, snorkeling gear, national park fees, drinks and snacks are included. Pickup from your Phuket hotel is arranged. The tour runs November through April only.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Monkey Beach1h · entry included
2. Maya Bay1h · entry included

Phi Phi Island sunset tour activities

• Arrive for briefing with snacks
• Snorkel at Bamboo Island
• Picnic on Bamboo Island
• Sail past Viking Cave
• View monkeys at Monkey Beach
• Cruise through Pileh Lagoon
• Swim with reef sharks at Shark Bay
• Relax and watch sunset return to Phuket
• Return to hotel

The experience

The day starts at the office with breakfast snacks, tea and coffee before heading out on a speedboat. Your first stop is Bamboo Island, where you'll put on snorkeling gear and enter the water to explore coral formations and schools of colorful fish. The crew stays close to help beginners and guide anyone who needs it. After the underwater time, you'll have a picnic on the beach: mat, shade, and a meal while the waves roll in.

From there, the boat passes Viking Cave, a protected site with ancient drawings carved into the rock that some say depict old ships. You'll see it from the water and hear the stories. Next is Monkey Beach, where resident monkeys play on the rocks and dive into the sea. You watch from the boat, as they can be aggressive on land. Pileh Lagoon comes next, a narrow channel of emerald water framed by limestone cliffs that's too crowded to stop at but worth photographing as you cruise through. Then you head to Shark Bay for the centerpiece: a swim with blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitat. They're uninterested in humans and share the water with clownfish, starfish and other reef life.

On the return to Phuket, the crew stops at a photo spot to capture the sunset over the Andaman Sea, and you'll have a cold drink in hand. The boat arrives back at the marina around sunset, and your transport is waiting to take you to your hotel by 7:30 pm. The whole day runs about 8 and a half hours.

What’s included

• Pickup from your Phuket hotel.
• snorkeling equipment.
• lunch and a picnic on Bamboo Island.
• water, soft drinks, coffee, tea and fresh fruits.
• national park fees.
• a live guide in English or Thai.
• WiFi on board.
• and a restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Simba Sea Trips

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to swim with reef sharks as the main event of your day: the small group size and mid-morning start give you time to explore three snorkeling spots before the sunset return, and the crew's experience keeps the pace relaxed enough for beginners.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling at Bamboo Island and Shark Bay?

Bamboo Island has clear water with colorful fish and coral formations visible to snorkelers of all levels. The crew provides guidance and assistance. Shark Bay offers the same clear conditions with the added presence of harmless blacktip reef sharks, clownfish, starfish and other marine life.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear or do I have to use theirs?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the tour price, so you don't need to bring your own.

How many people go on each tour?

Groups average 15 people and are capped at 18, making this the smallest group size among speedboat tours departing Phuket.

What time does the tour leave and when do I get back to my hotel?

The tour departs mid-morning from the office in Phuket and returns to the marina around sunset. Your hotel transport arrives by 7:30 pm, in time for dinner.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks?

Lunch is included as a picnic on Bamboo Island. Water, soft drinks, coffee, tea and fresh fruits are also provided throughout the day. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately if you wish.

When does this tour run?

The tour operates during the dry season only, from November through April.