Phi Phi Islands: Private Boat Tour with Maya Bay & Monkey Beach

Summary

Swim Maya Bay watch monkeys play and cruise hidden lagoons

You’ll cruise by private boat from Phuket to Maya Bay’s famous sands, snorkel coral lagoons with your guide pointing out marine life, watch playful monkeys at Monkey Beach, and relax over lunch on Phi Phi Don—all without crowds or rush. It’s a day full of salt air, laughter, and moments you’ll want to replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You see those birds? Their nests are worth more than gold here,” our guide Somchai said, pointing up at the limestone mouth of Viking Cave as our boat bobbed gently. I’d never heard of bird’s nest soup before, let alone watched locals in tiny boats collecting the nests from impossible heights. The air smelled faintly salty and there was this echo of waves against stone that made me want to just sit quietly for a minute.

The day started with coffee at the little office in Phuket—nothing fancy, but it hit the spot. After stashing our bags (didn’t need much besides sunscreen), we set off toward the Phi Phi Islands. Forty-five minutes later, Maya Bay appeared around a bend: white sand so bright it almost hurt to look at. I still think about that first swim—cool water, tiny fish darting past my legs, and someone shouting “DiCaprio!” as a joke because of that movie. Our guide handed out snorkels and pointed out rainbow fish and clownfish; I lost track of time floating there.

We drifted into a lagoon where the cliffs closed in tight and everything went quiet except for splashes. No crowds—just us jumping off the boat, laughing when someone’s goggles fogged up. At Monkey Beach, the monkeys actually swam out to us (I didn’t expect them to be so bold). One sat right on the prow until Somchai shooed him away with a laugh. Lunch was on Phi Phi Don—picked a random spot facing the water, ordered something spicy I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it), and watched longtail boats drift by.

By late afternoon we were back on board with cold drinks and sliced pineapple. Nui Beach was quieter than anywhere else—a stretch of sand with hardly anyone around except some local kids trying to catch crabs near Camel Rock. On the way back, we stopped at Koh Rang Yai for fruit and one last swim before sunset started turning everything gold. Honestly, I’d do this private boat tour again just for that light alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour to Phi Phi Islands

• Arrive, check in, receive briefing
• Enjoy 45-minute cruise to Phi Phi Islands
• Visit Maya Bay, snorkel and explore
• Swim and relax in Blue Lagoon
• View Viking Cave and learn history
• Watch monkeys play at Monkey Beach
• Explore Phi Phi Don and have lunch
• Snorkel at Nui Beach (Camel Rock)
• Relax on Koh Rang Yai beach
• Cruise back to pier

Top questions

How long does the private Phi Phi Islands boat tour take?

The tour lasts roughly a full day including travel time from Phuket to all main stops like Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Nui Beach, and Koh Rang Yai.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests during the private boat tour.

Are snacks or drinks included during the trip?

Bottled water, soda/pop, snacks like fresh fruit are provided onboard throughout the day.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

The tour includes private transportation but starts from their office in Phuket where you check in and can store luggage before departure.

Can children join this private boat tour?

Yes—infants and small children are welcome; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Do I have to pay extra fees during the tour?

The national park fee isn’t included; you pay your guide in cash on the day so they can organize your ticket.

Will we stop for lunch during the trip?

You’ll stop at Phi Phi Don island where you can choose a local restaurant for lunch overlooking the water (lunch cost not included).

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes—the private boat has restroom facilities available for guests throughout the journey.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Phuket’s pier after check-in at their office (with space to store your bags), bottled water, soda/pop, snacks like fresh fruit along the way, use of snorkeling equipment at each stop (including Maya Bay and Nui Beach), plus restroom access onboard so you can just focus on swimming or relaxing between islands.