Phi Phi Islands: Private Tour from Krabi with Snorkeling & Beach Lunch

Summary

Private boat to Bamboo Island, Maya Bay photo stop, snorkeling at Nui Bay and Monkey Beach, Thai lunch on the sand

You’ll swim off Bamboo Island’s white sands, snorkel over bright reefs near Nui Bay, watch monkeys scramble along Monkey Beach, and share a Thai lunch right on the shore. With hotel pickup and a local guide who knows every cove, this private Phi Phi Islands tour from Krabi is as much about slow moments as famous sights—you might even find yourself grinning at nothing on the ride home.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to try feeding them?” our guide asked, nodding toward a gang of monkeys already eyeing us from Monkey Beach. I hesitated, clutching my sunglasses because I’d heard stories—these little guys are quick. The air smelled salty and faintly sweet, like sunscreen and ripe fruit. We’d left Ao Nang just after sunrise (I’m not really a morning person but somehow it felt right), and by the time we reached Bamboo Island the water was so clear you could see every flick of a fish’s tail below. Our guide, Somchai, handed out masks and fins with a grin—he seemed to know every patch of reef by heart.

I’d never snorkeled somewhere like this before. At Nui Bay, floating above coral gardens while schools of tiny electric-blue fish darted around my ankles—honestly, I lost track of time. There was this moment when everything got quiet except for the sound of my own breathing through the snorkel and the distant hum of another boat passing by. Later, drifting past Viking Cave (Somchai told us about the sea gypsies who used to live there—he made it sound like something out of a storybook), I tried to snap a photo but mostly just stared at those dark shapes against the limestone cliffs.

We stopped near Maya Bay for photos—the place from “The Beach.” You can’t set foot on it now but honestly? Even seeing it from the boat felt surreal. The cliffs are huge up close; I kept thinking how small we looked bobbing in that turquoise water. Lunch was simple: sticky rice, grilled chicken, fresh pineapple eaten right on the sand under some scraggly trees. There was sand everywhere—on my hands, in my shoes—but somehow food always tastes better outside like that.

By afternoon I was sunburnt in weird places (shoulders mostly) and tired in that good way you get after swimming all day. On the ride back to Krabi I watched sunlight flicker off the waves and thought about how Somchai laughed when I tried to say “Phi Phi” properly—it’s more like “pee-pee,” which still makes me smile now. If you’re thinking about a private tour to Phi Phi Islands from Krabi… well, I still think about that view at Nui Bay sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi Islands snorkeling and sightseeing

• Snorkel at Bamboo Island
• Relax and snorkel at Nui Bay
• Visit Monkey Beach and see monkeys
• Take photo at Maya Bay cliffs
• Stop at Pileh Bay lagoon
• Photograph Viking Cave

Top questions

What time does the private Phi Phi Islands tour start from Krabi?

Hotel pickups from Ao Nang are between 7:30–7:45 AM; Railay pickups are 8:20–8:30 AM.

Is lunch included on the Phi Phi private tour?

Yes, a Thai lunch is served on the beach along with water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit.

Can we visit Maya Bay during this day trip?

You can take photos of Maya Bay from your boat; landing on the beach is currently not allowed.

Are snorkeling equipment and entry fees included?

Yes, snorkeling gear and national park fees are included in your booking price.

Is this private tour suitable for kids?

Children aged 4–12 can join for an extra fee; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

How many people are included in the base price?

The base price covers two adults; extra charges apply for additional guests.

What sites will we see during this private tour?

You’ll visit Bamboo Island, Nui Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave (photo stop), Maya Bay (photo stop), Phi Phi Don & Phi Phi Lee.

Is hotel transfer included for all areas around Krabi?

Free transfers are available from Ao Nang & Railay; transfers from Krabi Town or Klong Muang cost extra.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and return transfers from Ao Nang or Railay (extra charge applies elsewhere), all national park fees covered up front so there’s no hassle later, full use of snorkeling equipment (no need to bring your own mask or fins), stops at Bamboo Island and Nui Bay for swimming or relaxing as long as you want really—plus Monkey Beach where you’ll probably laugh at least once. There’s also a photo stop at Maya Bay and Viking Cave before sharing a simple Thai lunch right on the sand with drinks and fresh fruit provided before heading back in late afternoon.