Phi Phi Islands: Snorkeling, Maya Bay & Bamboo Island Tour

Summary

Speedboat to Maya Bay snorkeling in Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island

You’ll ride a speedboat from Phuket to four Phi Phi Islands with a local guide—snorkeling at Pileh Lagoon, wandering Maya Bay’s white sand, spotting monkeys at Monkey Beach, and relaxing on Bamboo Island. Includes lunch and hotel pickup so you can just show up and let yourself get swept away by those unreal colors and sounds.

What’s the experience like?

"You’ve never seen water this color," our guide said as we leaned over the edge of the speedboat, and honestly, he wasn’t kidding. The ride from Phuket was loud and windy—my hair was a mess before we even hit the first island—but there’s something about that salty air that wakes you up fast. At the pier, everyone shuffled around for bracelets and coffee (the cookies were gone in seconds), and then suddenly we were off, bouncing across the Andaman Sea with a bunch of strangers who felt less strange by the hour.

Maya Bay was our first big stop. I’d seen it in photos, but seeing those cliffs up close—well, it’s different. Our guide pointed out where “The Beach” movie was filmed; someone tried to reenact a scene and slipped on wet sand (we all laughed, even him). The bay closes for a couple months every year for conservation, so if you’re here during that time you just float nearby and snap photos from the boat. It’s still wild how quiet it feels out there—just the slap of waves and maybe someone shouting in Thai from another boat.

Pileh Lagoon was next. I jumped in before I could overthink it—the water is cool but not cold, almost silky? There’s this echo when people laugh between the cliffs. If you want, you can rent one of those long-tail boats for a closer look at the rocks. We drifted past Viking Cave (didn’t go inside), then stopped at Monkey Beach where actual monkeys eyed our snacks with zero shame. Lunch was on Phi Phi Don: nothing fancy, but after swimming everything tastes good. I still think about that pineapple—maybe it’s just better here.

We ended up on Bamboo Island later in the afternoon. Sun felt heavier by then; sand got everywhere (I’m probably still finding it in my bag). Some people snorkeled again—I just lay back and listened to kids playing nearby while our guide told us stories about growing up around these islands. On the way back to Phuket I nearly dozed off despite the engine noise. It’s funny how quickly a place can get under your skin like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Phi Phi Islands tour

• Pick up from hotel in Phuket
• Arrive pier, check-in, safety briefing
• Depart to Phi Phi Islands at 9:00 am
• Visit Maya Bay for sightseeing and photos
• Swim in Pileh Lagoon
• View Viking Cave from boat
• Visit Monkey Beach
• Lunch on Phi Phi Don island
• Snorkel near Phi Phi Don island
• Swim and relax on Bamboo Island
• Return to pier by 5:00 - 5:30 pm
• Transfer back to hotel in Phuket

Top questions

How long is the Phi Phi Islands tour from Phuket?

The tour lasts all day, departing around 9:00 am and returning to Phuket by 5:00–5:30 pm.

Is lunch included on the Phi Phi Islands tour?

Yes, lunch is included on Phi Phi Don island as part of your day trip.

Can I visit Maya Bay all year round?

No, Maya Bay is closed annually from August 1 until October 1 for conservation; during closure you only view it from the boat.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel, and life jacket are provided for all guests.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfer by minibus is included from your accommodation in Phuket.

What should I bring on this day trip to Phi Phi Islands?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, camera or phone for photos—snacks and drinks are provided onboard.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

No, infants under 1 year old cannot be accommodated due to safety regulations.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No; speedboat tours are not recommended for pregnant women or travelers with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Phuket by minibus, coffee or tea with cookies at the pier before departure, all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, life jacket), soft drinks and fresh fruit onboard throughout the journey, buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don island with time to relax or explore nearby beaches before heading back to your hotel by evening.