Phi Phi Islands: Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat with Guide

Summary

Snorkeling adventure to Maya Bay & Bamboo Island by speedboat

You’ll swim through crystal-clear lagoons at Maya Bay, spot monkeys at Ao Ling, and relax on Bamboo Island’s soft sand during this Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour by speedboat with a local guide. Snorkeling gear is included (and lunch if you pick the full-day). Expect laughter, salty air, and moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t feed the monkeys — they’ll remember your face,” our guide joked as we drifted into Monkey Bay. He was right; one of them eyed my backpack like it knew my snack stash was inside. The morning started at Tonsai pier, where we met the group near McDonald’s (never thought I’d say that in Thailand). Our guide, Li, handed out life jackets and masks with this easy smile — he seemed to know everyone on the island. The air smelled salty and warm, a bit like sunscreen and fried rice from the food stalls nearby.

The speedboat ride was louder than I expected — wind whipping past my ears, sea spray stinging my cheeks. We hit Maya Bay first. It’s famous from that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio (Li teased us about it), but honestly, the sand felt softer than any beach I’ve walked. There were people but not too many; I found a quiet patch and just listened to the water for a minute. Later at Pileh Lagoon, we jumped straight off the boat into water so clear you could see your toes — or in my case, awkward flailing because I forgot how slippery coral feels underfoot.

Bamboo Island was next for sunbathing and fruit — watermelon so cold it made my teeth hurt. Lunch came later (included if you do the full day), simple Thai food but after swimming it tasted perfect. At Viking Cave, Li pointed out swallow nests clinging to impossible ledges; he told us about how locals harvest them for soup. I tried saying “bird’s nest” in Thai — Li laughed so hard he almost dropped his paddle.

I still think about Shark Point — floating above those reefs with tiny fish darting around my mask. Didn’t see any sharks this time (maybe for the best?), but honestly just being there felt wild enough. The whole day blurred together: salt on my skin, sunburn on my nose, laughter echoing off limestone cliffs. We ended back at Tonsai pier tired and happy, hair tangled from wind and sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour

• Meet at McDonald's near Tonsai Pier
• Visit Maya Bay beach
• Swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon
• Explore Loh Samah Bay
• Sunbathe at Bamboo Island
• Visit Ao Ling (Monkey Bay)
• Explore Viking Cave
• Snorkel at Shark Point

Top questions

Where does the Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour start?

The tour starts at Tonsai pier near McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don.

Is lunch included in the snorkeling tour?

Lunch is included only with the full-day or sunset option.

What islands are visited during the speedboat tour?

The tour visits Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Bay (Ao Ling), Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and Shark Point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, life jackets and snorkeling masks are provided for all participants.

Are national park fees included?

Yes, national park fees are included in the tour price.

Can children join this snorkeling trip?

Yes, children aged 4-10 can join with a child ticket.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at Tonsai pier themselves.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended to join this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your guide at Tonsai pier near McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don island; all national park entry fees; use of life jacket and snorkeling mask; fresh fruit and drinking water throughout; plus lunch if you choose the full-day or sunset option before returning to shore in the afternoon or evening.