Phi Phi Islands: Snorkeling Tour from Phuket with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Phi phi islands snorkeling day trip from phuket with maya bay viking cave monkey beach lunch included

You’ll swim in clear waters off Bamboo Island, spot monkeys scrambling along cliffs at Monkey Beach, and hear local stories as you pass Viking Cave. Lunch is included on Phi Phi Don before drifting near Maya Bay’s iconic shore — even if you can’t land there now, you’ll feel its calm. Expect laughter, salt air, and maybe a few surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if the Phi Phi Islands would live up to their reputation — you know how people hype things up. But standing at Royal Phuket Marina that morning, half-awake and clutching my coffee, I caught this whiff of sunscreen and diesel from the boats and just felt… ready. Our guide, Nui, grinned as she handed out snorkel masks and told us to expect “lots of fish — maybe more than people.” She was right about that.

The boat ride out was louder than I expected (those engines don’t mess around), but then suddenly we were at Bamboo Island. The water there is almost too blue — like someone turned up the color on a TV. I waded in and could still touch the sand while little fish darted around my ankles. Didn’t think I’d ever see coral that close without diving gear. At Monkey Beach, Nui pointed out a group of macaques climbing down for a swim. One of them stared at me like he knew all my secrets.

Lunch was at this open-air spot on Phi Phi Don — nothing fancy but the curry had a kick and there was fresh pineapple that tasted like sunshine. After eating way too much rice (I always do), we cruised past Viking Cave while Nui explained why locals still collect birds’ nests there. She told it with this mix of pride and worry about how things are changing for them. Then came Maya Bay — even though you can’t set foot on it right now because of restoration, seeing it from the boat with just rangers around made it feel strangely peaceful. It’s weird how a place can be famous but still feel quiet if you catch it at the right moment.

I keep thinking about floating in that lagoon ringed by limestone cliffs — the way the sun bounced off the water and everything went quiet except for people laughing somewhere behind me. I probably missed some photo ops because I just wanted to float there for another minute or two. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip from Phuket that’s not just ticking boxes, this one actually surprised me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour

• Arrive at Royal Phuket Marina office
• Meet tour guide and get briefing
• Swim and snorkel at Bamboo Island
• Relax and sunbathe on Bamboo Island beach
• See local monkeys at Monkey Beach
• Snorkel among fishes and coral reefs
• Enjoy lunch buffet with ocean view
• Sightsee Viking Cave and hear its story
• Swim in emerald green lagoon
• Visit and photograph Maya Bay beach
• Return to marina and hotel drop off

Top questions

How long does the Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour from Phuket last?

The tour departs in the morning and returns to Royal Phuket Marina by 5:00–5:30pm.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip to Phi Phi Islands?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can you visit Maya Bay during this tour?

Maya Bay is closed August 1–September 30, 2025 for restoration; during closure you'll sightsee by boat instead of landing.

What meals are provided on the tour?

A buffet lunch is served at an ocean-view restaurant on Phi Phi Don island; snacks and drinks are also included.

Are snorkel equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes, use of snorkel equipment is included in your tour package.

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for all ages?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health issues.

Which attractions are visited during the day trip?

You’ll visit Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Ko Phi Phi Le (for snorkeling), Viking Cave (sightseeing), and Maya Bay (by boat).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Phuket hotels, all transport by speedboat with professional local guide Nui or similar, use of snorkel equipment and life jackets, accident insurance coverage throughout the trip, restroom access onboard the boat, plus snacks, bottled water, seasonal fruit breaks, and a buffet lunch overlooking the sea before heading back in the evening.