Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour: Maya Bay & Bamboo Island

Snorkel coral reefs on the eastern side of Phi Phi Leh, then drift above a 500-meter reef at Bamboo Island.

Snorkel the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi on a full-day speedboat tour with hotel pickup, visiting Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave and Bamboo Island. You'll spend time in the water at two dedicated snorkeling sites (the coral reefs east of Phi Phi Leh and the shallow reef surrounding Bamboo Island) with lunch and all gear provided on Phi Phi Don between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Maya Bay50m
2. Viking Cave15m
3. Monkey Beachpassing by

Phi Phi Island speedboat tour

• Hotel pick-up in Krabi area
• Meet tour team at Nopparat Thara Pier
• Speedboat ride to Koh Phi Phi Leh
• Visit Maya Bay beach
• View Phileh Lagoon and hidden coves
• Snorkel at eastern coast of Phi Phi Leh
• Pass Viking Cave
• Pass Monkey Beach
• Lunch and sightseeing on Ko Phi Phi Don
• Visit Bamboo Island

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Krabi hotel (Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang or Tubkaek Beach), and a 45-minute speedboat ride to Phi Phi Leh. You'll land at Loh Samah Bay and walk a wooden path over rocky terrain to reach Maya Bay, where you get about 50 minutes to walk the white sand and wade in the shallows. The bay is closed to swimming under Thai marine park rules, but you can see black-tip reef sharks in the shallow water if the tide is right. From there the boat passes Viking Cave, where swallows nest in the cliff face and locals harvest bird's nest soup, and you'll pass Monkey Beach on the southwestern side of Tonsai Bay: a 150-meter stretch backed by thick jungle where a troop of monkeys forages along the shore during low tide, though the boat doesn't stop there.

The two snorkeling sessions are the core of the day. The first happens on the eastern coast of Phi Phi Leh, where you'll enter pristine coral reefs in clear water with your provided mask, fins and snorkel. The second is at Bamboo Island, a small flat island five kilometers north of Phi Phi Don, ringed by white sand and a reef that extends 500 meters from shore: shallow enough that snorkeling feels like swimming in an aquarium. Between the two sites, you'll have lunch at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don, with vegetarian options available, and 30 minutes to walk around the island. The boat carries seasonal fruit and water throughout the day, and your guide will help with underwater photos.

The tour runs seven to eight hours total and is led by an English-speaking licensed guide. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are included, as is hotel pickup and drop-off. The schedule can shift due to weather and sea conditions, and the marine park closes for two months each year in August and September. Jellyfish are more common during the monsoon season from May to October, so check with your guide about water conditions on the day. The national park entrance fee (400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children) is paid separately at the pier.

What’s included

• Insurance and life jacket.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang or Tubkaek Beach.
• snorkeling equipment and underwater photography assistance.
• Thai buffet lunch with vegetarian options on Phi Phi Don.
• seasonal fruit and water on the speedboat.
• professional English-speaking licensed guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to visit four separate landmarks (Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, and Bamboo Island) in one day rather than splitting them across multiple trips.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What is Maya Bay actually like when you get there?

Maya Bay is a cove of white sand backed by 100-meter limestone cliffs, with turquoise water so clear you can see black-tip reef sharks in the shallows. You get about 50 minutes to walk the beach and wade in, though swimming is prohibited under Thai marine park rules to protect the ecosystem.

Where exactly do you snorkel on this tour?

Snorkeling happens at two sites: the eastern coast of Phi Phi Leh, where you explore coral reefs in open water, and at Bamboo Island, a small island five kilometers north of Phi Phi Don surrounded by a reef that stretches 500 meters from shore in shallow, clear water.

Will I see monkeys at Monkey Beach?

Monkey Beach is a 150-meter stretch on the southwestern side of Tonsai Bay backed by jungle, and a troop of monkeys lives there. The boat passes it but doesn't stop. You're most likely to spot them foraging along the shore during low tide, though sightings aren't guaranteed.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a Thai buffet served at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don with vegetarian options available. You'll have time to eat and spend 30 minutes exploring the island before heading to Bamboo Island for the final snorkeling session.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is provided free with the tour, including mask, fins and snorkel. Your guide will also assist with underwater photography if you bring a camera or phone.