Phi Phi Islands: Sunrise or Day Trip by Speedboat & Maya Bay

Summary

Phi Phi sunrise tour with Maya Bay, snorkeling & lunch

You’ll start before sunrise from Phuket and reach Maya Bay as daylight breaks over limestone cliffs. Watch monkeys play on Monkey Beach, have lunch on Phi Phi Don, then snorkel clear waters off Bamboo Island with a local guide—plus hotel pickup and everything you need for an easygoing island day.

What’s the experience like?

We met at Royal Phuket Marina while it was still kind of dark — you know that hour when your body isn’t sure if it’s breakfast time or not? The air felt thick and salty, but there was this weird excitement in the group. Our guide, Toey, handed out coffee and waterproof pouches (which I promptly fumbled), then explained how we’d get to the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat. She had this way of making everyone relax, even the guy next to me who kept double-checking his lifejacket. I could smell sunscreen and instant coffee everywhere.

The ride out was loud — engines buzzing and wind whipping my hair all over. We reached Maya Bay just as the sun started to show up behind those limestone cliffs. Even though Maya Bay is famous from “The Beach,” it didn’t feel like a movie set at all; it was quieter than I expected, with just our small group and some birds making noise in the trees. Toey pointed out where they’re restoring parts of the bay (she said it’ll close for a couple months next year), and I actually liked hearing how they’re trying to protect it. After that, we drifted over to Monkey Beach — the monkeys were already awake, climbing around like little acrobats. One tried to steal someone’s juice box, which got a laugh from everyone except the guy holding it.

Lunch came just when my stomach started grumbling — buffet style at a resort on Phi Phi Don. I piled my plate with things I couldn’t pronounce; Toey helped me ask for a vegetarian option (she laughed when I tried to say it in Thai). The food was simple but hit the spot after swimming. Later we stopped by Viking Cave — Toey explained about bird’s nest soup and how people climb up there for nests. Honestly, looking up at those ropes made my palms sweat just thinking about it.

Snorkeling off Bamboo Island was probably my favorite part of this day trip from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands. The water felt cool against my sunburned shoulders and there were flashes of fish everywhere — yellow stripes darting past my mask. It’s funny how quiet everything gets underwater; you forget about engine noise or other people for a minute. By late afternoon, most of us were just stretched out on deck in that half-sleepy way you get after saltwater and sun.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Phi Phi Islands by speedboat

• Meet at Royal Phuket Marina
• Visit and photograph Maya Bay
• See monkeys at Monkey Beach
• Enjoy lunch buffet at Phi Phi Don
• Visit Viking Cave
• Snorkel and relax at Bamboo Island

Top questions

What time does the Phi Phi Islands day trip start?

The tour starts early morning from Royal Phuket Marina; exact pickup times depend on your hotel location.

Is Maya Bay open during this tour?

Maya Bay will be closed August 1–September 30, 2025 for restoration; sightseeing is still included but no landing during closure.

Are meals included in the tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch at a 4.5-star resort on Phi Phi Don is included; vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Can children join this day trip?

The minimum age is 3 years old; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular conditions.

What should I bring for snorkeling?

You’ll get lifejackets, snorkel masks with new mouthpieces, fins, plus a waterproof phone pouch—just bring swimwear and sunscreen.

How many people are on each boat?

The smaller speedboat fits up to 20 passengers; larger boats carry up to 25 passengers per trip.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfers are included in your booking along with national park fees and accident insurance.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Phuket hotels, entry fees for all islands visited, accident insurance coverage throughout the tour, use of snorkel gear (with new mouthpiece), fins and lifejackets plus a waterproof phone pouch for photos—alongside drinks onboard (soft drinks, water and juice), light breakfast snacks with coffee or tea before departure, and buffet lunch at a 4.5-star resort on Phi Phi Don before heading back in the afternoon.