Phi Phi & Khai Islands: Speedboat Snorkeling Tour with Lunch

Summary

Swim clear waters at Maya Bay then unwind on Khai Island’s soft sand

You’ll race across turquoise water by speedboat from Phuket to Maya Bay, swim and snorkel in Pileh Lagoon’s emerald sea, spot monkeys at Monkey Beach, then unwind with lunch overlooking Phi Phi Don before finishing your day swimming off Khai Island’s powdery shore—with hotel pickup and a local guide making everything easy.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the speedboat to feel so quick—like skipping over glass, with salty wind in my face before I’d even had coffee. Our guide, Nok, handed out fins at Royal Phuket Marina and grinned when I tried to say “sawasdee” (I probably butchered it). Maya Bay came up fast, all pale sand and that wild green water you see in movies. There were more people than I thought, but somehow it still felt peaceful—maybe it was the way the cliffs wrapped around us, or maybe just jet lag.

Pileh Lagoon is where it got real. The water’s this odd shade of emerald—almost fake-looking—and when I slid in, it was warm but not bathwater-warm. Nok pointed out tiny fish darting by my ankles; I kept losing track because I was staring up at those limestone walls. We cruised past Viking Cave (didn’t go inside), but she explained about the bird nests and how locals still harvest them for soup. There’s something weirdly calming about watching people work on those ladders, so high up.

Monkey Beach was next—those macaques are cheeky little thieves. One tried to snatch a GoPro from a guy near us; everyone laughed except him. Lunch was a blur of fried rice and sweet pineapple at Phi Phi Don—honestly, I could’ve sat there longer just watching boats drift by. By the time we hit Khai Island, the sun was sharp and the sand almost too white to look at straight on. I floated in shallow water for ages, listening to kids squeal and someone playing Thai pop from a speaker further down the beach. It felt like time slowed down there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi and Khai Islands speedboat tour

• Hotel pick-up and transfer to marina
• Explore Maya Bay beach
• Swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon
• Snorkel near Viking Cave
• Visit Monkey Beach
• Enjoy buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don
• Relax and swim at Khai Island
• Return to Royal Phuket Marina and transfer to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Phi Phi & Khai Islands snorkeling tour last?

The tour lasts most of the day, starting with morning pickup from your Phuket hotel and ending with return transfer after visiting all islands.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Phuket?

Yes, a buffet lunch with desserts is served at a beach-side restaurant on Phi Phi Don during the tour.

Are snorkeling equipment and fins provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear and fins are included—you collect fins at Royal Phuket Marina before departure.

What islands are visited during this speedboat trip?

The tour visits Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave (viewing), Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don for lunch, and finishes at Khai Island.

Is hotel pickup included for this snorkeling tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers from hotels within Phuket province are included in an air-conditioned minivan.

Can children join this speedboat tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; some health restrictions apply for safety reasons.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Do you enter Viking Cave during the trip?

No entry into Viking Cave—the boat cruises past while guides explain its history and bird nest harvesting.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Phuket province by air-conditioned minivan; all speedboat rides between islands; use of snorkeling equipment and paddle boards; fins collected before departure; travel insurance throughout; plus a buffet lunch with desserts right on the beach before heading back in the afternoon.