Phi Phi & Maya Bay: Speed Catamaran Tour, 25-Person Groups

Smaller Groups, Later Start: Why Phi Phi Tours Work Better at 10:30

You board a 25-person catamaran at 10:30am from Chalong Pier and visit Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and two lagoons over eight hours. Snorkeling gear, lunch with dietary options, fresh fruit, soft drinks, and hotel transfers are all included. The late start means fewer crowds at each stop, and the smaller group size means you're not competing for deck space or snorkel spots.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Ao Phang Nga National Park40m · entry included
2. Maya Bay1h · entry included
3. Monkey Beach30m · entry included

Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands tour

• Arrive at Chalong Pier
• Enjoy snack and light breakfast
• Receive tour information and rules
• Visit Koh Khai Nok for swimming and snorkeling
• Relax and snorkel at Bamboo Island
• See and photograph Maya Bay
• Pass by Lok Samah Bay for sightseeing
• Swim and snorkel at Pileh Lagoon
• Buffet lunch and explore Koh Phi Phi Don
• Visit Monkey Beach and snorkel
• Return to Chalong Pier and transfer to hotel

The experience

The boat leaves Chalong Pier at 10:30am, which means you skip the 9am rush that fills every other catamaran heading to Phi Phi. You've had time for breakfast at your hotel, coffee without hurrying, and the pier itself is calmer when you arrive. The speed catamaran holds 25 people instead of the 45 to 50 packed onto standard tours, so there's actual space to move, sit and breathe. By the time you reach Koh Khai Nok (the first stop in Ao Phang Nga National Park) the island feels less like a photo line and more like a place you can actually swim and snorkel without elbowing past fifty other people.

The day moves through five islands and two lagoons, each one chosen because the late start means fewer crowds when you arrive. Bamboo Island has the clearest water and the best reef, with coral that spreads 500 meters from shore. You'll snorkel there with time to actually look around instead of just float past. Pileh Lagoon, the emerald-colored natural pool ringed by limestone, is a protected habitat and costs extra on most tours, but it's included here. Maya Bay itself is now closed to swimming by the Thai government, so you go for photos and sightseeing only, which honestly works better when there are fewer people trying to frame the same shot. Monkey Beach comes near the end of the day, and the monkeys are still there on the limestone cliff behind the white sand. You'll have a guide pointing out which ones to photograph and which to keep distance from.

Lunch is a buffet on Phi Phi Don island, with halal and vegetarian options, and the tour gives you time to walk the narrow streets or just sit on the beach before heading back. You get snorkeling gear, a life jacket, and a guide on the boat the whole time. The catamaran is newly built, which means the ride is smoother and the deck space doesn't feel cramped. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included across Phuket, so you don't arrange transport separately. The minivan collects you in the morning and brings you back around 5:30pm.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off across Phuket, soft breakfast and snacks at the pier, snorkeling mask and life jacket, lunch buffet with halal and vegetarian options on Phi Phi Don, soft drinks and fresh fruit throughout the day, an English-speaking guide on the boat, all park entry fees, and insurance. You visit Koh Khai Nok, Bamboo Island, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, Lok Samah Bay, and Monkey Beach.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (12 to 60 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 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 The Orca Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main Phi Phi islands and lagoons in one day without the crowds of a standard 9am tour: the 10:30 start and smaller group size are what make the difference between a rushed photo stop and actual time to swim and snorkel.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup from your hotel begins around 7am, arrival at Chalong Pier is 7am, and the boat departs at 10:30am. You return to the pier around 5:30pm and are back at your hotel by early evening.

How many people are on the boat?

Maximum 25 passengers, compared to 45–50 on standard Phi Phi tours.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling mask, mouthpiece, and life jacket are provided. You bring your own swimwear.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, breakfast snack at the pier, lunch buffet (halal and vegetarian options), soft drinks, fresh fruit, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, English-speaking guide, insurance, and all park fees.

Can I swim at Maya Bay?

No. Maya Bay is closed to swimming by the Thai government. The tour includes photos and sightseeing only.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No. According to the insurance policy, pregnant travelers are not permitted to attend.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in most weather but will not run in strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning. If canceled, you'll be rebooked on another date.

Do I need to bring anything?

Swimwear, shorts, sunblock, sunglasses, beach towel, T-shirt, and camera. Seasickness pills are provided free if needed.