Phi Phi, Maya & Khai Islands: Speed Catamaran Day Trip

Summary

Swim Maya Bay snorkel Khai Island see monkeys Phi Phi day trip

You’ll ride a speed catamaran from Phuket to swim at Maya Bay, snorkel over colorful reefs at Khai Island, watch monkeys play on Monkey Beach, and eat lunch with your feet in the sand on Phi Phi Don. With hotel pickup and an English-speaking guide included, it’s easy to just show up and let yourself drift into island time.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a life jacket before I’ve even finished my coffee — turns out we’re already boarding the speed catamaran for our day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. The boat hums across the water, spray cool on my face. Our guide, Nok, jokes about sunscreen and shows us where to stash our flip-flops (I always forget). The Andaman Sea is this unreal shade of blue-green that looks fake in photos but somehow real here.

Khai Island is first. I’m not much of a snorkeler but the water’s so clear you can see fish from above — yellow stripes darting around bits of coral. Salt stings my lips and there’s a faint smell of grilled chicken drifting from somewhere onshore. Nok points out a sea cucumber and laughs when I flinch (it really does look weird). We dry off quick in the sun, sand sticking to everything.

Monkey Beach is next — you actually hear them before you see them. Chattering, then one bold little guy hops right onto the sand near us. Someone tries to take a selfie and almost loses their snack (the monkey wins). Lunch is at a place on Phi Phi Don with plastic chairs and fans spinning overhead; spicy curry, sweet pineapple, rice that sticks together just enough. I still think about that view from the table — boats bobbing in the bay, sun glinting off everything.

Maya Bay is quieter than I expected. Maybe it’s because they limit visitors now? The sand squeaks underfoot and the cliffs feel impossibly tall. There’s a moment where everyone just stands looking at the water, not saying much — kind of rare for a group tour honestly. Last stop is Pileh Lagoon; emerald water surrounded by limestone walls, echoing with laughter as people jump in. I didn’t want to get out but time goes fast here — or maybe it just feels like it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Khai Islands tour

• Snorkel at Khai Island
• Visit Monkey Beach and see monkeys
• Lunch at Phi Phi Don beachside restaurant
• Relax and swim at Maya Bay
• Swim in Pileh Lagoon

Top questions

How long is the day trip to Phi Phi Islands?

The tour lasts approximately one full day with morning departure and return in the late afternoon or early evening.

Is snorkeling gear included on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks are provided as part of your tour inclusions.

Are meals included during the day trip?

A beachside lunch featuring local dishes is included on Phi Phi Don Island.

Can I visit Maya Bay all year round?

No, Maya Bay closes annually from August 1 – September 30 for natural restoration.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel are included in the booking.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to boat travel conditions.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies your group throughout the tour.

What should I bring for snorkeling at Khai Island?

You should bring swimwear and sunscreen; life jackets and masks are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel transfers by speed catamaran across the Andaman Sea with bottled drinking water along the way, all necessary insurance coverage provided by the operator, use of life jackets and snorkeling masks for exploring coral reefs at Khai Island, plus an English-speaking guide who keeps things organized (and light), and a relaxed lunch served right by the beach before heading back home salty-haired and sandy-footed.