Phi Phi Islands Catamaran Tour: Maya Bay Snorkeling

Five islands and a lagoon in one morning and afternoon aboard a catamaran

A full-day catamaran tour from Phuket visits Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Bay, Phi Phi Don and Khai Nok Island with swimming, snorkeling and lunch included. An English-speaking guide leads the boat, hotel pickup and drop-off are arranged, and the itinerary packs six stops into seven to eight hours of travel and water time. Note that Maya Bay closes annually from August 1 to September 30 for environmental restoration, and guests over 60 or with certain health conditions are not recommended for this tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Island hopping and snorkeling tour

• Visit Maya Bay beach
• Swim in Pileh Lagoon
• Cruise past Viking Cave
• Admire Monkey Bay coastline
• Snorkel and lunch at Phi Phi Don
• Relax on Khai Nok Island

The Experience

Maya Bay opens the day—the limestone-walled beach from the films, ringed by cliffs that drop straight into the water. You swim in the shallows and walk the sand, then the catamaran moves on to Pileh Lagoon, a natural pool framed by rock walls where the water sits so still it looks painted. Time there is yours to jump in or float and stare upward at the cliffs. The boat then cruises past Viking Cave, a sea cave cut into the rock face that you view from the water; the guide points out the history and the dramatic setting, but the cave itself stays on the boat side of the trip.

Monkey Bay comes next—a cove where the jungle meets turquoise water and the monkeys actually show up. The catamaran anchors long enough to watch them move through the trees and swim if you want. Then Phi Phi Don, where you snorkel among the coral and fish before lunch at a beachside restaurant with island views. The meal is included and timed so you eat sitting down with a view instead of grabbing something between stops. The final stop is Khai Nok Island, a smaller beach where the pace drops and you have time to rest on the sand before the boat turns back to Phuket.

Hotel pickup and drop-off bookend the day, and the guide speaks English throughout. Life jackets and snorkeling gear are provided, as is drinking water and a snack on board. The tour runs seven to eight hours total, though the actual boat time and the stops themselves are what fill that span—the rest is pickup, drop-off and the travel between islands. Travel insurance is included in the price.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• life jackets and snorkeling equipment.
• drinking water and a snack on board.
• a sit-down lunch at a beachside restaurant.
• travel insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Oh-Hoo

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so the commentary and safety information are clear if that is your language. The tour suits families with children from age one, though participants over 60 or with high blood pressure, heart disease or bone disease are not recommended to join.

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Top questions

What is Maya Bay actually like when I get there?

Maya Bay is a crescent of white sand enclosed by tall limestone cliffs that rise straight from the water, with calm shallows for swimming. The beach is the main stop of the morning, and you have time to walk the sand and swim in the water before the catamaran moves on to the next island.

Do I snorkel on this tour, and where?

Yes, snorkeling happens at Phi Phi Don, where you enter the water among coral and tropical fish. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the guide is in the water with the group.

When is the best time to book this tour—are there months to avoid?

Maya Bay closes annually from August 1 to September 30 for environmental restoration, and visitors cannot step onto the beach during that period. If you travel then, you can view and photograph Maya Bay from the boat, but the beach stop is not possible.

How long is the actual boat ride, and how much time do I spend in the water?

The tour runs seven to eight hours total from pickup to drop-off. That span includes hotel pickup, travel between islands, the stops themselves, lunch and the return journey. The itinerary allocates time based on travel duration between each location, so the exact breakdown depends on traffic and sea conditions on the day.

What is included in the price, and what do I need to pay extra for?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, the English-speaking guide, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, drinking water, a snack on board and lunch are all included. The national park entry fee (400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child) is paid separately at the point of entry. Towels and fins are not provided.