Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Speedboat Day Trip from Phuket with Lunch

Six stops, one boat, and the limestone cliffs from The Beach

You board a speedboat or catamaran from Phuket and visit six island stops: Maya Bay (or scenic pass during closure), Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Bamboo Island and a snorkel site. Lunch is a buffet at a beachfront resort, and all snorkeling gear, National Park fees, hotel pickup and drinks come with the price. The day takes eight to nine hours and ends with drop-off at your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Phi Phi Islands by speedboat

• Attend safety and info session
• Visit Maya Bay for sightseeing
• Swim in Pileh Lagoon
• See Viking Cave from boat
• View monkeys at Monkey Beach
• Relax and snorkel at Bamboo Island
• Enjoy seaview buffet lunch

The Experience

What if you could see the exact cove where Leonardo DiCaprio's character washed ashore, swim in an emerald lagoon ringed by 300-meter cliffs, and still be back at your hotel by evening? That's the shape of a Phi Phi Islands day trip from Phuket — and it moves fast enough to fit all of it into one tide. The speedboat or speed catamaran leaves early, picks you up from your hotel, and heads straight for the Andaman's clearest water. You'll hit Maya Bay first (or do scenic passes and extra time at other stops if the bay is closed for restoration, which it is through September 2025), then Pileh Lagoon — the one passengers say is their favorite moment — then Monkey Beach where you watch the animals from the boat, Viking Cave with its swallow nests, Bamboo Island for swimming and sunbathing, and finally a seaview lunch at a resort reserved only for V. Marine Tour guests.

The boat itself matters here. You choose between a smaller speedboat for a tighter group or a roomier speed catamaran, both modern enough that the ride doesn't feel like punishment. Snorkeling gear comes with brand-new mouthpieces — not the communal kind — and a waterproof phone case so you can actually photograph the coral. The guide runs a short safety briefing with light refreshments before you leave the pier, and then it's water, limestone, and the particular blue that only shows up in photos where people think you've edited it. Lunch is a Thai and international buffet with vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and gluten-free options, served at a table with a view instead of on a plastic bench.

The whole day runs around eight to nine hours depending on stops and sea conditions. Weather calls the shots — if the Andaman gets rough, the tour reschedules or refunds — but most days the water cooperates. Cruise ship passengers need to give their ship name, docking time and re-boarding deadline at booking so the return time lands before you're marked late. Hotel transfers are included, so you don't rent a car or negotiate a taxi rate.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your Phuket accommodation, entry to the Phi Phi Islands National Park, snorkeling equipment with new mouthpieces and life jacket, a waterproof floating phone case, a seaview lunch buffet with Thai and international cuisine (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian and gluten-free options available), seasonal fresh fruit, coffee, tea, snacks and bottled water throughout the day, a professional guide, and accident insurance. You choose between a small-group speedboat or spacious speed catamaran.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by V. Marine Tour

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main Phi Phi highlights in one day without arranging transport, park tickets or timing — the fixed schedule and included pickups handle all three, leaving you to focus on the water and the limestone.

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Top questions

What's included in the Phi Phi Islands tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, National Park entry fees, snorkeling equipment with new mouthpieces, life jacket, fins, waterproof phone case, lunch buffet, seasonal fruit, coffee, tea, snacks, bottled water, professional guide and accident insurance.

Can I visit Maya Bay year-round?

Maya Bay closes annually from August 1 to September 30 for ecological restoration. During closure, the tour includes scenic cruising and photo opportunities at the bay, with extended time at other stops like Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. A safety briefing is held before departure, and guides assist with snorkeling. Gear is provided, including a life jacket.

How long is the tour?

Approximately eight to nine hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours are subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

Yes. At booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the return aligns with your ship's departure. Refunds are not issued if you miss the tour due to late ship arrival.

Can I see monkeys on Monkey Beach?

You'll see them from the boat as they swim, climb and jump in their natural habitat. No on-land access is permitted for safety reasons.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free and other special dietary needs are available upon request at lunch.

What's the difference between the speedboat and speed catamaran?

The speedboat is smaller and more intimate for tight groups. The speed catamaran is roomier and more spacious. Both are modern and visit the same stops.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket and brand-new mouthpieces are provided. A waterproof phone case is also included.