Phiphi & Bamboo Islands: Small Group Snorkeling Day Trip

Summary

Phi phi islands snorkeling with lunch small group speedboat tour

You’ll jump straight into clear blue water off Phuket’s coast, snorkel among bright fish around Phi Phi Islands, watch monkeys from your speedboat near Monkey Beach, and refuel with a Thai buffet lunch overlooking turquoise waves. A local guide handles all logistics — even snacks and gear — so you can just float, laugh, and soak up those wild island colors.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the smell of sunscreen mixing with sea air as we shuffled onto the speedboat at Phuket. The group was small — maybe 15 of us? — so it felt more like a day out with strangers you might actually talk to. Our guide, Dao, handed me a floating phone case (which I almost dropped right away) and grinned, “You’ll need this.” She was right. The water around Bamboo Island was that kind of blue you see in travel ads but never quite believe is real until you’re squinting at it yourself. I dunked my face in with the snorkel gear and suddenly there were these neon fish everywhere, darting between bits of coral. My mask kept fogging up but honestly I didn’t care much.

We drifted past Monkey Beach next — no landing, just watching from the boat while the monkeys did their thing onshore. Someone tossed out a joke about who’d win in a swimming race (the monkeys or us), and Dao shook her head, “They swim better than most tourists.” There was this weird mix of excitement and quiet — everyone trying to snap photos but also just staring. The air smelled faintly sweet from some fruit someone had peeled open behind me.

Lunch happened at this place overlooking the water — nothing fancy but good enough that I went back for seconds on the green curry. They had veggie stuff too (I’m not vegan but noticed someone else asking). After that we cruised into Pileh Lagoon where the cliffs close in tight and it gets so green it almost feels fake. I tried to float on my back but kept bumping into people’s fins — not exactly peaceful but still kind of perfect in its own way.

Last stop was Maya Bay. We couldn’t land (ecological rules), so Dao slowed the boat for photos and told us about “The Beach” movie. Honestly, I’d forgotten about Leo DiCaprio until then. The light hit the cliffs just right and for a second everything went quiet except for the engine ticking over. On the way back, sunburned and salty, I found myself thinking about how strange it is to share these places with people you’ll probably never see again. Still feels like yesterday sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi Islands snorkeling and sightseeing

• Enjoy light refreshments and safety briefing
• Swim, snorkel, and sunbathe at marine park island
• View monkeys from the speedboat at Monkey Beach
• Enjoy seaview lunch buffet with dietary options
• Swim in emerald waters of Pileh Lagoon
• Sightsee Viking Cave and learn about swallow birds
• Visit and photograph Maya Bay beach

Top questions

How many people are in each group for this Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 20 people per boat.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Phuket?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can vegetarians or vegans eat at the included lunch?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten free and other dietary needs can be accommodated if requested in advance.

Do we go on land at Monkey Beach during this tour?

No, guests only view Monkey Beach from the boat due to safety regulations; no landing is allowed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, life jacket, mask and snorkel (with new mouthpiece), fins and a waterproof floating phone case are provided.

What happens if weather is bad on my tour date?

If weather conditions are unsafe, you can choose an alternative date or get a full refund.

Can cruise ship passengers join this tour?

Yes, but cruise passengers must provide ship details when booking for coordination.

Is Maya Bay open for swimming during this trip?

No landing or swimming is allowed at Maya Bay during ecological restoration; sightseeing by boat only.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Phuket hotels, all snorkeling equipment (including new mouthpiece), a waterproof floating phone case for your photos, snacks like seasonal fruit plus coffee or tea onboard, bottled water throughout the trip, a seaview buffet lunch with options for special diets if needed—and a friendly local guide who keeps things running smoothly before bringing you back salty and happy by late afternoon.