Phiphi & Bamboo Islands: Speedboat Snorkeling Tour with Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling turquoise Phi Phi waters, Viking Cave views, Maya Bay sand under your toes

You’ll speed across turquoise waters to Maya Bay and Bamboo Island with a local guide, snorkel coral reefs teeming with fish, swim in Pileh Lagoon’s surreal calm, and share lunch overlooking Phi Phi Don. Expect laughter (and maybe monkeys), sandy feet, and memories that stick long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of salt air as we zipped away from Royal Phuket Marina—early enough that the sun was still soft and the water almost glassy. Our guide, Nok, handed out fins and masks with this half-grin like she’d seen a thousand nervous tourists before. I tried not to drop mine overboard. The boat’s engine drowned out most conversation until we slowed near Maya Bay—yeah, the one from “The Beach.” It’s strange seeing a place you’ve only known from movies. The cliffs really do look like they’re hugging the bay. I didn’t expect the sand to be so fine it squeaked underfoot.

We drifted into Pileh Lagoon next—Nok called it “the swimming pool of the sea,” which sounded cheesy until I slid off the boat and realized how unreal that green-blue water feels against your skin. There was this moment when everyone went quiet except for some distant laughter and the echo of our own splashes. Later at Viking Cave, Nok pointed out faded paintings high up on the rock—she said locals still harvest bird nests there for soup (I’m not sure I’d try it). The snorkeling spot nearby had more fish than I could count; one bright yellow one kept darting around my mask like it wanted to photobomb me.

Monkey Beach was chaos in the best way—monkeys everywhere, stealing fruit right out of someone’s bag (not mine, thankfully). One little guy sat on a branch just watching us like he was judging our sunscreen technique. By lunchtime my arms were tired but happy-tired. We ate at a place right on Ton Sai Bay—nothing fancy but I swear that curry tasted better because of the sea breeze and all that swimming. Someone at another table tried to order in Thai and got a round of applause from the staff.

I still think about that last stretch on Bamboo Island—the white sand so bright it hurt my eyes for a second. Palm trees leaning every which way, some random crab scuttling past my foot while I tried to take a photo. On the ride back to Phuket, everyone looked sunburned and dazed in a good way. Nok told us she does this trip almost every day but never gets bored of it—I kind of get why now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour

• Hotel pick-up in air-conditioned minivan
• Transfer to Royal Phuket Marina
• Speedboat journey to Phi Phi Leh
• Explore Maya Beach
• Swim and paddleboard in Pileh Lagoon
• Visit Viking Cave and snorkel coral reef
• Sightseeing at Monkey Beach
• Buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don beach restaurant
• Relax and walk on Bamboo Island beach
• Speedboat cruise back to Royal Phuket Marina
• Minivan transfer back to Phuket hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket province are included.

What islands are visited on this speedboat day trip?

The tour visits Maya Bay or Bamboo Island (depending on conditions), Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and Phi Phi Don.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of fins and snorkeling gear is included in your tour price.

Is lunch included during the tour?

Yes, there’s a buffet lunch at a restaurant on Ton Sai Bay overlooking Phi Phi Don.

How long does the speedboat ride take from Phuket to Phi Phi?

The ride from Royal Phuket Marina to the first stop at Phi Phi takes about 45 minutes by speedboat.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; pregnant travelers should avoid it too.

Can children join this snorkeling trip?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day trip.

Will we see monkeys during this tour?

You’ll stop at Monkey Beach where wild monkeys are usually present along the shore.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup by air-conditioned minivan in Phuket province, all speedboat transfers between islands with an English-speaking guide leading each stop, full use of snorkeling equipment including fins, travel insurance for peace of mind, plus a buffet lunch with drinks right by Ton Sai Bay before heading back to Phuket marina in comfort.