Phuket Phi Phi Islands: Speedboat tour with lunch & guide

Summary

Speed across turquoise waters to the Phi Phi Islands with locals

You’ll ride a speedboat from Phuket with a local guide, swim in emerald lagoons surrounded by cliffs, visit Maya Bay (from the boat), eat Thai food on Phi Phi Don, and snorkel near coral reefs teeming with fish. There’s laughter, monkeys on the beach, and moments of quiet awe you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the slap of salt air as we stepped onto the pier in Phuket — that mix of diesel from the speedboats and something sweet from a snack cart nearby. Our guide, Nok, handed out these colored bracelets so we wouldn’t get lost in the shuffle (I picked green, no idea why). She grinned and told us to grab some cookies before the safety talk. I was still half-awake but the coffee helped.

We hit Maya Bay early. The water looked almost fake — too clear, too blue. Nok pointed out where they filmed “The Beach” with DiCaprio. You can’t land there right now (something about protecting the sand), so we floated close for photos. It’s funny how quiet everyone got just looking at it. Then off again — the engine noise made conversation tricky but you could still hear people laughing when someone tried to say “Phi Phi” properly (I gave up after two tries).

Pileh Lagoon was next and honestly, swimming there felt unreal. The cliffs around us were so high it made our voices echo weirdly if you shouted (which one guy did just to test it). Water was cool but not cold — I kept running my hands through it because it felt softer than pool water somehow. Lunch on Phi Phi Don was simple: rice, spicy curry, fruit — nothing fancy but tasted good after all that swimming. Nok sat with us and explained which fish we’d probably spot while snorkeling later (she was right about the parrotfish; those colors stick in your head).

I didn’t expect Monkey Beach to actually have monkeys right there on the sand — one stole a tourist’s soda can and everyone cracked up except maybe the guy who lost his drink. By then I’d stopped checking my phone for time. On the way back, sunburned and salty, I caught myself thinking about how different this day trip to Phi Phi Islands felt compared to just seeing pictures online. Still thinking about that lagoon light sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour

• Hotel pickup and pier check-in
• Sightseeing at Maya Bay
• Swim at Pileh Lagoon
• Visit Viking Cave
• Visit Monkey Beach
• Lunch on Phi Phi Don island
• Snorkeling near Phi Phi Don
• Relax or snorkel at Khai Nok island
• Return to hotel by minibus

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Phi Phi Islands tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for all accommodations in Phuket.

Can you land at Maya Bay during this tour?

No, landings at Maya Bay are closed from August 1 to October 1; sightseeing is from the boat only during this period.

Is lunch provided on the day trip to Phi Phi Islands?

Yes, a buffet lunch with Thai food is included on Phi Phi Don island.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear including life jacket, fins, mask, and new mouthpiece are provided.

How many people join this group tour?

The group size ranges from 20 to 35 people per tour.

Is this speedboat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Phuket, national park entry fees covered for adults and children, snorkeling equipment with a brand new mouthpiece for each guest, snacks and soft drinks onboard plus a buffet Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don island—all guided by a local expert before returning by minibus in the evening.