Phuket to Phi Phi Islands: Maya Bay & Snorkeling Speedboat

Breakfast on Maya Bay, Then Jump Into an Emerald Lagoon

You board a speedboat before 8am from Phuket's five-star marina and arrive at Maya Bay early enough to have the beach mostly to yourself. The day includes breakfast on the sand, swimming in Pileh Lagoon, two snorkeling stops with marine life, a viewing of monkeys and the Viking Cave, lunch at a pool club, and free time on a private island. Small groups (max 18) and included equipment mean you're not managing logistics or sharing the experience with a hundred other tourists.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Depart from Phuket marina
• Visit Maya Bay or Bamboo Island
• Swim at Pileh Lagoon
• Snorkel at first stop
• View macaque monkeys and Viking Cave
• Snorkel at second stop
• Relax at Bamboo Beach or Koh Rang Yai
• Enjoy lunch at pool club restaurant

The Experience

So you're sitting there on the sand with a plate of fresh fruit and coffee, and the beach is still quiet because the boat left Phuket's marina before most people woke up. That's the whole thing right there — the Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour runs small groups, capped at 18 people, which means you actually get to stand on Maya Bay without feeling like you're in a crowd. The company's been doing this for 20 years and has 95% five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, and they're strict about the group size because they know the difference between a tour and a cattle run.

After breakfast you head to Pileh Lagoon, and if the tide cooperates, you jump straight into this impossibly green swimming pool surrounded by limestone cliffs on three sides. Then there's snorkeling — twice — with all the gear provided, and the crew stays in the water with you if it's your first time. You'll see reef sharks, maybe dolphins if you're lucky, and definitely the long-tailed macaques on Monkey Beach, though you watch them from the boat for everyone's sake. The Viking Cave is next, where they harvest birds' nests for soup, and there are actually armed guards there protecting the nests, which is wild to see from the water.

By midday you're at either Bamboo Island or Koh Rang Yai — the crew picks based on conditions — and you get time to just float in the crystal water and lie under a palm tree. Lunch happens at a pool club restaurant back on the island, and it's proper Thai food, not the watered-down stuff. The whole day runs about eight hours, and you're back before evening. One thing to know: if you're going in August or September, Maya Bay closes for ecosystem recovery, so you visit Bamboo Island instead and see the bay from the water, which honestly still counts.

Pickup from your Phuket hotel is included, and so is all the snorkeling equipment, breakfast, lunch, drinks, and the national park fees. You just need to book at least 24 hours ahead, and if you want to tip the crew or grab a beer, that's separate. Groups need a minimum of eight people to run, so book early if you're traveling solo or as a pair.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Phuket, breakfast on Maya Bay, entry to Pileh Lagoon with swimming time, two snorkeling stops with all equipment provided, a viewing of Monkey Beach and Viking Cave, lunch at a pool club restaurant, free time on either Bamboo Island or Koh Rang Yai, water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, fresh fruit, snacks, WiFi on board, and all national park fees. Alcoholic drinks and tips for crew are optional and paid separately.

Good to know

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

Operated by Simba Sea Trips

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the main Phi Phi highlights in one day without arranging your own boat, timing multiple stops, or dealing with massive tour groups — the small-group cap and early departure are what make the quiet morning at Maya Bay and the snorkeling actually worth the trip.

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Top questions

What happens to the tour in August and September?

Maya Bay closes for ecosystem recovery during those months, so the tour visits Bamboo Island instead. You still see Maya Bay from the water, and Bamboo Island is equally beautiful for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Fins, life jackets, and swim noodles are all provided, and crew members stay in the water to help first-timers.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour is capped at 18 people. The company averages 15 per departure to keep groups small and avoid crowds.

What's included in the price?

Breakfast, lunch, all snorkeling gear, water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, fresh fruit, snacks, WiFi on board, and national park fees. Alcoholic drinks and crew tips are optional and separate.

How long is the full day?

Approximately eight hours from pickup to return.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your Phuket hotel is included in the tour price.

Can I bring my baby or young child?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Baby strollers are not allowed on the boat.

What if I need to cancel?

Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour. The tour requires a minimum of 8 bookings to run; if that's not met, Simba will reschedule you.