Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands from Krabi: Maya Bay & Coral Reefs

Five island stops and four snorkel sites in one day, starting before 9am from Krabi

A full-day snorkeling trip from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands by speedboat, with five named stops, hotel pickup, lunch and all gear included. You snorkel at Bamboo Island's coral gardens and Lohsamah Bay's colorful fish, visit Maya Bay (the filming location of The Beach), and cruise past Monkey Beach and Viking Cave. The boat departs at 9am and returns by 4pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Phi Phi Island tour

• Pick up from Krabi Town and Klong Muang
• Pick up from Ao Nang
• Depart from pier by speedboat
• Explore Bamboo Island beach and corals
• Sightseeing at Viking Cave
• Snorkel at Lohsamah Bay
• Visit Phi Phi Leh Bay lagoon
• Pass Maya Bay film location
• View Monkey Beach from boat
• Buffet lunch and shopping at Phi Phi Don
• Return to Ao Nang

The experience

The speedboat leaves Krabi Town or Ao Nang between 7:50am and 8:30am, depending on your hotel pickup, and reaches the first snorkel site, Bamboo Island, by mid-morning. You enter the water with a life jacket and snorkel gear (both provided) to explore the coral and fish in shallow, protected water. The itinerary moves through four snorkel zones: Lohsamah Bay, where schools of colorful fish move through the reefs; Phi Phi Leh Bay, a sheltered lagoon; and two more stops that let you spend time in the water rather than rushing between viewpoints. An experienced English-speaking guide stays with the group throughout.

Maya Bay, the white-sand beach where The Beach was filmed, appears on the route as a sightseeing stop. You see it from the boat and can wade ashore to walk the beach, but snorkeling happens at the other four locations. Monkey Beach and Viking Cave are viewed from the water. Neither requires you to leave the boat. The day is built around water time, not a checklist of landmarks.

Lunch is a Thai buffet served on Phi Phi Don island around midday, with fresh fruit, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee included throughout the day. The group size stays under 15 for the van ride to the pier, though the speedboat itself can carry up to 35 passengers. You return to Ao Nang by 4pm. The marine national park fee and travel insurance are included in the price. Gratuities are not.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Krabi hotels.
• marine national park entry fee.
• life jacket and snorkel equipment.
• experienced English-speaking guide.
• Thai buffet lunch with fresh fruit, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
• travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Is this one for you?You're in a shared group of up to 15 on the van and up to 35 on the speedboat, so this suits travelers who don't mind company and want the cost of a group rate. The fixed itinerary and five stops mean you see multiple reefs and bays in one day rather than staying at one site, which works well if you want variety over depth.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What's the water like at the snorkel sites on the Phi Phi Islands?

Bamboo Island and Lohsamah Bay both have vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish in clear, shallow water suitable for snorkeling. Phi Phi Leh Bay is a sheltered lagoon. All three sites are protected and calm enough for swimmers of any experience level.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling versus traveling?

The itinerary includes four separate snorkel stops spread across the day, with the speedboat journey between them. You're in the water at multiple locations rather than at a single site, so the day balances travel time with water time at each stop.

Is Maya Bay included as a snorkel stop?

Maya Bay appears on the route as a sightseeing stop where you can wade ashore and walk the beach. It's the filming location of The Beach. The actual snorkeling happens at Bamboo Island, Lohsamah Bay, and Phi Phi Leh Bay. You see Maya Bay but don't snorkel there.

What happens if I've never snorkeled before?

The guide is experienced and the water at all four snorkel sites is calm and shallow. Life jackets and snorkel gear are provided, and the group stays together. The operator notes the activity suits all physical fitness levels.

What's included in the lunch?

A Thai buffet lunch is served on Phi Phi Don island, with fresh fruit, snacks, soft drinks, tea and coffee available throughout the day. The meal is included in the price.