Explore Phi Phi Islands by Ferry Snorkeling & Lunch Included

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands by Ferry: A Detailed Review

Getting to see the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket is a popular bucket list experience, and this full-day ferry tour offers an accessible way to tick that box. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, detailed reviews and the tour’s itinerary paint a clear picture of what you’ll experience — from picture-perfect beaches to underwater marvels.

What really draws travelers are the beautiful stops like Maya Bay and Viking Cave, the included snorkeling gear and lunch, and the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. On the flip side, some mention the ferry ride’s comfort could be improved — especially for those prone to seasickness or expecting a luxurious boat experience.

This tour suits those wanting a cost-effective, guided day trip, eager to explore iconic sights without the fuss of planning every detail themselves. If you’re happy with a group adventure that mixes sightseeing with snorkeling, this could be just right.

Good To Know

• Includes hotel transfers for ease and convenience.
• Multiple seating options including standard, first-class, and premium upgrades.
• Visit iconic spots like Maya Bay and Viking Cave for photo opportunities and cultural insights.
• Snorkeling gear is provided, making underwater exploration accessible.
• Lunch is a Thai buffet with snacks and refreshments on board.
• Weather and sea conditions can influence the exact stops and the comfort of the ride.

A Closer Look at the Phi Phi Islands Tour

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

Starting early at 8:30 am, the tour picks you up from your Phuket hotel, whisking you away on an approximately 90-minute ferry ride across the Andaman Sea. The journey itself is part of the adventure, and you’ll want to choose your seating carefully — standard, first-class, or premium, with the latter offering a more comfortable experience, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a little extra space. Reviewers like Lewie787 raved about the air-conditioned comfort of the premium class, which made the long ride much more bearable.

Maya Bay: The Star of the Show

The main highlight is obviously Maya Bay, famous for its stunning cliffs and clear waters. It’s a beach that’s become an icon, with soft white sand, vibrant coral, and an underwater world teeming with fish. The bay’s size is around 200 meters, and it’s a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. Reviewers like Bryan appreciated the opportunity to snorkel off the longboat, noting the diverse fish and coral.

Keep in mind: Maya Bay can be crowded, especially during peak season, but early mornings or less popular days might offer a more intimate experience.

Viking Cave and Cultural Insights

Next, you’ll visit Viking Cave, named for the recently painted boat images on its walls. Perched at the base of a limestone cliff, the cave is free to explore briefly, with the highlight being the interesting rock art resembling Scandinavian boats. Some reviews mention the quick 20-minute stop, which offers just enough time for photos and curiosity but not a deep exploration.

Ko Phi Phi Don: The Largest Settlement

A short stop at Ko Phi Phi Don lets you take in the island’s lively atmosphere and explore its resorts and shops. With about two hours here, you’ll have time to walk around, grab a drink, or chill on the beach. This stop balances the tour’s sightseeing with a chance to experience the local vibe.

Snorkeling and Water Fun

Snorkeling is a key part of the experience, included in both standard and upscale options. Longtail boats or speedboats (for the premium package) take you to prime spots. Reviewers confirmed that gear is provided, and the underwater scenery is worth the effort. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, the boat ride alone offers plenty of scenic views and photo opportunities.

Lunch and Refreshments

A buffet Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don is included, with reviews highlighting delicious food and snacks. One traveler mentioned the variety, including vegetarian options, which adds to the value of the tour. Onboard refreshments like tea, coffee, and snacks help keep everyone energized for the day.

What Travelers Love and What Could Be Better

The Highlights: Guides, Snorkeling, and Views

One of the biggest pluses is the knowledgeable and attentive guides, with reviews mentioning that staff like Nick and others made the day smooth and enjoyable. The snorkeling opportunities are praised for their variety of fish and colorful coral, making underwater exploration a highlight.

Comfort Levels and Transportation

Many reviews, such as Carla_K’s, note the ferry ride’s comfort level — with some disappointment about the lack of reclining seats even in the first-class option. The air-conditioned premium seats are a definite plus, but the overall ferry ride can be a bit long, so packing light or bringing motion sickness remedies might be smart.

Food and Drinks

The buffet lunch receives high marks for flavor and variety, with reviewers appreciating the generous spread and refreshing onboard snacks. It’s a big bonus that lunch is included, saving you time and money compared to eating out on the islands.

Worth the Cost?

At around $58 per person, the tour offers good value — especially considering hotel transfers, lunch, and snorkeling gear. The upgrade options for seating and snorkeling by speedboat or longtail boat provide flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience to comfort and adventure level.

Weather and Sea Conditions

Weather can impact the itinerary, especially the choice of docks and stops. Some reviews mention that sea conditions affected the snorkeling or docking at certain spots, but safety is prioritized. It’s worth checking the forecast and being flexible with your expectations.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Book in advance, as this tour is popular, especially with an average booking window of 40 days.
• Choose your seat type wisely: if comfort matters, the premium or first-class options are worth considering, especially for the ferry ride.
• Bring seasickness remedies if you’re sensitive to boat rides, particularly on choppier days.
• Pack your snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater but note that masks and snorkels are provided.
• Arrive early for pickup and be ready 15 minutes beforehand to avoid missing out.
• Consider the weather forecast — some stops might be affected by sea conditions, so flexibility is key.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers seeking a well-organized, budget-friendly day that hits the highlights of Phi Phi with minimal hassle. It’s great for families with kids, couples, or solo travelers who want the essentials: beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and a tasty lunch.

If you prefer a luxurious, private experience or in-depth cultural exploration, this tour might feel a bit commercial. But if your goal is to see the iconic sights without breaking the bank, it’s a solid choice.

The Sum Up

For those wanting an all-in-one day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, this tour delivers fantastic views, interesting stops, and good value. The inclusion of hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, and snorkeling gear makes it hassle-free and enjoyable, especially if you don’t want to worry about logistics.

However, be prepared for long ferry rides and variable sea conditions — comfort can depend heavily on your seat choice and the weather. The guides and crew are praised for their attentiveness, adding a friendly touch to the experience.

This tour fits best for adventurous travelers who want a snapshot of the islands with plenty of opportunities for underwater fun and photo-worthy scenery. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy some of Thailand’s most famous island sights without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides round-trip transfers from Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, and Karon Beach. Additional surcharges may apply for pickups outside these areas.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands takes about 90 minutes each way. The ride is part of the experience, so expect some time spent on the water depending on sea conditions and seating choice.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, refreshments onboard, and guided commentary. Snorkeling is done by longtail boat or speedboat depending on the package.

Can I upgrade seats or snorkeling?
Yes, there are options to upgrade to first-class or premium seating, but upgrades are purchased prior to boarding at the pier or online. Snorkeling upgrades involve choosing a speedboat for more coverage.

Are there any extra costs?
The National Park Fee (around 400 Baht) is payable during the tour for Standard and First Class packages. Transfers outside certain areas may incur surcharges.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women, seniors, or those with certain health issues. The tour group can be quite large, with up to 450 guests, so it may feel busy.

Embarking on this Phi Phi Islands tour promises a day packed with iconic sights, underwater adventures, and delicious food—all with the comfort of hotel transfers and guided commentary. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to see the highlights without the fuss of organizing multiple activities themselves.