Phuket: Phi Phi islands Tour By Speed Catamaran 2 Storeys

Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs and bright water are the draw, but this trip gives you more than a quick photo stop: you can snorkel near Monkey Beach, eat lunch beside the sea and finish with a swim at Khai Nai. The boat leaves Phuket later than many island tours, though your hotel pickup and pier check-in still make for a morning start.

I like two things in particular: the two-storey catamaran gives you room to settle in between islands, and hotel transfers, breakfast, drinks, snacks and lunch are bundled into the day. Guides have included Natty, Daisy, Nina and Milkyway, but the crew changes from trip to trip.

The trade-off is a packed route, not a slow island escape. The base package name and the detailed schedule do not line up perfectly, so confirm the stops included in your chosen option, and budget for the national park fee even if you select a package without it.

What makes this Phi Phi day trip worth considering

• A later boat departure: The boat is scheduled to leave around 11:00, with check-in and breakfast at AA Marina first. Hotel pickup begins earlier and varies by location.
• Snorkeling and beach time: The planned route includes a Monkey Beach visit and snorkeling, free time on Phi Phi Don, and a swim or snorkel stop at Khai Nai.
• Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon: The fuller route includes Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and a view of Viking Cave. Access to Maya Bay can change with conservation closures.
• Meals and refreshments included: Expect a simple breakfast at the pier, buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, plus drinks, fruit and snacks during the day.
• A mandatory park charge: Foreign adults pay THB 400 and children THB 200 on site in cash if the selected package does not include the fee.
• Good crew service, with some variability: Many crews are praised for being warm, attentive and focused on safety. Actual boats, food and timing can vary.

Starting at AA Marina, not straight from the beach

Hotel pickup is included, but it is a shared transfer. The listed 08:40 departure is a reference point, not a promise that every hotel van arrives then. Pickup times vary by hotel, and the operator is supposed to confirm yours by message or email. Be in the lobby ten minutes early; the driver waits only five minutes, so a missed pickup can mean no refund.

At AA Marina, check in and have a simple breakfast before boarding. The food may include eggs, sausages, bread, congee, drinks and fruit. It is a useful start, especially since the boat journey and island stops make the day long. Bring cash for the national park charge if it is not included in your package.

The schedule gives about an hour between the pier and the first island stop, with the boat leaving around 11:00. That later departure is a welcome change if you dislike dawn starts, but don’t mistake it for a late morning hotel pickup. The day still begins early enough to gather everyone, check in and eat before the boat gets underway.

Monkey Beach and the first water stop

The route lists a 90-minute stop at Monkey Beach, including snorkeling near Phi Phi Don. That is a generous block on paper, but actual time on the beach and in the water depends on boat operations and conditions. Do not count on a long, quiet beach stay. Phi Phi’s popular sites can be busy, and the schedule needs to keep moving.

There is also some uncertainty around what a stop means. The route describes a visit to Monkey Beach, while some past trips have viewed the area from the water rather than letting everyone ashore. If seeing the beach up close is a priority, ask the operator what the current plan is before booking. Avoid feeding monkeys or other wildlife, and keep a respectful distance.

Snorkeling gear is included, and guides are present. You can enjoy the water even if you are not a strong swimmer, but tell the crew if you need help or prefer to stay aboard. Life jackets are provided, and staff have CPR and first-aid training. Water conditions can make transfers and swimming less comfortable, so follow crew instructions rather than trying to squeeze in one more swim.

Lunch and a breather on Phi Phi Don

After the first stop, the schedule allows about an hour on Phi Phi Don for a Thai buffet at a beachside restaurant and some free time. This is a practical pause in a busy day: you can eat, stretch your legs and get a look at the island rather than spending the entire excursion aboard.

Food quality is not the tour’s surest point. Some meals are described as satisfying, with choices such as curry, pad Thai and pasta, while other meals have been called plain, cold or limited in variety. Vegetarian options are listed, but if you have strict dietary needs, contact the operator ahead of time. One group received a gluten-free meal by arrangement, but that does not guarantee every request can be met.

The menu changes with season and ingredient availability. If you are vegetarian or a picky eater, pack a small backup snack. Drinks and snacks are included, but that is no substitute for a meal that suits everyone. Families should also keep in mind that the island stop is brief; this is not a long lunch beside the sea.

Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave

The schedule sets aside roughly 90 minutes for Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and sightseeing at Viking Cave. Maya Bay is the famous white-sand setting associated with the film The Beach. If it is open, you can spend time on the beach, then continue to Pileh Lagoon and see Viking Cave from the tour route.

These are memorable places, but they are also among the busiest stops in the region. The timed visit is designed to fit several highlights into one day, not to give you a private stretch of sand. If you want to linger, take photos at an unhurried pace or explore at your own rhythm, this itinerary may feel rushed.

Conservation closures matter here. Maya Bay is scheduled to close from August 1 to September 30, 2026. During that period, the boat passes the bay for sightseeing, and the tour visits Phi Phi Don instead of landing at Maya Bay. Conditions and official closures can affect other parts of the schedule too, so treat the listed route as a plan rather than a guarantee.

Khai Nai and the ride back

The final listed island stop is Khai Nai, where you get about an hour to swim, snorkel or relax. It is a welcome chance to get back in the water after the sightseeing stops. The attraction here is less about ticking off a major landmark and more about ending the day with a simple beach break.

The tour information also mentions water toys and a slide at Maithon Island. But that feature is not clearly part of every package: the options include a Phi Phi and Khai route, as well as a longer package that names Bamboo and Maithon. Some past trips have enjoyed a slide, while the basic route description finishes at Khai Nai. Check the exact package details before booking if Maithon or the slide is a must-have.

After Khai Nai, the boat returns to AA Marina, with the listed arrival around 18:30 to 19:00. Hotel drop-off follows and may take until 20:30, depending on where you are staying and traffic. Shared transfers can mean an early pickup or a late drop-off relative to other passengers. Avoid scheduling a tight dinner reservation or airport departure for that evening.

Boat comfort, sea conditions and pace

A two-storey catamaran can offer more space than a small speedboat, and many people find the ride comfortable. Still, the name does not guarantee the exact vessel on the day. Some trips have used a different boat than expected, and passengers have described the crossing as bumpy or splashy. The boat is not air-conditioned, according to one report, so plan for sun and heat rather than a cool indoor cabin.

If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual remedy before boarding and bring what you need for the crossing. The ride between islands can be choppy, and the crew may have motion-sickness tablets available, but do not rely on that as your only plan. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, cash and a rain jacket or poncho.

The route is ambitious: Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave and Khai Nai, with some package versions adding more islands. That variety is the point, but each stop gets a limited slice of the day. If you prefer fewer transfers and more time in one place, look for a slower or more focused excursion.

What the price covers, and what it does not

Prices vary by package. The options listed start at US$64.05 for Phi Phi and Khai without the park fee, US$80.89 with it, and US$94.89 or US$97.89 for the longer Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo, Khai and Maithon options without or with the fee. The advertised starting price is around US$73.65, so compare the exact date and package at checkout.

The value comes from bundling hotel transport, breakfast, lunch, snorkel equipment, drinks, snacks and a guide into a full-day outing. If you would otherwise arrange a transfer, boat trip, food and gear separately, the package can be convenient. But do not compare prices until you know which islands are included and whether the park charge is covered.

For foreign visitors, the national park admission fee is listed as THB 400 per adult and THB 200 per child, payable in cash on site when not included. It is described as mandatory. Some customers who selected a package without the fee were still asked to pay it, so the clearest choice is to select the fee-included option or arrive prepared to pay. Large luggage of 20 inches or more costs THB 200 per piece at the pier.

Who will enjoy this route most

I would consider this trip if you want a broad introduction to the Phi Phi area in one day and are happy to trade long stays for several different stops. It works well for couples, families with older children and groups who want swimming, snorkeling, a beach lunch and plenty to see without arranging the pieces themselves.

It is less suited to anyone who wants solitude, a relaxed pace or a long stay at Maya Bay. The activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, asthma, other serious medical conditions, pregnant women or people with disabilities. The trip is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, and child seats are not available. Infants and children must be included in the passenger count; children aged one to three are free, while those aged four to twelve need a paying adult.

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to book. Staff members named on past trips include Natty, Daisy, Nina, Milkyway, Salin and Kingking, though there is no guarantee of a particular guide. The most useful expectation is a multilingual team that may speak English, Chinese and Thai, with service that can vary by crew and day.

Should you book this Phi Phi catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a convenient, activity-filled day from Phuket and accept that popular islands bring crowds and a brisk timetable. The included meals, transfers and equipment make the package easy to manage, and a good crew can make the busy schedule feel far less stressful.

Skip it if your main goal is quiet beach time, a guaranteed specific boat, or an unhurried visit to Maya Bay. Before paying, confirm your package’s island list, whether the park fee is included and the actual hotel pickup time. Those three checks will do more to set you up for a good day than the tour’s broad headline promises.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart?

Hotel pickup times vary by location. The listed departure time is 08:40, with check-in and breakfast at AA Marina before the boat is scheduled to leave around 11:00. The operator confirms your pickup time in advance.

Is the national park fee included?

Only in the packages marked with the national park fee. If it is not included, the mandatory charge for foreign visitors is THB 400 per adult and THB 200 per child, payable in cash on site.

Does every package visit Maya Bay and Maithon Island?

No. Package options name different island combinations, and the detailed schedule may not match the basic package title. Check the exact stops for your selected option before booking. Maya Bay is also closed to landing from August 1 to September 30, 2026.

Are meals and drinks provided?

Yes. The tour includes breakfast at the pier, a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don, and soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks. Vegetarian options are listed, and the menu can change with the season and available ingredients.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the route lists snorkeling near Monkey Beach and at island stops. Follow the crew’s safety guidance and bring any personal gear you prefer to use.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children aged one to three are free, and children aged four to twelve must be accompanied by a paying adult. Infants and children must still be included in the passenger headcount.