Exclusive Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Bamboo Island by Speed Boat

Planning a trip to Phuket and craving a full-day adventure exploring Thailand’s most iconic islands? This Exclusive Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island by Speed Boat promises to deliver a scenic escape, with turquoise waters, White sand beaches, and some truly picture-perfect moments. While it’s a popular choice—booked an average of 31 days in advance—it comes with its own set of pros and cons worth considering before you hop aboard.

What we love about this tour is its well-organized itinerary, the knowledgeable guides who make everything smooth, and the chance to indulge in a delicious Thai buffet while soaking up the views. That said, some travelers have found the lunch quality and timing a bit lacking, and the overall group size (up to 47 people) might not suit those seeking a more intimate experience. Still, if you’re looking for a value-packed day with plenty of sightseeing and photos, this tour could be just what you need.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers, first-timers to Phuket, or anyone eager to tick off the iconic islands of the Andaman Sea without the hassle of planning every detail. Now, let’s unpack what this experience really involves, from start to finish.

• All-in-one day: Perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive island-hopping experience.
• Well-organized itinerary: From snorkeling to beach lounging, every stop offers something special.
• Value for money: For around $78.75, you get transport, lunch, snorkeling gear, and multiple island visits.
• Group size considerations: Up to 47 travelers may feel crowded for some, but provides social energy.
• Food quality: While the Thai buffet is included, reviews suggest it can be hit or miss.
• Timing: The tour starts early and ends around sunset, maximizing daylight for sightseeing.
• Guides: Friendly and informative guides are frequently praised.
• Weather-dependent: Canceled in bad weather, with options for rescheduling or refunds.

Starting Off: Early Pickup and Morning Check-in

The day begins with a hotel pickup between 6:00 and 7:00 am, making for an early start but also ensuring you’ll beat the crowds. If you’ve booked the transfer, you’ll be picked up and taken to Panwa Pier, the main departure point. Here, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast including sandwiches, fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee, which sets a nice tone for the day ahead.

Reviewers say the organization is quite smooth, with guides providing a program briefing and safety instructions. Expect to be grouped with up to 47 travelers, so be prepared for a lively and social atmosphere.

First Stop: Maya Bay, Made Famous By Hollywood

Arriving at Maya Bay around 9:45 am, you’ll step onto the crescent-shaped beach with its iconic white sand and towering limestone cliffs. This stop is likely the main highlight—famous for its appearance in The Beach. The beauty here is undeniable, and the clarity of the water invites a refreshing swim.

However, some reviews note that the time allocated (around an hour) feels tight, especially when trying to take photos or spot the baby sharks in the shallow waters. The best part? The guides often share insights about the geology and marine life of Maya Bay, enriching the experience beyond just lounging on the sand.

Pileh Bay: The Emerald Lagoon

Next, around 10:45 am, you’ll cruise to Pileh Lagoon, often called the “Swimming Pool in the Sea.” Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, the emerald-green waters are perfect for a relaxing swim or floating on the surface, taking in the scenery.

The lagoon’s calm waters make it a favorite among snorkelers, and reviews suggest the coral reefs are vibrant, home to various fish species. It’s a peaceful escape and a chance to cool off after the busy Maya Bay.

Viking Cave: Snorkeling & Photo Ops

By 12:15 pm, the boat will stop at Viking Cave, famous for its swallow nests and cave paintings. This stop is more about the photo opportunity than extended snorkeling, but many appreciate the chance to snap pictures of the cave’s distinctive structure.

Snorkeling here is available, with the guides providing snorkeling gear and instructions. One review mentions the coral reef being lively, making it a worthwhile stop for underwater enthusiasts.

Monkey Beach: A Brief Jungle Encounter

At around 1:20 pm, you’ll visit Monkey Beach, where adorable monkeys roam the forested cliffside. Here, you can enjoy a quick look at these cheeky creatures from a safe distance—just a 10-minute stop, but enough to grab some fun photos.

Some travelers advise being cautious about belongings, as the monkeys are known to be curious and sometimes bold.

Lunch at Tonsai Beach

By 1:30 pm, you’ll arrive at Tonsai Beach for a buffet lunch at a seaside restaurant. The meal typically includes Thai dishes and seafood, with some reviews mentioning that the food is good but not outstanding.

While the included lunch is a highlight for most, a few guests found it limited or semi-tasty, as one reviewer noted: “It’s quite typical for a Phuket tour, but the buffet could be better.” Still, the setting is relaxed, allowing time to explore or take photos on the lively beach.

Bamboo Island: The White Sand Paradise

At 2:30 pm, the tour heads to Bamboo Island, known for its powdery white sands and clear waters. This is usually the last main stop, giving travelers time to swim, relax, and snap some final photos of the island’s stunning scenery.

Many reviewers love Bamboo Island for its tranquility and beauty. With just an hour here, it’s enough to dip your toes in the water or lounge on the beach.

Return Journey & Final Farewell

Departing Bamboo Island around 3:30 pm, you’ll head back to Panwa Pier. The return trip offers a chance to reflect and enjoy the views one last time before the transfer takes you back to your hotel.

The entire day wraps up around sunset, giving you a full day of sightseeing without feeling rushed—though some felt the timing was slightly tight, especially on the island stops.

Value for Money: At approximately $78.75 per person, this tour includes roundtrip transfers (if booked), snorkeling gear, a Thai buffet lunch, bottled water, snacks, and an accident insurance policy. For a full 9.5-hour experience covering multiple islands, this is a competitive price point.

Guide Quality: Several reviews commend the guides for their friendliness and helpfulness. They provide helpful safety instructions, coral-friendly tips, and insights into the sights, making the experience more meaningful.

Scenic Highlights: Most travelers are captivated by Maya Bay’s beauty and the dramatic limestone formations around Pileh Bay and Viking Cave. The views are truly postcard-worthy, and the ability to swim and snorkel in pristine waters adds a fun and relaxing element.

Food & Refreshments: While the included Thai buffet generally receives mixed reviews—some find it tasty, others note it’s only semi-tasty—the snacks, bottled water, and fresh fruit are appreciated perks.

Group Size & Atmosphere: With up to 47 travelers, the tour offers a lively, social environment. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, this might feel crowded, but it also means more fellow travelers to share the fun with.

Timing & Pacing: The early start and packed schedule maximize your time on the water but might leave you wishing for a little more time at each stop, especially Maya Bay. For some, the tight schedule was a drawback, as one review pointed out how little time they had to truly enjoy Maya Bay.

Weather & Cancellations: The tour is weather-dependent and can be canceled in poor conditions, with options for rescheduling or refunds. This is crucial to consider if your trip coincides with the rainy season or unpredictable weather.

This speedboat adventure is perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands in a single day without stressing about logistics. The experience offers a fantastic balance of sightseeing, snorkeling, and beach lounging, all at a reasonable price point.

For those who enjoy guided tours with lively groups and are happy with a somewhat structured schedule, this package delivers a lot of value. The inclusion of a buffet lunch and snorkeling gear means you don’t need to worry about extra costs or bringing your own equipment.

However, if you value more private or leisurely experiences, or if you’re after a gourmet meal and more time at each destination, you might find this tour a bit rushed and the food options lacking.

In essence, it’s an energetic and scenic tour suited for first-time visitors, adventure lovers, and anyone eager to tick off the iconic spots in the Andaman Sea with ease.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you book the transfer option, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Phuket and taken to the pier.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with pickup between 6:00 and 7:00 am, with the activity starting at the pier around 8:00 am.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, ending around sunset with return transfers.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers roundtrip transfer (if booked), accident insurance, a guided commentary, breakfast, snacks, lunch, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment.

Are there any additional costs?
Entrance fees to Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and other sites are not included and cost about THB 400 per adult and THB 200 per child. Towel rental and personal expenses are also extra.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment including life jackets, breathing tubes, and mouthpieces are supplied.

Can I swim at all the stops?
Most stops, like Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, and Bamboo Island, are suitable for swimming, while Viking Cave is mainly for photos and snorkeling.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and waterproof camera. Towel rental isn’t included, so bring your own if you prefer.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Generally, yes, especially for families who enjoy water activities. Just be aware of the early start and the boat ride.

This exclusive speedboat tour packs in a lot of the best of Phuket’s surrounding islands, making it a fantastic option for those wanting a full-day adventure. Its organized itinerary, friendly guides, and scenic stops make it a worthwhile investment—despite some comments about the lunch and crowd size.

Whether you’re eager to capture stunning photos, snorkel among colorful fish, or simply relax on powdery beaches, this trip offers a well-rounded taste of the Andaman Sea’s treasures. If you’re comfortable with a lively group and a busy schedule, it’s a trip that will leave you with plenty of memories and beautiful images.

In the end, this tour caters best to first-time visitors or those short on time who want the highlights without the hassle. For anyone craving a more intimate or gourmet experience, exploring other options might be worthwhile. Nevertheless, for the value, scenery, and fun, this day out hits most of the right notes.