From Phi Phi : Full Day tour by Speed Boat with Lunch

Discovering the Phi Phi Islands: A Practical Look at the Full-Day Speedboat Tour

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, a full-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi Islands might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the detailed reviews and itineraries paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect — and it seems like a rewarding way to explore one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations.

What stands out immediately are the diverse stops like Monkey Beach and Viking Cave, the opportunity to snorkel at Shark Point, and the promise of beautiful beaches such as Maya Bay. We love the fact that this tour offers multiple snorkeling spots, a personalized group size limited to 25, and the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch onboard. However, keep in mind that Maya Bay is closed to land visits from August 2025 to September 2026 for conservation, which might affect your experience if you’re hoping to set foot on the beach.

This tour is best suited for travelers who crave a full day of adventure, love snorkeling, and want to experience the best highlights of Phi Phi without the hassle of organizing individual transport. It’s not ideal for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or very young children, but it does fit well for those wanting a comprehensive day trip that includes marine life, scenic vistas, and cultural sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Good To Know

• All-in-One Experience: Combines island visits, snorkeling, wildlife, and scenic views in a single day.
• Group Size Matters: Limited to 25 people, which helps keep the experience more intimate.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are noted for their attentiveness and local knowledge.
• Cost vs. Value: The tour includes lunch and multiple stops, making it a convenient package — but reviews suggest some variability in experience.
• Timing Flexibility: Several departure times available, with options for sunset and plankton snorkel activities.
• Weather and Schedule: Rain and weather can cause schedule modifications, so flexibility is key.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point at McDonald’s Koh Phi Phi

Your day begins early at the McDonald’s in Koh Phi Phi, a convenient meeting spot for travelers arriving by ferry or boat. Meeting 30 minutes before the scheduled departure ensures you’re settled and ready to go as the boat prepares to set sail.

Monkey Beach: Playful Encounters

Your first stop is Monkey Beach, where you’ll observe wild monkeys in their natural environment. The review from a traveler who called it “so cool” emphasizes the fun factor of seeing these animals free to roam along the coast. Expect around 30 minutes here — enough time for photos and a quick look, but not a lengthy wildlife safari.

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Viking Cave: Art and History

Next, you’ll visit Viking Cave, exploring limestone walls adorned with ancient drawings. This stop offers not only a visual treat but also a glimpse into the cave’s historical significance. Snorkeling here is included, giving you a chance to see the underwater world and maybe spot some colorful fish.

Note: Viking Cave is closed to travelers for its cultural relics from August 2025, so you’ll admire it only from the boat, which might be disappointing if you’re hoping to explore inside.

Pileh Lagoon: Snorkeling Paradise

One of the standout locations is Pileh Lagoon, where clear waters and vibrant marine life await. The 40-minute stop promises both scenic photography opportunities and the chance to snorkel amidst colorful fish. The reviews highlight the crystal-clear waters and marine diversity, making it a favorite spot for many.

Loh Samah Bay & Maya Bay: Iconic Views

The tour includes a hop-off at Loh Samah Bay, with a short ride to the world-famous Maya Bay from the floating pier. While land access is restricted during the conservation closure, you’ll enjoy the view and have free time for photos and relaxing on the boat. Some travelers mentioned that Maya Bay is overly crowded, but from the boat, you’ll appreciate its stunning scenery without the crowds.

Important: Maya Bay is closed to land visits until September 2026, but boat views still make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Shark Point: An Underwater Encounter

Snorkeling at Shark Point is a highlight, where you can swim alongside blacktip reef sharks — a thrilling experience guided by knowledgeable crew members. The reviews mention this as a “safe and thrilling” activity, with guides carefully supervising to ensure a secure experience. For those doing the optional plankton activity in the evening, this spot offers a great chance to observe marine life in its natural habitat.

Bamboo Island & Nui Bay: Relaxation and Snorkeling

Bamboo Island is praised for its white sandy beaches and laid-back vibe, perfect for unwinding or taking a swim. The hour-long stop allows enough time for a walk, lounging, or reef snorkeling. Nui Bay follows, offering a quick swim and a scenic view, though some reviewers felt the schedule at Nui Bay was rushed.

Final Stops and Return

The tour wraps up with a visit to Wangk Long Bay, and after about 20 minutes there, the boat heads back to Koh Phi Phi, arriving at the starting point around late afternoon or early evening. Some travelers enjoyed the scenic ride back, especially at sunset if they opt for the later departure.

The Experience of a Guided Tour

The guides are described as attentive, taking care of the boat and providing helpful information about each location. One review appreciated the professionalism of the crew, especially considering the sometimes chaotic pick-up process. Guides generally do not provide extensive historical commentary but focus on ensuring guests are safe and comfortable.

Snorkeling gear is typically provided, but bringing your own mask and fins might enhance your experience. The tour also has optional activities like snorkeling with plankton at sunset, which is described as magical by those who’ve participated, creating a surreal glow in the water.

Transportation, Duration, and Cost

The tour spans approximately 6 to 8 hours, starting at different times throughout the day, which offers flexibility depending on your plans. The group size is capped at 25 people, providing a more personalized experience compared to larger, more crowded boat trips.

Cost-wise, the tour includes lunch, multiple stops, and snorkeling gear, making it a good value. Still, some reviews warn that the experience can vary, especially regarding the quality of the lunch or the time spent at each stop, which can be quite rushed during peak seasons.

Reviewing the Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The itinerary covers most of the must-see spots in Phi Phi, including Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Shark Point, and Bamboo Island.
• Small group size ensures a more personalised experience and better interaction with guides.
• Multiple snorkeling opportunities, especially at Shark Point and Nui Bay, guarantee plenty of marine encounters.
• The lunch included is generally well-received, allowing you to relax without extra expense.
• Several departure times, including options for sunset and plankton snorkeling, add flexibility.

Cons:

• The schedule can be tight, especially at crowded spots like Maya Bay, leading to limited time for photos or relaxing.
• Weather conditions may cause schedule changes; rain showers are common, and safety remains a priority.
• Viking Cave access is limited due to conservation, which might disappoint those expecting to explore inside.
• Some passengers note that the lunch can be simple and might not cater to specific dietary preferences.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventurers who enjoy a full day exploring islands by boat, snorkelers eager to see a variety of marine life, and those who appreciate small-group environments. It’s ideal if you want a rundown of Phi Phi’s highlights without the logistics of planning individual transportation and activities.

However, if you’re looking for a more luxurious or relaxed experience, or if you prefer to visit Maya Bay on land, you might find this tour a bit rushed or limited in scope. It’s also less suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or travelers with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

In essence, this speedboat day tour offers a convenient way to see and experience many of Phi Phi’s top sights in one go. It combines fun wildlife encounters, vibrant snorkeling, and iconic scenery, making it a solid choice for those with limited time but a desire for adventure.

While some reviews indicate variability in the quality of the experience, the overall highlights — like Shark Point snorkeling and the scenic views — remain impressive. The included lunch adds a touch of convenience, though expect a straightforward meal. The small group size and knowledgeable guides help create a more intimate and engaging environment.

For travelers seeking a well-rounded, active day on the water with plenty of photo opportunities, this tour delivers good value and memorable moments, especially if you are flexible about schedule changes and weather.

FAQ

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, self-arranged transport is required to reach the meeting location at McDonald’s in Koh Phi Phi. Many travelers arrive by ferry or walk from their accommodations.

What time does the tour start?
The tour offers several departure times: 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 12:30 PM, so you can choose what best suits your schedule.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?
Yes, the tour provides snorkeling gear. However, bringing your own mask and fins may enhance your snorkeling experience.

Is Maya Bay accessible during the tour?
While the bay is visible, land visits are restricted from August 2025 to September 2026 for conservation, so you will only view it from the boat.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash (for the national park fee of 400 THB, payable in cash).

Can I participate in the plankton snorkeling activity?
Yes, the optional plankton snorkeling at sunset is available on certain departure times and is described as a surreal, glowing experience.

To sum it up, this full-day Phi Phi Islands tour by speedboat offers a lively, scenic, and activity-packed experience. It’s best for those who want to maximize their time exploring the highlights, enjoy snorkeling, and prefer a smaller group for a more personable adventure. With careful planning and a flexible attitude, you’ll likely walk away with plenty of memorable moments from your Thai island escape.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby