Phi Phi: Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay & Lagoon with Snorkel

A private longtail makes Phi Phi’s famous stops feel less like a checklist and more like your own day on the water. You can reach Maya Bay, look into Pileh Lagoon’s steep limestone walls and pause for a swim or snorkel, all with a local captain steering the route.

I like two things in particular: the boat is private, so your group can set a more comfortable pace, and the longer options leave room for proper snorkeling rather than a quick dip between photo stops. Early departures can also reach Maya Bay before the busiest part of the day.

The trade-off is that the three-hour trip is tight, snorkeling is not guaranteed on that option, and transfers to Phi Phi are your responsibility. The captain speaks basic English, too, so do not expect a long-running commentary.

The details that matter before you book

• Maya Bay is the headline stop: You can spend up to an hour there, subject to access, tide and conditions. It closes every August and September for conservation.
• The four-hour option is the practical middle ground: It follows the same main route as the three-hour tour, with snorkeling time guaranteed and longer.
• The six- and seven-hour trips allow a slower pace: They add time at the stops, and may include extra snorkeling or another spot if time allows.
• Bamboo Island requires the seven-hour option: The stop depends on sea and weather conditions.
• Plan for extra costs: Maya Bay admission is 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child aged 3 to 14. Lunch, hotel transfers and snorkeling are not included.
• A private boat does not mean private beaches: The famous bays can still be busy, especially later in the day.

Setting out from Tonsai Pier

The tour starts and ends at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don. Meet beneath the Coffee Club sign, and arrive 15 minutes before your selected departure. Available start times are 6:15, 7:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 and 15:00, though the options depend on the package you choose.

This is an important planning point: the tour does not include transport to Phi Phi. You must arrange your own boat transfer to the islands, and an overnight stay is required because transfers are limited. If you are staying elsewhere in Krabi or Phuket, do not assume you can make an early departure and return to your hotel the same day. Confirm your ferry or speedboat arrangements before paying for the tour.

Once aboard, you are on a traditional longtail boat with your own captain. It is an appealingly local way to see the islands, with open views and the sound of the boat’s engine part of the ride. It is not a luxury cruiser, and comfort can vary by boat. Bring a hat and sun protection, and take care when moving around in a boat that may shift with the water.

Cold water, fresh fruit, a life jacket and an onboard icebox are included. Since the captain’s English is basic, clear, simple requests work best. Some captains have been called Bao, Bilkis, Fin and Paul, but your captain is assigned for your departure, so do not book expecting a particular person.

Maya Bay: famous, beautiful and sometimes crowded

Maya Bay became known around the world after appearing in The Beach, and the setting earns its fame: a pale beach enclosed by tall limestone cliffs, with clear water and a striking sense of scale. The tour allows up to an hour at the bay, though actual time and access can change with conditions and local rules.

The early morning departure is the best choice if you want cooler air and a better chance of arriving before the biggest crowds. Some early starts have reached Maya Bay close to opening, making it easier to take photos without a crowd in every frame. That does not promise an empty beach, but it improves your odds.

There is a separate admission charge of 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child aged 3 to 14. The fee is not included in the tour price, so bring cash. Maya Bay closes every August and September for conservation. During those months, you spend longer at other stops instead, so the tour still runs but loses its signature beach visit.

Tide and weather can affect the route, too. At times, the boat can only visit Maya Bay at low tide. Keep your expectations flexible: the captain may adjust the order or timing to fit the conditions.

Pileh Lagoon and the route around Phi Phi Leh

Pileh Lagoon is a highlight for the boat ride alone. Its clear turquoise water sits within dramatic limestone cliffs, and the enclosed shape gives it a very different feel from the open sea. Depending on tide, the boat may be able to enter the lagoon or stay outside it. An early-morning group once chose not to wait for the water to rise enough to pass through, and admired the view from outside instead.

That is a useful reminder: a place can be spectacular even when you cannot reach the exact spot you imagined. If the lagoon is a priority, choose a longer tour so a tide-related delay does not use up most of your time.

The route also passes Viking Cave, where the boat stops outside rather than taking you into the cave. Loh Samah Bay is another named stop on the three-hour route. These places add variety to the trip, but the main reward is the changing view of Phi Phi’s cliffs and water from the boat.

Monkey Bay: watch from a respectful distance

Monkey Bay offers a chance to see monkeys in their natural setting. Sightings are likely, but no one can guarantee the animals will appear. Keep a safe distance, do not feed them, and follow the captain’s instructions. Monkeys can bite, and the tour operator is not responsible for injuries.

This is not a petting stop. The best approach is to watch quietly and let the animals decide how close they want to be. That keeps you safer and avoids encouraging wildlife to depend on visitors for food.

Snorkeling: allow time, bring the right expectations

The longer packages are the better choice if snorkeling matters to you. On the three-hour tour, a snorkel stop is added only if there is enough time. The four-hour option includes a longer, guaranteed snorkeling period, while the six-hour version gives you more flexibility for snorkeling or an additional stop.

Blacktip reef sharks, fish and coral are part of the underwater appeal. The sharks are described as harmless, but sightings are not guaranteed. Water clarity, the chosen stop and sea conditions all affect what you see. Some captains may suggest a different spot if another area looks better, and beginners may be taken to shallower water first.

One practical detail deserves attention: snorkeling is listed as not included, and goggles are not specified among the included items. Confirm what equipment is provided before departure, or bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. A life jacket is included. Take care around rocks and coral, and never stand or walk on coral. Do not feed marine animals.

Choosing three, four, six or seven hours

The three-hour tour starts at US$105.40. It covers the main sights, including Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Bay, Viking Cave and Loh Samah Bay. It suits visitors who want a short outing, but the schedule can feel compressed. Snorkeling is only added if there is time, and plankton swimming is not part of this option.

The four-hour tour costs US$128.25 and is the most balanced choice for many people. You get the same main route with guaranteed, longer snorkeling time. It also gives the captain more room to adapt the pace without turning the trip into a race from one stop to the next.

The six-hour option is US$196.79. It follows the four-hour plan, with more time at each location. If time allows, the captain may add another snorkel stop or a less-visited place. Afternoon trips of six hours can include sunset and a plankton swim, conditions permitting.

The seven-hour tour costs US$240.39 and adds Bamboo Island, if sea and weather conditions allow. This is the fullest island-hopping day, and the best fit if you want more than the headline stops. Bamboo Island is not included in shorter options.

The private format is where the cost needs context. The listed price is per booking option, but the number of passengers covered is not specified here, so check the booking details for your group size before comparing it with a shared boat. A private boat can be good value for a group that wants flexibility and its own captain. For a solo visitor or a pair on a strict budget, a shared tour may cost less.

Early start or afternoon light?

A departure at 6:15 or 7:00 gives you the best chance of reaching Maya Bay before the midday rush. It also avoids some of the heat. But early starts come with a real caveat: tides can affect access to Pileh Lagoon, and a quiet first stop may mean a wait or a view from outside the lagoon later.

Afternoon departures bring a different set of pleasures. The sun may be lower, and the longer afternoon packages can include sunset and a plankton swim. These are available only on afternoon tours of four, six or seven hours. They are not part of the three-hour option, and depend on conditions.

Rain is common and unpredictable in southern Thailand. The tour continues in rain if conditions are safe, with no refund for ordinary rain. If the operator decides conditions are unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund. Schedules can also change with traffic and sea conditions.

Price, safety and who should book

The base price is not the whole budget. Add Maya Bay admission, your transfer to Phi Phi, lunch and any snorkeling equipment you need. The tour includes cold water and fruit, which is welcome on a hot day, but it is not a meal service.

The boat and service can vary. Many departures have been smooth, with captains who are patient, helpful and attentive. A few accounts describe poor communication, dirty boats or damaged life jackets, so take a moment to check your life jacket and its fastenings before leaving the pier. If something is wrong, speak up before the boat departs.

This activity is not recommended for people with heart disease or other serious medical conditions, or for pregnant women. It is not stroller or wheelchair accessible. Participants must be at least two years old, and infants and children must be included in the passenger count. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking travel sickness tablets before the ride. Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and cash.

Should you book this Phi Phi boat tour?

Book it if you want your own longtail, prefer a flexible pace and are willing to plan your transfers and pay the extra Maya Bay fee. For most people, the four-hour package offers the strongest balance: enough time for the main stops and a proper snorkel period without committing to a full day.

Choose three hours only if you are short on time and can accept that snorkeling may not happen. Go for six or seven hours if the sea is your main attraction, or if you want sunset, plankton swimming or Bamboo Island. If you need guaranteed English commentary, included snorkeling gear or a fully predictable schedule, this may not be the right fit. The setting is spectacular, but tides, weather and the captain’s basic English make flexibility part of the deal.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don. The meeting point is beneath the Coffee Club sign.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to Phi Phi?

Yes. You must arrange your own transfer to Koh Phi Phi. An overnight stay is required because transfers are limited.

How much does the tour cost?

The three-hour option starts at US$105.40, the four-hour option at US$128.25, the six-hour option at US$196.79 and the seven-hour option at US$240.39.

Is Maya Bay admission included?

No. Admission costs 400 baht per adult or 200 baht per child aged 3 to 14.

When is Maya Bay closed?

Maya Bay closes every August and September for nature preservation. The tour spends longer at other stops during that period.

Is snorkeling included on every option?

No. On the three-hour tour, snorkeling is added only if there is enough time. The four-hour and longer options include planned snorkeling time, but snorkeling is listed as not included among the tour’s included items. Check equipment arrangements before departure.

Which option includes Bamboo Island?

Only the seven-hour tour includes a Bamboo Island stop, and it depends on sea and weather conditions.

Can I see plankton or sunset?

A plankton swim and sunset are possible only on afternoon departures of the four-, six- and seven-hour tours. Conditions may affect whether they happen.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a local guide, cold water, a life jacket, fresh fruit and an onboard icebox. Hotel transfers, lunch, Maya Bay admission and snorkeling are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour continues in rain if conditions are safe, and rain alone does not qualify for a refund. If conditions are unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.