Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket

REVIEW · PHUKET

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket

  • 5.04 reviews
  • From $110.58
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Operated by Trip Store Krabi · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 5.0 (4)Price from$110.58Operated byTrip Store KrabiBook viaViator

Phi Phi in one long, well-run day. What makes this trip feel easy is the round-trip hotel transfer plus hands-on snorkeling stops around the Phi Phi islands, including Pi Leh Bay and Maya Bay. You also get a simple buffet lunch and the kind of guided pacing that keeps the day moving without feeling rushed.

The schedule stacks a lot of scenery into one outing—boat lagoon views, reef time, and beach breaks—so you’re not stuck doing only one thing. One consideration: this is a full day with short island windows, so you’ll spend more time moving between stops than lingering.

Key Points You’ll Care About

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - Key Points You’ll Care About

  • Hotel pickup and return from Phuket reduces the stress of getting to the docks early
  • Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, so you can travel lighter
  • Maya Bay shark sighting potential with black tip reef sharks in the lagoon area
  • Pi Leh Bay snorkeling includes the famous cliff-and-bay scenery and sheltered reef entrance
  • Main-island break on Koh Phi Phi Don around Ton Sai Pier and the banyan tree path area
  • Weather fallback plan: if conditions are rough, you may visit Koh Rang Yai instead of Bamboo Island

Price and what you actually get for $110.58

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - Price and what you actually get for $110.58
At $110.58 per person for a roughly 7 hours 30 minutes day, this tour isn’t just about the boat ride. The value comes from what’s bundled: round-trip transfers from your Phuket hotel, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, buffet lunch, plus soft drinks, drinking water, and fresh fruits. Add a professional English-speaking guide and basic accident insurance, and the day stops feeling like you’re piecing it together yourself.

There’s one cost you should budget for separately: Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park entrance fees. Adult fee is THB 400, child fee THB 200. This doesn’t make the trip a bad deal—it just means you should plan for an extra line item when you arrive.

Also, don’t underestimate the total time. The itinerary starts at 9:00 am at Andaman Leisure Phuket’s meeting point, and the day runs on a tight loop: outbound, multiple island stops, then the return. Even if you love boats, it’s still a day where your morning and afternoon are built around the tide and weather.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Phuket

Phuket to the islands: how the speedboat day really feels

The morning starts with pickup by Andaman Leisure and a quick checkpoint-style COVID-19 screening, then a short briefing. You’ll meet the crew at Phuket Boat Lagoon and get briefed on how the day works. From there, you’re on a comfortable speedboat—described as using 2 or 3 engines with 20 or 30 seats depending on the boat.

This matters because it shapes your experience. Speedboats can feel quick and efficient, but they also make the schedule real. You’re not “taking in the scenery” at a slow pace. You’re checking it off. If you’re the type who likes a plan and hates logistical headaches, you’ll feel at home here.

There’s a big group cap too: maximum 30 travelers. That’s a sweet spot for a day trip like this. Big enough to have energy, small enough that you’re not lost in the crowd most of the time.

Phi Phi Le first: the uninhabited island stop and why it’s early

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - Phi Phi Le first: the uninhabited island stop and why it’s early
Your first major island stop is Phi Phi Le, an uninhabited island. You cruise there after about a 45-minute ride. Then you get roughly 1 hour on the water schedule for that first location.

Why it’s early: Phi Phi islands are popular for a reason, but conditions can change fast—wind, swell, and cloud cover can alter what you can see and how long you can stay in certain bays. The itinerary’s structure helps you get a taste right away before the day gets fully packed.

Practically, expect this stop to feel like a setup for what comes next. You’re arriving, getting oriented, and then later doing the longer snorkel-style moments at specific bays. If you’re hoping for photos with cliffs and classic limestone shapes, this is one of your first chances to capture that look while the day is still fresh.

Maya Bay: the lagoon, the short time, and black tip reef sharks

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - Maya Bay: the lagoon, the short time, and black tip reef sharks
Next comes Maya Bay. The schedule sets aside about 15 minutes for the lagoon area, where you can spot black tip reef sharks circling over the shallow coral reef.

That’s the highlight on paper—and it’s also where expectations need a reality check. Fifteen minutes is short. It’s enough time to get a quick look if visibility is decent and the sharks are active, but it’s not enough time to treat this like a long snorkel session. If your priority is sharks, you’ll still want to be ready the moment you’re in the water, because delays eat the clock.

There’s also a planning note that affects Maya Bay every year: the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation closes Maya Bay annually for two months in August and September. If your dates fall in that window, you should expect the plan may be adjusted by the operator. The closure itself is fact, and it’s worth checking before you commit.

Loh Samah Bay and Pi Leh Bay: the snorkeling payoff

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - Loh Samah Bay and Pi Leh Bay: the snorkeling payoff
After Maya Bay, the tour switches gears to more reef-focused stops.

Loh Samah Bay (about 30 minutes)

You jump into cool waters at Loh Samah Bay with beautiful corals and tropical fish. The good part of this stop is that it’s positioned right after Maya Bay—so if you’re in a snorkeling mood, you’re not waiting hours for your next chance. The time limit is reasonable for getting in, doing a careful look around, and getting back before the boat calls everyone aboard.

Pi Leh Bay (about 30 minutes)

Then you head to Pi Leh Bay on the west coast of Phi Phi Le. This bay has 100-meter-high vertical cliffs rising from the water. The bay has shade except around midday, and it’s known for excellent snorkeling at its entrance.

This stop is likely where you’ll feel the most “snorkel trip” value. The cliffs make a dramatic frame, but the practical win is the snorkel setup: you’re not just sightseeing from the edge. You’re in the water at a bay designed for reef time. And because snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, you’re not hunting down rentals after you’ve already traveled to the islands.

If you’re a cautious swimmer, the life jacket helps. If you’re a stronger swimmer, you’ll still appreciate having gear ready so your time stays focused on the reef.

Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and the Ton Sai area on Koh Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and the Ton Sai area on Koh Phi Phi Don
The mid-to-late portion adds variety: bird cave, a classic sand strip, then the main island for a longer break.

Viking Cave (about 15 minutes)

You cruise to Koh Phi Phi Don with a short stop at Viking Cave, where swiftlet birds’ nests are harvested. It’s quick, but it’s different. You’re not just doing water time. You get a glimpse of the island economy and how humans interact with nature here—swiftlets are one of those details that make Phi Phi feel more real than just postcards.

Monkey Beach (about 15 minutes)

Then it’s Monkey Beach, a 150-meter-long strip of white powdery sand. Fifteen minutes is enough for a walk, a few photos, and a quick reset. If you’re chasing the best beach feel, you may wish the stop were longer, but the itinerary has other island hits later in the day. For most people, that short window works as a palate cleanser between snorkeling moments.

Koh Phi Phi Don / Ton Sai Pier (about 1 hour)

After arriving at Ton Sai Pier on the main island, you get about 1 hour. The route includes time around the large Ton Sai banyan tree, which marks one end of the path between Tonsai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay at the narrowest part of the isthmus.

This is your “stand on land and breathe” portion. You’ll be shifting from boat and reef time to walking and soaking in the main-island vibe. The itinerary mentions a Thai-style experience at this point, but the provided details are cut off—so I’ll keep it practical: this stop is about giving you enough time on Koh Phi Phi Don to change gears before the afternoon boat runs.

Bamboo Island, Koh Rang Yai, and the weather-based swap

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - Bamboo Island, Koh Rang Yai, and the weather-based swap
In the afternoon, you’ll visit Bamboo Island, about 5 km off the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Don. The scheduled time is 1 hour 10 minutes. The tour positions it as a quieter getaway from crowds, which is exactly what you want after a day full of popular stops.

But here’s the reality check: conditions matter. If the weather is too poor, the plan can switch to Koh Rang Yai, described as peaceful, about 5 km off the east coast of Phuket. That alternative also gets 1 hour 10 minutes, and then you return to the pier and your hotel.

So you’re not locked into only one afternoon island. The operator’s built-in flexibility helps protect your day from a total washout when the sea gets rough.

What to watch for: entrance fees, closure months, and timing

Phi Phi Island Hopping Day Trip by Speed Boat from Phuket - What to watch for: entrance fees, closure months, and timing
A few practical notes can save you stress:

  • National park fee is not included. Adult is THB 400 and child THB 200. Plan to pay on site.
  • Maya Bay closes yearly for two months in August and September. If you’re traveling then, double-check that your exact dates still match the itinerary you’re expecting.
  • Weather drives what you can do. The tour requires good weather. If conditions force changes, you may get a different island plan or dates, depending on what the operator can run safely.
  • Group size stays capped. With up to 30 travelers, you should still find room to move when you’re in the water and when you’re on the sand.

Also consider your own comfort with boats. This is a speedboat day. If you’re sensitive to motion, take that seriously before you go. The itinerary doesn’t mention seasickness support, so it’s on you to manage your personal comfort.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want something else)

This Phi Phi day trip makes sense if you want a classic highlights route with minimal planning. It’s a strong match for:

  • People staying in Phuket who want hotel pickup and don’t want to juggle boats, tickets, and meeting points
  • Snorkel fans who want multiple reef windows, including Pi Leh Bay
  • Photographers who like the Phi Phi mix: cliffs, sand strips, and lagoon views

It may feel less ideal if you prefer slow travel and long time in fewer places. The schedule is built on hopping: 15 minutes here, 30 there, then back on the boat. You’ll see a lot, but you won’t live in one spot for hours.

Should you book this Phi Phi speedboat day trip from Phuket?

If your dream is a one-day sampler—Phi Phi Le scenery, Maya Bay lagoon shark potential, coral and fish snorkeling at Pi Leh and Loh Samah, Monkey Beach sand time, plus an afternoon island break—then yes, this is a solid booking. The value is strongest if you’ll actually use what’s included: transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, and guide support.

I’d say don’t book blindly if your travel dates fall in August or September, since Maya Bay closes for two months. And check your expectations for time in each spot. This tour is designed for many stops with short windows, not slow wandering.

If that style fits how you like to travel, you’ll likely leave with that classic Phi Phi checklist ticked off.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am, with pickup and meeting at Andaman Leisure Phuket at the Phuket Boat Lagoon area.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers from your Phuket hotel.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 7 hours 30 minutes.

What snorkeling support is included?

You get snorkeling equipment and a life jacket as part of the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. There’s an included buffet lunch, plus soft drinks, drinking water, and fresh fruits.

Do I need to pay any entrance fees?

Yes. Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park entrance fees are not included: THB 400 for adults and THB 200 for children.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 30 travelers.

Why does the itinerary mention weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

When is Maya Bay closed?

Maya Bay is closed every year for 2 months in August and September.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

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