Small Groups of 20 people – Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

Phi Phi in a speedboat sounds loud. This day trip packs Bamboo Island swimming and Pileh Bay snorkeling into one smooth loop around the islands with a small-group feel.

Two things I really like: the tour is set up for comfort and convenience, with hotel pickup/drop-off and a full buffet lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort. I also love that you get snorkeling gear included, so you’re not hunting for rentals right when you want to get in the water.

One thing to plan for: the boat ride can be choppy, especially if the sea is active. And there’s an important update on Maya Bay closures starting Aug 1, 2025, so your exact experience there can depend on dates.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Small-group size (max 20 travelers): Less chaos than the mega-departures.
• Snorkeling gear + life jacket provided: Mask, snorkel, fins, and a brand new snorkel mouthpiece.
• Sea-view buffet lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort: With diet requests available (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten free).
• Monkey Bay viewing from the speedboat: No land access, which keeps things safer and more respectful.
• Short stops with big scenery payoff: Bamboo, Pileh Lagoon, and the Maya Bay area all get time on the clock.
• Maya Bay timing can change: Closure begins Aug 1, 2025, so check what’s offered for your travel dates.

Phi Phi and Bamboo Island day trip: what kind of experience is this?

This is a classic Phuket island-hopping day, but with a couple smart choices baked in. You start early-ish from Royal Phuket Marina, then you spend the day on a speedboat hopping between beaches and bays around Phi Phi, Bamboo Island, and the nearby stops.

What makes it feel better than the typical scramble is the pacing. You’re not stuck at one crowded beach for hours. Instead, you get multiple looks at the scenery: white sand and clear water at Bamboo, wildlife views from Monkey Bay, a favorite swim spot at Pileh Bay, plus the Maya Bay area for famous beach vibes.

You’ll also appreciate how much practical stuff is handled for you. Lunch is organized, refreshments happen during check-in, and you get gear for snorkeling. It’s a day built for photos, swimming, and staying active without turning your vacation into a logistics project.

Price and what you really get for about $108

At about $108.43 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do Phi Phi from Phuket. But it also isn’t trying to be. You’re paying for speedboat time, a professional guide, accident insurance, and the gear that lets you actually swim and snorkel.

Here’s what that cost typically covers:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Professional guide
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) plus a life jacket
• Lunch with sea-view buffet setup
• Fruits, snacks, and bottled water
• Coffee or tea
• A waterproof floating phone case
• Restroom on board

Then there are the extras you’ll likely need to budget for:

• National park fees of 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children
• Alcoholic drinks (not included)
• Maya Bay admission is also listed as not included

So the value angle is simple: if you want a full Phi Phi day without paying separately for snorkeling gear and without doing your own ferry logistics, this is priced like a convenience-heavy tour. If you’d rather DIY everything, you may find cheaper options. Just know they usually come with more friction and more waiting.

Royal Phuket Marina start: where the day gets organized fast

Your day kicks off at Royal Phuket Marina. Before you speed off, you’ll get a short info and safety session, plus light refreshments. It’s not a long lecture. It’s more like the stuff you need to know so the boat ride and stops feel straightforward.

You’ll also get a quick reality check: this is a speedboat day. That means you’ll want to dress for sun, water, and motion. If you’re using sunscreen, put it on early and bring enough so you’re not rushing mid-day.

One detail I appreciate from the tour design: check-in and onboarding at the marina are meant to run clean. You don’t want your day to start with confusion while everyone is trying to find the right boat and the right time slot.

Bamboo Island: the big sandy reset for swimming and snorkeling

Bamboo Island is one of the easier-to-love stops. You get about 1 hour here, which is enough time to swim, snorkel, and do the classic sun-and-sand thing without feeling trapped.

The tour description frames Bamboo as part of the island’s marine national park system. Translation: the water is the star. Expect clear conditions when weather cooperates, with lots of fishy snorkeling opportunities. It’s also a good stop if you want that postcard-style island feel early in the day, before you’ve been worn down by the sun and boat motion.

Possible drawback: since Bamboo is a popular national-park area, conditions and crowding can change with the day. You can’t control the sea, and you can’t control how busy everyone else is—but you can control your readiness. Bring sun protection and get in the water early if you want the calmest-feeling window.

Also note: this stop is designed for open-water fun, not a long explore. Think of it as a paradise sprint.

Monkey Beach and Monkey Bay rules: cool wildlife, no land time

Yes, you’ll see macaques around Monkey Beach. But here’s the key detail: you’ll only see them from the speedboat. There’s no on-land access.

That rule matters for two reasons:

• It keeps the animals wild and reduces problems that come from people getting too close.
• It keeps your schedule on track. You’re not waiting for a land excursion that could get delayed.

The stop itself is short, around 10 minutes, so it’s more of a quick wildlife moment than a full experience. If you’re hoping for a long time watching animals, you’ll likely be happier managing expectations: this is a look from the boat, then you’re off again.

Practical tip: keep your hands and pockets secured around animals. Even in a controlled boat-view situation, curious monkeys are still monkeys.

Lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort: the sea-view buffet break

Lunch is at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with about 1 hour here. It’s a buffet with a sea-view setup, and the food mix includes Thai and international dishes.

What I like about this lunch plan is that it’s not treated like a one-size-fits-all meal. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free options are available upon request. That’s a big deal on island days, where you often get either plain rice or nothing at all unless you warn the crew ahead of time.

Also, the timing works well. You’re not forced to eat immediately after a wet swim with no time to reset. You get a clear break—shade, sit-down time, and fuel before the snorkeling-and-bays stretch continues.

Possible consideration: one review called the lunch only average. That’s not unusual in a buffet setting. If you’re a picky eater, think of lunch as practical energy, not a food tour. The sea-view part is usually the best upgrade.

Pileh Bay and the emerald-water swim window

Pileh Bay is a standout stop and tends to be a favorite. You get about 30 minutes here, and the water is described as emerald green, framed by limestone cliffs.

This is the type of place you want to treat like your “jump in and enjoy it” moment. The cliffs make the water feel enclosed and scenic, and the bay setting is why people come back to the Phi Phi area again and again.

You’ll likely use this time for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is included across the tour day, and this stop is one of the most important water moments.

The drawback is time. Thirty minutes disappears faster than you think once you’re in. So don’t wait until the last ten minutes to decide what you want to do. Get your mask on, take a few steady breaths, and enjoy the fish and reef areas as they come.

If the sea is rough, you’ll feel the boat ride more on the way to and from stops. When that happens, your best bet is calm breathing, life jacket on, and a steady pace in the water.

Swallow bird cave stop and Maya Bay: two famous stories, one caution

Between Pileh Bay and Maya Bay area time, there’s also a sightseeing stop connected to swallow birds and their famous bird’s nest soup use. The idea here is cultural and ecological: the region values swallow birds, and the cave is part of that story.

Then comes the Maya Bay moment. You get about 1 hour for sightseeing of the bright blue water and white sand beach that became widely known after the 2000 movie The Beach.

Here’s the modern reality check: Maya Bay has a closure starting Aug 1, 2025. Since your travel date might land before or after that cutoff, your itinerary for Maya Bay may differ. Also, Maya Bay admission is listed as not included, so expect fees if the visit is available for your dates.

My practical advice:

• If Maya Bay is your big must-see, confirm what the tour offers for your specific date range.
• If you’re mainly after the water color and cliff scenery, don’t panic about Maya Bay. Phi Phi’s other bays still deliver the look that made people fall for this place in the first place.

Speedboat ride reality: motion, comfort, and small onboard perks

This tour runs on speedboats. That’s part of the charm, but it’s also why you should take motion seriously.

A few details you should know:

• The ride can be bumpy when traveling at speed.
• Some people recommend taking motion sickness medication beforehand.
• The boat ride is loud and the water can get choppy depending on conditions.

If you get seasick easily, plan ahead. Pack your motion sickness meds, wear your life jacket properly, and keep your head supported so you’re not staring at close-up surfaces.

Onboard comfort is handled in a few ways:

• Snorkeling life jackets are part of the provided gear plan.
• There’s a restroom on board, but the boat bounce can make shore breaks more useful for actual bathroom use.
• You’ll get a waterproof floating phone case, which is a lifesaver for quick jump-ins where you still want your phone.
• Towels are arranged when you go in the water, and the crew typically manages them so you’re not stuck with a dripping mess.

One more thing: life jackets. One review raised a concern about availability when seas were active, but the broader safety setup includes a guide-led briefing and life jacket use as required for compliance and safety while in the water. Bring patience. If your life jacket feels too big or too small, speak up early so you’re set before the swim.

Guides, crew, and the small-group advantage

The day runs best when the guide keeps everyone moving with clear instructions. On this tour, you’ll meet a professional guide and a captain/crew team that’s used to the rhythm of these stops.

Names you may encounter include guides such as Goodes, Anton, Ray, Alan, Sonny, Sunny, P, Wy Wy, and Gonese. Different days have different leaders, but the common thread in the feedback is clear: they keep the day organized and safety-focused.

The small-group cap (up to 20) is also more than marketing. It affects how quickly you can get on and off, how much space you have on the boat, and how easy it is to hear directions. On crowded departures, it’s easy to feel like you’re being herded. Here, the setup is built to feel more controlled.

If the day is a little longer or you feel pulled between stops, it’s still a good tour format for first-time Phi Phi visitors. You’re seeing a lot in a single outing without spending your vacation time in transit lines and ferry waiting rooms.

Who should book this Phi Phi and Bamboo tour from Phuket

This is a strong match if you want:

• A full day of islands rather than one beach
• Snorkeling without doing gear rentals or ferry planning
• A tour designed for moderate activity: swim, float, snorkel, then rest
• A more relaxed boat vibe than the largest departures

It’s also a good option if you care about food and practical care. Lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort comes with multiple diet options upon request, and the day includes fruits, snacks, and bottled water.

I’d think twice if:

• You’re very sensitive to rough water. This is a speedboat route.
• Maya Bay is your only reason for coming. Since it can be closed starting Aug 1, 2025, your experience there may not happen on your exact dates.
• You want a long, slow, land-based exploration. This is an island-hopping day with short stops, not a hiking or deep beach camp.

Should you book this tour?

If you want a practical, high-value Phi Phi and Bamboo day with snorkeling gear, a proper lunch, and a small-group speedboat format, I think you’ll like it. The strongest selling points are the full island loop (Bamboo, monkey wildlife views, Pileh Bay, Maya Bay area) and the way the tour handles the basics—pickup, snorkeling kit, lunch, and phone protection.

Book it especially if you’re the kind of traveler who wants your beach day to feel like a set of great moments instead of one long line-wait.

Just do two checks before you commit:

• Confirm what Maya Bay looks like for your travel dates, given the Aug 1, 2025 closure.
• Plan for boat motion. If you get seasick, bring your meds and treat the speedboat ride as part of the day, not a surprise.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hassle-free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included.

What meals and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with seasonal fruits, coffee and/or tea, snacks, and bottled water. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, including life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins, plus a brand new snorkel mouthpiece.

Are beach towels included?

Yes. Beach towels are complimentary.

Are there national park fees?

Yes. National park fees are not included and are listed as 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Is Maya Bay included, and is it always open?

Maya Bay is part of the itinerary for sightseeing, but Maya Bay has an important update about a closure starting Aug 1, 2025 through a period that is not fully shown here. Maya Bay admission is listed as not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

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