Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus)

Reviewed · PHI PHI ISLANDS TOURS

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus)

★ 3.5 · 10 reviews From $94 Operated by Sunleisure World · Bookable on Viator
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Speedboat days on Phi Phi fly by fast. This Phi Phi Island and Khai Island tour from Phuket is built around maximizing time on the islands with a round-trip speedboat and hotel pickup, so you’re not stuck in transit while the best swimming hours pass you by. Expect limestone cliffs, beach breaks, and plenty of photo stops—plus the practical bonus that snorkel gear and entrance fees are handled for you.

What I really like is the structure: you hit Koh Khai Nai for clear-water snorkeling, then continue the classic Phi Phi route on Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The day also includes a buffet lunch and refreshments, which matters when you’re out for 8–9 hours and want to spend your energy where it counts—on the water and on shore.

One consideration: the itinerary notes the plan may be subject to cancellation due to weather and sea conditions, and it also flags that Maya Bay may be closed for restoration. That means you should treat this as an outdoor day with potential change built in.

Phi Phi and Khai in One Full-Day Speedboat Schedule

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Phi Phi and Khai in One Full-Day Speedboat Schedule
This is a classic “see the main stuff” day, but it’s done in a time-smart way. You start with pickup from your hotel or a meeting point, then you’re transferred to the pier. From there, it’s direct water time to the islands.

Here’s the key idea: Phi Phi is spread out, and the speedboat format helps you cover more coastline and viewpoints in a single day. If you’ve ever taken a long-tail boat that turns into a slow shuffle, you’ll appreciate the faster pace here.

Also, the tour is labeled SHA Plus, which (per the program details) means the company has approved COVID-19 health and preventative protocols in place and that 70%+ of employees are fully vaccinated. If you cared about that kind of reassurance when you traveled, it’s a checkbox this tour explicitly covers.

More ways to reach Phi Phi, Maya Bay and the limestone lagoons

What’s included that actually matters

The included items aren’t just marketing fluff. You get:

  • Mask & snorkel (and you’ll also have a life jacket as part of the water safety setup)
  • Buffet lunch, plus soft drinks, snacks, and fruits
  • Insurance
  • Marine national park fee and entrance fees to the sites you visit
  • A guide, plus air-conditioned vehicle for the land portion

When a day trip is priced like this, the value often comes from what you don’t have to organize yourself. Here, food, basic snorkeling gear, and park fees are handled.

Morning Pickup and Pier Timing: 7:45 Start Means a Real Early Day

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Morning Pickup and Pier Timing: 7:45 Start Means a Real Early Day
The day starts around 07:45–08:00, with pickup from your resort or meeting point and transfer to the pier. There’s a pre-departure snack moment too: coffee, tea, juice, and snacks are served, so you’re not walking onto the boat fully empty.

This kind of start time is one reason people love speedboat tours: you get to the islands while the morning light is still kind to photos and before the crowds build too much.

But it also means you should plan your morning tightly:

  • Have breakfast light-to-medium, so you feel okay on the water.
  • Bring a small dry bag if you have one—because you’ll want your phone and camera protected during boat hops.
  • If you’re sensitive to sun, pack sunscreen and a hat. It’s a long day and you’ll be exposed in between stops.

Koh Khai Nai: The Snorkel-First Island Stop

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Koh Khai Nai: The Snorkel-First Island Stop
Your first real island swim stop is Koh Khai Nai, leaving the pier at about 09:30. This is the part of the day that feels most like a vacation beach day—because the plan centers on snorkeling and relaxing.

On Koh Khai Nai, you can expect:

  • Swimming and snorkeling
  • Taking pictures with fish
  • Lounging on a white-sand beach

If you’ve never snorkeled in warm, shallow water, this is a good place to try. The tour provides the basics—mask and snorkel plus a life jacket—so you’re not hunting for gear or paying extra once you’re already busy.

Practical tip: if you want photos of fish, keep your movements slow. Fast splashing usually spooks them, and you’ll spend more time chasing the best angle than enjoying the water.

Monkey Beach on Phi Phi: Fun Photos, Real Animals

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Monkey Beach on Phi Phi: Fun Photos, Real Animals
After Koh Khai Nai, the next chunk of the day is where the Phi Phi vibe kicks in. There’s a Monkey Beach stop, and the tour explicitly includes time for swimming and snorkeling there, plus the chance to take pictures.

This part is thrilling, but it’s also one place where you should keep your expectations grounded:

  • Animals are unpredictable.
  • If monkeys come close, keep your hands close to your body and don’t try to feed them (even if it seems like an easy photo).

If you’re the type who loves wildlife moments, you’ll have a blast. If you’re cautious around animals, treat it like a live scene and keep space.

Phi Phi Don: Lunch + Beach Time Where the Day Lets Up

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Phi Phi Don: Lunch + Beach Time Where the Day Lets Up
Then you move to Ko Phi Phi Don, where the plan includes a buffet lunch at a top restaurant on the island. After eating, you get about 1 hour of leisure time to relax on the beach.

This is a smart pacing choice. You’ve had a morning of water and snorkeling, and then lunch resets your energy. It also gives you a chance to dry off, handle your gear, and get your bearings before the more viewpoint-heavy stop on Phi Phi Leh.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who get tired on boats, this is often the “thank you” moment. The day shifts from active ocean time to a steadier island rhythm.

Quick advice: after the lunch hour, tighten up your routine—sunscreen reapplies, wet gear sorted, and charge your phone. The afternoon is where the photo stops stack up.

Phi Phi Leh: The Maya Bay and Viewpoint Photo Route

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Phi Phi Leh: The Maya Bay and Viewpoint Photo Route
This is the dramatic section of the day: you leave Phi Phi Don for Ko Phi Phi Le and spend time hitting iconic spots. The itinerary includes several named areas, each with photo opportunities and time to swim or snorkel.

Important note first: the plan specifically says Maya Bay is now closed for restoration. At the same time, the route still lists a Maya Bay stop and classic scenes. Because of that contradiction, I suggest you do this simple check before you commit mentally:

  • Confirm the current access status for Maya Bay with your guide on the morning of your tour.

When access is limited, the route typically still tries to deliver those cliff-and-bay views through other stops. Either way, Phi Phi Leh is about scenery you feel in your camera roll.

What each stop is for (and what you’ll do there)

Here’s the flow you should expect in the afternoon:

  • Maya Bay (photos and possible swimming/snorkeling if open)
  • Viking Cave (scenery and photos)
  • Pileh Lagoon (photos plus swimming at the lagoon)
  • Loh Samah Bay (photos plus a chance to enjoy the bay area)

If your top goal is photography, this is where you’ll spend most of your attention. If your top goal is swimming, Pileh Lagoon and other bay stops are the times to focus on getting in the water—because you’ll have shorter windows than you’d have on an all-day private boat.

Practical note: bring a waterproof phone case if you can. On stops with snorkeling, you’ll be glad your camera is safe during quick jumps back into your bag.

Boat Comfort, Crowds, and Why Group Size Changes Your Day

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Boat Comfort, Crowds, and Why Group Size Changes Your Day
This tour caps group size. The info says:

  • Maximum 35 travelers for water transport (speedboat)
  • Maximum 15 travelers for land transport

That likely means a split setup for the land portion, but on the water you should assume it can get busy. One of the more negative experiences tied to this kind of tour is simple: comfort and crowding. If you dislike tight seating, you’ll want to manage that expectation.

Here’s how I’d decide if the speedboat format fits you:

  • If you want time efficiency more than personal space, the speedboat is a win.
  • If you’re very heat-sensitive, claustrophobic, or prone to motion discomfort, pick your seat carefully and pack smart.

Also, sea conditions matter. The itinerary includes a weather note: the program may be canceled due to unfavorable sea and weather, and in that case no refunds are granted, with a rain check issued instead. So yes, you may show up ready for adventure and have it reshaped—out of everyone’s control.

What You Get for the Money: Value Beyond the Ticket Price

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - What You Get for the Money: Value Beyond the Ticket Price
At $94.89 per person, this tour sits in the “not cheap, but not random” category for Phi Phi days. The value depends on the included items and how much you’d otherwise pay yourself.

From the tour details, you’re covered for:

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Speedboat transfer
  • Professional guide
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel, plus safety gear)
  • Buffet lunch and drinks/snacks/fruits
  • National park / marine fees and entrance fees
  • Insurance
  • Air-conditioned transport on the land segments

If you’ve ever tried to piece together Phi Phi tickets, boat transfers, snorkeling gear, and entry fees yourself, you know how quickly it adds up. Even if you only break even on the biggest items (boat + lunch + fees), this format can still be worth it because it removes decision fatigue.

That said, the experience is only as good as the execution. When crowds are heavy, the day can feel more rushed. If you want a calmer, roomier feeling, you may want a smaller-group or private option instead. The data here points to a speedboat capacity up to 35, so plan around that reality.

Who This Tour Suits (and Who Might Be Happier Elsewhere)

Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat (SHA Plus) - Who This Tour Suits (and Who Might Be Happier Elsewhere)
This is a strong match if you want:

  • A one-day overview of Phi Phi’s must-see spots
  • Snorkeling time plus beach relaxation
  • A tour that handles the logistics, including fees and lunch
  • A speedboat day that protects your time

You might want to think twice if:

  • You hate crowds and tight seating
  • You’re traveling with someone who gets motion sick and won’t tolerate boat movement
  • You’re set on Maya Bay being available every minute you picture it. Since the plan includes a restoration-closure note, it’s worth being flexible.

For most people, though, this is exactly the style of trip that works in Phuket. It’s big scenery, warm water, and a packed route in one long day—without you having to coordinate everything yourself.

Practical Tips to Make the Most of Your Speedboat Day

A few small steps can upgrade your comfort a lot:

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat. You’ll be in sun breaks between stops.
  • Use a waterproof phone pouch if you plan to capture snorkeling moments.
  • Pack a light layer for the return boat ride; breezes can feel cooler after sun.
  • Eat a simple breakfast before pickup. The morning includes coffee/juice/snacks, but it’s not a full meal.
  • If the group feels crowded, focus on the water breaks. The energy changes once you hit island time.

And one mindset tip: expect movement. This is a travel day with several mini-adventures, not one long sit-and-stare beach day.

Should You Book This Phi Phi and Khai Speedboat Tour (SHA Plus)?

I’d book this if you want a time-efficient Phi Phi day with snorkeling gear included, a real lunch, and the main Phi Phi/nearby bays covered in one shot. The included national park fees, transport, and lunch do a lot to justify the price, especially if you’d otherwise spend your day comparing options and negotiating tickets.

I wouldn’t book it if your vacation style is all about calm, spacious comfort, and guaranteed access to every single named spot without any closure risk. The tour’s own notes signal weather/sea cancellation possibilities and a Maya Bay restoration status, so keep your expectations flexible.

If you can roll with changing sea conditions and you’re excited to move island to island, this is a solid way to see Phi Phi and Khai without turning your day into a logistics project.

FAQ

What islands are included on this Phuket speedboat day trip?

This tour visits Koh Khai Nai, Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi Leh. It also includes a stop related to Monkey Beach, plus photo spots around Phi Phi Leh.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours (approx.). The schedule runs from about 07:45 for pickup to about 16:30 return to the pier and then transfer back to your hotel.

What’s included in the snorkeling setup?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment: mask and snorkel, and you’ll also have a life jacket as part of the water safety included items.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, plus transfers to and from the pier using an air-conditioned vehicle on the land portion.

Will Maya Bay definitely be accessible?

The itinerary notes that Maya Bay is now closed for restoration. Because the plan still lists Maya Bay in the route, you should confirm access with your guide on the day of travel.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather or sea conditions?

The itinerary states the program may be canceled due to unfavorable weather and sea conditions, and in that event no refunds will be granted, with only a rain check issued.