Reviewed · PHI PHI ISLANDS TOURS
PHI PHI & MAYA & BAMBOO Premium Catamaran Max 28 pax
A fast day trip that actually feels organized. This Phi Phi speedboat outing runs smooth from Phuket Town with hotel pickup, snorkel gear, and a guide who stays with you for the big sights like Maya Bay and Viking Cave. You’ll also get a proper break with a restaurant lunch and time on Bamboo Island’s white sand. The main thing to weigh is that it depends on good weather, and pregnant travelers can’t join.
I like that the tour is built for “see a lot, waste less time.” Your catamaran day is paced with short, clear windows for swimming and snorkeling, plus included water, soft drinks, and fruit while you’re on the water. And if you’re lucky with your guide—names like Alex, Andy, and Niwat pop up in the feedback—you’ll get plenty of help, including assistance with photos at key moments.
In This Review
- Key things I’d underline before you go
- Price and what you actually get for $114.09
- Phuket pickup, Boat Lagoon timing, and how the day flows
- First sights on Phi Phi Leh: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and photo stops
- Snorkeling at Phi Phi Don: great visibility, practical prep
- Lunch on Phi Phi: a real break between swims
- Bamboo Island (and Rang Yai): beach time that feels like vacation
- Guides and crew: when helpful really shows
- Practical considerations: entrance fees, photos, and weather rules
- Who should book this Phi Phi premium catamaran trip?
- Should you book this tour?
- FAQ
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Do you get hotel pickup from Phuket?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Where does the tour depart from?
- How long is the tour?
- What about lunch and dietary needs?
- Are entrance fees to Phi Phi included?
- Is the tour affected by weather?
- Can pregnant travelers join?
- Can I cancel for free?
Key things I’d underline before you go

- Premium catamaran, small-group feel: max 28 passengers (listed capacity) and capped by an overall group limit of 30.
- Hotel pickup from Phuket Town: air-conditioned minivan pickup/drop is included for Phuket only.
- Snorkel gear + lunch are part of the price: you’re not scrambling for rental gear or hunting food.
- Guide-led stops at the classic Phi Phi highlights: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Cove, and more.
- Bamboo Island time for beach mode: you get relaxing time after the sightseeing wave.
- Budget for Phi Phi entrance fees on arrival: THB 400 per person (THB 200 per child), plus optional photo sales.
More ways to reach Phi Phi, Maya Bay and the limestone lagoons
- Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island with Buffet Lunch★ 4.6 · 19,266 reviews
- Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine★ 5.0 · 3,295 reviews
- Phuket: Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip with Lunch★ 4.4 · 3,204 reviews
- Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands: Premium Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch★ 4.8 · 1,856 reviews
Price and what you actually get for $114.09

At $114.09 per person, the value here comes from how much is wrapped into the day. You’re paying for transport from your hotel area in Phuket Town, a guided itinerary across Phi Phi’s most visited spots, and the stuff people usually add on later: snorkeling equipment plus a Thai-Western lunch.
The tour also includes fresh fruits, soft drinks, and bottled water, so you’re not constantly buying snacks on the pier. And you get travel insurance included in the package, which is a nice safety net for a day on open water.
Two costs to keep in mind: Phi Phi island entrance fees are listed as not included (THB 400 per person, THB 200 per child), and souvenir photo packages are optional and sold separately. If you show up without cash or card readiness, that’s the only likely moment you’ll feel a little “surprise expense.”
Phuket pickup, Boat Lagoon timing, and how the day flows

The day is organized around a morning departure, with pickup from your hotel area in Phuket Town by air-conditioned minivan. Pickup is listed as roughly 7:30–8:00, and the tour start time is shown as 9:00am. Exact timing shifts with traffic, which is normal for Phuket.
From there, you transfer to Phuket Boat Lagoon Pier and depart for Phi Phi. The return plan puts you back around 16:30–17:00, with the minibus taking you home. That timing matters because it keeps this from turning into a half-day at the hotel followed by a frantic scramble—this is a true full-day excursion.
The tour also has a clear weather rule: it operates only with favorable conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered an alternative date or a full refund. That’s worth factoring if you’re only in Phuket for a short window—build in a little buffer day if you can.
First sights on Phi Phi Leh: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and photo stops
Around 10:00–11:00, you reach Phi Phi Leh. This is your main “wow” window, with stops and viewpoints that typically include Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Island.
What I like about this approach is that it’s not one long slog in the water. You get time to move around, take photos, and get oriented quickly—then you’re ready for snorkeling later. It’s a good rhythm for most people, including families who want beach time but don’t want to commit to an all-day swim.
Onboard during this earlier segment, soft drinks and seasonal fresh fruits are served. That’s small, but it makes a difference when you’re balancing sun, wind, and hunger while the boat is running.
The only caution: Maya Bay and other famous spots can feel busy in general. The good news is your schedule still gives you short, manageable windows rather than forcing you to wait around all day.
Snorkeling at Phi Phi Don: great visibility, practical prep

Next comes snorkeling at Phi Phi Don, scheduled for about 11:20–12:00. This is one of the best parts of the itinerary if you want to see marine life without spending the whole day planning rentals and timing.
Your snorkel equipment is included, which is the biggest convenience factor. You’re not running around the pier trying to find a mask that doesn’t leak. The tour also guides you, so you know where you’re headed and when to jump in.
For the best experience, I recommend keeping your swim simple:
- Do a quick check of the snorkel fit before you enter the water.
- If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay calm and use slow, steady breathing.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and cover between swims, since you’ll be in sun a lot.
The itinerary itself emphasizes crystal-clear water and colorful marine life, so this is the day’s “payoff moment” after travel and viewpoints.
Other speedboat and catamaran days across the Andaman
Lunch on Phi Phi: a real break between swims

Lunch runs about 12:30–13:30 on Phi Phi Island. You’ll get a buffet lunch / Thai-Western set menu (the exact style is described as Thai-Western set menu / buffet). Either way, the point is you sit down and eat properly instead of treating this like a snack-hopping tour.
This stop is also your reset. After snorkeling and hopping between bays, you’ll appreciate shade and a calm place to recharge your phone, refill water, and plan your next swim window.
Diet needs are supported if you tell the operator at booking. A vegetarian option is available as well, so you’re not stuck with a single sad plate if you don’t eat meat.
Bamboo Island (and Rang Yai): beach time that feels like vacation

From about 14:00–15:20, you head to Bamboo Island for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the white sandy beach. This is your slower segment, and it matters. The morning tends to be packed with stops and transitions. Bamboo is where you can just coast.
You’ll have another chance to snorkel here, but the main value is the beach time. Think of it as the payoff for the early schedule: after all the famous-bay viewing, you get space to hang out, swim at your own pace, and actually enjoy the scenery without constant movement.
Departing from Bamboo Island around 15:30 puts you back on track for the return transfer. Arriving Phuket Boat Lagoon Pier around 16:30–17:00 means you still get a full evening back in town.
Guides and crew: when helpful really shows

The tour’s reputation leans heavily on service quality. A lot of the strongest feedback includes specific guide names like Alex, Andy, and Niwat, along with praise for being knowledgeable and helpful. There’s also mention of staff assisting with little details—like taking beautiful photos at the right moments—and a crew that keeps things running smoothly.
Even if you don’t care about the storytelling angle, good guidance matters on a day like this. You’ll move faster and feel safer in the water when someone is watching the group and timing the stops.
The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, and there’s mention of a new, spacious catamaran. That matters for Phuket-to-Phi Phi travel, because you’re spending real time in transit with wind and sun overhead. A comfortable deck and a clean cabin area make the whole day feel less like a cattle-call and more like a planned excursion.
Practical considerations: entrance fees, photos, and weather rules

Before you go, plan for three “real life” details:
First, Phi Phi entrance fees are not included. They’re listed as THB 400 per person, THB 200 per child. If your group includes kids, you’ll want to budget accordingly.
Second, souvenir photos are optional. If you hate surprise add-ons, just set a limit for yourself before you’re asked to view packages.
Third, the tour depends on favorable weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. Also, pregnant travelers aren’t allowed, so check that early if it applies.
Finally, your group size is capped. The catamaran capacity is listed as max 28 passengers, and the overall max is 30. That’s not “private,” but it’s small enough that your guide should be able to manage the group more easily than larger mass tours.
Who should book this Phi Phi premium catamaran trip?
This is a strong fit if you want:
- A one-day Phi Phi plan from Phuket Town without complicated logistics.
- A mix of sightseeing plus snorkeling with included gear.
- A guided day that takes you to major spots like Maya Bay and Viking Cave.
- A real meal included, not just snacks.
I’d also consider it if you’re traveling with kids or in a family group. One piece of feedback highlights extra help for a baby during the day, which suggests the crew can be accommodating when you need hands for tiny travelers—though it’s still smart to bring the usual baby essentials.
You might skip it if you can’t handle boats or sun time, or if you’re planning a trip during a weather-sensitive window. And if you’re pregnant, this one is a no.
Should you book this tour?
If you want the classic Phi Phi highlights plus snorkeling plus lunch, this is one of the cleaner ways to do it from Phuket Town. The combination of hotel pickup, included snorkel gear, and a guided day that doesn’t strand you between stops makes the $114 price feel reasonable—especially since you’re not paying separately for equipment and a full meal.
Book it if:
- You’re traveling on a schedule and want a well-paced day.
- Snorkeling is a priority for you.
- You want Bamboo Island’s beach time after the main sights.
Skip or look for another option if:
- You need a fully guaranteed weather outcome.
- Entrance fees or optional photo costs would feel stressful.
- Pregnancy restrictions apply.
FAQ
What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes fresh fruits, soft drinks, bottled water, a lunch (Thai-Western set menu or buffet), an English-speaking tour guide, hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan within Phuket, snorkeling equipment, and travel insurance.
Do you get hotel pickup from Phuket?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included by air-conditioned minivan from Phuket only. If you’re outside the listed area, you’ll need to contact the operator directly.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent gear on your own.
Where does the tour depart from?
You’ll be transferred to Phuket Boat Lagoon Pier, and the day departs from there to Phi Phi.
How long is the tour?
It runs about 7 to 8 hours total, with transfer times that are approximate and depend on traffic and the time of day.
What about lunch and dietary needs?
Lunch is included, described as Thai-Western set menu / buffet lunch. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking, and you should share dietary requirements ahead of time.
Are entrance fees to Phi Phi included?
No. Phi Phi Island entrance fees are listed as not included: THB 200 per child and THB 400 per person.
Is the tour affected by weather?
Yes. The experience requires favorable weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
Can pregnant travelers join?
No. Pregnant travelers are not allowed on this tour.
Can I cancel for free?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.
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