Phi Phi and Bamboo by speedboat is a win. This small-group day hangs together nicely, with quick hotel pickup and packed-in island time that feels like you’re getting the highlight reel without the chaos.

I especially like the small group cap of 20 and the fact that snorkeling basics are handled for you. One possible drawback: the speedboat can feel rough or choppy, especially if the sea is not cooperating.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group cap (up to 20): easier to manage at boarding time and in the water
• Royal Phuket Marina check-in and safety briefing: you get set up fast before the long, fun part
• Bamboo Island + Phi Phi snorkeling: two big “water time” blocks rather than just quick dips
• Monkey Bay is boat-view only: you watch macaques from the speedboat, with no on-land access
• Motion-sickness is a real consideration: plan for a bouncy ride on a fast speedboat

Easy pickup, fast start: how the day flows

This tour is built for people who don’t want to think too hard before getting on the water. You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off, and you start at Royal Phuket Marina. That matters in Phuket, where travel time can eat your day if you’re doing it on your own.

The experience runs for about 9 hours 30 minutes. Once you’re at the marina, there’s a short info-and-safety session, then you’re moving. The boat part feels like the “engine” of the day: you’re not stuck waiting around between stops for long stretches.

If you’re trying to fit Phi Phi in on a single day, this format makes sense because it gives you multiple stops (not just one). It also keeps the day feeling active: swim, snorkel, short beach time, back to the boat, repeat.

Royal Phuket Marina: where you get oriented and out on the sea

Your day starts with a short time at Royal Phuket Marina for light refreshments plus an info and safety session. In practice, that’s where you learn what to expect on the speedboat, and it sets expectations for where you’ll be spending time in the water.

Then it’s out on the water via speedboat, with frequent stops along the way. The day is paced so you’re not waiting forever for the “real fun.” In fact, it can take around an hour to reach the first island area, but once you start island-hopping, the stops come one after another.

Bamboo Island: your first swim with big scenery

Bamboo Island is a great early stop because it’s simple: you’re there to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. It’s also part of the marine national park system, so it’s one of those places where “paradise” comes with rules—expect wildlife and marine life to be protected.

This is the kind of stop where you can do whatever your energy level allows:

• If you want water time right away, you can go in and snorkel.
• If you prefer a breather, you can hang out on the shore and just enjoy the view.

Time here is about 1 hour, which is enough to do a relaxed swim cycle without feeling rushed.

Monkey Bay: macaques up close, but from the boat

Monkey Beach / Monkey Bay is an instant mood shift, mainly because it’s a rare peek at wildlife behavior in a normal, wild setting. The catch is important: you generally won’t step onto land. You’ll see the macaques from the speedboat.

That’s actually a good thing. It keeps the experience safer for you and less stressful for the animals. Plus, you avoid the “everyone crowds the same spot” problem that can happen on land-based wildlife stops.

Expect the stop to be short—around 10 minutes—so come ready with your camera and don’t plan on a slow stroll. Quick sightings, quick photos, back to the boat.

Phi Phi Holiday Resort lunch: sea-view buffet and dietary options

Lunch is served at the Phi Phi Holiday Resort with a sea-view buffet. The food is a mix of authentic Thai and international items. You also have practical dietary options if you request them ahead of time: vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other special diets.

This is a real plus on a day like this. Island tours can be hit-or-miss for food, but a proper buffet gives you choices when everyone in your group has different preferences. There’s about 1 hour here, so it’s not just a token lunch break.

One more small detail I value: the tour includes seasonal fruits, coffee and/or tea, snacks, and bottled water. That keeps you from needing to hunt down essentials while you’re out on the water.

Pileh Bay: emerald water, limestone cliffs, and the favorite swim

Pileh Bay is the stop people tend to remember. You’ll spend about 30 minutes in the emerald-green water of Pileh Lagoon, with tall limestone cliffs around you. It’s the kind of setting that makes you understand why Phi Phi gets so many repeat visits.

This is also a strong snorkeling and swimming zone. The cliffs and enclosed water can create calmer, more satisfying water moments than you’d expect on open water days.

If you’re the type who enjoys photos, this is one of those times you’ll want to get in the water soon after you arrive—before the crowd shifts focus and the light changes.

The swallow-bird cave stop: why bird’s nest soup exists

There’s also a sightseeing stop tied to a cave area associated with swallow birds. This is where the tour connects a bit of nature to a food tradition—swallow birds are important for bird’s nest soup.

You’re not going to be doing a deep history lesson here, but you’ll get the basic “why this cave matters” context while you’re moving through the Phi Phi scenery.

It’s a short enough stop that it doesn’t slow the day down. Think of it as a calm breath between swim-focused pieces.

Maya Bay: iconic water, plus the 2025 closure reality

Maya Bay is the big-name stop. You’ll do sightseeing for about 1 hour, and you’ll recognize it from the movie The Beach.

Now the important part: the info provided notes that Maya Bay will be closed from August 1, 2025 through a period not fully listed here. If your trip is near that date range, you should expect itinerary changes or substitutions. Even if you’re not traveling in that window, it’s smart to treat Maya Bay as a “subject to current conditions” stop.

Also note: Maya Bay admission is listed as not included. That’s separate from national park fees that you pay separately.

Snorkeling gear and life jackets: what’s included and what to expect

You’ll get snorkeling equipment including a mask, snorkel, and fins, plus a life jacket. There’s also mention of a brand new snorkel mouthpiece, which is a small detail that matters for comfort and hygiene.

You’ll also get a beach towel. This is one of those “sounds minor until you’re wet” items that makes a difference on fast boat days.

In the water, expect a real variety of underwater life rather than a sterile “tourist loop.” The snorkeling portions are one of the main reasons people book a Phi Phi day trip in the first place, and this itinerary gives you enough time in key areas to make it worthwhile.

One safety note: life jackets are not optional vibes. You should plan to wear them while swimming in the Phi Phi areas.

Speedboat comfort: choppy water is part of the deal

Let’s talk about the elephant—or maybe the waves—in the room. This is a speedboat tour, and the ride can be bouncy. Multiple people note it can feel rough at times, and it’s wise to consider motion sickness prevention if you’re sensitive.

What I’d do if you get seasick easily:

• Take preventative medication before you board (not after you feel awful).
• Sit where you can keep your eyes on the horizon.
• Keep water and snacks in mind so you don’t feel empty-stomached on a rolling ride.

A word on timing: it’s faster travel, but that comes with a physical feel. If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who hates rocking boats, plan around it. The tour is fun, but it’s not a floaty cruise.

Food, snacks, and small included extras that save money

The lunch buffet is the centerpiece meal, with seasonal fruits plus snacks. On board you also get bottled water and coffee and/or tea. There’s no mention that alcohol is included, so plan on purchasing it if you want it.

Two extras I’d call out:

• A waterproof floating phone case: this is genuinely useful when the whole day is swim-and-boat based.
• A restroom on board: it exists, though when the boat is bouncing, you may find shore breaks more practical. Still, knowing it’s there reduces stress.

You also get snacks and water continuously between stops, which helps you avoid the classic island-tour problem: you end up starving and grumpy by stop two.

Price and value: what $108.43 really covers

At $108.43 per person, this is not a budget “just get on a boat” option. But when you break down what’s included, it starts looking reasonable:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• professional guide and accident insurance
• speedboat day with multiple Phi Phi and Bamboo stops
• snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket)
• lunch plus fruit, snacks, and drinks
• waterproof floating phone case and beach towels

The big add-on cost you should budget for is the national park fee: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. That fee is not included in the tour price, and it’s tied to the protected areas you visit.

So the real cost equation for you is:

• your ticket price + national park fee
• plus anything you buy onboard (like alcohol)

Is it worth it? For me, yes if you want a full island day that’s run by a guide, where your snorkeling kit and towel are handled, and where you don’t spend your vacation ferrying yourself around.

Who should book this Phi Phi and Bamboo day trip

This tour fits best if you:

• want a single-day highlights hit (Bamboo, Monkey Bay, Pileh Bay, Phi Phi Don lunch, Maya Bay sightseeing)
• want snorkeling gear included instead of renting
• like small-group dynamics (max 20 is the target)
• appreciate guided timing so you don’t miss the best water windows

It might be less ideal if you:

• get badly seasick and hate speedboats
• want a slow, low-activity day with minimal movement
• are traveling during times when Maya Bay is closed, and you specifically booked for that one spot

Should you book this tour?

If you’re doing Phi Phi for the first time and you want maximum time in the water with a well-timed route, I’d book it. The mix of snorkeling + multiple scenic stops + sea-view lunch is the sweet spot, and the small-group size makes the day feel more controlled.

Just prepare for the speedboat reality. Bring motion-sickness protection if you need it, sun protection is a must, and keep your expectations aligned with a day that moves fast from one water scene to the next.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands tour?

The tour runs for about 9 hours 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered as part of the experience.

What’s included for snorkeling?

You’ll receive snorkeling equipment: a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket, plus a brand new snorkel mouthpiece. Beach towels are also included.

Where do you have lunch, and are dietary restrictions possible?

Lunch is a buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort with a sea-view. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions are available upon request.

Are national park fees included in the price?

No. National park fees are listed separately as 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Will Maya Bay definitely be included?

Maya Bay is part of the tour’s sightseeing, but the information notes it will be closed from August 1, 2025 through a period not fully shown. The tour can also shift based on conditions.

What happens if weather cancels the tour?

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.