Escape to Phi Phi Islands: Ferry with Lunch

Phi Phi’s best scenery arrives from the water. This ferry yacht trip takes you past Phi Phi Ley’s limestone cliffs, caves, and bays, then gives you time to swim and relax at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don. It is a scenic island day with a licensed guide, snacks, snorkelling gear, and lunch included.

I like the easy all-in-one setup: hotel pickup, boat transport, food, water, and equipment are bundled into one booking. I also like the route itself, especially the cruise past Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay.

The main drawback is time. The schedule gives you only about an hour at Phi Phi Ley and roughly an hour at Long Beach before lunch, so this is a quick introduction rather than a slow island stay. Lunch organization and seating quality may also affect the day.

Key points to know before you book

• The main attraction is the boat route: Phi Phi Ley is seen from the cruiser, with stops for Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay.
• Long Beach provides your island time: You can swim, sunbathe, or relax on Phi Phi Don before lunch.
• The package covers useful basics: Hotel transfers in the pickup zone, buffet lunch, fruit, snacks, tea or coffee, bottled water, snorkelling equipment, and a life jacket are included.
• The group can reach 80 people: Expect a shared excursion, not a quiet private boat.
• The national park fee is extra: Budget THB400 per adult and THB200 per child.
• Check the timing carefully: Pickup begins at 7:00 am, while the listed return to the pier is around 4:30 pm, even though the tour is described as lasting about 7 to 8 hours.

Leaving Phuket from Sea Angel Cruise

Your day begins at 7:00 am with pickup from your hotel or a meeting point, depending on your location. The transfer takes you to Sea Angel Cruise at 26 Srisuthat Road in Rassada, near Phuket Town.

If you are arranging your own transport, the meeting point is important. Pickup outside the listed zone costs extra or may not be available, so check this before paying. The tour ends back at the same meeting point after the return transfer.

The first ride to the pier is part of the value here. You do not need to arrange a taxi to Rassada and then work out a second connection to the boat. Still, an early start and shared transfers mean you should have breakfast before leaving or be ready for a quick morning snack.

The listed group limit is 80 people. That is not a small sailing party. It gives you the convenience and lower price of a larger operation, but the pier, boarding, meal, and beach movements can feel busy.

The Royal Jet Cruiser across the Andaman Sea

The boat departs for Phi Phi at about 8:30 am. Refreshments are served on board, and the journey takes about an hour according to the schedule.

The cruise is one of the strongest parts of the day. You get open-water views on the way out, with the islands appearing ahead as high cliffs rising from the sea. The boat itself has been praised for its facilities and staff, but seating can be an important detail.

Some seating categories may be sold as upgrades. One past booking described a lower seat with a porthole and a separate upgrade for better views, while a Gold Class area included massage-style seats. The massage feature was not considered very effective, and the upgraded area could still be noisy when children or loud passengers were present.

My advice is simple: do not assume a premium seat guarantees peace and quiet or a perfect view. Ask exactly what the upgrade includes before paying. If you mainly want the islands and do not care about a particular seat, the standard fare may offer better value.

Snacks, fresh fruit, tea or coffee, and bottled water are included. The fruit service may be modest rather than a full spread, so do not mistake the onboard refreshments for a complete breakfast.

Phi Phi Ley: cliffs, caves, and famous bays

At about 10:30 am, the cruiser reaches the Phi Phi Ley area. You do not get a long land stop here. Instead, the boat passes through the island area for sightseeing from the water.

The route includes Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay. Each name carries plenty of scenic appeal, but the practical point is that you will see these places from the boat. This is a good arrangement for dramatic views and photographs, though less satisfying if you want to walk ashore or spend time snorkelling at every location.

Phi Phi Ley is the more rugged and visually striking island. Its steep rock walls make the boat ride worthwhile even when the sea is too rough for a long swim. Keep your camera ready, but also expect other passengers to gather near the best viewing areas.

Maya Bay is subject to government closures. The schedule notes a closure from August 1 through September 30, with the year information incomplete. If your date falls during a closure period, the boat may pass the area without the usual access. Do not book this trip solely for a guaranteed beach visit at Maya Bay.

This part of the route is also where weather matters most. Wind and rain can reduce visibility, and poor conditions may cause the operator to cancel or offer another date or a full refund.

One hour at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don

At about 11:15 am, you arrive at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don. Here you have a proper shore stop, though the schedule allows about one hour before lunch.

You can swim from the beach, sunbathe, or simply sit and rest after the boat ride. This is the most relaxed part of the itinerary, but it is still short. By the time you transfer from the cruiser to shore, find your place, and get settled, the available swim time may feel limited.

The included life jacket and snorkelling equipment are useful if conditions allow water activity. Towels are not included, so bring your own. Alcoholic drinks are also not included.

For you, the value of Long Beach depends on what you want from Phi Phi. If a short swim and a quick look at the island are enough, the stop works well. If you want long hours on the sand, extended snorkelling, or a quiet beach day, this schedule will feel rushed.

Buffet lunch at 12:30 pm

Lunch is served at Long Beach at about 12:30 pm. A buffet is included, and vegetarian or vegan dietary needs can be accommodated if you note them when booking.

The meal is convenient because you do not need to search for food on the island. It also gives you a set break before the afternoon boat ride. However, the lunch setup may be the weakest part of the experience.

The meal area has been described as chaotic, with concerns about hygiene, bathroom condition, soap, and food quality. Another account described the buffet as more like a fish market than a comfortable restaurant. That does not mean every departure will be the same, but you should keep expectations practical.

The food may be fine as a basic included meal, not a reason to choose this trip. If you have strong dietary needs, state them in the special requirements field and consider bringing a small backup snack. Tea, coffee, bottled water, and fruit are included, but the fruit portion may be small.

You should also allow for some crowding at the buffet. With up to 80 people on the trip, queues and limited seating are possible. The listed lunch period lasts about 45 minutes, so a slow meal can reduce your remaining free time.

The afternoon ride back to Phuket

At about 2:15 pm, it is time to leave Phi Phi. You transfer from the beach back to the Royal Jet Cruiser, depart around 2:30 pm, and reach the Phuket pier at approximately 4:30 pm.

The return journey takes about two hours in the schedule. This gives you another chance to enjoy the water views, but it is also a long ride after an early start. If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully and use the time to rest.

Transfers back to your hotel follow the pier arrival. The full door-to-door day appears closer to nine and a half hours based on the listed times, despite the stated duration of about seven to eight hours. Confirm the expected return time if you have an evening flight, dinner booking, or other fixed plan.

What the $51.07 price really covers

At $51.07 per person, the price is reasonable if you value convenience. The fare includes round-trip transfer within the pickup zone, the ferry yacht, a licensed or certified guide, lunch, refreshments, snorkelling equipment, life jacket, accident insurance, and bottled water.

The national park fee is not included. Add THB400 per adult or THB200 per child to your budget. Towels and alcohol also cost extra if you need them.

The strongest value comes from having the major pieces arranged together. You get from Phuket to Phi Phi and back without arranging separate transport, and you have food and equipment waiting for you. The weaker value comes from the limited time on the islands and the possibility of an average lunch area.

I would compare this price with the total cost of arranging a private boat or a smaller excursion, but only if quiet surroundings matter to you. For a first look at Phi Phi, the shared ferry keeps the cost manageable. For a special occasion or a serious snorkelling day, the group size and short stops may not be enough.

Who will enjoy this Phi Phi trip most

I would choose this excursion if you want to see the famous Phi Phi scenery in one day from Phuket, prefer a package with transport included, and are comfortable sharing the boat with a large group.

It suits families and first-time island visitors who want a straightforward plan. The beach stop is simple, the route is easy to follow, and dietary needs can be noted in advance.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet boat, long snorkelling sessions, high-end dining, or lots of unplanned time. The Gold Class option may improve facilities, but it does not guarantee silence or a truly private feel.

The trip also requires a reasonably early start and a full day of movement. Most people can participate, but you should think about the boat ride, beach transfers, and time in the sun before booking.

Practical details that affect your day

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The guide is in person and licensed or certified.

Wear swim clothing under something comfortable, bring sun protection, and pack a towel. The tour supplies snorkelling equipment and life jackets, but not towels.

Check the pickup zone, the national park fee, the Maya Bay access situation, and any seat upgrade details. Those four points will have the biggest effect on your experience.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book this ferry to Phi Phi?

Book it if you want the famous Phi Phi views, a swim at Long Beach, and a simple package at a moderate price. The boat route is the real reward, and the crew and onboard facilities can make the long crossings comfortable.

Skip it if you expect a peaceful luxury cruise, a polished lunch setting, or several hours to explore each island. The large group, short shore stops, possible seating upsells, and uneven lunch experience call for realistic expectations.

For most first-time visitors with one free day from Phuket, this is a useful introduction to Phi Phi. Just treat it as a scenic group outing, not a private island escape.

FAQ

What is included in the Phi Phi ferry tour?

The tour includes round-trip transfer within the pickup zone, buffet lunch, snacks, fresh fruit, coffee or tea, bottled water, snorkelling equipment, a life jacket, accident insurance, and an in-person licensed or certified guide.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $51.07 per person. The national park fee is extra at THB400 per adult and THB200 per child.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Sea Angel Cruise, 26 Srisuthat Road, Rassada, Phuket. The activity ends back at the same meeting point after the return transfer.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup and the meeting point start at 7:00 am. The ferry leaves for Phi Phi at about 8:30 am.

How long does the tour last?

The experience is advertised as approximately 7 to 8 hours. The listed schedule runs from 7:00 am until about 4:30 pm, including transfers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch at Long Beach on Phi Phi Don is included. Vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements can be noted when booking.

Is Maya Bay guaranteed to be open?

No. The schedule notes that Maya Bay is closed from August 1 through September 30, with the year information incomplete. Access can also be affected by local conditions.

Can I cancel the tour for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refundable. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.