Private Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat

Phi Phi’s famous limestone cliffs, bright lagoons, and white beaches are packed into one long day on this private speedboat trip. You’ll visit Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, then have time for snorkeling, swimming, and a beach stop on Bamboo Island.

I like the private format, which gives your group more say in the pace and lets the crew respond to small problems. I also like the comfortable start at Royal Phuket Marina, plus the chance to request guides such as Tony or Jib if they are available. The main drawback is the rough ride and the crowds around Phi Phi’s best-known sights.

• Private boat for up to 12 people: Your group does not share the speedboat with strangers.
• Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon: Two of Phi Phi’s most famous places are covered in one morning.
• Snorkeling and paddleboards: Gear is provided, though fins cost an extra 200 THB.
• Bamboo Island beach time: The day ends with a slower stop on white sand.
• Helpful crew: Guides including Tony and Jib have been singled out for attentive service and practical help.
• Important cost detail: The listed price is for the group, but the 400 THB adult or 200 THB child national park fee is extra.

A Private Day Across Phuket’s Best-Known Islands

This is a full island-hopping day, not a short sightseeing cruise. From Phuket, you’ll ride by air-conditioned minivan to Royal Phuket Marina, board a private speedboat, and spend roughly seven to eight hours visiting Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don, and Bamboo Island.

The private setup matters most for families and groups. With up to 12 people on board, you can ask the guide to adjust the pace within the day’s limits. A group of five teenagers, for example, can make better use of swimming and snorkeling time than a large shared tour with a fixed schedule.

You should still expect a busy setting. Maya Bay and the other famous Phi Phi stops attract many boats, especially in good weather. The private boat gives you personal attention, not an empty sea.

The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. Hotel pickup is offered within Phuket Province, followed by about 20 minutes at the marina for boarding and preparation. The return ends at Royal Phuket Marina, with a transfer back to your hotel included.

The Speedboat Ride from Royal Phuket Marina

Royal Phuket Marina gives the day a polished starting point. You can buy alcoholic drinks there, although those are not part of the tour price. The marina is also where you pay the national park charge to the guide: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

The speedboat is efficient for covering the distance to Phi Phi, but speed has a cost. Expect a bumpy ride at times, especially if the sea is unsettled. One useful detail from the experience is that even people prone to seasickness managed well, but that does not make the boat ride smooth for everyone.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew recommends and keep your expectations realistic. This is a speedboat excursion, not a quiet yacht cruise. The payoff is more time at the islands and less time simply getting there.

Snorkeling equipment and onboard refreshments are included. Fins are not included and can be rented at the marina for 200 THB. Paddleboards are also available, adding another way to enjoy Pileh Lagoon if conditions allow.

Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, and Pileh Lagoon

The first island scenery comes from Phi Phi Leh, where high limestone cliffs rise around broad bays. The boat trip itself is part of the attraction, since many of the best views come while cruising along the rocky shoreline.

Maya Bay receives about 40 minutes. The cove became internationally famous after appearing in the film The Beach, and its fame has made it one of Thailand’s most crowded stops. You can expect striking sand, steep cliffs, and plenty of people sharing the same view.

This is a photo stop more than a peaceful beach escape. If your goal is solitude, this tour cannot promise it. If your goal is to see the place made famous by film and decide for yourself, the stop earns its place in the schedule.

Next comes Pileh Lagoon, also scheduled for about 40 minutes. Surrounded by tall limestone walls, the lagoon is better suited to swimming and water activities than Maya Bay. You can use the paddleboard here, swim, or simply look up at the cliffs from the water.

Tide and weather can change the order and length of stops. That flexibility is sensible in southern Thailand, where sea conditions affect both comfort and safety. Do not treat the times as guarantees.

Viking Cave and Your First Snorkeling Stop

The boat cruises past Viking Cave, known for wall paintings and for the harvesting of bird nests. The cave is viewed from the boat rather than treated as a long land visit, so this part is brief and scenic.

The surrounding waters provide one of the day’s snorkeling opportunities. Two snorkel stops are included overall, and the crew supplies masks and snorkels. Fins cost extra, so bring the additional 200 THB per person if you want them.

The snorkeling experience depends on tide, visibility, and weather. The tour promises access to the water, not a particular list of fish or coral. That distinction matters if you are choosing this trip mainly for marine life rather than for the full mix of islands and beaches.

The private format is useful here. Guides can give your group more direct help with equipment and timing, and they may respond to what your party wants to do. Tony and his crew, for example, were praised for turning the boat around when a hat blew away. That kind of quick response is small but valuable on a fast-moving day.

Monkey Beach and Lunch on Phi Phi Don

Monkey Beach takes about 20 minutes. The appeal is straightforward: you get a close look at macaques in a famous beach setting. Keep your belongings secure and follow the crew’s instructions around the animals.

This is a short sightseeing stop, not a long beach visit. The monkeys may be active, but the boat schedule does not leave unlimited time for watching them.

Lunch is planned at a beachside restaurant overlooking Phi Phi Don, with about 70 minutes for eating and walking. The supplied information is inconsistent about the meal. The overview says lunch and snacks are included, but the detailed inclusions list says lunch is not included. Confirm this directly with Amazing Canoeing before booking, because it affects the real cost of the day.

Snacks and onboard refreshments are listed as included. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at Royal Phuket Marina, not included in the tour. If your group has dietary needs, ask about lunch arrangements before departure rather than assuming the restaurant can accommodate them.

Phi Phi Don is the practical meal stop. You can eat, stretch your legs, and walk along the beach before returning to the boat. Compared with the quick photo stops, this is one of the more useful pauses in the schedule.

Bamboo Island’s White Sand Finale

Bamboo Island gets about 70 minutes, making it the longest beach stop of the day. The island offers white sand, palm trees, open sea views, and a chance to slow down after the morning’s succession of famous sights.

You may find this is the most relaxing part of the tour. Maya Bay is about recognition, Pileh is about cliffs and swimming, and Bamboo Island gives you room for a more ordinary beach hour. The natural setting is the main attraction.

The stop is still subject to weather, tides, and the day’s timing. If an earlier visit runs long, the crew may need to adjust the schedule. That is a normal tradeoff on a private day covering several islands.

After Bamboo Island, the boat returns to Royal Phuket Marina. The marina segment and minivan transfer back to your Phuket hotel are included, so you do not need to arrange separate transport at the end.

What the $1,386 Group Price Really Buys

The price is $1,386.10 for a private group of up to 12 people. That is expensive for one person or a couple, but the calculation changes for a larger party. Split among 12 people, the base cost is about $116 per person before park fees and any lunch charge.

You are paying for privacy, a private speedboat, hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, equipment, refreshments, paddleboards, local taxes, and travel insurance. For a family or group that values control over the day, those extras can make the price reasonable.

For two people, the cost is much harder to justify unless privacy is central to your plans. A shared trip will usually be cheaper, though it will not offer the same control over the group or the same direct attention from the crew.

Add the national park fee to your budget. That is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, payable to the guide at check-in. Also allow for fins and clarify the lunch charge before you commit.

The tour is booked about 53 days ahead on average, which suggests you should reserve early for a particular date, especially if your group is visiting during a busy period.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

I would choose this for a family, a group of friends, or a cruise-ship party that wants one private day covering the major Phi Phi sights. The private boat is especially useful when different ages and energy levels are traveling together.

It also suits people who want a broad sample of the area rather than a single long snorkeling session. You get cliffs, famous beaches, macaques, a lagoon, a restaurant stop, and a quieter island beach.

I would hesitate if you dislike fast boats, cannot handle bumpy water, or want uncrowded beaches. The speedboat can be rough, and the famous stops are busy. The tour is also less appealing if you want to linger at one location instead of moving through a packed schedule.

Most people can participate, but the operator requires suitable weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, while late cancellations and changes are not accepted.

Should You Book the Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Tour?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want the major Phi Phi sights handled in one private day. The crew’s personal service, including help from guides such as Tony and Jib, is a real advantage when the ride is busy or plans need small adjustments.

Before paying, confirm the lunch arrangement, check the national park fees, and decide if you want to rent fins. If you are comfortable with a bumpy speedboat and accept crowds at Maya Bay, this is a strong choice for seeing a lot of Phuket’s island highlights in a single outing.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven to eight hours, including the boat trip, island stops, lunch plans, and the return to Royal Phuket Marina.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m. Pickup timing depends on your hotel location within Phuket Province.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned minivan are included for hotels in Phuket Province.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum group size of 12 people.

Are snorkeling equipment and fins included?

Snorkeling equipment is included. Fins are not included, but you can rent them at Royal Phuket Marina for 200 THB.

How much are the national park fees?

The fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. You pay it to the guide at check-in.

Is lunch included?

The tour information gives conflicting details. One section says lunch is included, while the detailed inclusions list says lunch is not included. Confirm the current lunch policy with Amazing Canoeing before booking.