Small Groups of 20 people – Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

The best part of this Phuket day trip is the small speedboat group, capped at 20 people, paired with a full route through the Phi Phi Islands. You get Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, snorkeling, and lunch at a resort, rather than one quick beach stop and a long ride home. I especially like the steady supply of water, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks, plus the included towels and snorkeling gear.

I also like the care built into the day. Guides such as Ray, Goodies, Anton, and Sunny have been praised for clear instructions, humor, and attention to safety. The main drawback is the ride itself: reaching the islands can take about an hour, and the speedboat may be loud and rough, especially in strong wind or rain. Some departures have also carried more than the advertised 20 people, so it is worth confirming the group size when you book.

Key points to know before booking

• A full Phi Phi route in one day: Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay are all included.
• Snorkeling is a major highlight: Life jackets, masks, snorkels, fins, towels, and a fresh snorkel mouthpiece are provided.
• The ride can be bumpy: Bring motion-sickness medicine if you are sensitive to fast boat travel.
• Lunch comes with a sea view: The buffet includes Thai and international dishes, with special diets available on request.
• Maya Bay may be closed: The bay is listed as closed from August 1, 2025, so check the current access rules before paying.
• Budget for the national park fee: The listed price is $108.43 per person, but the 400 THB adult or 200 THB child park fee is extra.

A long day that covers the Phi Phi highlights

This is a sightseeing-heavy day, not a slow beach escape. From hotel pickup to return, plan on about 9 hours and 30 minutes, with much of the day spent moving between islands, swimming, and stopping for photographs.

That packed schedule is useful if you have only a short stay in Phuket. You see several of the Andaman Sea’s famous places in one outing, and the speedboat cuts down the time spent getting between them. The tradeoff is simple: you will not have long, quiet stretches at every stop.

The tour begins at Royal Phuket Marina with light refreshments and a short safety briefing. The marina can feel confusing at first because several boats and groups gather there, but the operation is described as organized, with staff directing people to check-in and boarding areas. Tea, coffee, and water are available before departure.

The hotel transfer is included, which adds real value. Pickup times vary by location, and one account put the journey from Patong to the marina at about an hour when collecting other passengers. You avoid arranging a taxi at dawn, but you should still expect an early start and a long day.

Bamboo Island gives you the first proper swim

Bamboo Island is usually the first major stop and allows about an hour. It is part of the marine national park and is known for pale sand, clear water, and an open, relatively bare appearance.

This is your chance to stretch your legs after the ride. You can swim, snorkel, or simply sit on the beach. The island is a good first stop because it gives you a proper break from the boat before the more scenic Phi Phi bays later in the day.

Do not expect solitude. The Phi Phi area is popular, and the experience depends heavily on weather, sea conditions, and how many boats arrive at the same time. Still, the hour gives you enough time to enjoy the water instead of treating the island as a five-minute photo stop.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, including a life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins, and a new mouthpiece. That saves you from packing bulky gear or renting it separately. Towels are also provided, and the crew has been praised for collecting, drying, and folding them between swims.

Monkey Beach is a boat-side wildlife stop

Monkey Beach is a short, roughly 10-minute sightseeing stop. You stay on the speedboat and watch the macaques from the water as they climb, jump, and swim around the shore.

That restriction is important. You do not walk onto the beach, and the monkeys are wild animals. The boat-side view is safer for both people and animals, though it also means the stop can feel brief.

This is one of those places where expectations matter. If you want a close encounter or time on the sand, Monkey Beach will not provide it. If you are happy to watch the animals in their setting and take a few photographs from the boat, it makes a fun pause between swimming stops.

Lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort breaks up the day

Lunch is served at Phi Phi Holiday Resort and lasts about an hour. The buffet includes Thai and international food, with vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary requests available if arranged in advance.

The setting is part of the appeal. You eat with a sea view rather than at a crowded roadside restaurant, and the break gives you a chance to dry off, use facilities, and recharge before returning to the boat.

Food quality can vary by personal taste. Some people describe the buffet as excellent and plentiful, while others find it merely decent or not especially memorable. I would book this meal for convenience, setting, and choice rather than expecting a gourmet lunch.

Water, coffee or tea, seasonal fruit, snacks, and bottled water are included. Several departures also provide soft drinks throughout the day. That steady supply matters in Phuket’s heat, especially when you are alternating between sun, salt water, and fast boat travel.

Pileh Lagoon is the visual centerpiece

Pileh Bay, also called Pileh Lagoon, is scheduled for about 30 minutes. Tall limestone cliffs rise around green water, creating the kind of enclosed swimming spot that makes Phi Phi famous.

This is often the most rewarding water stop. You can swim in the lagoon, jump from the boat where the crew permits it, and take photographs against the cliffs. Snorkeling conditions can be excellent, with plenty of fish, although the amount of live coral may be limited.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. If Pileh is your main reason for booking, you may wish the tour stayed longer here. The schedule is designed to cover many locations, so the reward is variety rather than extended time in one bay.

Life jackets may be required in the water because of national park rules and safety procedures. That can limit the freedom of confident swimmers, but it is a sensible tradeoff for a group activity in open water. Follow the guide’s instructions rather than treating this as an unsupervised swim.

Viking Cave adds context to the scenery

The boat passes Viking Cave for sightseeing and an explanation of its importance to the island’s swallow birds. These birds’ nests are associated with bird’s nest soup, a specialty valued in parts of Asia.

This is a short viewing stop rather than a cave exploration. You should not expect to go ashore or walk inside. The value is in understanding one small piece of the local environment and economy while seeing another dramatic rock formation from the boat.

It also gives the day more substance than a string of beaches. The guide can explain what you are looking at, which helps turn the ride between swimming stops into part of the experience.

Maya Bay is famous, but access rules matter

Maya Bay is the headline stop for many people. The bright water and white sand became globally famous after the 2000 film The Beach, and the bay remains one of Phi Phi’s defining sights.

The scheduled visit lasts about an hour, but access conditions can change. The tour information states that Maya Bay is closed from August 1, 2025, with the full closure period not shown. Check the current status before booking and understand that a closure may alter what you see or how long you remain nearby.

Even when open, Maya Bay is a managed national park site, not an unrestricted beach day. Follow local instructions about where you may walk, swim, or take photographs. The bay can be crowded, and its fame is both its attraction and its weakness.

The park fee is not included in the tour price. Budget 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child. That extra charge is easy to overlook when comparing packages, so include it in the real cost.

What the $108.43 price really buys you

At $108.43 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi. Local vendors may offer lower prices, but the cheaper boats can carry much larger numbers and may provide less room for sitting, less organized service, and a more basic lunch arrangement.

The value here is the package. You receive hotel transfers, a professional guide, accident insurance, a speedboat, snorkeling equipment, towels, lunch, snacks, fruit, water, a floating phone case, and an onboard restroom. You also get a route that covers several major locations in one day.

The small-group promise is important. A boat with 20 people gives the crew a better chance to explain safety rules, help with equipment, and keep track of swimmers. Most of the positive feedback focuses on attentive crew members, clean boats, plenty of room, and smooth organization.

Still, treat the number as a target rather than an absolute guarantee. One departure had 28 people on board, although it was still described as comfortable. If space is central to your decision, ask the provider to confirm the expected group size for your date.

Guides and crew make a practical difference

The guide can shape the entire day. Goodies, Ray, Anton, Alan, and Sunny are all praised by name for being friendly, funny, clear, and safety-minded. That matters when the schedule moves quickly and you need to know when to swim, where to meet, and what to expect at each stop.

The crew also handles the unglamorous parts well: handing out drinks, managing towels, helping people into the water, and keeping equipment organized. Some guides take photographs or videos with your phone, and a paid photography option is available on certain departures.

Do not confuse attentive service with a calm boat ride. The vessel is a speedboat, and the ride can be noisy and hard on your back. Strong wind can make the sea very choppy, while monsoon rain can continue through much of the day. The tour operates only in suitable weather, but conditions can still change after departure.

Pack sun protection, a waterproof bag for anything you need to keep dry, and motion-sickness medicine if you use it. The floating phone case is included, but you should still secure your phone and avoid relying on one accessory for all your valuables.

Who will enjoy this Phi Phi day trip most

I would choose this tour if you want to see many of the famous Phi Phi locations without organizing boats, transfers, meals, and snorkeling gear yourself. It suits active families, first-time Phuket visitors, couples, and anyone who prefers a guided day with clear structure.

It is also a good fit if you value a smaller boat over the absolute lowest price. The extra cost can make sense when you consider the room, food, equipment, hotel pickup, and crew support.

I would hesitate if you dislike fast boats, get seasick easily, or want long, quiet hours on one beach. The trip includes a lot of movement, and several stops are short. It is not the right choice for someone seeking a private island experience or a relaxed sailing day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and changes are not accepted. Weather cancellations may result in an alternative date or a full refund, while cruise ship passengers need to provide ship and docking details at booking. Missing the tour because of a late or non-arriving cruise ship does not qualify for a refund.

Should you book this tour?

I would book it for a first Phi Phi visit when you want maximum scenery and activities in one well-supported day. The strongest reasons are the broad route, useful inclusions, capable guides, regular refreshments, and a group size that is usually smaller than standard island boats.

Before paying, confirm three things: the expected number of people, the current status of Maya Bay, and the extra national park fee. If the sea forecast looks rough, think carefully about your tolerance for a hard speedboat ride.

For a full, active day with snorkeling, beaches, cliffs, monkeys, lunch, and famous viewpoints, this is a strong-value option at $108.43. For peace and quiet, choose a slower or private boat instead.

FAQ

How long does the Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and a mobile ticket is provided.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour is advertised for a maximum of 20 people. One recorded departure carried 28 people, so confirm the expected group size if this is important to you.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes a life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins, and a new snorkel mouthpiece. Beach towels are also included.

Is the national park fee included in the price?

No. The national park fee is listed separately at 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Can I go onto Monkey Beach?

No. The monkeys are viewed from the speedboat, and there is no land access at Monkey Beach.

Is Maya Bay open every day?

The supplied tour information states that Maya Bay is closed from August 1, 2025, with the full closure period not provided. Check its current status before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, and a cancellation for that reason offers the same type of options.