Bamboo Island, Pileh Bay & Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands: A Speedboat Adventure from Phuket

Taking a boat trip around the Phi Phi Islands is often touted as a highlight for travelers visiting Phuket, and from what we’ve seen, this Bamboo Island, Pileh Bay & Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of the area’s natural beauty. With an 8 to 9-hour itinerary packed with snorkeling, sightseeing, and relaxation, it’s a solid choice for those craving an active yet scenic day on the water.

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is the knowledgeable guide, who enhances the experience with actual insights and friendly tips. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off reduces stress and helps maximize your time on the islands. However, a potential downside is the crowd factor — especially at popular spots like Maya Bay and Monkey Beach, where large groups can diminish the feeling of serenity. Still, if you’re eager to tick off iconic sites with a lively group, this tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see the highlights.

If you’re looking for a full day of snorkeling, spectacular views, and a taste of island life, this trip delivers a lot of value. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, don’t mind sharing space with others, and want a straightforward way to experience some of Phuket’s most famous island spots.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers top attractions including Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, and Monkey Beach.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes round-trip transfers, Thai lunch, snorkeling gear, and a guide, making it a convenient package.
• Ideal Duration: About 8 to 9 hours, offering enough time for sightseeing, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Crowd Awareness: Expect busy spots, especially during peak season, and some issues with facilities at certain locations.
• Authentic Experience: Guided by knowledgeable hosts, with insights and tips that enhance the visit.
• Price Point: At roughly $82.67 per person, it offers good value considering the inclusions and the access to key sites.

The Details of the Tour Experience

Start with Convenience: Hotel Pickup and Timing

The tour begins early at 7:00 am with hotel pickup from key areas such as Patong, Kata, Karon, and others across Phuket. This is a major plus—no need to worry about navigation or arranging transport, which can eat into your precious holiday time. The meeting point at Royal Phuket Marina is easy to find, and from there, the speedboat whisks you off to explore.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Do

Bamboo Island – The Perfect Intro

Your day kicks off with a visit to Bamboo Island, a quiet, sandy paradise with shallow, warm waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Reviewers like Lana noted the “beautiful islands” and the chance to relax in the shade after a swim. The island offers great snorkeling opportunities, with clear water and abundant marine life, making it a favorite for those who love underwater scenery. The white sandy beach is perfect for lazy lounging, even if you’re not in the water.

Maya Bay – The Movie Star

Next, you’ll cruise to Maya Bay, famous for being the filming location of “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s a photographer’s dream with its semi-lunar shape, towering limestone cliffs, and transparent water. The 45-minute stop allows plenty of time to snap pictures, soak up the scenery, and walk along the fine white sand. Reviewers appreciate the stunning views but note that it can be crowded, especially during high season.

Viking Cave – A Quick Photo Op

A short 30-minute stop at the Viking Cave offers a chance for sightseeing and photos of the cave’s intriguing carvings and bird nests. It’s a quick but interesting glimpse into the area’s local lore and wildlife.

Pileh Bay & Loh Samah Bay – Snorkeling & Scenic Beauty

Both stops are dedicated to snorkeling in emerald waters. Pileh Bay is renowned for its turquoise lagoon, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, perfect for a leisurely swim and underwater exploration. Loh Samah Bay offers additional scenic views and photo opportunities. Reviewers like Martin appreciated the “stunning rock formations” and “beautiful beaches”—though some pointed out the facilities here are basic.

Phi Phi Don – Lunch Break

The tour provides a buffet lunch at Phi Phi Don, giving you a chance to relax, refuel, and take in breathtaking ocean views. With 2 hours allocated, it’s enough time to enjoy the meal, walk around, or do some quick shopping.

Pileh Lagoon & Monkey Beach – Relaxation & Wildlife

The highlight at Pileh Lagoon is the turquoise waters and towering cliffs, perfect for relaxing and daydreaming. Reviewers find these spots especially photogenic. Monkey Beach, with its lush backdrop and playful primates, offers the chance to see monkeys in their natural habitat—just be cautious and avoid getting too close, as the locals advise.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Lana described her experience as “great,” praising the guide’s expertise and the beautiful islands. She appreciated the lunch and water, especially given the hot weather. Conversely, Martin’s review pointed out the crowds and poor facilities at some locations, which could detract from the overall experience if you’re seeking a peaceful escape. These insights reveal that while the scenery is stunning, the tourist volume can be intense.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour is quite comprehensive, including English-speaking guides, hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets—all essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. The Thai lunch offers local flavors in a scenic setting.

However, travelers should be aware that there’s a national park fee of 400 THB for adults (200 THB for children), payable at entry, and some extra transfer charges apply depending on your pickup zone. The tour also has a maximum of 30 travelers, which helps keep the group manageable but still a fair number for popular spots.

Duration & Group Size

The 8 to 9 hours duration is ideal for those wanting a full experience without feeling rushed. The group size, capped at 30, strikes a balance between social and personal space, and the small guides make the trip more personable.

The Verdict on Value

At just over $82, the tour offers good value considering the inclusions, especially the snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel transfers. The added insight from guides and the convenience of round-trip transport make this a hassle-free way to see key islands without the stress of planning logistics yourself.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best for adventurous travelers, snorkelers, and those eager to see the famous spots of Phi Phi, like Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. If you love being on the water and taking photos of dramatic limestone cliffs and white beaches, you’ll find plenty to love here.

However, if you’re seeking secluded, peaceful beaches, this might feel a bit crowded during peak times. It’s also not ideal if you have mobility issues or are pregnant, as the tour involves a lot of boat travel and walking on uneven surfaces.

For families with children aged 4-11, it can be suitable, provided they’re comfortable with boat trips and snorkeling. The tour is less suitable for guests with certain health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, or asthma.

Final Thoughts

This Phuket to Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour is a lively, comprehensive way to experience the area’s most iconic spots. You’ll love the dynamic guides, the stunning scenery, and the ease of all-in-one logistics. While the crowds can be a drawback, many find that the breathtaking views and the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters outweigh those inconveniences.

If you’re after a full day of fun, exploration, and island highlights, this tour hits the mark. For travelers who prefer quieter, less crowded beaches, it might be worth considering less busy options or visiting during off-peak times.

Overall, it offers excellent value for those eager to combine sightseeing with underwater adventures, making it an adventure worth considering during your Phuket holiday.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a Thai buffet lunch, and a knowledgeable guide.

How long does the tour last?
The trip runs for approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting at 7:00 am.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, travelers need to pay a national park fee of 400 THB per adult (200 THB per child). There are also extra transfer charges depending on your pickup zone, ranging from 200 to 1,200 THB for private vans.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 4-11 can participate, but parents should consider their child’s comfort with boat rides and snorkeling.

Can I snorkel at all stops?
Yes, snorkeling is available at Bamboo Island, Pileh Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and Monkey Beach, with snorkeling gear provided.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is the tour suitable if I don’t like crowds?
While the tour offers fantastic scenery, it can be crowded, especially at Maya Bay and Monkey Beach during peak season.

How many people are on the trip?
The maximum group size is 30 travelers, which helps maintain a lively atmosphere without being overwhelming.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, a towel, water, and waterproof camera to capture the stunning views.

In sum, this tour combines the best of Phuket’s surrounding islands—stunning vistas, underwater fun, and memorable moments—making it an excellent choice for adventure lovers and island enthusiasts alike.