Phi Phi and Bamboo Island Tour by Speed Boat

Exploring the Phi Phi and Bamboo Island Tour by Speed Boat: A Complete Guide

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket and want a day packed with island beauty, snorkeling, and fun, the Phi Phi and Bamboo Island Tour by Speed Boat offers an enticing option. This 9-hour excursion from Phuket is designed to give you a taste of the stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life that the region is famous for. With a small group size capped at 25 travelers, the tour promises a more intimate experience, guided by knowledgeable staff from Thailand All Travel.

One of the things we love about this trip is how it maximizes time on the water and on the islands, balancing sightseeing, snorkeling, and downtime. The highlight for many is the chance to snorkel at multiple locations, exploring the colorful underwater world without feeling rushed. However, a potential consideration is that the schedule can be quite packed, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed, less structured day. Suitable for active travelers, snorkelers, and anyone eager to see the iconic sights of Phi Phi without breaking the bank, this tour offers good value for its price.

Key Points

Convenient pickup and drop-off make logistics simple.
Multiple island stops provide diverse scenery and experiences.
Snorkeling opportunities at prime reefs and lagoons.
Small group size fosters a more personal adventure.
Includes a delicious buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don.
Free cancellation adds peace of mind.

In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting the Day with Comfort and Convenience

The tour kicks off early, with pickup from your hotel between 7:00 and 8:00 am using air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring you travel in comfort to the Boat Lagoon Pier. This is a smart move, especially after a night of travel or a late start, as it sets a relaxed tone for the day ahead. From there, the journey by speedboat begins at around 9:15 am — a swift ride that gets you to the first sights while avoiding the crowded, larger boats.

Having a dedicated pickup is a real plus, as it eliminates the hassle of finding your own way to the pier, and it sets the tone for a smoothly organized day. Since the tour caps at 25 travelers, you’ll likely find yourself in a small, friendly group, making conversation and sharing the experience more personal.

First Stop: Ko Phi Phi Don

Once on the boat, you’ll first visit Ko Phi Phi Don, the larger and more populated of the Phi Phi islands. This stop affords a chance to see the island’s lively scenery and absorb its vibrant atmosphere. Although the main visit here is brief, the highlight is the chance to enjoy the stunning views of the island’s rugged cliffs and the bustling shoreline from the water.

The tour mentions a 5-hour total stay on Phi Phi Don, which includes time for swimming, relaxing, and perhaps a quick exploration if you have your own plans. Many reviews note that the time here is just enough to savor the scenery, grab some photos, or relax on the beach.

Exploring the Unique Sights: Nui Bay, Camel Rock, Monkey Beach

Before heading to the main islands, the guide points out iconic features like Nui Bay and Camel Rock, both notable for their natural rock formations. Sightseeing from the boat allows for some excellent photos, and the chance to see the adorable monkeys at Monkey Beach adds a fun wildlife element. Guests have enjoyed watching the monkeys play and sometimes even feeding them — a small but memorable highlight.

Scenic Stops at Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon

Next, the boat visits Viking Cave, famous for its ancient paintings and swiftlet nests, which are harvested for bird’s nest soup — though you won’t be participating in that. It’s a brief stop but an interesting cultural site.

The true star of the day is Pileh Lagoon, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim in calm, emerald waters surrounded by towering cliffs. Many travelers find this to be one of the most beautiful spots, perfect for relaxing and taking photos. The water here is usually tranquil, making it ideal for floating or just soaking in the scenery.

Snorkeling at Loh Sama or Bida Island

The tour includes a snorkeling session at Loh Sama or Bida Island, both known for their vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. Review comments reveal that snorkelers were pleased with the clarity and diversity of the underwater world, often mentioning schools of fish and coral formations that are worth the effort.

Phi Phi Ley and Pileh Cove

Later, the boat ventures to Phi Phi Ley, stopping at Pileh Cove — a lagoon so picturesque it looks unreal. Here, swimming in the sheltered waters feels like stepping into a postcard; many guests say this is the most stunning part of the trip. The opportunity to relax on Phi Phi Don’s beach after the swim is a nice break before lunch.

Lunch and Leisure on Phi Phi Don

A buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don provides a welcome break, with a variety of Thai dishes and fresh fruit, giving you energy for the rest of the day. After lunch, there’s leisure time for more swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the island if you wish.

Bamboo Island: Relax and Sunbathe

The trip concludes with a stop at Bamboo Island, where you can enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, and sunbathing. It’s a peaceful spot that contrasts with the busier Phi Phi, perfect for unwinding before heading back.

Returning to Phuket

By around 4:30 pm, you’ll leave Bamboo Island, heading back to the pier to arrive around 5:30 pm. The return journey gives you a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the scenic views one last time.

Practical Details and What You Should Know

• Group size is limited to 25 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable, especially for snorkeling and sightseeing.
• The price of around $93.66 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusions of multiple island visits, snorkeling, and lunch.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off, making transportation hassle-free.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking, ensuring accessibility for many.
• The free cancellation policy offers flexibility if your plans change.

What We Think Works Well

The itinerary strikes a balance of sightseeing, active snorkeling, and relaxation. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing you to ask questions, get better photos, and enjoy the day without feeling crowded. The inclusion of a buffet lunch is another big plus, providing good value and variety without additional hassle.

Possible Downsides or Considerations

The schedule is quite full, and some travelers might find the packed timing leaves little leisure at each stop. If you prefer a slow-paced day with plenty of time on each island, this might not be the ideal choice. Also, since the tour is structured and guided, those seeking a completely free-form adventure might find it a little tight.

Final Thoughts on Suitability

This tour is best for active travelers who enjoy snorkeling, sightseeing, and a structured itinerary. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see multiple islands, enjoy marine activities, and get a good overview of the Phi Phi landscape in one day.

The Sum Up

The Phi Phi and Bamboo Island Tour by Speed Boat offers a well-rounded experience for travelers eager to explore Phuket’s most iconic islands without the hassle of planning individual trips or spending too much. With visits to both the lively Phi Phi Don and the serene Bamboo Island, combined with snorkeling adventures and a delicious Thai lunch, it provides great value for the price.

While the schedule is quite full, it’s perfect for those who want to maximize their island experience in a short amount of time. The small group size, combined with expert guidance from Thailand All Travel, makes for a smooth, enjoyable day filled with stunning scenery and fun activities—ideal for active, adventurous travelers who love marine life and island vistas.

If you’re after a comprehensive, hassle-free day on Phuket’s waters that balances sightseeing and relaxing, this tour is a solid pick. Just remember to bring your snorkeling gear, sun protection, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $93.66 fee covers the speedboat transportation, snorkeling stops, all island visits, and a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don. Pickup and drop-off are also included.

How long do we stay on each island?
You’ll spend around 5 hours on Phi Phi Don, and approximately 1 hour each at Bamboo Island and Phi Phi Ley, including time for swimming and sightseeing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
While the tour mentions snorkeling at Loh Sama or Bida Island, it does not specify if gear is included. It’s advisable to bring your own mask and snorkel, but check with the operator if gear can be rented.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, towel, waterproof camera, and a light change of clothes. Some reviews mention that the boat can be hot, so hydration is key.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour’s physical activities like swimming and snorkeling suggest it’s best suited for those comfortable in the water.

What happens in case of bad weather?
Since the tour is weather-dependent, it may be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are unsafe, and the provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This well-organized, engaging day trip delivers on the promise of beautiful scenery, marine adventure, and island relaxation — perfect for explorers looking to tick off Phuket’s top sights in one go.