Phi Phi Island Full Day Trip from Rassada Pier, Phuket by Big Boat (SHA Plus)

Introduction

Thinking about a day trip to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket? This tour, operated by Way to Bangkok and priced at around $75 per person, promises a full day of island hopping, swimming, and snorkeling. It’s a popular choice for travelers eager to experience the breathtaking scenery of the Phi Phi Archipelago without the hassle of planning each detail.

What we really appreciate about this trip is its all-inclusive nature—lunch, snorkel gear, and round-trip transport are included, making it straightforward and convenient. However, one aspect to consider is the timing; the tour starts early and involves a fairly long day on the water, which might be tiring for some. Overall, it seems best suited for travelers who want a structured, guided experience with the opportunity to see major highlights without the fuss of organizing their own transport.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley, and surrounding islands
• Includes lunch, fresh fruit, and snorkeling gear for a well-rounded day
• Extra charges for park entrance and Maya Bay snorkeling add to overall costs
• Group size limited to 15, promoting a more intimate experience
• Suitable for all ages, with some considerations for the long day
• SHA Plus certification ensures adherence to health and safety standards during COVID-19

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Meeting Point and Early Start

The adventure kicks off at Rassada Pier in Phuket at 7:00 am. Opting for this early start means you’re on the water as the day begins, likely avoiding some of the crowds and capturing the full daylight for sightseeing. The meeting point is straightforward—just head to Rassada Pier, which is accessible and near public transportation.

The small group size, capped at 15 travelers for land transport, helps keep the experience intimate. This is especially appealing if you prefer a less crowded, more personalized tour. It also means that the crew, including the guide and captain, can give more attention to each participant.

The Journey to Phi Phi Islands

The boat departs around 8:30 am, after a quick check-in, with complimentary coffee, tea, and dessert served during the cruise. This serves as a pleasant start, especially if you like to ease into the day with a warm beverage. The cruise itself lasts roughly an hour and twenty minutes, giving you time to enjoy the ocean views and the fresh sea breeze.

Once you arrive at Phi Phi Don around 10 am, the real adventure begins. The guide generally takes care of the logistics, so your focus can be on soaking up the scenery.

Exploring Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley

The itinerary varies slightly depending on the season—high season (Nov-April) focuses on visiting Phi Phi Ley, while low season (May-Oct) features a short stop at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. Regardless, the main highlights include:

• Cruising past Phi Phi Ley for sightseeing from the boat, with views of Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay. Note that snorkeling at Maya Bay is an extra charge, so if you’re eager to snorkel there, be prepared for an additional fee. This can be frustrating for some, especially since Maya Bay’s famous beaches are a major draw.
• Long Beach on Phi Phi Don is a key stop, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and relax on the beach. Reviewers mention that Long Beach offers a beautiful setting, but the trip to get there can be lengthy, which might impact those with limited stamina or tight schedules.
• Lunch at Long Beach is included, offering a buffet that allows you to refuel after some swimming and sunbathing. The meal is generally praised, but as with many organized tours, the quality and variety might not match a fancy restaurant.

Leisure and Snorkeling

Post-lunch, there’s leisure time to relax, soak up the sun, or snorkel with the provided gear and life jackets. The snorkeling gear is included, which is great for those eager to explore underwater life—though we noticed that some reviews didn’t specify the quality of the equipment, so bringing your own mask might be worth considering if you’re particular.

You’ll also get to see the Viking Cave and other sights from the boat, adding to the sightseeing experience without the need for strenuous hikes or long walks.

Return Journey and Drop-off

The cruise back departs around 2:30 pm, arriving back at Phuket Rassada Pier at roughly 4:30 pm. This makes for a full 10-hour day, packed with adventure, but it also means some travelers might find the long hours on the water tiring.

What’s Worth Noting

Extra Charges and Cost Considerations

While the tour costs about $75, keep in mind that the national park fee of 400 THB (~$12) per person is not included in the price. Plus, snorkeling at Maya Bay incurs an extra fee, which can add up if you’re eager to snorkel in this iconic spot.

The optional hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for an extra fee, which could add convenience if you prefer door-to-door service. Otherwise, you’d meet directly at Rassada Pier.

Quality of the Experience

From the reviews, the organization of this tour seems to be a mixed bag. One traveler praised the trip, saying, “when it seemed like nothing would work, everything turned out perfectly,” indicating good coordination despite initial doubts. Others highlighted that the trip to Long Beach was very beautiful, but the long travel time was a bit of a downside.

The small group size allows for a more relaxed environment, but it also means everything hinges on the crew’s professionalism and efficiency. The tour guide is generally responsible for the sightseeing narration and managing logistics, which can make or break the experience.

Suitability and Comfort

This tour is suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with long boat rides and a busy schedule. Kids over 120cm will be charged as adults, and the tour is designed to be family-friendly. However, those with limited mobility or who prefer a slower pace might find a full day on the water a bit challenging.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy, all-in-one package with transportation, lunch, and snorkeling gear
• Opportunity to visit iconic spots like Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, and Long Beach
• Small group size enhances comfort and personal attention
• Well-organized, with guides managing logistics
• Flexible options for hotel pickup and drop-off (for an extra fee)

Cons

• Extra charges for Maya Bay snorkeling and park entrance fee increase the overall cost
• The duration on the boat can be long, possibly leading to fatigue
• Some stops involve lengthy travel times, which might not be ideal for everyone
• Snorkeling gear quality not specified; some may prefer to bring their own

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day Phi Phi Islands trip appeals most to travelers who value convenience, guided sightseeing, and a compact, manageable schedule. It’s a good pick for first-timers or those who want to tick off major highlights without the hassle of organizing transport or meals. It’s also suitable for families or small groups who prefer an intimate, well-managed experience.

However, if you’re seeking a more adventurous or flexible exploration, or plan to snorkel extensively at Maya Bay, you might want to compare with other options or consider customizing your trip.

Final Thoughts on Value

At roughly $75, this tour offers a decent package of transportation, lunch, snorkeling gear, and sightseeing. While additional fees can add to the overall expense, the ease of booking and the guided nature make it attractive for those who want a hassle-free day out. It’s also a practical choice for travelers who prefer small groups and structured itineraries.

Overall, if you’re looking for a straightforward, well-organized way to experience the highlights of Phi Phi Islands, this tour delivers. Just be prepared for a long day on the water, and consider whether you’re comfortable with the extra costs for Maya Bay snorkeling and park entrance.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are available but come with an extra fee. Most travelers meet directly at Rassada Pier.

What is the maximum group size?
The land transport is limited to 15 travelers, but water transport capacity varies based on the vessel.

Are meals included?
Yes, a buffet lunch and seasonal fresh fruit are included, providing a good opportunity to recharge during the day.

Do I need to pay extra for snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included in the price, but the quality isn’t specified. You might prefer to bring your own mask.

Is Maya Bay snorkeling worth the extra fee?
Many travelers find Maya Bay iconic, but snorkeling there costs extra. Consider whether this is a priority for your trip.

What are the main sights I’ll see?
You’ll cruise past Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay. The stops at Long Beach and Laemtong Beach offer swimming and relaxation.

Can children participate?
Children over 120cm are charged as adults, and the tour is suitable for most ages, with some considerations for the full-day schedule.

In summary, this Phi Phi Island full-day trip from Phuket offers a practical, guided way to explore some of Thailand’s most famous islands. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate convenience, small groups, and a structured itinerary, though the long day and extra fees are worth considering. Whether this is your perfect day out depends on how much you value hassle-free access to top sights and the flexibility to snorkel at iconic locations.