Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser with Lunch by The Sea

Exploring the Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser: An Honest Look

If you’re considering a day trip from Phuket to the famous Phi Phi Islands, the Royal Jet Cruiser tour offers a smooth, scenic ride with a mix of sightseeing, snorkeling, and a tasty Thai lunch. The tour is designed to give travelers a taste of the islands’ natural beauty while providing the convenience of hotel pickup and organized transportation.

What we like most about this experience is the comfortable boat ride combined with onboard snacks and the chance to see iconic sights like Maya Bay and Viking Cave from the water. However, some reviews point out that the boat can get quite crowded, which affects the overall enjoyment for some guests.

This tour best suits travelers who want a straightforward, largely scenic day out with a decent amount of relaxation and a focus on the highlights of Phi Phi. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure, but less so for travelers looking for an exclusive or private experience.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Hotel pickup and round-trip transfers ease logistics.
• Scenic Cruise: Enjoy impressive views of limestone cliffs and emerald waters.
• Multiple Sightseeing Stops: Pass by Phi Phi Ley landmarks like Maya Bay and Viking Cave.
• Leisure and Activities: Swim at Phi Phi Don and snorkel among vibrant marine life.
• Quality of Food: Buffet lunch offers Thai specialties, with some reviews highlighting varied experiences.
• Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, providing a more intimate atmosphere.
• Potential Drawbacks: Crowded boats and some reviews mention the trip feeling more like transportation than a full tour.
• Weather Dependence: Itinerary can shift based on sea conditions, affecting timing and stops.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

We’ll walk through what you can expect from each part of this nine-hour excursion, highlighting both the enjoyable aspects and possible pitfalls based on genuine traveler insights.

Hotel Pickup and Transfer to Rassada Pier

The day begins early, with pickup from your Phuket hotel—if you’re staying in popular areas like Patong, Kata, or Karon Beach. The transfer is included, which is a real plus if you’d prefer not to navigate your own way. The timing varies depending on your hotel’s location, generally between 7:00 and 7:15 am, so be ready for an early start.

Some reviews note that communication about pickup times is smooth, with many travelers appreciating the promptness. However, there are a few who mention delays or unanticipated changes, so having a flexible mindset can help.

Departing on the Royal Jet Cruiser

By around 8:30 am, you’ll board the vessel—described as large and comfortable. Snacks and soft drinks are served onboard, making the 2-hour cruise to Phi Phi Ley more enjoyable. Many travelers mention the refreshments as a nice touch, especially on the hot morning voyage.

The boat has a capacity of up to 35 passengers, but the tour keeps to a maximum of 15 travelers for the land transfer portion, which helps maintain a more relaxed atmosphere. Still, some reviews report the boat can be quite crowded, especially during peak seasons, which can detract from the overall experience.

Sightseeing at Phi Phi Ley

Arriving around 10:40 am, the boat cruises past Phi Phi Ley, giving you a chance to see famous sights like Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, and Loh Samah Bay. Depending on sea and weather conditions, the sightseeing may include close-up views or a quick cruise-by.

Many reviewers found this part of the trip to be the highlight, especially because of the spectacular limestone formations and crystal-clear waters. One reviewer mentioned that sightseeing on board is extended during the mid-April to October period, adding extra value to that part of the trip.

Phi Phi Don Beach and Leisure Time

At around 11:15 am, you arrive at Phi Phi Don, where you have some free time to swim, relax, or snorkel. The beach here is often described as beautiful, with soft white sands and inviting waters. Some travelers, however, note that the overall experience might be marred by the crowd—it’s a popular spot, and the beach can feel busy.

The opportunity to snorkel among marine life is available, but reviews vary on the quality of the snorkeling itself. One reviewer loved the chance to see vibrant coral and fish, while another found the experience underwhelming, citing that they paid extra for a separate boat ride for better snorkeling elsewhere.

Buffet Lunch and Relaxation

At around 12:30 pm, the group heads to a local restaurant for a buffet lunch featuring Thai dishes. This meal is often highlighted as a decent value—many say the food is tasty, with traditional flavors and generous portions. One traveler described it as “delicious Thai specialties,” which added to the authentic experience.

Post-lunch, there’s a bit of leisure time, allowing guests to relax on the beach or explore the surroundings. Some reviews mention the lunch scene as being adequate but not gourmet—expect a simple, hearty meal rather than fine dining.

Return Cruise and Transfer Back to Phuket

By 2:30 pm, you’ll board the boat for the return trip, sailing back to Phuket arriving around 4:00 pm. The cruise offers another chance to enjoy the scenery, and some travelers appreciate the relaxed pace on the way back.

Upon arrival, the transfer service will take you back to your hotel, completing the approximately nine-hour journey. The whole experience is designed for convenience, but keep in mind that weather conditions could alter the schedule or stops.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Multiple reviews bring out the tour’s strengths and weaknesses. For instance, one traveler praised the knowledgeable guides and timely pickups, highlighting that the trip was well-organized and enjoyable overall. Conversely, a reviewer was disappointed, stating that the boat was “RAMMED full of people,” which made the experience less enjoyable and more like a crowded ferry.

Another reviewer mentioned that the trip felt more like transportation rather than a full sightseeing tour, citing that the buffet lunch was subpar and that they paid extra for a separate boat ride. This points to a need for clearer expectations about what’s included in the package.

On the positive side, many appreciate the scenic views and well-organized itinerary, with some calling it an “amazing day tour,” especially if they’re after a straightforward trip with good photo opportunities and light snorkeling.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At $159.67 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest on the scene, but it includes hotel pickup, boat transfers, lunch, and some sightseeing. The value depends on how much you prioritize comfort and ease of organization.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers on land transport, which helps prevent overcrowding on the boat. Expect the water vessel to host up to 35 passengers.
• Duration: Around 9 hours, mainly spent traveling and enjoying stops. Make sure you’re comfortable with an early start and a full day.
• Weather Dependency: The itinerary can shift; if sea conditions are rough, some stops or sightseeing may be shortened or altered.
• Suitability: Not ideal for pregnant women, seniors with health issues, or those seeking a quiet, private experience.
• Additional Costs: Snorkeling equipment or extra boat rides are not included but can be purchased separately.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour offers a reliable way to see the highlights of the Phi Phi Islands without the hassle of planning multiple transfers. Its strength lies in the scenic cruise, comfortable transportation, and authentic Thai lunch. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, hassle-free day with a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation.

However, it might fall short for those craving exclusivity or more personalized experiences. The boat crowd and the feeling that some parts are more transportation than adventure are valid considerations. If you’re okay with a busy, popular tour and value convenience, you’ll find this trip offers solid value.

FAQs

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, the tour offers shared van transfers from Phuket hotels in Patong, Kata, Karon Beach, or Phuket Town.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

What sights will I see during the boat cruise?
You’ll pass by Phi Phi Ley Island, with views of Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay, weather permitting.

Is snorkeling included in the tour?
Snorkeling is available at Phi Phi Don, but reviews vary on the quality. You may also pay extra for additional boat rides for better snorkeling.

What type of lunch is served?
A buffet featuring Thai specialties, which many find tasty and filling. The quality can vary, but most reviews highlight it as a decent meal.

Can I expect a crowded boat?
While the land transfer is limited to 15 travelers, the boat can be quite full, especially during peak times, which some reviewers found less enjoyable.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It depends on health and comfort levels. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with health issues due to boat crowding and early start.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary is subject to change based on sea and weather conditions, which might affect stops or sightseeing plans.

In the end, the Phi Phi Island Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser offers a convenient, scenic day out that captures the essence of these iconic islands. With beautiful views, a tasty Thai lunch, and a relaxed pace, it suits travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure. Just be prepared for potential crowds and weather-dependent changes—it’s part of the island adventure!