Phi Phi Island Tour from Krabi by Speedboat with Lunch (SHA Plus)

Planning a day trip to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands from Krabi? This speedboat tour offers a fantastic mix of adventure, relaxation, and picture-perfect scenery. Covering key spots like Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island, it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting to see the highlights of these iconic islands in one day. The tour includes snorkeling, a delicious Thai lunch, and all the essentials to make your day smooth and memorable.

One of the things we love about this experience is the well-organized itinerary that balances sightseeing with free time to relax or explore. The crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs make snorkeling especially rewarding. A potential drawback? The tour is quite full, with a maximum of 15 travelers on land transport and slightly larger groups on the water, which might limit some personal space or quiet moments. Still, this is a great option for those who prefer a guided, hassle-free day filled with sights and activities.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a full day of active exploration combined with scenic beauty. If you’re into snorkeling, beach lounging, or Hollywood filming locations, this trip ticks many boxes. It’s also perfect for travelers who value organized tours with good reviews and safety measures, thanks to the SHA Plus certification.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary: Visits multiple iconic spots including Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island.
• Snorkeling and marine life: Excellent opportunities to see colorful fishes and corals.
• Inclusion of lunch: Enjoy a Thai buffet with stunning views at Phi Phi Don.
• Convenient pickups: Hotel transfer from Krabi town, Ao Nang, or Klong Muang.
• Small group size: Max 15 travelers on land, ensuring more personalized experience.
• Certifications and safety: SHA Plus certified, with safety and health protocols in place.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Booking and Price: Is It Worth It?

At $108.52 per person, including lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear, this tour offers solid value. When you consider the transportation, guided support, park fees, and the chance to visit several famed sites, the overall experience feels well-priced. The fact that it’s booked an average of 17 days in advance signals good demand—so it’s wise to plan ahead.

What’s Included?

This tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations, meaning you don’t need to worry about logistics. Onboard, you’ll be treated to snacks, fresh fruits, soft drinks, tea, and coffee—perfect for keeping energy levels high during the day’s activities. Also included are life jackets, snorkel equipment, and insurance, which are all reassuring extras.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start time: Around 8:00 am, with pickups from Krabi Town, Klong Muang, or Ao Nang between 7:50 and 8:30 am. The early start means you’ll beat some of the crowds—something travelers appreciate, especially at Maya Bay.

First stop: Bamboo Island (30 mins) — Known for its white sandy beaches and coral-rich waters, this is a great spot to stretch your legs, explore, or snorkel straight from the beach. Reviewers mention the “beautiful beaches and clear waters”, making it a favorite initial stop.

Second stop: Viking Cave — Offers a quick sightseeing opportunity at a famous cave. While you can’t go inside, the cave’s walls are decorated with ancient paintings, and it’s a quick photo opportunity.

Loh Samah Bay (30 mins): Expect vibrant coral reefs and colorful marine life. Snorkeling here is often praised for its clarity and variety of fish, with some reviewers noting the “beautiful underwater scenery”.

Pileh Bay (30 mins): Known for its stunning lagoon, the calm waters here are perfect for relaxing and photos. The scenery is especially lush, with cliffs surrounding the bay, giving it a secluded, postcard-like atmosphere.

Maya Bay: The star of the tour, this famous filming location of ‘The Beach’ is a must-see. Although it’s often crowded, visiting early in the day helps you enjoy the pristine beach and turquoise waters with fewer people around. Reviewers highlight the “breathtaking scenery” and the thrill of seeing the iconic spot in person.

Monkey Beach: Only viewed from the boat, this adds a fun element—be prepared for some cheeky monkeys if you visit in person, though the tour stops here mainly for sightseeing.

Lunch at Phi Phi Don (1 hour): The buffet lunch offers a chance to recharge with authentic Thai dishes overlooking the island’s bustling shore. Travelers appreciate the “delicious food and stunning views”, making this a memorable part of the trip.

Additional Highlights from Travelers

A few reviews mention that the guides are experienced and friendly, often sharing interesting facts about each site. The marine park fee is included, avoiding hidden costs. Since the tour uses speedboats, you’ll enjoy quick transfers between sites—saving time and maximizing your sightseeing.

Practical Tips

• Timing is everything; starting early means fewer crowds at Maya Bay and other popular spots.
• Carry waterproof camera or phone cases—most snorkel gear comes with a waterproof bag, but double protection helps.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life while sunbathing or snorkeling.
• Pack a towel, hat, and sunglasses for comfort during stops.
• The group size on water is slightly larger, but generally manageable, and the small land transport groups help keep the experience intimate.

Safety and Comfort

The tour is SHA Plus certified, meaning they follow strict health protocols, which adds peace of mind. The speedboats are generally comfortable and fast, with experienced guides ensuring safety throughout. Travelers mention that timing is well-managed, so you get ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect if you want a comprehensive day of island-hopping with snorkeling, scenic views, and a wonderful lunch. It’s ideal for those who are comfortable with speedboat rides and enjoy active sightseeing. The small group size and organized itinerary make it suitable for travelers who prefer a guided experience rather than exploring solo.

If you’re particularly keen on Hollywood film locations or want to see the vibrant marine life, this tour checks those boxes. It also works well for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a reliable, well-reviewed adventure from Krabi.

The Bottom Line

This Phi Phi Islands tour combines spectacular scenery, engaging activities, and good value. The itinerary’s highlights, from Maya Bay’s iconic beaches to snorkeling hotspots, make it a compelling choice for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike. The inclusion of lunch with views and all necessary gear adds to the overall convenience.

While some might wish for a bit more quiet or personalized time, the tour’s well-structured schedule ensures you see the best of the islands without feeling overwhelmed. The safety measures and professional guides enhance confidence, making it a dependable option.

If you’re looking for a full day of island fun with excellent scenery and hassle-free organization, this tour will serve you well. It suits those eager to pack in multiple highlights, enthusiasts of marine life, or travelers wanting a memorable snapshot of Phi Phi’s famous spots.

FAQ

What is included in this tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected locations, a buffet lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and fresh fruits, snorkel equipment, life jackets, insurance, and marine park fees.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting around 8:00 am with pickups and ending back at Ao Nang around 4:00 pm.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?
You’ll visit Bamboo Island, Viking Cave, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Bay, Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and enjoy lunch at Phi Phi Don.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and the water is generally calm at several stops, making it manageable for beginners. Guides are experienced and helpful.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, snorkel gear and life jackets are included in the tour, but bringing waterproof cameras or phones can enhance your experience.

Can I book this tour last minute?
It’s recommended to book 17 days in advance on average, but availability depends on demand. Early booking helps secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel are recommended. Waterproof cases for electronics are also useful.

In essence, this speedboat tour offers a wonderfully balanced day of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation, making it a great choice for travelers eager to experience the best of Phi Phi in one go.