Speed, sand, and emerald water in one day. This private Krabi-to-Phi Phi speed boat tour gives you your own boat and crew while you island-hop key stops like Bamboo Island and Pi Leh Lagoon, with snorkel time built in and a beach picnic on Phi Phi Don.

I especially like two things: the private setup (so you’re not stuck with the loudest crowd times), and the way the plan is structured around swim-and-snorkel moments instead of just photo stops. Your main consideration is seasonal timing: Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed in August and September.

What You’ll Notice Right Away: Crew Help and Real Time on the Water

This tour is designed for comfort at speed, not just a checklist. You’ll have captain and crew on board, life jackets provided, plus snorkel mask and gear ready before you go. The tradeoff is that it’s not a gentle, slow sightseeing day—if you’re pregnant or have mobility limitations, this isn’t a good match.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel on the Day

• Your own speed boat and crew, which makes it easier to enjoy the day at your pace.
• Snorkel and mask included, so you can spend more time in the water and less time hunting gear.
• Beach picnic setup on Phi Phi Don, timed so you can refuel without losing the day.
• Stop-by-stop water variety, from white-sand calm to coral shallows and the famous Maya Bay cruise past.
• Emerald-color water at Pi Leh Lagoon, great for photos and a swim when conditions allow.
• No drones allowed, which helps keep the experience focused on people and scenery, not tech.

Private Speed Boat Days on the Phi Phi Islands: What You’re Really Buying

You’re paying for a private way to do Phi Phi, not just a seat on a shared long-tail or crowded speed boat. At $598 per group (up to 2), the value depends on who you’re traveling with—this is best for couples and small groups who want control of timing and more comfortable attention from the crew.

The included extras matter because they remove friction from the day. You get snorkel and mask, life jackets, bottled water, and soft drinks, plus an accident insurance component. There’s also a picnic set included, which is a big deal on an all-day boat trip when you don’t want to be stuck deciding between overpriced snacks.

The itinerary is built around specific kinds of water: sandy and clear at Bamboo Island, deeper green at Pi Leh Lagoon, and shallower coral at Loh Samah Bay. That pattern is exactly what you want if your goal is swimming and snorkeling, not just stopping for a quick look.

Getting to Nopparat Thara Pier and Settling Into Your Private Crew

Your day starts with hotel pickup from one of three areas: Pak Nam, Nong Thale, or Ao Nang. From there, you’ll head toward the pier area and then set off by private speed boat. The boat departs from Nopparat Thara Pier, and the whole trip runs about 7 hours once you factor in travel time between stops.

This matters because speed-boat days are all about timing. If you start late, you’ll hit the busiest light and the busiest water. The private nature helps here—your crew can generally adjust so your swim and snorkeling windows land at the best moment possible.

The crew includes an English and Thai speaking captain/driver team. That shows up as practical things: clear guidance on where to swim, when to put on snorkel gear, and how to stay safe as you bounce between islands.

Stop by Stop: Bamboo Island to Maya Bay Without the Usual Hassles

This is an island-hop day with a logical flow—start with the nicest sand-and-water, then move into viewpoints and lagoons, and finish with the classic Maya Bay cruise. Even if conditions shift, the backbone stays the same: swim spots early, photo and lagoon moments mid-day, and Maya Bay as the last iconic look.

Bamboo Island: White Sand, Clear Water, and Reef Time

The first stop is Bamboo Island. You’ll arrive after takeoff and immediately get that classic Phi Phi feel: white sands, crystal-clear water, and reefs close enough for real snorkeling time.

What I like about Bamboo Island is that it can work for different energy levels. If you want to float and relax, you can. If you want to snorkel, you have the equipment provided and the reefs give you something to actually explore rather than just looking at water color.

A practical tip: put on sunscreen before you’re fully in the swing of things. Boat sun hits fast, and you’ll spend a lot of time without shade.

Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don: Picnic Lunch Plus a Reset

Next comes Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don Island, where you’ll enjoy a beach picnic. This is the day’s “reset” stop—lunch, a chance to stretch your legs, and some island time.

After the picnic, you get free time to either explore the streets of Phi Phi Don or walk up to a viewpoint with panorama views. This break is valuable because it keeps the day from feeling like one long sprint. It also gives you a chance to step away from the motion of the boat.

In a private setup, this can feel less stressful than crowded tours. You’re not fighting a queue for the best spot to eat or stand.

Viking Cave: Bird Nests and Short-Stop Island Drama

You’ll cruise to Viking Cave and see the bird nests. This is more than a name-drop stop—it’s the kind of place where you get quick visual payoff without needing to commit a lot of time.

Because it’s a cruise-by stop, don’t expect a long beach session. Expect a look, photos if conditions are good, and then back onto the water.

Pi Leh Lagoon: Deep Emerald Water for Photos and a Swim

After Viking Cave, the tour heads to Pi Leh Lagoon. This is the “wow” moment for many people because of the deep emerald color and the photo opportunities that come with it.

This is also a swim stop. If you’ve been snorkeling all day, it’s nice to have a moment where the water looks like it belongs in a postcard but you can still get in and move around.

If sea conditions are rough, your crew’s decisions will matter here. You’ll usually notice the best operator behavior when they choose safer timing for water access.

Loh Samah Bay: Shallow Coral and Strong Snorkeling Potential

Then comes Loh Samah Bay, known for its colourful coral reefs in clear, shallow water. This is one of the best snorkeling-style stops on the route, and it fits the tour’s overall focus: water time.

You’ll likely want to bring your snorkel mask technique into this stop. You’ve already been through Bamboo Island, so you’ll have a better feel for how long you can comfortably float with a snorkel before you need a break.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, stick close to the area where the water is calm and shallow. The crew’s job is to keep everyone safe, and the life jackets help—but your comfort still matters.

Maya Bay Cruise: The Film-Famous Sight, Done in a Private Way

Finally, you cruise around Maya Bay, famous from The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. You won’t always get the same experience as people who spend hours on the shoreline, but from a boat you can get the cinematic setting with less hassle.

One big thing to know: Maya Bay can be crowded when it’s open, and your enjoyment often depends on how much time you actually spend in the busier areas. A private boat is helpful here because the crew can usually spend your time with more breathing room elsewhere in the itinerary.

Also, plan around closure dates. Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed during August and September, so check timing if you’re booking for late summer.

Snorkel Gear, Life Jackets, and Safety on a Speed Boat Day

This tour includes snorkel and mask plus life jackets, which is exactly what you want on a day where you’re traveling between islands and hopping in the water. The gear inclusion saves money and saves time, too—no need to track down rentals.

There’s also accident insurance included. That doesn’t mean “nothing can happen,” but it does mean you’re not flying blind on a day that involves boats, water, and snorkeling.

Even with good organization, speed boats are still speed boats. If the sea is choppy, you’ll feel it. One of the biggest advantages of a private crew is that you’re more likely to get practical adjustments than a rigid schedule.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider packing your own remedy. Nothing in the provided info says medication is included, and you’ll be happier if you bring what you trust.

Picnic on Phi Phi Don: Why This Lunch Stop Works

The picnic on Phi Phi Don at Tonsai Bay is included as a picnic set. The point isn’t fancy food. The point is a real meal that’s timed so you don’t lose daylight.

This stop is also a “take a breath” moment. Your boat day can get intense with sun, wind, and water activity. Lunch time gives you a chance to sit down, hydrate, and refuel.

You’ll also have bottled water and soft drinks included. That’s a big value add on a full-day tour because drinks often become the sneaky add-on elsewhere.

Crowds, Seasonal Closures, and How the Crew Handles Real Conditions

Phi Phi is popular, and you’ll feel that popularity on the busiest viewpoints and beaches. What makes this tour smarter is that it’s private, so your crew can generally shift your time toward less crowded moments when they can.

You should also build your expectations around seasonality. Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay close in August and September, so if you’re traveling during those months, the route will not look the same at the end of the day. It’s worth confirming what replaces the closed-area experience before you book.

And then there’s the weather reality. Even in dry season, you can get clouds or choppy water. A good operator doesn’t force a perfect day. They adjust when conditions change so you still get swimming and snorkeling time.

If you’re someone who can handle some wave motion and prefers flexibility, you’ll likely enjoy this format more than a strict, never-changes tour.

Price and Logistics: Is $598 Per Group Actually Good Value

At $598 per group up to 2, this isn’t a cheap day. The cost is high compared to shared tours, but you’re also buying:

• A private speed boat rather than a shared one
• Snorkel gear and life jackets included
• Picnic lunch plus water and soft drinks
• A crew of captain plus assistant crew support
• Accident insurance included
• English/Thai guidance

For couples, that often works out better in reality than it sounds, because shared tours can be frustrating when you’re stuck with other people’s pace. Private time also helps if you want a little more time at the best snorkeling stop instead of rushing through every location.

The bigger downside is simple math: if you’re traveling solo or with a bigger group, the price per person gets harder to justify. This tour is explicitly built for a private group up to 2.

So your best “value strategy” is to match the tour to your travel style. If you want maximum time in the water, less waiting, and more attention from the crew, the price starts to make sense.

Who This Phi Phi Private Speed Boat Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit for people who want a smooth day focused on water time and scenic stops rather than long hikes and museum-style pacing. It’s especially good for:

• Couples who want a private day on the water
• Families with kids who need a structured day with staff help
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want multiple chances to get in the water
• Anyone who likes the idea of a picnic on an island rather than eating off a tour bus

It’s not for everyone. The tour is listed as not suitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments. If either applies to you, I’d treat that as a hard stop rather than a “maybe.”

You also shouldn’t plan on bringing extra hardware. Drones are not allowed, so leave yours at home.

Should You Book This Tour? My Practical Decision Guide

Book it if you want Phi Phi done in a private, swim-friendly way and you can comfortably handle a speed boat day. I’d also book it if you care about getting to the best parts of the itinerary without being trapped in the most crowded rhythms.

Skip it (or at least double-check alternatives) if your travel dates fall in August or September, since Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed. Skip it too if you need a mobility-friendly setup or if pregnancy makes a boat day unsafe for you.

Finally, if you do book, pack smart: sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Bring what keeps you comfortable because this day is mostly outdoors—between the islands, the lagoon swims, and the picnic stop.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Phi Phi Island full-day private speed boat tour?

The duration is listed as 7 hours. Starting times vary, so you’ll want to check availability for your preferred time.

Where do pickup and drop-off happen?

Pickup is available from Pak Nam, Nong Thale, and Ao Nang. Drop-off is available in Ao Nang, Pak Nam, and Nong Thale.

What sites are included on the tour?

The tour includes stops such as Bamboo Island, Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don for a beach picnic, Viking Cave, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and a cruise around Maya Bay.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the private speedboat, captain and crew, accident insurance, snorkel and mask, life jackets, bottled water, soft drinks, and a picnic set.

Are national park fees included?

No. National park entry fees are not included: 400 Baht per adult and 200 Baht per child ages 3–11.

Is Maya Bay included year-round?

No. Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed during August and September.

What should I bring, and are drones allowed?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Drones are not allowed.