Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat

REVIEW · PHUKET

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat

  • 5.090 reviews
  • From $139.00
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Operated by Amazing Canoeing · Bookable on Viator

Phi Phi by speedboat feels like the real Thailand postcard: fast water, big cliffs, and snorkeling spots you can reach in a single day. This tour is built for maximum time on the water, with a Phi Phi day route plus snorkeling gear and a beach lunch stop in between.

I especially like the straightforward pacing: you get meaningful time at major stops like Maya Bay and Bamboo Island, not just quick photo stops. And the crew-led vibe matters here too—my favorite detail is that the guide named Ohma is called out for being helpful, plus you’ll have chances to spot marine life while snorkeling (including a baby reef shark sighting at one stop in a guide-highlight moment).

One consideration: there are extra fees you must plan for on the day, including national park fees and a Royal Phuket Marina admission fee, so the headline price is not the full checkout total.

Key highlights before you go

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - Key highlights before you go

  • Royal Phuket Marina start with round-trip Phuket pickup in an air-conditioned minivan
  • Snorkeling included with fins and equipment, plus multiple water stops for different scenery
  • Big-name sights in one go: Ko Phi Phi Lee, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach
  • Beach lunch on Phi Phi Don with buffet and desserts, right by the water at Ton Sai Bay
  • Bamboo Island time for a calmer, sand-and-palm day compared with the busier “headline” bays
  • Small group cap of 30 gives you a better shot at comfort and smoother boarding

Price, time, and what you truly get

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - Price, time, and what you truly get
At $139 per person for a 7–8 hour speedboat tour, you’re paying for a full day of transportation, a guide, snorkeling gear, and multiple featured stops across Phi Phi. That price only feels “fair” if you actually want a lot of sights packed into one outing—because the tour is clearly designed as a day trip, not a slow beach day.

What helps your value equation is that the tour includes round-trip hotel transfers in Phuket province, travel insurance, and a meal (lunch and refreshments). You also get English-speaking guidance and use of snorkeling equipment & fins, which you’d otherwise have to rent or add separately.

Your wallet should also expect a couple of day-of extras. There are national park fees of 400 THB/adult and 200 THB/child paid to the guide on check-in, and there’s also a Royal Phuket Marina admission fee of THB 400 per person listed as not included. If you’re budgeting, add those early so you don’t feel surprised at the dock.

Getting to Royal Phuket Marina without stress

The day starts at the meeting point: Amazing Canoeing – Royal Phuket Marina Meeting Point, address listed at 63/402, Unit No. MC4-01, Thepkasattri Road, Ko Kaeo, Phuket 83000. The tour starts at 9:30am, and they handle pickup and drop-off around Phuket province using an air-conditioned minivan.

This matters more than it sounds. Phi Phi day trips can turn into chaos if you have to coordinate your own ride to the marina. Here, you can focus on the schedule: transfer to the marina first, then speedboat operations and sightseeing.

The tour also mentions a mobile ticket, and confirmation happens at booking. In practice, I’d keep your phone charged and ready for check-in, since the marina workflow depends on getting everyone through on time.

The speedboat approach: why this route works

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - The speedboat approach: why this route works
This isn’t a single-bay excursion—it’s a circuit. You move by boat between standout coasts and caves, which is the only efficient way to cover things like Ko Phi Phi Lee and Viking Cave in one day without feeling like you’re constantly relocating by land.

Also, speedboat days often mean your time on each spot is limited, so the “good tour” is the one that balances movement with real viewing and water time. The route here is built around that balance: you hit several named areas, then you settle into snorkeling and swimming where it makes sense.

Stop-by-stop: what to expect and how to make it count

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - Stop-by-stop: what to expect and how to make it count

Ko Phi Phi Lee: cliff views that set the tone

After leaving the marina, the first big photo-worthy payoff is the speedboat ride to Ko Phi Phi Lee. This stop is about the scenery—sweeping bays and dramatic cliffs—so bring a little patience for the sea view moments that happen while you’re traveling between sights.

If you care about photos, this is often when your camera settings need to be quick. The light bounces off water, and the cliffs change fast as the boat angles.

Maya Bay: the famous cove moment

Next comes Maya Bay, scheduled for around 40 minutes. It’s famous worldwide (the listing references Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The Beach), but the practical reason to go is simple: it’s a recognizable cove setting with beach-and-water views that feel like a postcard without needing special access.

Plan your timing. If you want the best beach photos, you’ll usually want to avoid standing exactly where everyone piles in. Walk a bit along the shoreline when you can, and you’ll usually find angles that feel calmer.

Pileh Bay: the “sea swimming pool” stop

Then you move to Pileh Bay with about 40 minutes. The description calls it a “swimming pool in the sea,” and that’s the right mental picture: a sheltered lagoon feel with limestone surroundings, where swimming and snorkeling can be easy.

This is also a spot where you’ll want to think about your comfort in water. If you’re prone to motion sickness on boats, it may help to focus on one activity (watching, relaxing, or snorkeling) rather than trying to do everything at once.

Viking Cave: cave sightseeing plus snorkeling time

You’ll reach Viking Cave with about 40 minutes. The listing notes wall paintings and that it’s used for bird nest harvesting, and there’s also snorkeling during this stop.

This is one of the stops where you should bring your “expectations management” skills. Caves and snorkeling don’t always produce perfect visibility every time. But even when water clarity varies, you still get the chance to experience the underwater world in a protected area, and you’ll get the visual of the cave itself.

Monkey Beach: short, sweet sightseeing

Then it’s Monkey Beach for about 20 minutes. Expect it to be mainly a look-and-photo stop—less of a full swim session, more of a quick nature-and-coast moment while you’re between bigger bays.

Bring respect, not curiosity. If monkeys are present, the best move is usually to stay calm, keep distance, and avoid sudden moves.

Phi Phi Don: lunch with a sea-view feel

Lunch happens on Ko Phi Phi Don, at Ton Sai Bay, with a buffet plus desserts. You’ll have about 1 hour here.

This is the part of the day where you can reset: food, water, and a chance to breathe after speedboat legs. The listing specifically mentions a sea view, so aim to sit where you can watch the water. It makes waiting feel shorter.

If you’re sensitive to sun, this is also your best chance to put on sunscreen again and wear a hat while you eat.

Bamboo Island: sand-and-palm time for snorkeling and calmer vibes

The final main stop is Bamboo Island, scheduled for about 1 hour 10 minutes. This is where the tour’s “choose your vibe” promise shows up: the listing describes golden sand and clear water as the ideal setup for snorkeling, and Bamboo Island gets extra emphasis as white sand lined with palm trees and animal sightings.

One note to keep you from surprises: the overall description says you’ll have a choice between Maya Beach and Bamboo Island, but the listed route includes stops at both. When you book, it’s smart to confirm which exact combination you’ll follow on your date.

Heading back: the wrap-up transfer

After the final island stop, your day ends back at the marina with a transfer by minivan to the meeting point again. You’re looking at a full day loop, so hydrate, keep your dry bag ready, and plan for a slower evening back in Phuket.

Snorkeling with fins included: what to watch for

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - Snorkeling with fins included: what to watch for
This tour provides snorkeling equipment and fins, so you don’t need to pack your own gear. That’s a practical win if you’re traveling light.

The itinerary includes snorkeling opportunities tied to different stops, especially around Pileh Bay and Viking Cave. The big value for you is variety: you’re not stuck with one underwater location for the whole day. You also get more shots at seeing different fish and coral textures.

And yes, it can be memorable. One guide-highlight detail from the experience is a baby reef shark sighting at a snorkeling spot, which is exactly the sort of moment you hope for on a Phi Phi day.

For comfort, bring:

  • A rash guard or sun shirt if you bruise easily from sun
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (and reapply in shade if possible)
  • Water shoes if you’re the type who hates stepping on random rock edges

Guide and crew: why their style matters

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - Guide and crew: why their style matters
Even with a fixed itinerary, the day can feel very different depending on how smooth the guide runs boarding, timing, and safety. The strongest praise tied to this tour centers on the crew doing a good job and the guide being kind and helpful, including a named guide, Ohma.

The practical takeaway for you: show up early, be ready when they call your group, and keep questions simple and clear. That’s when guides tend to shine—because they can speed up decision-making for everyone.

Also mentioned is that beverages are provided on the boat. That helps on a long day when you don’t want to burn time searching for drinks.

Group size and comfort: max 30 travelers

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - Group size and comfort: max 30 travelers
The tour is capped at 30 travelers. For Phi Phi speedboat days, that’s generally a sweet spot—large enough to run efficiently, small enough that the schedule doesn’t feel endlessly stretched.

Still, boat seating is never luxury-grade for everyone at once. If you’re tall, consider positioning yourself early when boarding starts, and keep your day bag minimal so you don’t have to wrestle with it while you’re moving.

Important fees to plan for (so the math stays honest)

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat - Important fees to plan for (so the math stays honest)
Before you go, plan for two separate categories of extra charges listed for payment on the day:

  • National park fees: 400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child, paid to the guide upon check-in
  • Royal Phuket Marina admission: THB 400 per person

Your printed tour price covers the experience basics, but these fees are the kind that can change your total checkout significantly if you forget them. Bring some cash or confirm payment method with the operator ahead of time.

Alcohol is sold at Royal Phuket Marina, and the listing notes you must be at least 20 years old to buy it. If you’re planning to have drinks, factor that into your pre-boating budget.

Weather and timing: when the day changes

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the tour can be canceled, and you’re offered a different date or a full refund. In other words: the itinerary is fixed, but mother nature isn’t.

For timing, this is a 9:30am start and a full day back by late afternoon or early evening depending on sea conditions. You’ll feel it. Pack for sun and spray, even if Phuket mornings look calm.

Who this tour suits best

This is a great match if you want:

  • A one-day Phi Phi highlight without worrying about speedboat connections
  • Snorkeling with fins included
  • Multiple named stops, plus lunch at Phi Phi Don
  • A guide-led day with up to 30 people

It may be less ideal if you want a super slow, minimalist beach day. The schedule is active, and the tour is designed around moving efficiently between sights.

Should you book Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling with fins?

Book it if you’re choosing between a “single bay” trip and a “full featured Phi Phi day.” The mix of Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Viking Cave, and Bamboo Island, plus lunch and included snorkeling gear, makes this strong value for a packed day.

Don’t book it blindly if you dislike extra day-of fees. The national park fees and Royal Phuket Marina admission can add cost on top of the headline price, so budget for those first.

My final call: if your goal is to see as much as possible and get real snorkeling time during daylight hours, this tour fits well. Just confirm the Maya vs Bamboo choice for your date, pack for sun and water, and be ready for a fast-moving, scenery-heavy day.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands snorkeling tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours total.

What time does the tour start and where does it meet?

The start time is 9:30am. Meeting is at the Amazing Canoeing – Royal Phuket Marina Meeting Point in Phuket (listed address is 63/402, Unit No. MC4-01, Thepkasattri Road, Ko Kaeo, Muang, Phuket 83000).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket province by air-conditioned minivan.

Do I get snorkeling equipment and fins?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and fins are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a buffet lunch and desserts at Phi Phi Don (Ton Sai Bay), with refreshments included.

What extra fees should I expect on the day?

You must pay national park fees to the guide upon check-in (400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child), and there is also a Royal Phuket Marina admission fee of 400 THB per person that is listed as not included. Alcohol is sold at the marina and requires you to be at least 20 years old.

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