Phi Phi by speedboat feels like a highlight reel. You get a small group day (max 20), plus real water time for snorkeling and swimming with a sea-view lunch break. My favorite part of this trip is how smoothly the day runs—hotel transfers, a clear safety start, then jump from stop to stop with snacks and water handled. One thing to plan for: the ride can feel choppy, so if you’re sea-sick-prone, pack motion sickness meds.

What you’ll like most is the care in the details: snorkeling gear is provided, towels are taken care of, and the crew stays on top of timing so the day doesn’t feel chaotic. Guides like Goodies (often called Sexy Goodies), Ray, Anton, and Alan have been praised for clear English, a friendly vibe, and keeping everyone feeling safe. The main trade-off is that some stops are short, and Monkey Beach is boat-view only—no shore access—so you’re seeing the macaques from the water.

Key Points You’ll Notice On This Tour

• Max 20 people on the water means less waiting and more room than the big-departure chaos
• Sea-view buffet lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with vegetarian/vegan/pescatarian and other dietary needs handled by request
• Snorkeling gear + life jacket included, plus a waterproof floating phone case
• Monkey Beach is boat-only, so expect quick sightings rather than close-up wandering
• National park fees are extra (400 THB adult, 200 THB child), so your final budget should include that

Speedboat Island Hopping from Royal Phuket Marina

This is a classic Phuket-to-Andaman Islands day trip, run with a speedboat and timed stops that keep you moving without feeling rushed. You start at Royal Phuket Marina for a short info and safety briefing with light refreshments, then head out on the water. Even though the islands are the destination, the “how” matters here: the boat and crew setup are meant to keep the day organized from minute one.

The trip time is listed at about 9 hours 30 minutes, and from there you can guess your pace: you’ll be on the water a lot, and each land stop is designed to fit the tides, crowds, and travel time between bays. That’s why this works best if your goal is variety—beaches, viewpoints, swimming, and snorkeling in one long day—rather than hanging out at a single perfect beach for hours.

Small Group (Max 20): Why It Matters in Phi Phi

Phi Phi gets busy. That’s not a secret, it’s just reality. What you’re paying for here is not only the itinerary, but the experience of getting there without being crushed into a sardine-can boat.

Multiple guides are mentioned by name—Ray and Anton show up in strong feedback—plus Goodies is repeatedly called out for being professional and great with English. When a crew communicates well, you spend less time guessing what to do next. That’s especially helpful on a speedboat day when you’re juggling sunscreen, cameras/phones, and the timing of water jumps.

A small-group promise also tends to mean:

• fewer people during snorkeling and swimming windows
• less time standing around when the group loads and unloads
• a calmer vibe at lunch than you’d see on mass tours

One caution: the stated limit is 20, but I’d still mentally prepare for some variation day to day. On at least one sailing, the number on board ended up higher than expected—still workable, just not the exact headcount you might imagine from the marketing.

Stop-by-Stop: Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Pileh Bay, and More

This tour is built around short, memorable segments. Here’s what each main stop is really like and what to expect.

Bamboo Island: Big, Open Water Time

Bamboo Island is your first real “paradise” stop. It’s described as part of the marine national park system, and the vibe is simple: swim, snorkel, sunbathe. You get about 1 hour here, which is enough time to do a proper water break and still return to the boat without feeling rushed.

Because it’s a park area, conditions can be calmer than you might expect compared with more developed beach zones. Still, you’ll want to come prepared for sun: there’s plenty of bright sky time on this route.

Monkey Beach: Wild Macaques, Boat-View Only

At Monkey Beach, you can see macaques moving around—climbing, swimming, and jumping—right in their natural habitat. The key detail is right in the rules: you’ll only see them from the speedboat, and there’s no on-land access permitted.

That means this isn’t the kind of stop where you’re walking close to monkeys. It’s more like a quick wildlife viewing moment while you drift and the crew coordinates the best sightlines. If you love animals, it’s a fun change of pace. If you’re expecting a hands-on encounter, you’ll be disappointed—this is intentionally kept wild.

Phi Phi Holiday Resort: Sea-View Buffet Lunch

Lunch happens at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, and it’s a sea-view buffet. The spread includes a mix of Thai and international dishes, and they’re set up for dietary needs—vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other restrictions are available upon request.

This stop is about 1 hour, so it’s not just “eat and run.” In practice, it works as a reset: you cool down, refuel, and then you’re back on the boat with the day’s remaining snorkeling/swimming segments.

In feedback, lunch gets mixed grades on taste, but the consistent theme is that there’s enough food and a view. Even if the buffet isn’t your personal favorite style, you’ll still get a satisfying break from the boat heat.

Pileh Bay: The Fan Favorite Lagoon Stop

Pileh Bay is the stop many people point to as a highlight. You’re swimming in emerald green waters with tall limestone cliffs all around—classic Phi Phi drama, but in a lagoon setting. You get about 30 minutes here, which feels short if you want to linger, but it’s also enough time to enjoy the water and take in the surrounding rock formations.

If you want the most “wow” per minute on the itinerary, Pileh Bay tends to deliver.

Swiftlet Cave Stop: Bird’s Nest Soup Origins

There’s also a stop for a cave associated with swallow birds (swiftlets). The point here is viewing and learning how the birds’ nesting matters because it relates to the specialty dish bird’s nest soup.

This isn’t a long beach stop. Think of it as a cultural/food connection moment—quick, informative, and tied to the region’s traditions.

Maya Bay: The Movie Beach, With a Time-Sensitive Reality

Maya Bay is the famous one: bright blue water and a white-sand beach made known through the 2000 movie The Beach. You get about 1 hour here.

Important update: Maya Bay will be closed from August 1, 2025 for an announced period. If your trip falls after that date, you should expect itinerary adjustments by the operator, since the bay itself won’t be accessible on the same schedule.

Snorkeling Gear: What You Get and How to Make It Count

This tour includes snorkeling equipment: a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket. The mouthpiece is described as brand new, which is nice because it reduces that overly used, awkward “first time with this” feeling.

There’s also a practical win: the crew provides beach towels (and they take care of them while you’re in the water). On a speedboat day, that detail matters more than you’d think. Wet towel management is one of those small annoyances that can ruin a great day—here, it’s handled.

What you should expect to see underwater depends on conditions, but the snorkeling quality is consistently praised: multiple stops are timed so you can get in the water when the visibility is best. Even with rain, people report that underwater views were worth it.

Bring this for comfort

• Sun protection: you’re on open water and bright beaches
• A rash guard if you burn easily
• If you’re prone to motion sickness: meds ahead of time can help a lot (more on that below)

Motion Sickness and the Speedboat Reality

Let’s be honest: this is a speedboat. You’re traveling fast across choppy water, and a few reviews point out it can be rough. One person specifically notes that it’s a good idea to take motion sickness pills beforehand.

If you’re sensitive, you’re not imagining it—on a fast route, waves roll under the boat and that “bounce” is real. What helps:

• sit where you feel the most stable (crew can usually suggest)
• keep your eyes on the horizon when possible
• avoid going in hungry or with too heavy a meal right before departure

Also note: the onboard restroom exists, but the boat is moving. So if you need the facilities, plan to use land stops when you can.

Food, Drinks, and That Sea-View Lunch Break

The day is packed with included refreshment. You’ll get bottled water, seasonal fruits, snacks, and coffee/tea. Alcohol is not included, but it’s available to purchase.

This “snacks all day” style is a big value add. On island tours where you only get one meal, you end up starving by the second snorkeling stop. Here, you get fed more often, which makes the full-day rhythm feel less punishing.

Lunch is the biggest meal, and it’s served at the resort, so it’s not just a cold box sandwich moment. You’re eating with ocean views, which makes the longer day feel like it has a proper break built in.

Maya Bay Timing: How to Think About Closures

Maya Bay’s fame comes with a catch: it’s managed, and rules change. The provided update says closure starts August 1, 2025 and runs through an announced period.

So if you’re booking in 2025 or beyond, don’t plan your entire “must-see” list around Maya Bay being accessible. Ask what your tour will do on that date. The best-case scenario is you still get iconic Phi Phi views, just with different stops.

Price and Logistics: Is $108.43 Good Value?

At $108.43 per person, the headline value is that you’re not just buying a boat ride. You’re getting:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• a professional guide
• accident insurance
• snorkeling gear
• lunch plus drinks/snacks
• a waterproof floating phone case
• an on-board restroom

Then you add the extra that’s not included: national park fees of 400 THB adult / 200 THB child. That’s common on Phi Phi-type itineraries, but it’s still a real add-on you’ll want to budget.

My take: this price makes sense if you want a full-day “see a lot and do real water time” experience with the day organized for you. If you’re only interested in one beach or you’re a hardcore sunbather who hates boat rides, you could find cheaper options that don’t include snorkeling gear and transfers—but you’ll likely give up time, care, or convenience.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a good match if you:

• want multiple island stops in one day
• care about snorkeling and not just scenic views
• like the idea of a small group capped around 20
• prefer having transfers and meals handled so you can focus on the islands

It may be less ideal if you:

• hate speedboat rides or have serious motion sickness issues
• want long lounging time on land (most stops are timed and fairly short)
• expect close-up access with monkeys on land (Monkey Beach is boat-only)

Should You Book This Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Day Trip?

I’d book it if your main goal is a fast, organized day where you actually get in the water—plus you want a sea-view lunch and snorkeling gear without having to plan anything. The standout strengths are the crew professionalism, good pacing, and the “we’ve got you covered” feeling with snacks, water, and equipment.

If you’re the type who gets irritated by choppy rides or very crowded spots, go into it prepared: bring motion sickness meds, sun protection, and a flexible mindset about shorter stop times. Also, double-check Maya Bay access for your travel dates because closures are real here.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands tour?

The tour runs about 9 hours and 30 minutes (approximately).

Do they pick you up from your hotel?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered.

Is lunch included, and is it served with a view?

Lunch is included. It’s a sea-view buffet served at Phi Phi Holiday Resort.

What snorkeling items are provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included: life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins, plus a brand new snorkel mouthpiece.

Can I see the monkeys up close on land?

No. At Monkey Beach, you only see the macaques from the speedboat, and there is no on-land access permitted.

Are national park fees included in the price?

No. National park fees are extra: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Is Maya Bay included on this tour?

Maya Bay is listed as a stop, but there’s an important update: Maya Bay will be closed starting August 1, 2025 for a period, so the operator may adjust what’s possible depending on your date.