Phi Phi Islands Premium Trip By Royal Jet Cruiser and Speedboat From Phuket

The best part of this day is the combination of a comfortable cruise and a nimble speedboat. You see Phi Phi Ley’s famous coves and cliffs from the water, then reach Phi Phi Don for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and free time. I like the premium cabin and the private sundeck, and I like that snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, lunch, and hotel transfers are included. The drawback is the number of transfers between cruiser, speedboat, and shore, which can be tiring for older adults or very young children.

For about $113.55, you get an 8 to 9-hour island day rather than just a boat ride. The trip works best if you want a broad first look at Phi Phi without arranging boats, food, equipment, and transport separately. Just remember that the premium seating makes the long crossing easier, but it does not turn a busy island day into a quiet one.

Key points at a glance

• Royal Jet Cruiser 9 crossing: The trip from Phuket to Phi Phi takes about 1.5 hours, with premium seating for a more comfortable ride.
• Private sundeck access: Premium-class passengers have their own outdoor viewing area, useful for photos and fresh air.
• Boat-based Phi Phi Ley sightseeing: Viking Cave, Pi Leh Cove, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, and Monkey Beach are viewed from the water.
• Speedboat snorkeling: You change to a luxury speedboat for snorkeling, with equipment provided at no extra cost.
• Phi Phi Don free time: You get about three hours for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring nearby parts of the island.
• Hotel pickup included: Pickup begins around 7:00 am, and the total outing lasts roughly eight to nine hours.

A comfortable start from Phuket

The day begins with hotel pickup around 7:00 am. Exact pickup timing can vary, but you should plan for an early morning and a full day away from your hotel. Transfers are included, which saves you from arranging your own transport to the departure point.

The main crossing uses the Royal Jet Cruiser 9. The journey to Phi Phi takes about 1.5 hours, so seating matters. In the regular part of a boat, that amount of time can feel long. The premium cabin offers cushioned seats, and the premium section has access to a private sundeck.

I see the premium upgrade as the main reason to choose this particular trip. You pay more than you would for a basic island excursion, but you get a more comfortable place for the longest part of the journey, along with a quieter viewing area. One especially useful detail is that the premium cabin may feel nearly private when the group is small. On one outing, only two paying customers were accompanied by two guides, giving the day a more personal feel.

The cruise is also more than simple transport. You pass Phi Phi Ley while staying on board, so you can watch the cliffs and coves without immediately dealing with beach landings, crowds, or wet gear. The private sundeck gives you a better chance to enjoy the scenery away from the main cabin.

Phi Phi Ley from the water

Phi Phi Ley is the scenic heart of the day. The boat passes several well-known sights, including Viking Cave, Pi Leh Cove, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, and Monkey Beach. These are sightseeing stops from the boat rather than a series of long shore visits.

That distinction matters. You get a broad view of the island’s famous locations, but you should not expect a separate walking stop at every site. The value is in seeing several places in one continuous cruise, with the boat able to position itself for views and photographs.

Pi Leh Cove is one of the key scenic moments. The sheltered water and steep rock walls make it easy to understand why Phi Phi is so popular. Loh Samah Bay offers another strong view from the sea, while Viking Cave adds a recognizable landmark to the route. Maya Bay is included as boat sightseeing, so plan around an offshore view rather than assuming beach time there.

Monkey Beach is also seen during the route. The supplied details do not promise a landing, close wildlife encounter, or time on the sand, so keep your expectations modest. This portion of the day is best treated as a moving photo tour.

I like this format for a first visit because it covers a lot of ground. If you want long, quiet swims at one cove or hours on one beach, this is not the right structure. If you want to see the major names around Phi Phi in one day, it is efficient.

Changing to the speedboat for snorkeling

After the larger cruiser portion, you use a luxury speedboat for snorkeling and access to the island waters. The speedboat is useful because it can take you closer to the places where you swim and snorkel than a larger vessel can.

Snorkeling equipment rental is included, so you do not need to arrange your own mask and gear. The tour description promises clear water and tropical fish around Phi Phi Don. Conditions can vary with weather, but the main appeal is the chance to get into the water rather than only viewing the islands from a deck.

This is also where the day becomes more physical. One detailed account describes several changes between ferry and speedboat, then speedboat and shore. Those transfers may involve moving between boats and stepping into shallow water or onto a beach. The exact method can depend on sea conditions, but you should be ready for a little climbing, balancing, and wet footwear.

That makes the trip less suitable for anyone with mobility concerns. Pregnant people and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone conditions are not advised to join. The same caution applies to families with very young children, especially if boat changes are difficult. Children aged 4 to 11 may receive a child ticket if they are under 120 centimeters tall, but the physical demands still deserve careful thought.

Three hours on Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is the main shore stop. You have about three hours for lunch and free time around the island. This is the part of the outing that lets you slow down after the cruise and boat sightseeing.

Lunch includes a buffet and seafood, with complimentary beverages and snacks also provided. That inclusion improves the value of the price because you are not left to find and pay for a meal during a tightly timed island stop. The meal is at an island restaurant, giving you a proper break from the boats.

You can use the free time for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the white sand beach. If you prefer to stay dry, you can explore the nearby area and enjoy the views from shore. The tour does not specify a detailed walking route, so think of this as unstructured island time rather than a guided cultural visit.

I like having three hours here. Many island excursions rush from one photo stop to another, but this schedule gives you enough time to eat and get into the water without immediately being called back aboard. Still, the time will pass quickly if you want lunch, a swim, snorkeling, and exploration all in one block.

Keep an eye on the meeting instructions given on the day. Boat tours run on group timing, and missing the return departure could create a serious problem. Your guides are there to direct the transfers, but you should still note where and when you need to rejoin the group.

What the premium price buys you

At $113.55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled together: hotel transfers, the Royal Jet Cruiser journey, premium seating, private sundeck use, speedboat access, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, snacks, and a full day of sightseeing.

The main value is convenience. You do not have to find a pier, negotiate separate boat arrangements, bring snorkeling gear, or locate lunch on Phi Phi Don. For a visitor with only a short stay in Phuket, that can justify the cost.

The premium cabin is the feature I would focus on when comparing this trip with cheaper alternatives. The long crossing is much easier with cushioned seating, and the private deck gives you a more pleasant place to watch the islands. If you plan to sit outside most of the time anyway, the upgrade may matter less. If you dislike crowded seating or want a calmer ride, it has a clearer benefit.

The trip also has a capacity of up to 100 people. That is a large possible group, even though a particular departure may be much smaller. The small group experience described for one departure should not be treated as a guarantee. You are buying a premium section and a planned schedule, not necessarily a private boat.

The tradeoff: many boats and many movements

The biggest weakness is the transfer pattern. You may move from hotel transport to the Royal Jet Cruiser, then to the speedboat, then onto shore. Later, you reverse the process. Those changes help combine comfort with close access to the islands, but they can be tiring.

I would not choose this trip for someone who struggles with steps, unstable footing, or repeated boat boarding. It is also a poor fit if your idea of a luxury day means staying on one vessel from start to finish. The premium cabin improves the cruiser ride, but you still need to manage the speedboat and beach portions.

The tour also depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is fair, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your Phuket schedule if possible.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Canceling within 24 hours does not qualify for a refund, and changes inside that period are not accepted. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason may result in another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this Phi Phi day

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a well-organized first visit to Phi Phi and value comfort during the Phuket crossing. It suits couples, small groups, and active families whose children can manage boat transfers and a long day outside.

It is especially useful if you want all the major pieces in one booking:

• A scenic ride from Phuket
• Phi Phi Ley sights seen from the water
• Snorkeling with gear included
• A beach and swimming stop
• Buffet and seafood lunch
• Drinks and snacks
• Hotel pickup and return transport

The trip is less suitable if you want a quiet, low-impact outing. The full day includes early pickup, several boat movements, snorkeling, and time in the sun. Older adults and very young children may find the pace uncomfortable, even if they enjoy the views.

It is also not the best choice for someone focused on a single beach. Maya Bay is part of the sightseeing route, but the planned shore time is on Phi Phi Don. You should book this for the complete island circuit, not for guaranteed beach time at every famous location.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive ready for both a boat ride and a beach stop. Wear clothing that can handle spray, bring sun protection, and use footwear that is easy to remove or secure during transfers. The supplied information confirms that drinks, snacks, lunch, and snorkeling equipment are included, so you can pack lightly, but personal items still need protection from water.

Use the premium cabin for the long crossing, then take advantage of the sundeck when you want outdoor views. The best photos may come from the open deck or the speedboat, but you should follow crew instructions during movement between vessels.

Keep your schedule flexible after the tour. The planned duration is eight to nine hours, and sea conditions can affect the pace. An early start and a full day on the water can leave you ready for a quiet evening.

Should you book the Royal Jet Cruiser Phi Phi trip?

Book it if you want to see many Phi Phi highlights in one day and you value an easier, bundled arrangement. The premium seating, private sundeck, speedboat snorkeling, lunch, and hotel transfers give the $113.55 price a reasonable case, especially for a first visit to Phuket’s islands.

Skip it if repeated transfers would be difficult, if you need a slower day, or if your main goal is to spend extended time on one specific beach. For everyone else, this is a practical way to combine Phi Phi Ley sightseeing with genuine time in the water and on Phi Phi Don. Go in expecting a busy day, not a private cruise, and the experience should deliver good value.

FAQ

How long does the Phi Phi Islands tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, including hotel pickup, the boat journey, sightseeing, snorkeling, lunch, and free time on Phi Phi Don.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:00 am. Hotel pickup is scheduled around 7:00 am to 7:15 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Convenient transfers to and from your hotel are included.

Which Phi Phi sights are seen during the cruise?

The route includes sightseeing around Viking Cave, Pi Leh Cove, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, and Monkey Beach. These locations are viewed from the boat.

Is Maya Bay a shore stop?

The available details describe Maya Bay as sightseeing from the boat. They do not state that the tour includes a landing there.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Free snorkeling gear rental is included, and snorkeling takes place from a luxury speedboat.

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is provided at an island restaurant on Phi Phi Don. It includes a buffet and seafood, with complimentary beverages and snacks.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children aged 4 to 11 can receive a child ticket if they are under 120 centimeters in height. The tour may still be difficult for very young children because it includes several boat transfers and a full day of activity.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.