From Phi Phi: Private Full-Day Speed Boat Charter

The best part of this six-hour charter is the freedom to see many of Phi Phi’s famous spots in one long sweep, from blacktip shark country to the glowing walls of Pi Leh Lagoon. You also get a private boat, rather than sharing every swim stop with a large tour crowd, though the speedboat schedule still depends on sea conditions.

I like the mix of proper snorkeling and famous scenery. Shark Point, Hin Klang, and Loh Samah Bay give you time in the water, while Bamboo Island offers a sandy break and Maya Bay brings the movie-famous view. I also like that lunch, fruit, water, gear, and life vests are included.

The main catch is the price: $521 for a group of up to two is a serious splurge. National Park fees are extra unless you select the add-on, and Maya Bay may be viewable only from outside the bay area because access rules change. Seasickness, pregnancy, and limited mobility are also concerns.

Key points to know before you book

• A private boat for two: The $521 rate covers a group of up to two, making the cost easier to justify if you value privacy and a flexible day.
• Three strong snorkeling areas: Shark Point, Hin Klang, and Loh Samah Bay each offer a different setting for seeing fish and coral.
• Beach lunch on Bamboo Island: You can rest on white sand, eat lunch, and enjoy seasonal fruit before the afternoon stops.
• Maya Bay access can change: You may see the bay from the boat rather than enter it, depending on conservation rules and the date of your visit.
• Sunset finishes the day: The return to Phi Phi includes an ocean sunset, a calm final scene after a busy schedule.
• Guide and crew matter: Nancy, the English-speaking guide named in the tour information, along with the captain and crew, are noted for being helpful and friendly.

A private speedboat day around Phi Phi

This is not a slow, quiet cruise. It is a full day of short boat rides, swims, beach time, photographs, and quick changes of scenery. You start in front of Koh Phi Phi Hospital, or at SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier, then head out on a private speedboat.

The private setup matters most if you dislike waiting for a large group. You can ask about the order of stops and spend more time in places that suit you, although the exact route remains subject to weather and current access rules. The information gives six hours for the activity, so the schedule is full rather than leisurely.

The boat includes a driver, life vests, drinking water, masks, and snorkels. An English-speaking guide is included, though the booking details also say a sea guide is not included. I would clarify this point before paying, especially if you want someone in the water with you rather than only a captain and boat crew.

Shark Point and Runtee Bay: start with sea life

The first water stop is Shark Point, followed by Runtee Bay. This is where the day begins with snorkeling rather than sightseeing from the boat. The area is associated with blacktip sharks and other marine life, so it offers a more memorable first swim than simply stopping for a quick photo.

You should treat shark sightings as a possibility, not a promise. Sea life is wild, visibility can change, and the supplied information does not guarantee what you will see. Still, this stop gives the trip a clear purpose for anyone who cares more about the underwater world than simply collecting beach photographs.

Runtee Bay adds another chance to swim in clear water. The tour is a good match for confident swimmers who enjoy getting in and out of the boat several times. If you are prone to seasickness, the repeated speedboat rides and open-water stops may make this a poor choice.

Bamboo Island turns lunch into beach time

After the first snorkeling, you head to Bamboo Island. Despite its name, the attraction is not only the bamboo growth. The island is uninhabited, with a powdery white sand beach where you can sunbathe, rest, and eat lunch.

Lunch comes with seasonal fresh fruit and drinking water. That sounds simple, but it is useful on a six-hour sea outing. You do not need to arrange a separate beach meal, and the fruit gives you something light after swimming.

Bamboo Island is also the natural pause in an otherwise active schedule. You can dry off, sit on the sand, and enjoy the view without immediately putting your mask back on. Keep your sun hat and sunscreen handy. Shade is not promised, and the tropical sun can be tiring well before the final sunset.

Mosquito Island and Hin Klang add more snorkeling

The route continues toward Mosquito Island, another uninhabited stop. The appeal here is the feeling of being away from built-up Phi Phi, though you should not expect shops, restaurants, or facilities. Bring cash for other parts of the day, but do not count on buying supplies at these islands.

The next snorkeling area is Hin Klang. Together with Shark Point and Loh Samah Bay, it gives you several chances to see tropical fish and coral in different settings. This variety is one reason the private charter can be worthwhile: the day is not built around one single beach.

The drawback is pace. If you prefer one long swim in one place, this itinerary may feel rushed. If you like seeing several locations in one outing, the changes keep the day moving.

Nui Bay, Monkey Beach, and Phi Phi’s familiar sights

Back near Phi Phi Don, the boat stops at Nui Bay and the well-known Monkey Beach. These places are scenic and easy to recognize in photographs, but they are different from the quieter uninhabited islands. Your time here is more about looking, taking pictures, and seeing the coast than settling in for a long beach stay.

Monkey Beach is named for its resident monkeys, but the tour information does not promise a particular number of animals or a close encounter. Watch your belongings and follow the crew’s instructions around wildlife. Do not treat the beach as a petting zoo.

Nui Bay gives you another coastal view before the boat moves on. Because the entire day includes so many stops, you may only have a short time at each one. That is the trade-off for fitting Phi Phi’s best-known sights into one private outing.

Viking Cave and its unusual wall painting

Viking Cave is viewed from the boat. Its wall contains a mysterious painting said to resemble a long Viking boat. The cave is also connected with the collection of bird’s nests used in medicinal soup.

This is a short sightseeing stop rather than an underground cave tour. You should not expect to climb inside or explore on foot. Its value comes from seeing an unusual part of Phi Phi’s coastal culture and geology, while your guide explains what you are looking at.

It also gives the day a change of rhythm. After beaches and snorkeling, the cave provides a brief look at a place with a story attached to it, even if you remain on the speedboat.

Pi Leh Lagoon is the visual centerpiece

Pi Leh Lagoon is likely to be the most striking stop on the route. Jagged limestone cliffs surround the turquoise water, creating a sheltered space that looks almost enclosed from the boat. When sunlight hits the surface, the water can appear to glow from below.

You can take a dip here, though conditions and access may affect how long you stay in the water. This is one of the spots where you will want your phone or camera ready, but protect it from spray and keep it secure on the boat.

The cliffs are the main attraction, not a long beach visit. Pi Leh Lagoon rewards you with dramatic scenery in a short time. If your priority is a classic Phi Phi view, this stop delivers more than another ordinary shoreline.

Loh Samah Bay and the changing Maya Bay rules

Loh Samah Bay brings you back to snorkeling, with a large coral reef and tropical fish. It is a useful contrast to Pi Leh Lagoon because you are looking beneath the water again rather than only at cliffs and scenery.

Access to Loh Samah Bay can be seasonal or restricted. The supplied information notes a closure from August 1 through September 30, 2022, and conservation rules can change. Check the current arrangements before booking rather than assuming every stop will be open.

Maya Bay comes near the end. The bay became famous through the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, and its limestone cliffs and pale sand remain one of Phi Phi’s signature sights. At the time described, Maya Bay was closed to tourists for coral propagation, so the boat could view the bay from outside rather than enter it.

That distinction matters. If you are paying mainly to walk on Maya Bay’s beach, confirm the current access rules first. If you are happy to see the bay from the water and treat it as one part of a wider day, the stop can still be worthwhile.

Sunset makes a fitting final stop

After Maya Bay, the boat turns back toward the original meeting point. The return is timed to offer a sunset over the sea, weather permitting. This gives the day a quieter ending after the engine noise, swimming, and repeated boarding.

Sunset is also one of the most romantic parts of the charter. For two people celebrating a special occasion, the private boat and final ocean view may help justify the high price. It is a photo opportunity, but it is also a chance to sit back and let the day wind down.

The exact sunset quality depends on clouds and weather. No tour can guarantee a perfect sky, but the route places you on the water at the right general point in the day.

What the $521 price really buys you

At $521 for up to two people, this is not a budget island outing. The value comes from privacy, a private speedboat, a packed route, and the ability to avoid sharing the entire day with a large group. If two people split the cost, it is easier to view the charter as a special full-day experience rather than a standard beach transfer.

The included lunch, fruit, water, snorkeling equipment, life vests, driver, and accident insurance reduce the number of extras to arrange. National Park fees are not included unless you select the add-on, so include that cost in your budget.

The price is harder to justify if your main goal is one beach, one swim, or a relaxed afternoon. You are paying for access to many places in one outing and for the private format. A shared tour may suit you better if you care more about keeping costs down than controlling the group.

Practical details that affect the day

You can begin at Koh Phi Phi Hospital or at SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Plan your own way to the departure point and arrive ready to board.

Wear swimwear and bring a sun hat, sunscreen, and cash. Drones are not allowed. Pack lightly, since you will be moving between the boat, beaches, and water several times.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness. A speedboat can make the journey faster, but it can also make the ride bumpy. Good weather is required, and the route may change or the trip may be canceled if conditions at sea are dangerous.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are helpful when weather is uncertain, but they do not guarantee that every named bay will be open.

Who should book this Phi Phi charter?

I would choose this trip for two people who want to see a lot in one day, care about snorkeling, and value having their own boat. It is especially appealing for a couple or close pair who want Bamboo Island, Pi Leh Lagoon, Maya Bay, and a sunset without joining a large shared group.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, need a slow schedule, or want guaranteed beach access at Maya Bay. The itinerary is active, the price is high, and conservation closures can change the final experience.

The tour team is another plus. Nancy is the named English-speaking guide, and the captain and crew are described as helpful and friendly. Since guide assignments can vary, confirm who will be aboard if that matters to you.

Should you book it?

Book this private charter if you want the broadest possible Phi Phi day, with serious snorkeling, famous cliffs, an uninhabited beach, lunch on the sand, and sunset from the water. The private format is the reason to pay more.

Skip it if $521 for two strains your budget or if you mainly want to enter Maya Bay. Before booking, confirm current National Park access, Maya Bay rules, the guide arrangement, and the final fee total. If those details suit you, this is a strong choice for an active, scenery-packed day around Phi Phi.

FAQ

How long does the private Phi Phi speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How much does the charter cost?

The price is $521 per group of up to two people.

Where does the tour start?

You can start at Koh Phi Phi Hospital or at SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier. The meeting instructions specify being ready in front of SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point. The listed drop-off options are Koh Phi Phi Hospital and SAii Phi Phi Island Village.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, seasonal fresh fruit, and drinking water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels, masks, and life vests are included.

Are National Park fees included?

No. National Park fees are not included unless you select the add-on. The supplied information says these fees are required for protected islands and snorkeling spots, though officials collect them randomly.

Can I visit Maya Bay?

Maya Bay access depends on current conservation rules. The supplied information says the bay was closed to tourists for coral propagation, with viewing from outside the bay area possible. It also notes a Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay closure from August 1 through September 30, 2022.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. It is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.