Premium Tour to Phi Phi & Bamboo Island Tours by Speed boat

Phi Phi’s best scenery comes by speedboat, with steep limestone islands, clear coves, and several chances to swim and snorkel. I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, and I like that lunch, equipment, and guide photos are included, so you can leave Phuket without packing much more than swimwear.

The itinerary also gives you two hours at Bamboo Island, which is less crowded than the famous Phi Phi stops in this schedule. The main caution is the boat ride: speedboats can be very bumpy, and one account describes motion sickness severe enough to require pills that caused sleepiness. Maya Bay is viewed from a distance, not visited, because it is currently closed.

Key points before you book

• Royal Phuket Marina check-in: Allow 40 minutes for safety instructions, equipment, and group organization before departure.
• Maya Bay from offshore: You will see the famous bay at a distance, but you will not enter it.
• Two hours at Bamboo Island: This is the longest single island stop and includes time for snorkeling.
• Maximum group of 35: This is a premium-style service, but it is not a private boat.
• Lunch and hotel transfers included: The $109.12 price covers the main practical extras.
• Speedboat comfort matters: The fast ride saves time but can be rough in choppy water.

What the $109.12 price really covers

At $109.12 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi. It is priced as a full-service day, though, with approximately nine hours on the schedule, round-trip hotel transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, snorkeling equipment, an English-speaking guide, and photos taken by the guide.

That bundle matters in Phuket. A do-it-yourself island day still requires transport to the pier, boat tickets, equipment, food, and careful timing between islands. Here, those pieces are arranged for you. I particularly like that the snorkeling gear is supplied and that safety information is provided before you board.

The value depends on what you want from Phi Phi. If your goal is to see several famous places in one day, the price is reasonable. If you want a quiet beach day, a private boat, or long stretches with no fixed schedule, this is less attractive.

The group can reach up to 35 people. That is small enough for organized handling, but it is not an intimate outing. Expect a set route, shared transport, and timed stops. The word premium here appears to refer to the package and service level, not to a private-island experience.

Starting at Royal Phuket Marina

The day begins with pickup at your hotel and a start time of 7:30 am. You then head to Royal Phuket Marina, where the operator allows about 40 minutes for check-in and preparation.

This early pier period is useful rather than wasted time. You receive safety information, collect snorkeling equipment, and learn how the group will operate. Colored wristbands may be used to identify groups, which helps when several departures are being organized at the same pier.

Food arrangements at the marina may also include a light breakfast before departure. Lunch is specifically included, while breakfast is not listed as a standard inclusion, so I would not book this expecting a guaranteed full morning meal.

The English-speaking guide leads the briefing and helps organize the water stops. A guide named Mr Joker is associated with one departure, but guide assignments can vary. Photos taken by the guide are included, a nice extra if you want some record of the day without constantly handling your own phone around water.

The speedboat ride: fast, useful, and sometimes rough

The speedboat is the reason this itinerary can cover several islands in one day. You spend less time making the long crossing from Phuket and more time around Phi Phi Ley and Bamboo Island.

There is a trade-off. The ride can be hard on anyone prone to motion sickness, especially when the sea is choppy. One account describes the boat as extremely bumpy and notes that motion sickness tablets were offered. Those tablets helped with nausea but caused sleepiness, so you should think carefully about your own tolerance before boarding.

This is not a reason to dismiss the tour, but it is the most important comfort warning. If you know you react badly to fast boats, a calmer transport option may suit you better. If you handle speedboats well, the shorter crossing is a real advantage.

The boat includes crew support and snorkeling equipment. Follow the safety instructions closely, especially when entering the water from a moving boat and when swimming near other groups.

Phi Phi Ley, where most of the scenery is concentrated

Phi Phi Ley receives the largest share of the schedule. One stop allows about an hour for swimming and snorkeling, followed by another two-hour Phi Phi Ley segment focused on the island’s clear water and marine life.

The itinerary wording groups these stops under Phi Phi Ley, so the exact order may change during the day. In practical terms, you should expect several water-based activities around the island rather than a long walk or cultural visit. The appeal is the setting: limestone cliffs, small coves, and clear water that makes the island feel far removed from Phuket.

The snorkeling is the heart of this part of the day. The operator supplies the mask and related equipment, and the guide points you toward suitable places. The tour description promises coral and fish, but sea conditions affect visibility, so do not treat underwater conditions as guaranteed.

You should also expect other boats in the area. Phi Phi Ley is one of Thailand’s best-known island destinations, and a shared speedboat schedule naturally brings several groups into the same waters. The scenery remains impressive, but peace and quiet are not part of the deal.

Maya Bay, seen but not entered

Maya Bay is included as a sight from offshore. It is currently closed to direct visits, so you will view it from a distance rather than step onto the beach or snorkel inside the bay.

This distinction is important when comparing island tours. Some descriptions of Phi Phi day trips can make Maya Bay sound like a normal beach stop. Here, it is a scenic viewing point only. You can still see the famous setting, but you should not expect time on the sand, a swim in the bay, or a close look at the shoreline.

The closure is also why the tour places more weight on Phi Phi Ley, Pileh Bay, and Bamboo Island. Those stops provide the actual water time.

Pileh Bay for a shorter swim and snorkel

Pileh Bay gets about 45 minutes. The cove is known for calm-looking, clear water enclosed by high limestone walls, making it one of the most photogenic sections of the route.

Forty-five minutes is enough for a swim and a quick snorkeling session, but it is not a leisurely beach visit. You will need to move efficiently, especially if the group is large and the boat has a set departure time.

I like this stop because it breaks up the longer island visits. After the more extended Phi Phi Ley schedule, Pileh Bay offers a shorter burst of water time in a dramatic setting. The drawback is simple: if you want to stay in one cove for half a day, this schedule will feel rushed.

The water experience is weather dependent. The tour presents Pileh Bay as a snorkeling location, but visibility and comfort can change with wind, waves, and boat traffic.

Bamboo Island gives you the longest break

Bamboo Island receives about two hours, making it the most generous individual stop on the itinerary. This is where the schedule has room for a proper snorkeling session, swimming, and some time to enjoy the island without immediately checking the clock.

The island is described as less visited than the main Phi Phi highlights. That does not mean you will have it to yourself, but it may feel less pressured than the famous Maya Bay area. If you prefer underwater time to collecting quick photographs at several viewpoints, Bamboo Island is likely to be the strongest part of the day.

The crew guides you toward snorkeling areas, and equipment is included. The waters around the island are presented as clear, with coral and marine life below the surface. Again, conditions can vary, but the two-hour allowance gives you a better chance to make the most of the stop.

This is also the point where practical preparation helps. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel, even though the operator supplies the snorkeling gear. Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses are not included, so budget separately if you want anything beyond the supplied meals and equipment.

Lunch, photos, and the practical extras

Lunch is included, which makes the day easier. You do not need to find a restaurant between island stops, and the fixed meal keeps the schedule moving. The available feedback describes the food as good and the crew as friendly, though the exact menu is not provided.

The guide also takes photos during the tour. That can be useful during snorkeling and group moments, when carrying your own camera is awkward. Do not assume every image will be a personal portrait, but the inclusion gives you a chance to come away with photographs without paying an extra fee.

Hotel transfers are another strong point. Pickup and return remove the need to arrange separate transport to Royal Phuket Marina. Check the pickup details carefully at booking, since the tour information confirms that pickup is offered but does not list every hotel or neighborhood.

The air-conditioned vehicle applies to the land transfers. Once you reach the marina, the main transport is the speedboat, with all the comfort limits that implies.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you have one full day in Phuket and want a broad introduction to Phi Phi without arranging several separate bookings. It suits people who value convenience, swimming, snorkeling, and scenery more than a flexible schedule.

Families with children aged eight and above may find the format workable, provided everyone is comfortable with a fast boat and open-water activities. The tour information says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed medical or age restrictions beyond that general guidance.

This is also a good match for first-time snorkelers. Equipment is provided, safety information comes before the water activities, and an English-speaking guide is present. You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness, dislike crowded island areas, or need long, quiet stops. The route covers a lot in nine hours, and the speedboat ride can be tiring. The maximum group size of 35 also means that boarding, swimming, lunch, and departures follow a shared timetable.

Booking details and cancellation

The tour is often booked about eight days before departure, which suggests that planning ahead is sensible, particularly during busy periods. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience uses a mobile ticket.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not eligible for a refund. That policy is fairly straightforward, but check the local time carefully if you are changing plans from another time zone.

The stated rating is based on only two published scores, so I would not treat it as a reliable measure of every departure. The useful lesson from the available feedback is more specific: the crew, instructions, food, and island scenery received positive attention, while rough water and heavy crowds caused frustration. Those are the real decision points.

Should you book this Phi Phi speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a packed island day with logistics handled for you. The combination of hotel transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, an English-speaking guide, guide-taken photos, and a nine-hour route gives the $109.12 price practical value.

The strongest features are the two-hour Bamboo Island stop, the repeated water time around Phi Phi Ley, and the chance to see Maya Bay from offshore without pretending it is open. The main weakness is comfort: a speedboat can be rough, and the famous Phi Phi sites can be crowded.

I would skip it if seasickness is a serious concern or if you want a private, slow-paced outing. For everyone else, this is a useful way to fit Phi Phi Ley, Pileh Bay, Maya Bay views, and Bamboo Island into one organized day from Phuket, provided you accept the fixed schedule and shared boat.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately nine hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 7:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transfers are included, along with an air-conditioned vehicle for the land transportation.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price. Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Can I visit Maya Bay?

You can view Maya Bay from a distance, but the tour does not enter the bay because it is currently closed.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour can have a maximum of 35 participants.