Speedboat stops make Phi Phi feel easy, and this Phuket day trip packs major islands into one smooth run. I like the small-group cap (up to 20) and the fact that hotel pickup gets you going without fuss. You also get the key day-trip tools: snorkeling gear, beach towels, and a proper meal stop.

My second big plus is the sea-view lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with multiple diet options available. A fair caution: the boat ride can be choppy and the day has lots of different stops—great if you like action, not ideal if you want slow and quiet.

Key reasons to book this Phi Phi and Bamboo day trip

• Up to 20 people: better flow at the sites than the big-fleet vibe
• Snorkeling gear and towels included: you’re not scrambling for rentals
• Sea-view buffet lunch: Thai and international options, plus diet accommodations
• Macaque sightings from the boat: Monkey Bay action without on-land contact
• A lagoon swim at Pileh Bay: one of the nicest, most photogenic water breaks
• Waterproof phone case included: handy for jumping in and dry-screen living

Royal Phuket Marina: Getting set up fast for a long, fun day

This tour starts with pickup and drop-off from your Phuket hotel. You’ll head to Royal Phuket Marina, where check-in is kept simple, and you get a short info and safety session before boarding. It’s one of those “get your bearings fast” setups—useful because the day moves quickly and you’ll be switching boats, swim gear, and timing throughout.

At the marina, you also get the kind of extras that make island-hopping feel organized: refreshments during the briefing, plus the tour includes items that keep you comfortable on the water. There’s even an onboard restroom, though I’ll be honest: if you’re prone to seasickness or the speed is high, you may prefer to use shore stops when you can.

Bamboo Island: A national-park-style beach break that actually feels like paradise

First real escape: Bamboo Island. This is your main “swim, snorkel, and sunbathe” stretch, with a full hour on the water and beach area. The key detail here is that it’s part of Thailand’s marine national park system, so the vibe is more protected and nature-focused than some free-for-all beach spots.

What you’re likely to enjoy most is how Bamboo works as a reset. Early in the day, you can ease into the saltwater without feeling rushed. If snorkeling is your priority, bring the same mindset you’d bring to a good reef day: keep your breathing steady, move slowly, and focus on what’s right in front of you (not what you’re trying to chase from a distance).

Monkey Bay and Monkey Beach: Macaques, but with real-world boundaries

Next stop is Monkey Beach. The macaques here are wild—so you typically won’t have access on land. The way this tour handles it (from the speedboat) matters. You get to see the monkeys swimming, climbing, and jumping while the animals remain in their natural space.

This is also a “don’t get clever” moment. Wild macaques are quick and curious. Even from the boat, keep your phone and anything snack-like secured. The tour’s setup keeps you safer than the tours that try to get too close on foot.

Phi Phi Holiday Resort lunch: What sea-view buffets look like when timing matters

After the monkey stop, you’ll head to a lunch break at Phi Phi Holiday Resort. This is where the tour’s pacing pays off: you get about an hour, and it’s not just a rushed snack. The buffet is described as a mix of authentic Thai and international choices, plus you can request vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary accommodations.

For value, this matters because the day is not only sightseeing—it’s swimming and snorkeling. You’ll burn energy, and if you’ve ever done island tours that “include lunch” and then hand you a sad roll, you’ll appreciate that this one is framed as a real buffet stop.

One practical tip: fill up, but don’t go heavy on greasy foods if you’re sensitive to boat motion later. A full belly + choppy waves is not always a fun combo.

Pileh Bay: Emerald water and limestone cliffs in your swim window

Then comes one of the day’s most loved locations: Pileh Bay, with time around Pileh Lagoon. Expect a swim break in emerald-green water surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. This is the kind of stop you remember for the photos—but also for the feeling of being inside the scenery rather than just viewing it from a distance.

You only get about 30 minutes here, so come ready. Put on your essentials early, rinse gear if they provide time, and don’t waste the first chunk of the stop figuring out what you want to do. If you love being in the water, this is the moment.

Also, pay attention to life jacket instructions. The tour includes snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins) and life jackets are part of safety coverage. In some Phi Phi stops, rules can require life jackets for compliance, so don’t treat it like optional gear.

Swallow bird cave stop: A quick look at the food story behind the coastline

Between the lagoon swim and Maya Bay sightseeing, you’ll also pass a viewpoint connected to swallow birds and the bird’s nest soup tradition. The tour’s angle here is educational: it’s not just “look at rocks,” it’s learning why these caves matter to a unique specialty dish.

This stop is more of a context moment than a swim moment. If you like understanding how people connect to island ecosystems—food systems, protected areas, and local industries—you’ll get more out of it than if you only want beaches.

Maya Bay sightseeing and the August 2025 closure note

Finally, you’ll reach Maya Bay for sightseeing. This is the famous one made widely known by The Beach (the 2000 movie with Leonardo DiCaprio). The tour gives you time to look at the bright water and white sand from the right kind of vantage.

Here’s the important planning detail: Maya Bay will be closed starting August 1, 2025 for a period of time. Since closures can change plans in real life, check your travel dates before you lock anything in. If you’re traveling after the closure starts, expect the itinerary to focus on the other Phi Phi locations instead.

Snorkeling gear, reefs, and what the day feels like underwater

The snorkeling portion is a core reason people book this tour. You get snorkeling equipment included: life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins, plus a brand-new snorkel mouthpiece. They also provide beach towels.

What to expect underwater depends on conditions, but a consistent pattern shows up: you’ll see plenty of fish and colorful reef life during the snorkeling breaks. Some stops can feel fish-rich and active, while the coral experience can vary—sometimes less live coral than you hoped. That’s not unusual in the Andaman Sea, especially with weather changes.

If you’re snorkeling with limited experience, don’t try to “win” by going far. Stick close to the group and keep your buoyancy comfortable. If your mask fogs, fix it calmly; that’s better than panicking mid-water.

Also remember: the boat can travel at speed. If your snorkeling is right after a rough stretch, it’s easier to get water in your nose if you’re tense. Stay relaxed and take it slow.

The speedboat ride reality: smooth when calm, rough when it isn’t

This is a speedboat day, and that’s part of the charm. It also comes with trade-offs. Reviews and real-world physics line up: the ride can be loud and bumpy, especially when weather shifts.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand (or at least bring your usual remedy). Plan for the first transfer to take time to reach the islands—people describe roughly an hour to the first island stop, which means you’ll be sitting on the boat for a while before the first swim break.

A few other comfort notes:

• The boat is set up for small-group flow, but the “max 20” promise is a target. In at least one case described in feedback, the boat ran above that number. It wasn’t a disaster, but it’s good to know.
• Onboard toilet access exists, but the combination of bouncing waves and speed means you may prefer using shore breaks instead.

Price and value: $108.43 plus national park fees

At $108.43 per person, this tour’s value comes from what’s bundled. Your ticket covers hotel pickup/drop-off, a professional guide, accident insurance, snorkeling gear, lunch, seasonal fruit, snacks, and bottled water. You’ll also get a waterproof floating phone case and an onboard restroom.

What’s not included is the national park fee: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. You’ll also pay for alcoholic drinks if you want them.

To judge value fairly, I look at cost against how much you’d otherwise pay separately in Phuket:

• boat day from Phuket + guide
• snorkeling gear rentals
• lunch that isn’t just a snack
• transfers

This package makes sense if you want everything lined up without spending your vacation hunting down rentals and ferry schedules. If you already have snorkeling gear, you’d save that rental cost—but you’d still need the boat, the timing, and the lunch. So the main question becomes: do you want an organized day or a DIY plan?

Who this tour fits best (and who should choose differently)

This is ideal for you if you want:

• an active day (swimming, snorkeling, multiple scenic bays)
• a tour that tries to keep group sizes tighter than the big boats
• a lunch stop that includes real buffet food with diet options

It may be less ideal if:

• you hate speedboats or get sick easily
• you want a slow, quiet beach day with minimal moving around
• you’re sensitive to crowded moments at popular photo spots (some sites can be busy at peak times)

Should you book this Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands tour?

Book it if you want the classic Phi Phi day with a practical structure: guided speedboat hops, snorkeling gear included, and a lunch break that keeps you fueled. The biggest “yes” is how the day balances swimming time with scenic stops, including the lagoon-style beauty of Pileh Bay and the memorable Maya Bay sightseeing.

Skip or choose carefully if you’re very sea-sick prone or if your dates fall after Maya Bay’s closure starts (August 1, 2025). Also, if you’re someone who wants only one or two stops and lots of downtime, the number of swim and sightseeing blocks may feel like too much.

If you do book, bring motion sickness support, use sun protection early, and keep expectations realistic about coral condition. You’ll still get clear-water views and strong fish action during snorkeling when conditions cooperate.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands tour?

It runs for about 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Do they pick you up from your Phuket hotel?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch included, and can you handle dietary needs?

Yes. Lunch is included as a sea-view buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, and they note options for vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other special dietary restrictions upon request.

Is snorkeling gear included?

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

Is Maya Bay included in the tour?

Yes, Maya Bay is included for sightseeing, but it’s noted that Maya Bay will be closed starting August 1, 2025 for a period, so your exact visit may depend on your travel dates.

What about national park fees?

National park fees are not included: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Is the Monkey Bay macaque viewing done safely?

They do note that guests will only see the monkeys from the speedboat and there is no on-land access.

Does the tour include a phone waterproof case?

Yes. A waterproof floating phone case is included.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. It depends on favorable weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

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