About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team booked a private longtail boat around Phi Phi, he got exactly what he paid for: a boat, a captain, and the freedom to linger where he wanted. You're chartering your own traditional wooden boat for six hours, weaving between the islands' limestone cliffs, coves, and snorkelling spots—no herd-following, no schedule hassles. The Phi Phi Islands themselves are stunning, crowded in parts, quiet in others depending on where your captain takes you. It's a solid option if you want autonomy over your day on the water rather than being ferried with thirty others.
Highlights
- Private boat means you set the pace, linger at bays, skip spots you don't fancy
- Experienced local captain knows the quieter snorkelling reefs and sheltered anchorages
- Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Maya Bay, Phi Leh Bay all within reach
- Drinking water, ice box, life jackets, and snorkelling gear provided
- Can bring your own food or order packed lunch in advance affordably
- Flexible itinerary—swap beaches mid-tour if conditions or mood shifts
- Escape the thundering longtail fleets hitting the same five spots daily
What to expect
Noah's morning started at McDonald's Koh Phi Phi—the meeting point. His captain showed up with a well-maintained traditional longtail, rigged for a day of pottering around the islands. The first couple of hours were cruise-and-gawk: past limestone outcrops, into impossibly clear shallows where you can see the seabed. Then into the water for snorkelling where the coral's decent and small reef fish dart around. The boat's got shade, cold water, and a first aid kit, so you're not roughing it.
The six-hour window is loose—you're not on a timetable. If a spot bores you, the captain motors elsewhere. If you've found paradise, you stay put. Weather matters here: winds can pick up, and the captain calls it if the chop gets dodgy. Lunchtimes are yours to manage—bring supplies, order ahead, or anchor near a beach shack.
What travellers say
- No fixed itinerary—anchor where you choose, skip what bores you
- Locally experienced captain finds quiet reefs and hidden coves
- All-day private boat cuts out crowd hassle and group-tour herding
- Drinking water and ice box keep you comfortable through six hours
- Affordable lunch options if you book ahead, flexible DIY otherwise
- Cancellations get alternative dates or refunds, no runaround
- National Park fee (400 THB) charged separately at entry, not included
- Frequent engine movement and waves can trigger seasickness
- Not safe for pregnant travellers or those with spinal/heart conditions
- Longtail boats are loud; peaceful silence seekers should know that
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Privacy and control. You're not wedged between strangers, and you can spend two hours at one beach if you want. The captain's local knowledge saves you from wasting snorkel time in dead spots. Inclusions (water, ice, life jacket, snorkel mask) mean you're not nickel-and-dimed on basics. Lunch can be sorted cheaply if you plan ahead.
National Park entry (400 THB per adult) is an extra cost at the gate—not bundled in. The boat moves a lot, so if you get seasick, this won't be fun. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have spinal issues, heart conditions, or poor fitness. The longtail engine is loud, so peace-and-quiet seekers should manage expectations. Fins aren't included, just the mask. Early pick-ups may apply depending on weather and tides.
Meet at McDonald's on Koh Phi Phi; find your own transport there. Bring sun cream, a hat, and a light layer. Each extra person is 400 THB, each extra hour 800 THB. Group sizes aren't specified, but it's your boat, so negotiate as needed.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.