About this tour
When Mia from our team chartered a private longtail boat around Phi Phi and Bamboo Island, she got exactly what the brochure promises: no queuing, no set schedule, full control. You're steering the show from a traditional wooden boat that seats up to 14, though most trips run smaller. Six hours gives you time to anchor at quiet coves, snorkel where you fancy, and skip the packed-tour beaches entirely. The Phi Phi Islands are limestone drama — turquoise water, limestone cliffs, and enough coral to keep snorkellers keen. The real win is flexibility: bored with a beach? Tell your skipper and motor on.
Highlights
- Traditional longtail boat with zero tourist-convoy pressure
- Choose your own stops — stay longer at favourite spots
- Snorkelling kit included; fins available to rent
- Drinking water, ice box, first aid on board
- Meet at McDonald's Ao Ton Sai — straightforward logistics
- Works for groups up to 14 people sharing costs
- Flexible meal options; restaurants nearby make packed lunches
What to expect
You'll meet the crew at McDonald's near Ao Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Island — no hotel pickups, so factor in getting yourself there first. Once aboard, the skipper maps out a rough route but it's genuinely yours to shape. Mia found the boat ride itself the draw: wooden hull, wind in your face, no engine roar swallowing conversation. You'll anchor in shallow bays where the water's clear enough to spot reef fish, hop in with your snorkel, and climb back on to dry off. The boat crew kept water cold and ready, which matters in the heat.
The six hours moves at your pace. Mia spent longer at one lagoon, skipped another entirely, and still had time for a second snorkel spot. Weather can shift fast in the Andaman — squalls blow through — so the skipper will read conditions and pivot if needed. Lunch isn't included unless you arrange it ahead (100 baht per head for Thai fried rice or a baguette), so pack snacks or order in advance.
What travellers say
- Genuine flexibility — ditch itineraries, stay where you love
- Small-group feel; boat crew remembers who you are
- Snorkelling kit included; authentic wooden longtail charm
- No fixed schedule; morning or afternoon departure your choice
- Cost-shareable for mates or families
- Boat ride rough in choppy weather; not for spinal issues
- National park fees and lunch not included in base price
- Self-transport to McDonald's meeting point required
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Private charters kill the speedboat-tour circus. You're not herded with 50 strangers, and the skipper isn't glued to a schedule. Snorkelling kit is there; fins cost extra but rentals are cheap. The boat feels authentic — no pretend 'experience', just a real working longtail. Works well for small families or mates splitting the cost.
The 400-baht national park fee (200 for kids) isn't included — you'll pay at entry. The boat ride itself can be choppy, especially in monsoon season (May–October), and it's genuinely not suitable if you have spinal issues, heart trouble, or are pregnant. The meeting point is a McDonald's car park — atmospheric, it's not. Early starts are needed if you want calm morning water. Walking to the pier carries your own bags. Fins aren't provided, and you bring your own snacks or order lunch the day before.
Group size is flexible; cost per extra person is 400 baht, extra hours 800 baht each. The boat takes up to 14, but smaller groups feel more relaxed. Bring hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a rash guard. Summer seas (Nov–Apr) are calmest.
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.