About this tour
When Em from our team booked a private longtail boat around Phi Phi Islands, we got exactly what we wanted: no fixed itinerary, no tour bus crowds, just us and a local captain steering where we fancied. The boat holds up to 14 people, so you can split costs with mates or keep it tight. You call the shots on where to anchor — Maya Bay, Viking Cave, snorkeling spots near the reefs, or quieter bays if the main attractions feel rammed. The half-day run (3–4 hours) moves at your pace, and the captain knows the water and marine life well. It's a solid way to see Phi Phi without the cattle-herd feeling.
Highlights
- Choose your own route — skip busy spots or linger where you like
- Private boat means no competing for deck space or guide attention
- Captain sources snorkeling gear and knows hidden reefs with good fish
- Split costs with friends; manageable rates for small groups
- Flexible timing — you control departure and how long you stay
- Snorkeling included; marine life abundant in coral patches
- Ice box and water onboard; easy to bring your own lunch
What to expect
You'll meet the captain at McDonald's on Koh Phi Phi — straightforward spot, easy to find. From there, it's a relaxed boat ride across calm Andaman waters. The captain will suggest spots (Maya Bay, Monkey Bay, Pi Leh, Shark Point) but you decide where to actually go and for how long. If a beach is chocker with day-trippers, you motor elsewhere. Snorkeling is the heart of it — drop anchor over coral and reef, mask on, fins optional (you can rent them). The water's warm and clear; expect parrotfish, grouper, and the occasional reef shark cruising past. It's not aggressive diving — more "float and watch" — but genuinely decent if you've never snorkeled before. A few hours slips by quickly. The boat ride back is peaceful, and you're done by early afternoon.
What travellers say
- Total control over itinerary keeps you away from tour-group herds
- Captain's local knowledge pinpoints good reefs and quieter bays
- Snorkeling included; no pressure to book an extra excursion
- Flexible cost-splitting with friends makes it budget-friendly
- Water, ice, and safety gear supplied; BYO snacks and lunch
- Departs on your schedule, not a fixed group timetable
- National park entry fee (400 baht) charged on the spot, not advertised upfront
- No shade on the boat; intense sun and water glare all day
- Rough seas or swells can be uncomfortable for those with back complaints
- Snorkel fins cost extra; pack your own if you have a preference
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits small groups or couples who want flexibility without a set script. If you're snorkel-keen or just want to escape Patong's chaos, it's worth it. You're on the water with a competent local, not herded through a resort activity. Costs spread nicely across a group of 4–6.
The national park fee (400 baht adults, 200 baht kids) is not included and stings a bit — budget that separately. The boat has no shade canopy, so bring serious sunscreen and a hat; reflection off the water is brutal. Rough seas can happen; if you're prone to motion sickness or have back issues, this isn't your day out. Pregnant travellers and those with heart or bone conditions shouldn't book — the boat rocks and doesn't offer medical facilities. Snorkel fins are hire-only (extra cost), so bring your own if you prefer them. You arrange your own transport to McDonald's. Peak season (November–February) can still crowd popular spots even with a private boat, though you move faster than group tours.
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.