About this tour
When Em from our team caught the ferry to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket, she found a solid day-trip option for hitting the headline spots without the fuss of hiring a private boat. You'll cruise past Phi Phi Ley's famous coves — Pi Leh, Loh Samah, Maya Bay — then anchor at Phi Phi Don for a swim and beach time. The nine-hour loop includes a buffet lunch on board, snorkel gear, and hotel transfers. It's a working ferry full of tourists, but the pace is relaxed and the water is genuinely clear.
Highlights
- Ferry pass by Maya Bay and Pi Leh Cove without the private-boat price tag
- Snorkel mask and fins included; actual reef fish visible near the drop-offs
- Phi Phi Don beach time lets you wade and laze without rushing
- Buffet lunch on deck with decent curry and fresh fruit
- Hotel transfer included both ways — no taxi negotiation needed
- English-speaking guide gives context; helpful for first-timers to the area
- Standard and First Class seating; upgrade worth it if prone to seasickness
- Morning departure means afternoon return — no full-day commitment feel
What to expect
The day starts early with a van pickup from your hotel. The ferry itself is a proper passenger boat, not a speedboat — think rows of airplane-style seats and a top deck for sunbathing. You'll cruise for about 45 minutes to Phi Phi Ley, where the boat slows for viewing but doesn't dock; everyone gathers on deck with cameras and phones. The guide points out the famous bays and tells you the film-location lore. Then it's on to Phi Phi Don, where you'll anchor for three hours — long enough for a proper swim, snorkel, and a walk along the main beach strip if you fancy it.
The buffet lunch arrives mid-afternoon on board: curries, pad thai, fresh pineapple, and coffee. It's hearty and hits the spot after saltwater. The return ferry departs late afternoon and arrives back in Phuket around late evening. The whole thing feels low-pressure and well-oiled; you're herded on and off smoothly, and the guide keeps the group loosely together without fussing.
What travellers say
- Ferry pass covers Phi Phi Ley highlights without private-boat cost
- Snorkel kit included and usable; fish and coral visible from beach
- Buffet lunch and drinks included; decent quality and quantity
- Hotel transfers both ways eliminate taxi hassle and language barriers
- Relaxed pace allows three hours beach and swim time on Phi Phi Don
- Guide narrates in English; helpful context for island newcomers
- Crowded ferry atmosphere; not intimate or quiet
- National park entrance fee (400 baht) paid separately, easily overlooked
- Early start not suited to sleep-in types; late evening return
- Not recommended for heart, spinal, or pregnancy-related conditions
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is the budget-friendly way to see Phi Phi if you don't want to splurge on a private boat or catamaran. The snorkel gear is actually decent, the lunch isn't a token, and you'll spot parrotfish and grouper without straying far from the beach. Hotel transfers save you a taxi hunt. It's ideal if you're time-limited or just want a taster of the islands without logistics headache.
You're on a busy ferry with 100+ other tourists, so don't expect solitude or a tailored experience. The national park entrance fee (400 baht adult, 200 baht child) isn't included and must be paid in cash on the day — easy to forget. The boat can bob in rough sea; if you're prone to seasickness, the First Class seats (extra leg room, slightly steadier) are worth the upgrade. Early morning pickup suits some but not others. Not suitable if you have heart or spinal issues, or if you're pregnant. Swimming at Phi Phi Don is safe and monitored, but the beach gets busy mid-afternoon. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard; the sun is intense and the snorkel time is longer than you'd expect. Group size is around 100 per ferry.
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.