About this tour
When Em from our team booked this big boat cruise out of Phuket, we were after a straightforward day trip to Phi Phi without the faffing around. The 10-hour run takes you from Rassada Pier across the Andaman's impossibly blue water to Phi Phi Don, where you get a few hours to snorkel the reefs, laze on white sand, and eat lunch at a local Thai spot. It's peak tourist territory — the boat's sizable and you're sharing the water with plenty of other visitors — but the limestone cliffs are genuinely striking, and the snorkelling gear comes sorted.
Highlights
- Teal-water boat ride with proper views of Andaman rock formations
- Snorkelling directly off the beach among live coral and fish
- Phi Phi Don beach time to swim, lounge, or just sit and stare
- Thai lunch included at a local restaurant, not rushed
- Gear provided — mask, snorkel, life jacket all bundled in
- Hotel pickup from Patong, Kata, or Karon beach suburbs
- Seasonal fresh fruit and soft drinks on the boat itself
What to expect
You'll meet at Rassada Pier early — the boat departs and it's a scenic cruise out. The water stays remarkable the whole way, and crew hand out snacks and cold drinks as you go. Once at Phi Phi Don, the boat anchors and you've got a decent window to snorkel right off the beach. The reefs are close and still holding good colour and marine life, though you won't be alone — it's a popular spot, so expect fellow travellers in the water with you.
After snorkelling, there's beach time to dry off and explore. Lunch happens at a local Thai restaurant on the island — solid, no-frills food. The whole day has a leisure rhythm to it; nobody's rushing you between stops. The boat itself is bigger rather than intimate, which means easier boarding and more stable in the water, though you'll feel the crowd.
What travellers say
- Reefs and fish are genuinely there, not picked-over rubbish
- Full-day pace feels unhurried compared to speedboat tours
- Hotel pickups from main Phuket beaches included
- Snorkel gear and lunch sorted — fewer hidden costs
- Scenery on the boat ride is legitimately worth the time
- Big boat, big crowds — expect 30–50 other tourists easily
- National park fees sneak up; not included in the price
- Andaman crossing can get rough if seas are up
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works brilliantly if you want a long, low-pressure beach day without organising your own boat. The snorkelling is legit — reefs are accessible and healthy. Gear's included, so no extra hire fees. Hotel pickup saves you arranging transport from the main beach areas. The SHA Plus certification means the operator takes hygiene seriously.
It's very popular, so expect 30–50 other tourists depending on the boat type. National park fees aren't included, so budget extra. The boat's big enough to feel impersonal. Swimming ability helps; snorkelling isn't optional in terms of what's on offer. If you're prone to seasickness, the Andaman crossing can be choppy. Infants must sit on laps the whole time. Peak season (Nov–Feb) means busier beaches and more boats in the water.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), a rash guard, cash for the park fee and tips. Shoes for rocky entries are smart. The tour runs year-round but works best in dry season.
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.