About this tour
When Tom from our team ran this speedboat jaunt through the Phi Phi Islands, we found ourselves zipping across the Andaman in a proper fast boat, hitting the iconic stops without the grinding coach-tour vibe. You're bouncing between postcard-worthy islands — think turquoise shallows, limestone cliffs, and reef sharks cruising Maya Bay — with snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, and hotel pickup rolled in. Seven and a half hours door-to-door, and it moves at pace.
Highlights
- Speedboat cuts travel time; no drowsy minibus slog
- Maya Bay's black-tip reef sharks patrolling live coral
- Turquoise water and snorkeling straight from the boat
- Hotel transfer saves the airport-dash stress
- Buffet lunch + fresh fruit on the islands, not a sad sandwich
- Life jacket and basic insurance included
- Small group feel compared to massive tour ferries
- Rock formations and hidden coves between the main stops
What to expect
You'll meet your guide early — speedboat ops move on tight schedules — and barrel out to the islands with the throttle up. The ride's smooth enough, but you're definitely moving. First stop is usually a snorkeling reef where the fish are genuinely colourful; the sharks aren't aggressive, just present. Maya Bay is the headline act: crystal water, dramatic cliffs, and yeah, reef sharks underneath. It's busy (tour boats queue), but the speedboat means you're not waiting around like the slower ferries.
Lunch is on one of the islands, buffet-style, nothing fancy but filling. Afternoons blend a second snorkel and usually a quieter beach before the run back. The boat ride back can feel long if you're tired, and sea-sickness meds aren't a bad call if you're prone to it.
What travellers say
- Speedboat saves hours compared to slow ferries or coaches
- Snorkeling's genuinely good; coral and fish are thriving
- Hotel transfer included; no Phuket transport headache
- Small-group vibe beats packed tour-ferry atmosphere
- Buffet lunch and soft drinks included, no hidden food costs
- National park fees not included; adds cost at the pier
- Maya Bay closed August–September every year
- Not suitable if you have back, heart, or pregnancy concerns
- Speedboat ride is bumpy; seasickness possible
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This beats the packed ferries. Small-group speedboats feel more nimble, and you actually see the islands rather than just pass them. Snorkeling is genuinely good — coral's alive, fish are plentiful, and sharks are the novelty, not the nightmare. Hotel transfer is a genuine convenience in Phuket's sprawl. Buffet lunch and snorkel kit included keeps surprise costs down.
National park entrance fees aren't included and hit you at the pier — budget for that. Maya Bay closes August and September (monsoon and turtle nesting). The speedboat isn't for anyone with back issues, heart concerns, or pregnancy — the ride thumps. Infants must sit on laps, which is grim on a bouncy boat. Mornings are early. Crowds at Maya Bay are real; it's Instagram-famous for a reason. Tip your guide if service was good — it's not automatic.
Bring sunscreen (reef-safe, the corals need it), a rash guard, and seasickness tablets if you're susceptible. Waterproof phone case helpful. Group sizes vary but tend toward 15–40 people depending on the boat. Peak season (November to March) books out; book ahead. Allow time at your hotel for pickup — don't assume it'll be bang on time in Bangkok-style traffic.
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.