About this tour
When Alex from our team ran this Phi Phi Islands tour out of Phuket, we spent eight hours on a big ferry exploring two distinct islands in the Andaman Sea. The boat carries plenty of punters — it's a proper shared experience, not intimate — but the route hits the main drawcards: snorkelling spots around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay, plus Maya Bay if conditions allow. You get mask and snorkel gear, an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, lunch, and a few cups of tea onboard. It's a solid bang-for-buck introduction to the islands if you're based in Phuket and want a full-day splash without organising much yourself.
Highlights
- Snorkel gear and guide included — saves hiring separately
- Hotel pickup covers Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, Karon Beach
- Buffet lunch and refreshments on board all day
- Sees both Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay in one trip
- Maya Bay stop (conditions permitting) — the famous spot
- Shared van transfer reduces stress of getting to the port
What to expect
You'll be picked up from your Phuket hotel early (the source doesn't nail exact times, but these boats typically leave by 8 am) and driven to the ferry dock. The boat itself is a large shared vessel — expect 50-plus other tourists, a mix of nationalities, and fairly regimented timing. You'll motor out to Phi Phi Don first, with a stop to snorkel at a reef or two. The guide briefs the group and keeps things moving; the water is warm and visibility is usually decent, though it depends on the day. Around midday, there's a buffet lunch onboard — basic but filling. Depending on sea state and weather, the boat may swing by Maya Bay, the limestone-cliffed bay made famous by films. If you want to get in the water there, you'll need to cough up 400 baht for the national park fee (adult) — not included in your tour price.
The pace is fairly brisk. You're not lingering for hours at one spot; it's a whistle-stop circuit designed to hit highlights and get everyone back by late afternoon. If you're a keen snorkeller or diver, you might find it a touch rushed. If you're new to the islands or want a hassle-free day out, it works.
What travellers say
- All-in snorkel gear and English guide — minimal prep needed
- Hotel pickup from main Phuket beach zones included
- Buffet lunch and refreshments keep you fuelled all day
- Sees both Phi Phi islands and Maya Bay in eight hours
- Accident insurance bundled in — peace of mind
- Large shared boat — crowded snorkel spots and long queues
- National park fee (400 baht) not included — budget carefully
- Itinerary shifts with weather — flexibility required
- Early start typical for these tours — not for lie-ins
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Phi Phi's genuinely beautiful — dramatic limestone karsts, warm clear water, good coral and reef fish if you've not snorkelled tropical waters before. The all-in-one package (transport, guide, lunch, gear) cuts out logistical faff. Small hotel-pickup radius covers most major Phuket beaches. Accident insurance is included. It's safe for most fitness levels, though the source flags it's not for pregnant travellers or those with serious heart or spine issues.
It's a big shared boat, so don't expect intimacy or flexibility. The national park fee (400 baht per adult for Maya Bay) isn't included and catches people off guard — bring cash. Weather and sea state can shuffle the itinerary at short notice. Early starts (typical for these tours) might jar late risers. If you're in Phuket Town itself, the van pickup takes time; beach hotels get quicker loads. Infants sit on laps. Group size and shared facilities mean loo queues and crowded snorkel moments are real. Peak season (November–February) heaves with tourists. Bring: sunscreen, light clothes, flip-flops, cash for the park fee and any extras. The tour price covers the ferry, guide, lunch, and basic refreshments but not the 20-baht entry fee or Maya Bay's 400 baht.
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.