About this tour
When Noah from our team took this speedboat tour out to the Phi Phi Islands from Krabi, we found ourselves on a proper full-day island hop with decent snorkelling, swimming stops, and beach time thrown in. The islands themselves are the real draw — limestone cliffs, turquoise water, and the spot where The Beach was filmed. You're looking at a 10-hour day with a mixed crew (speedboats take up to 35 people), plenty of in-water time, and Thai lunch on the water. It's busy but well-organised, and the coral and fish life around the reefs are genuinely solid.
Highlights
- Speedboat ride cuts travel time — more hours actually on islands
- Snorkel directly into vibrant reef systems with tropical fish schools
- The Beach filming location beach — worth the movie-buff moment
- Thai lunch served with views of Phi Phi Don's bay and cliffs
- Guide handles logistics so you just swim and lounge
- Marine park fees and snorkel gear sorted in one package
- Crystal-clear water visibility — no murk, proper emerald colour
- Fresh fruit, soft drinks, and coffee refills between stops
What to expect
Noah's day kicked off with hotel pickup early (expect dawn-ish departure), then a zippy speedboat ride out through the Andaman. The boat fills up — we're talking 30-odd people on ours — so it's sociable but not claustrophobic. First stop is usually a reef snorkel where the guide briefs you on depth and coral etiquette, then you're in. Water's warm, visibility is genuinely excellent, and fish are thick around the hard coral. You'll see parrotfish, snappers, and occasionally small sharks cruising through.
Second and third stops are beach time — Maya Bay (the The Beach spot) if conditions allow, then another island for swimming and lunch. The food arrives on schedule, fresh and decent, eaten on the boat or at a beachside setup. Afternoon's more of the same: float, snorkel, swim, or just sit on sand. The pace is leisurely, not rushed. Crowds are real (national park draws backpackers and families), but the speedboat means you're not stuck in slow-boat congestion. Weather and sea state matter — rough days happen in monsoon season, so July–October can be iffy.
What travellers say
- Speedboat saves hours compared to slow longtail alternatives
- Snorkelling setup is inclusive and guide-led, beginner-friendly
- Full meals and drinks included, no nickel-and-diming
- Phi Phi Islands genuinely stunning — cliffs, reefs, clear water
- Experienced guide handles all logistics and safety briefings
- Marine life density around reefs is impressive and reliable
- Crowded beaches and reefs, especially mid-peak season months
- Early departure time excludes late-rising sleepyheads
- Speedboat bounces on rough seas, not ideal if motion-prone
- Gratuities not included — expect to budget extra at tour end
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
You get a full day on islands that genuinely look like postcards, snorkelling is accessible even if you've never done it (gear supplied, guide's there), and the boat's fast enough that travel doesn't eat your day. Small groups (speedboat capped at 35, though our boat was about 30) feel manageable. Lunch and drinks included, so no hidden food costs. Suitable for most fitness levels — no climbing or strenuous walking involved. SHA Plus certified, so Covid protocols were solid when we went.
It's busy — you won't have beaches to yourself, especially in peak season. Speedboats can be bouncy if the sea's choppy, rough for anyone prone to motion sickness. Infants must sit on your lap the whole 10 hours. Life jackets are supplied but snug fit takes adjusting. No gratuities built in, so budget for tips at the end. Early morning starts suit early risers only.
Sunscreen (reef-safe), hat, rash guard or thin top for sun protection in water, a dry bag for valuables, and any personal motion-sickness tablets if you're uncertain. Hotels often arrange pickup from your accommodation, though public transport options exist nearby. Most inclusions cover snorkel gear, park fees, and lunch — nothing surprising.
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.