About this tour
When Ben from our team took this speed boat tour out to the Phi Phi and Khai Islands, it was a full-on 9-hour sprint hitting snorkelling spots, Maya Bay, and a solid Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don. The pace is brisk — you're covering distance fast in a small boat with other tourists keen to get in the water. The Andaman waters here are warm and clear, and the boat crew keep things moving between snorkel sites where you'll feed fish and swim in decent spots. It's value-for-money if you want to pack plenty into one day without the faffing around.
Highlights
- Speed boat cuts through Andaman waters with genuine pace and purpose
- Maya Bay delivers the famous limestone backdrop, crowds and all
- Fish feeding is engaging — fins follow your hand, kids love it
- Snorkelling gear included and serviceable, no rental drama
- Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don breaks up the boat time nicely
- Small-group vibe keeps things intimate despite public tour format
- Morning coffee and water stops take the edge off the heat
What to expect
You'll meet your crew early — likely dawn or just after — and pile into a snappy speed boat with 20 or so other punters. The boat cuts hard toward the islands, and once you hit the first snorkel site, you're geared up and in the water pretty quickly. The coral and fish are decent, not pristine, but the water's warm and clear enough to see what you're after. Midway through, you'll swing past Maya Bay — it's the postcard scene, but heaving with boats, so you get photos and a quick dip rather than a lingering swim.
Lunch is a proper break at Phi Phi Don, where you'll sit down to actual Thai food (curry, rice, veg) rather than tourist fare. After eating, you're back on the boat for a second snorkel push, then the run back to shore. The whole day hinges on pace — you're not leisurely floating around; the crew keep the schedule tight so you hit multiple spots.
What travellers say
- Speed boat covers multiple islands and reefs in one day efficiently
- Snorkelling gear included — no hidden rental costs
- Proper Thai lunch, not reheated tourist food
- Fish feeding and swimming balance snorkelling time well
- Maya Bay sightseeing ticked off without a separate trip
- Speed boat motion rough in monsoon or choppy conditions
- Maya Bay crowded with dozens of other commercial tours
- Not suitable for poor fitness, pregnancy, or spinal/heart issues
- Infants sit on laps for 9 hours — exhausting for parents
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This tour nails the value angle if you're after a taste of island snorkelling without multi-day sailing. The boat's nimble, the crew know the reefs, and lunch isn't microwaved. Small groups mean the guides actually talk to you. Fish feeding is genuinely fun and harmless.
Speed boats chop on rough seas, so if you're prone to seasickness, take tablets beforehand — the Andaman can get choppy. You need moderate fitness and a solid stomach; it's not a leisurely potter. Pregnant travellers and anyone with back or heart concerns should skip this. Infants can come but need to sit on your lap the whole time (no frills). Maya Bay is Instagram-famous, so expect shoulder-to-shoulder boats and dozens of other tours. You'll get wet and sun-baked, so high SPF and a rash guard help. Walking on boat decks and in and out of the water happens constantly.
snorkelling kit, lunch, bottled water, tea or coffee.
typically 20–30 per boat.
November to February (dry season) is rammed; shoulder months quieter.
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.