About this tour
When Alex from our team booked this private speedboat charter, we got the Phi Phi Islands without the crowds. You're collecting four to ten hours depending on which islands and bays you want to hit — Phi Phi Ley, Phi Phi Don, Loh Samah, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island all in play. The boat's yours alone, which means you set the pace and skip the tourist-packed group boats. You'll snorkel equipment in hand, jumping between turquoise anchorages with an English-speaking guide steering. It's the kind of tour that lets you actually breathe between stops rather than shuffle with fifty others.
Highlights
- Private boat means no fighting for deckspace or snorkel spots
- Customisable itinerary — pick which islands and bays suit your mood
- Snorkelling gear supplied; coral and small reef fish accessible from boat
- Guide navigates you to Monkey Beach and quieter Loh Samah anchorages
- Four to ten hour flexibility lets you chase light or take it slow
- Round-trip hotel collection from anywhere in Phuket included
- Infant seats available if you're bringing little ones along
What to expect
The day unfolds at your call. Alex's boat picked us up from our Phuket hotel early, then headed straight for open water — the Andaman is choppy but the speedboat cuts through quickly. First stop is usually Phi Phi Ley, where you'll recognise Maya Bay from the postcard shots, but the real gems are the quieter bays where you can actually snorkel without bobbing against other tourists. The guide knows the reefs and fish life, points out what you're seeing. Between islands there's downtime on deck, water and soft drinks flowing, and you catch your breath.
Monkey Beach lives up to its name — primates watching you watch them from the palms. Bamboo Island's the kind of place group tours hit at midday when it's heaving; being private means you time it right. What surprised us was how much you actually see when you're not herded. The water's warm, the visibility decent, and the pace genuinely yours. Just know the engine's loud and the ride can feel bouncy if the swell's up.
What travellers say
- Zero queuing — snorkel spots and island time are yours alone
- Fully customisable route keeps you in control of the day
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Phuket, no faffing
- English-speaking guide who actually knows the reefs and wildlife
- Infant seats make it family-friendly without the group-tour chaos
- Speedboat speed means more islands in less time than slow boats
- Lunch not included; budget separately or bring substantial snacks
- National park fee charged on arrival, not upfront
- Fast boat is loud and bouncy; rough seas can make it uncomfortable
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers due to speed and vibration
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
Private boats beat the cattle-run touristy alternatives hands down. You'll see Phi Phi's best bits — coral, fish, beaches — without elbowing crowds. If you love snorkelling and flexibility, this is solid. Suits families with young kids (infant seats supplied), couples wanting a quieter vibe, and anyone fed up with tour-group herding.
Lunch isn't included, so pack snacks or budget for food stops. The national park fee (payable on arrival) is extra. The speedboat's fast but loud and bouncy if there's any swell — pregnant travellers shouldn't go. You'll be on the water four to ten hours, so susceptible to sunburn and seasickness if you're prone. The boat's still a boat — no air-con, and you're exposed to sun and spray.
Bring sunscreen, a rash vest, a light rain jacket, cash for park fees and lunch. Group's just your crew, so it scales to party size. Peak season (November to April) books fast; shoulder months are quieter and cheaper. The ride's fine for most fitness levels but not suitable if you're pregnant.
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.