About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team ran this Phi Phi Islands tour, the real draw was the 10:30 start time — a deliberate move to dodge the 9 a.m. rush that swamps the standard boats. You're sailing on a new speed catamaran with just 25 people instead of the usual 45–50, which changes the whole vibe. The route hits Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Bamboo Island over nine hours, with double the snorkelling slots most competitors offer. You get breakfast back at your hotel first, then hotel-to-boat transfers anywhere across Phuket. It's a smartly timed operation targeting travellers who've clocked other boat tours feeling rammed.
Highlights
- Later departure means fewer crowds at landing beaches
- Only 25 passengers per catamaran, not 45–50
- Double snorkelling time compared to standard tours
- Luxury new speed catamaran — smooth ride
- Bamboo Island landing — reportedly the best beach nearby
- Buffet lunch with halal and vegetarian options included
- Free hotel pickups across all Phuket locations
What to expect
You'll get picked up from your hotel any time before the 10:30 departure, so you can actually have breakfast without rushing. The catamaran is newer and feels less like a cattle barge than the older boats plying the same route. The staggered start works: when you hit Phi Phi and Bamboo, they're not shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists. Snorkelling happens twice — longer sessions than the standard itinerary, so you're not constantly herded back to the boat. The group stays small and organised throughout.
Lunch on Phi Phi is served as a buffet with proper variety and dietary options, which matters when you're hungry mid-tour. The pace feels less frantic because you're not racing to cram bodies in and out before the next wave arrives. Weather-dependent cancellations do happen (heavy rain, strong winds), but they'll rebook you without fuss.
What travellers say
- Smaller groups and later start genuinely reduce crowding
- Nearly twice the snorkelling time as standard tours
- New speed catamaran — less wear, more comfort
- Hotel breakfast included — practical and saves time
- Bamboo Island stop is the standout beach in the area
- Dietary options (halal, vegetarian) properly catered
- Long 9-hour stint on water — seasickness risk for some
- Weather cancellations don't guarantee your preferred rebooking date
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers, spinal injury, poor cardiovascular health
- No refund if you miss your scheduled departure
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 solves the main gripe with Phi Phi day-trips — the crowds. Smaller group, later start, longer snorkel time, and the catamaran itself is newer and comfortable. It suits anyone keen on the islands but put off by the packed-boat experience. Breakfast included at your hotel is a genuine convenience. Bamboo Island is genuinely one of the best beaches in the area.
The 9-hour day is long on water — seasickness pills are provided but bring ginger alternatives too if you're prone. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have spinal injuries, or poor cardiovascular health. The tour relies on good weather; cancellations happen and rebooks aren't guaranteed on your preferred date. You'll miss a refund if you no-show. Infants need to sit on a lap the whole time. The boat's speed means it's firm, not gentle.
Bring swimwear, sunblock, sunglasses, a cover-up, and a camera. Life jackets, snorkel gear, and soft drinks are provided. Roundtrip transfers are free from any Phuket hotel. All fees, taxes, and insurance are included.
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.