About this tour
When Tom from our team did this private speedboat tour, we headed out from Phuket to either Maya Beach or Bamboo Island—your pick. The boat's quick, the crew knows the waters, and you're hitting proper snorkel spots: Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Cove, Loh Samah Bay. It's a full day (7–8 hours) of swimming, paddleboarding, and lounging on sand that actually feels quieter than the packed public tours. The Phi Phi Islands are busy as, but a private boat means you skip the worst crowds and set your own pace.
Highlights
- Choose your beach—Maya or quieter Bamboo Island
- Skip the tourist masses with a dedicated speedboat
- Snorkel multiple sites in one day without rush
- Paddleboard gear included; no rental hassle
- Hotel pickup and drop-off takes the logistics out
- Guide handles the tide and weather calls
- Monkey Beach and Viking Cave in the same run
- Lunch at a beachside restaurant with sea views
What to expect
You'll get picked up from your Phuket hotel early (exact time depends on tides), then head to Royal Phuket Marina to board. The speedboat cuts through the Andaman, and the ride's smooth enough—no white-knuckle stuff. You'll anchor at a few spots: Monkey Beach is lively (monkeys do show up, though don't expect a guaranteed show), then Viking Cave, which is more dramatic cliff and cave mouth than underwater spectacle. Pileh Cove and Loh Samah Bay are where the snorkeling happens—decent coral and fish, though don't expect pristine reef; it's been swum over plenty. You get time to paddle around, float, or just sit on the sand.
Lunch is at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don with a decent view, but you'll pay for it on top (not included). The crew brings snorkel gear and boards, so you're set. Tom reckoned the day felt unhurried compared to the packed group tours—the private boat means flexibility and fewer elbows in the water.
What travellers say
- Private boat skips the worst Phi Phi crowds
- Tides and weather steer itinerary, not rigid schedule
- Snorkeling kit and paddleboards both included
- Hotel transfers remove transport stress
- Multiple snorkel sites in one day
- Small group means flexibility and pace
- National park fees and lunch add hidden costs
- Long full-day commitment in sun and sea
- Speedboat can bounce in rough water
- Snorkel sites are busy; not untouched reef
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
A private boat genuinely cuts the crush; you're not jammed with 30 strangers. The guide steers by tides and weather, so the itinerary adapts rather than forcing a fixed schedule. Paddleboarding and snorkeling kit are included—one less thing to hire or fret about. If you're less keen on busy beaches, picking Bamboo Island over Maya is the smarter move. Hotel transfers in an air-con minivan save you a taxi headache.
National park fees (400 THB per adult, 200 per kid) aren't included—you pay the guide on the day, easy to forget. Lunch isn't included either; budgeting extra is wise. It's a long day in the sun and sea; if you sunburn easily or tire quickly, it'll test you. Speedboat means bumpy water on rough days. The Phi Phi Islands are beautiful but crowded; don't expect a secret paradise.
Bring sunscreen (reef-safe), a rash guard, a hat, and cash for park fees and lunch. Fins aren't included; you can rent at the marina for 200 THB if needed. Alcohol's available at the marina but not on-board. Not recommended if you have back issues, poor cardiovascular fitness, or are pregnant. Suitable for mixed fitness levels otherwise.
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.