About this tour
When Jake from our team booked a private speed boat out of Krabi, we got the Andaman Sea to ourselves—no cattle-boat crowds, just mates and family tearing across to Phi Phi. Eight hours door-to-door, hitting Maya Bay and the reefs around it with a guide who actually knows the water and calls the shots on where to stop. The boat's quick, the snorkelling kit's sorted, and lunch lands you at a proper restaurant rather than on deck. It's a solid option if you want flexibility and a tighter group, though you'll need to factor in park fees and be ready for a proper boat ride—this isn't a cruise, it's a sprint.
Highlights
- Private charter means real-time flexibility on stops and timing
- Maya Bay and surrounding reefs without queuing with hundreds
- Hotel pickups included—no haggling for transport to the pier
- Lunch at a sit-down restaurant, not a buffet on the deck
- Guide handles navigation and knows tide, weather, sea conditions
- Snorkel gear and life jackets provided; no rental surprises
- Speed boat pace lets you hit multiple bays and reefs in one hit
What to expect
Jake's day started with a hotel pickup, then a solid 30–40 minute boat ride out to the Phi Phi group. The speed boat clips along—it's noisy and wet, especially up front, so expect to feel the Andaman. Once out there, the guide reads the conditions and anchors near reefs or beaches based on the tide and what's actually happening that day. You'll snorkel in clear water (conditions permitting), pull up to Maya Bay itself, and sometimes spot monkeys at low tide without getting close. Around midday, you head to Phi Phi Arida for a proper lunch—buffet style, tables, not rushed. The afternoon's another round of snorkelling and cruising quieter bays before the ride home. Weather can shift this whole plan; the guide calls it in real-time. Peak season (November–March) is smooth; monsoon months (May–October) bring chop, jellyfish, and potential closures of Maya Bay itself.
What travellers say
- No cattle-boat vibe—just your group and an actual guide
- Lunch at a proper restaurant, not scoffing on deck
- Guide reads conditions and adapts stops in real time
- Hotel pickups and drop-offs included in the price
- Speed boat covers more ground and reefs in one day
- Bouncy ride—rough if seasick-prone or have spine issues
- Park fees not included; budget extra at the gate
- Maya Bay closes two months yearly during low season
- Monsoon months bring chop, jellyfish, and weather cancellations
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you've got a group of 4–8, this beats the 50-person cattle boats—you actually control the stops and pace. The guide speaks English and knows the reefs and tides, which matters for safety and seeing stuff. Lunch away from the boat is a genuine win.
The speed boat ride is genuinely bouncy and loud; if you get seasick easy or have spine issues, it's rough. Park entry fees (for national park access) aren't included—expect to pay those at the gate. Pregnant travellers and anyone with heart problems should skip this. You'll get wet and burned fast out there, so sunscreen matters. The boat's insured for accidents, but read the fine print. Jake brought a waterproof bag for his phone and went in long sleeves. Bring a towel, wear the life jacket (seriously), and don't hand-feed the monkeys even if they look cute—it messes with them. If you're going May–October, ask ahead about jellyfish; they're around, and your guide will give you the real talk on swimming.
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.