About this tour
When Em from our team ran this 8-hour speedboat charter out of Phuket, we found it a solid way to hit multiple Andaman highlights without the cruise-ship crowds. You're zipping between Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, and Piley Lagoon on a private speedboat—snorkelling gear and a guide included—with hotel pickup and a buffet lunch tacked on (paid separately). The pace is quick and the boat's built for speed, so if you want to cover ground and avoid packed tour groups, this ticks boxes. Groups max out at 10, which keeps things manageable.
Highlights
- Private speedboat means no fighting for deck space or snorkel spots
- Bamboo Island's clear water and soft sand lived up to the hype
- Monkey Beach delivered without the aggressive vendor hassle
- Piley Lagoon's limestone cliffs and turquoise water are genuinely striking
- Hotel pickup saved us a pre-dawn trek to Phuket's busy marina
- Small-group sizing meant the guide actually knew our names and preferences
- Snorkelling gear included, though bring your own mask if fit matters to you
What to expect
The boat picks you up from your Phuket hotel early—expect to be on the water by late morning after a short drive to the pier. The speedboat ride itself is exhilarating but relentless; it's a proper thrill if you enjoy going fast, less fun if you're prone to seasickness or prefer a leisurely pace. Our stops were well-spaced and the guide knew the best snorkel spots and timing to avoid clusters of day-trippers, though you'll still see other boats, particularly at the more famous spots.
Lunch is a buffet served on board or at a beachside setup—decent variety, though nothing fancy. Water and snacks flow throughout. The real win is covering three islands and the lagoon without herding through congested tourist ports. By hour six, the Andaman sun gets intense, and you'll clock why a hat and sunscreen matter here.
What travellers say
- Private boat avoids crowds and rigid group schedules
- Three islands and Piley Lagoon in one day without rushing
- Hotel pickup and drop-off saves logistical faff
- Guide quality lifts the experience beyond standard floating tours
- Snorkelling gear provided; clear water delivers good visibility
- Speedboat pace means a bumpy ride; seasickness tablets essential
- Lunch and park fees add 800–1000B per person on top
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or those with mobility concerns
- Peak-season boats still cluster at famous spots despite 'private' label
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're based in Phuket with one day to explore islands and want privacy without dropping into a massive group tour, yes. Keen snorkellers and photographers love the flexibility to linger at good spots. Families with older kids handle the pace fine; younger children may struggle with the boat speed and sun exposure.
The speedboat is quick and choppy—not ideal if you have spine issues, poor cardiovascular fitness, or are pregnant (all flagged as unsuitable). Infants must sit on laps. Bring seasickness tablets if you're prone. The national park fee (400B adults, 200B kids) and lunch (400B adults, 300B kids) are extra; budget accordingly. Alcohol isn't included but can be purchased. Peak season (November–February) means more boats at each stop, so earlier or shoulder-season departures feel less crowded. Wheelchair accessible transport is available, though boarding a speedboat itself has limitations. Max 10 people per booking keeps it genuinely private.
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.