About this tour
When Tom from our team booked this speed-boat jaunt from Koh Lanta to the Phi Phi Islands, we knew we were after a proper snorkel day — and that's what we got. Seven hours of gunning across the Andaman, hitting Viking Bay and Shark Point for reef time, then a cruise past monkey-filled shores and into Phi Le Bay. The boat's quick, the water's genuinely clear, and you'll see clownfish, parrotfish, and the usual coral garden suspects. It's a busy route — don't expect solitude — but if you want to tick the Phi Phi box without renting your own vessel, this ticks it.
Highlights
- Speed-boat pace means less time lounging, more snorkel spots hit
- Coral reefs at Viking Bay packed with fish and colour
- Monkey Bay is legitimately good for spotting crab-eating macaques
- Hotel pickup saves you the Koh Lanta-to-pier scramble
- Snorkel gear and life jacket provided — no gear hire hunt
- Thai buffet lunch beats most day-tour catering we've tried
- Shark Point delivers on the name if conditions align
What to expect
You'll start early — pick-up from your Koh Lanta hotel, then straight to the speedboat. The ride itself is quick and a bit bouncy if the sea's up, so don't expect a luxury cruise vibe. Once you're in the water at Viking Bay, the reef work is solid: bright fish, anemones, decent visibility most days. Tom found the snorkel stops well-paced and the guide genuinely knew what he was pointing at, which matters when you're underwater.
Note: Maya Bay and Loh Samah are closed indefinitely, so the itinerary shuffles — you'll visit other Phi Leh spots instead, but the snorkelling calibre stays decent. Monkey Bay is the highlight beyond the reefs; you'll cruise close enough to see the macaques without leaving the boat (which is the right call — feeding them ruins their behaviour). Lunch is a no-frills Thai buffet onboard, and it fills you up. Expect crowds and other boats at every stop.
What travellers say
- Solid snorkelling at multiple reef sites in one day
- Speed-boat model hits more spots than slower cruises
- Hotel transfers included — no transport stress
- Guide knows the underwater terrain and marine life
- Thai lunch and water included in the price
- Crab-eating macaques at Monkey Bay are genuinely cool
- Maya Bay closed indefinitely — itinerary changes and expectations shift
- Speed-boat bounces; seasickness and spinal issues are real risks
- Crowds at every stop; solitude is not on the menu
- National park entrance fees add cost and aren't pre-listed
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is a no-fuss way to see Phi Phi's reefs without arranging your own boat. The snorkelling is legitimate — you'll see healthy coral and fish — and the speed-boat model means you hit multiple sites in one day. The guide speaks English, gear's provided, and hotel pickup saves logistics. It suits anyone reasonably fit and comfortable in water; families with older kids work fine here.
There's a 13-person minimum, so small groups may struggle to secure a spot. Maya Bay — the famous beach from the film — is closed, which is why you came, so manage expectations. The boat's a speed boat, not a catamaran: it bounces, and if you're prone to seasickness or have a bad back, this isn't your tour. The national park entrance fee (adult and child) isn't included, so budget for that. Crowds are heavy — you'll share every stop with other tours. The day's long and water-based, so sun exposure and dehydration are real; bring a rash vest and reapply sunscreen constantly. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and the tour's not suitable for pregnant travellers or anyone with spinal or heart concerns.
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.