Phi Phi by speedboat hits fast, then slows down at the right beaches. What I like most is the private, flexible pace and the fact that snorkeling gear and two real snorkel stops are built into the day. One thing to plan for: you’re still on a fast boat, so if you’re sensitive to choppy water, you’ll want to prepare.

This is a full-day outing that strings together Phi Phi highlights and a classic sand-and-shade break on Bamboo Island, with round-trip hotel transfer in an air-conditioned minivan. The day runs about 7 to 8 hours (around a 9:30am start), and it’s priced for a group up to 12—so the value swings a lot depending on how you split the cost.

Key Points You’ll Care About on the Day

• Private tour for up to 12, which usually means less waiting around and more control over your timing
• Two snorkeling stops plus provided snorkeling equipment, so you can spend less time sorting gear
• English-speaking guide with a track record of adapting to small problems and group needs (guides like Tony and Jib/Jip are specifically noted)
• Round-trip hotel pickup/drop-off by air-conditioned minivan in Phuket Province
• Two different island moods: big-view cliffs and bays, then a calmer white-sand stop on Bamboo Island

Why This Private Phi Phi and Bamboo Route Works From Phuket

Most Phi Phi trips are basically a checklist: fast boat, photo stops, quick swim, back on the water. This one still moves—because that’s how you cover Maya Bay and Bamboo Island in one day—but it’s structured around breaks where you can actually enjoy what you came for.

You’re starting from Royal Phuket Marina and heading toward the Phi Phi area early, which helps you get into the day with momentum. Then you’ll bounce between bays, lagoons, caves, and beaches. The pacing is what matters here: enough time to see the icons, but not so long at any single stop that you feel stuck in the heat.

And the private setup changes the feel. Even if there are other boats around at the famous places (there usually are), you’re not stuck with a rigid big-tour rhythm.

Royal Phuket Marina Morning: Pickup, Tickets, and a Smooth Start

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned minivan. You then reach Royal Phuket Marina and settle in before the speedboat takes over. The scheduled start time is 9:30am, and the first marina segment is short—about 20 minutes—so don’t plan on a long coffee-and-people-watch moment.

This is also where you’ll want to do a quick reality check:

• Charge your phone, but keep it dry (the day involves sea spray and active stops)
• Have sun protection ready (the midday sun can be intense around open-water stops)
• If you think you’ll want fins, know the rental is listed as 200 THB at Royal Phuket Marina

One small but practical note: national park fees are not fully included. Plan on paying those to your guide upon check-in (details later). Getting that straight early helps the whole day feel calmer.

Ko Phi Phi Lee: First Big Cliffs, Big Views, and a Fast Orientation

Ko Phi Phi Lee is where you start feeling the scale of the region. Expect dramatic limestone cliffs and expansive bay views as you travel by private speedboat. You get about 1 hour here, which is long enough to take in the scenery and settle your rhythm after the morning transfer.

This stop matters because it sets expectations for the rest of the day. If you’re the type who likes photos, this is where you’ll get your first “this is real” moments. If you prefer snorkeling and swimming later, think of this as your scenic warm-up.

Maya Bay: Famous for a Reason, But Time It Right

Maya Bay is the part everyone knows—thanks to its worldwide fame—but what you’ll actually experience is a quick window to see why the cove is so photogenic. You’ll have about 40 minutes here, and admission is listed as included for this segment.

The main consideration is time. This stop is short, so it’s best to treat it like a curated moment:

• arrive mentally ready to move at your guide’s pace
• grab your best photos early
• then use the rest of the time to enjoy the bay atmosphere rather than hunting for one perfect angle

If you’re hoping for long, slow wandering, this may feel brisk. If you want to check the icon off while still keeping the day fun, it fits.

Pileh Lagoon at Ko Phi Phi Le: Swimming and Paddle Boarding Time

This is one of the most “do stuff” stops on the route. You’ll spend around 40 minutes in the Pileh Lagoon area at Ko Phi Phi Le, and the listed activities include swimming and paddleboarding—plus paddleboarding gear is included in the tour package.

This matters because snorkeling on Phi Phi can be hit-or-miss depending on water conditions. Lagoon time gives you a second way to enjoy the water. If you’re traveling with mixed interests (some people snorkel hard, others don’t), this stop helps everyone feel included.

Practical tip: paddleboarding can be a workout, especially after a boat ride and with sun overhead. If you’re not sure how you’ll feel, watch the conditions first and start easy.

Viking Cave: Cave Views and a Snorkel-Friendly Stop

Viking Cave is scheduled for about 40 minutes. The tour notes Viking Cave’s wall paintings and that it’s also associated with birds. You also get a snorkel window here, since the day is built around snorkeling and gear is included.

This stop is more about the underwater experience and the “wow” factor of seeing a sea cave setting than about walking around on land. If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll probably enjoy it more. If you’re newer to snorkeling, you’ll still have the equipment and guidance to make it manageable.

Monkey Beach: Quick Sightseeing and Real Life Macaques

Monkey Beach is listed for about 20 minutes and includes a stop for sightseeing. This is one of those places where you’re reminded you’re not in a wildlife documentary—you’re just sharing space with animals that are curious and used to human presence.

What you’ll want most here is patience and awareness. Keep your distance, keep your belongings controlled, and don’t act like you’re on a ride. A short stop means you’ll get a taste, not a long animal encounter.

Lunch on Phi Phi Don: A Break That Keeps the Day Enjoyable

Lunch is built into the day with time for eating around Phi Phi Don. You’re scheduled for about 1 hour 10 minutes here, and the description says lunch and snacks are served free of charge.

But the details also list lunch under not included, which creates a mismatch. In practice, that means you should confirm with the provider before you go so you don’t get surprised. I’d treat it like this: you’ll have a dedicated lunch window at Phi Phi Don, but what’s included (and whether it’s truly covered) is worth a quick check.

What makes this stop valuable isn’t just food. It’s also psychological pacing. After climbing through caves, lagoons, and iconic bays, having a land-based break helps you reset—shade, sitting down, and a meal before Bamboo Island.

Bamboo Island: The White Sand Reset You’ll Appreciate

Bamboo Island is scheduled for about 1 hour 10 minutes. This is the calmer, sand-and-palm part of the day: white beaches lined with palm trees, plus chances to spot animals and enjoy open seascapes.

This stop is where the whole trip clicks for me. Speedboat days can be exhausting. A beach break lets you:

• cool off after earlier water time
• spend more time not thinking about timing
• enjoy the “postcard” vibe without the constant moving

If you’re planning outfits, this is the place you’ll probably want your most comfortable swimsuit-and-sun setup. Bring something quick-dry if you have it.

Snorkeling Gear and Two Snorkel Stops: What You Should Expect

Your tour includes snorkeling equipment and the day is set up around two snorkel stops. That’s a good number. With only one stop, you might miss your best water chance. With three or four, you can end up feeling rushed.

Two stops means you have options:

• one earlier chance when conditions are still settling
• another later chance if visibility changes

Also, paddleboarding is included, which is a bonus if you’d rather spend some water time doing something active instead of staying glued to snorkeling fins.

If you’re bringing your own mask, you can—just be aware the tour includes equipment, so you won’t be forced into an extra rental. If you need fins, the listed rental is 200 THB at the marina.

Price and Fees: Getting Your Budget Straight

This private tour costs $1,386.10 per group for up to 12 people. That price sounds high—until you remember it’s private and you’re covering major sites in one long day with hotel transfers, guide service, a speedboat, and included water activities.

How to judge the value:

• If you fill the group with 8 to 12 people, it can start to feel like a practical upgrade over shared boats
• If it’s only a small group, you’re paying for privacy and convenience, not budget efficiency
• You also need to factor in national park fees

National park fees are listed as 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid to the guide upon check-in. Alcoholic beverages are for sale at Royal Phuket Marina, and fins are available to rent for 200 THB. Travel insurance is included.

One more reason this pricing can make sense: the tour is structured for a full day with real time at multiple stops. You’re not just doing a quick photo tour.

Seasickness, Speedboat Reality, and How to Stay Comfortable

A speedboat ride is part of the deal. That’s not a complaint—it’s physics. If you’re sensitive to motion, the smartest approach is preparation, not denial.

The tour is privately run, and the experience has been praised for helping people do well even on a bumpy ride. But every ocean day is different.

What I’d do before the trip:

• eat lightly beforehand (an empty stomach can feel worse on choppy water)
• bring something for motion discomfort if you know you need it
• keep expectations realistic: speed + waves = you feel it

Also, water conditions can affect timing. The schedule is approximate and subject to tide and local weather.

Guide Service and the Small Moments That Matter

The private nature of this tour shows up in the guide’s ability to handle small problems without turning the day chaotic. Names like Tony and Jib/Jip come up in the notes as being attentive and adaptable.

One example type of “good guide energy” you should look for: when something goes wrong, the team works fast, not stressed. That can be as simple as adjusting the boat’s plan for a missing item or matching the pace to what your group wants.

For you, that means less friction. You get the intended stops, and you’re not constantly negotiating with a loud group schedule.

Who Should Book This Tour

This tour makes the most sense if you:

• want a private speedboat day with a personal guide
• care about both scenery and water time (snorkeling plus paddleboarding)
• are traveling with a group that can split the private cost (up to 12)

It might be less ideal if you:

• want a super relaxed, long beach day with minimal transfers (this is still a full-day circuit)
• get strongly seasick and haven’t found a solution that works for you

If you’re a first-time Phi Phi visitor, this is also a smart way to see multiple highlights without spending days hopping between boats and ferries.

Should You Book This Private Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Tour?

If you want one day that covers the big Phi Phi names and ends with Bamboo Island sand time, I’d say yes—especially if your group can fill enough of the private pricing to feel fair. The biggest strength is not just the itinerary. It’s the way the day is set up: hotel pickup, a guided private speedboat, included snorkeling gear, and enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it.

My only caution is budgeting and clarity. Confirm how lunch is handled for your date (the info says lunch and snacks are free, but lunch is also listed under not included). Also remember national park fees need to be paid on check-in.

If you’re okay with a full, active day and you prepare for speedboat motion, this tour is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the private Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands snorkeling tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours (approx.), with timing for each stop listed as approximate and subject to tide and local weather.

What time does the tour start, and where do we meet?

The tour starts at 9:30am at the Amazing Canoeing – Royal Phuket Marina meeting point. The address is 63/402, Unit No. MC4-01, Thepkasattri Road, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers from and back to your hotel are included by air-conditioned minivan in Phuket Province.

What snorkeling gear and water activities are included?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and it includes two snorkel stops. Paddle boarding is also included, with paddleboarding available during the lagoon stop.

Do I need to pay national park fees?

Yes. National park fees are listed as 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, and you pay them to the guide upon check-in.

Is lunch included?

The tour description says lunch and snacks will be served free of charge. However, the details list lunch under not included, so you should confirm what’s covered for your specific booking. There is also a scheduled lunch window during the Phi Phi Don stop.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. The group size can be up to 12 people.

You Might Also Enjoy

Bali/Amed: Underwater Temple Snorkeling ExperienceHeraklion: Dia Island Catamaran Cruise with Water ToysGreat Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & SnorkelEl Cielo Snorkel by Private Boat