Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat

Phi Phi by speedboat feels like a highlight reel. This tour gives you a lot of the best island moments in one long day: snorkeling gear with fins included, multiple famous stops, and the kind of views that make you put your phone away for a bit. I also like that hotel pickup is built in for Phuket area stays, so you’re not scrambling at the start.

One thing to plan for: extra fees can add up. The tour price doesn’t include the national park fees (400 THB/adult, 200 THB/child) or the Royal Phuket Marina admission fee (400 THB per person), which you pay to the guide during check-in.

Key things I’d zero in on

• Speedboat schedule built for variety: several Phi Phi stops plus Bamboo Island in one day
• Snorkeling gear included: fins and equipment are part of the package
• Maya Bay and Pileh Bay swim stops: time at famous coves and a lagoon feel
• Lunch with a sea-view setup: buffet lunch and desserts on Phi Phi Don at Ton Sai Bay
• Small group size: maximum 30 travelers keeps the day from feeling chaotic
• English-speaking guide: helps you understand what you’re seeing and where to go next

From Phuket to Royal Phuket Marina: the day’s momentum

If you want Phi Phi without wasting half a day getting organized, this is a strong format. Your day starts at 9:30am, with pickup offered from Phuket province in an air-conditioned minivan. You’ll then transfer to Royal Phuket Marina, which is where the speedboat portion begins.

The practical win here is simple: you show up, get checked in, and the day rolls. No driving around searching for a pier. And since the group is capped at 30 travelers, you generally don’t feel like you’re in a sardine parade while you’re waiting to board.

Royal Phuket Marina: what the meeting point means for you

The meeting point is listed as Amazing Canoeing – Royal Phuket Marina Meeting Point, with a specific address in Phuket. That matters because piers can be confusing. If you’re staying outside the densest tourist zone, I’d still ask your hotel or map app for the exact address shown on your ticket so you can arrive a bit early.

One more heads-up: there’s a Royal Phuket Marina admission fee of 400 THB per person that isn’t included. The tour also lists other fees tied to park access, so you’ll want to have cash ready. The easiest day is the one where you don’t have to frantically hunt for a wallet at the dock.

Ko Phi Phi Lee: big cliffs and the fast boat rhythm

The first major island viewing happens during the speedboat ride to Ko Phi Phi Lee. This segment is about 1 hour 10 minutes, and it’s where the scenery starts doing what the marketing promises: huge limestone walls, dramatic bays, and that classic Phi Phi look that feels more cinematic than it does real life.

The benefit of doing Ko Phi Phi Lee early is momentum. Your eyes are still fresh, you’re still getting the hang of the boat pace, and you haven’t yet spent the afternoon tired from sun and water time.

The only drawback with any fast, multi-stop route is simple: the day moves. You don’t get hours of one place. You get a sequence of “wow” moments, and you have to roll with it.

Maya Bay: famous cove time without long slog

Next comes Maya Bay, with about 40 minutes on the beach area. This is the spot that became globally known through a film, so even if you’ve seen photos a thousand times, it still lands as a real place once you’re there.

What you can realistically expect is a short block of time to take in the cove, walk around a bit, and soak up the view. If you’re the type who likes to move slowly, 40 minutes can feel tight. If you’re more interested in checking off the big-name Phi Phi moment and then getting back to water time, it’s a good trade.

Also note the tour includes admission ticket coverage for this stop, which helps keep the day simpler fee-wise.

Pileh Bay: the swim-and-view “pool in the sea” feeling

Then you’re off to Pileh Bay, again with about 40 minutes. This is one of the best-feeling stops on paper because it’s framed as a lagoon setup—surrounded by limestone formations—where swimming and paddle-style activities tend to feel natural.

Since the tour includes snorkeling equipment and fins, this is also likely one of your key water moments, even if you don’t have a ton of time for both swimming and snorkeling. My advice: treat Pileh Bay as your “get in the water and do something” stop.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, keep an eye on sea conditions. The day is mostly water-facing, and the boat ride segments can be choppy depending on the weather.

Viking Cave: quick scenery and snorkeling-friendly water time

Viking Cave is listed as about 40 minutes, and this stop includes the scenic cruise portion and the cave’s setting—plus snorkeling along the way. It’s also described as having wall paintings and being tied to bird-nest harvesting.

What’s most useful for you here is the snorkeling angle. The tour doesn’t keep you stuck on land the whole time. It’s building a day where you can actually see underwater life, not just admire the coast.

You should still be realistic: snorkeling time is limited in a schedule like this. But it’s one of the stops where the underwater payoff can be worth your effort.

Monkey Beach: short sightseeing break

Next is Monkey Beach for about 20 minutes. That’s not a long stay, so don’t plan this as your main photo or nature time. Think of it as a quick change of pace—views, a brief walk-by feel, then back onto the boat.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, these shorter stops can work well. They keep the day from dragging and reduce the “how much longer?” spiral.

Ko Phi Phi Don: lunch with a sea-view break

Ko Phi Phi Don is your lunch stop, around 1 hour. You get a buffet lunch and desserts at a beach-side restaurant located at Ton Sai Bay, with sea views while you eat.

This is one of the most valuable parts of the day because it breaks the pattern. Instead of bouncing between coves in the sun, you get a real sit-down meal and a chance to cool off. If you’ve been snorkeling earlier, a proper lunch helps you stay energized through the later part of the tour.

The spread includes lunch plus desserts, and the tour also includes refreshment. I’d still grab extra water if you’re the type who burns through it fast—Phuket heat can sneak up on you.

Bamboo Island: sandy walk and calmer-feeling waters

Finally, you reach Bamboo Island, with about 1 hour 10 minutes. This stop is described as a walk through a natural area, leading you to a white sand beach lined with palm trees, plus animals and great seascape views.

This is the “slow down a little” moment. The island format tends to feel less rushed than the big-cove photo stops, even though you still have a time limit. If you want a beach day inside your Phi Phi day-trip, this is where that happens.

One important note: the tour description says you can choose between Maya Beach and Bamboo Island, but the schedule you’ll likely follow includes both. That’s not something you should guess on. Before you go, check what your exact booking confirms for your day.

What snorkeling feels like on this route

You’re getting snorkeling equipment and fins included, which is a real value win. In Phi Phi, the difference between having your own setup and borrowing whatever’s available can be the difference between enjoying your water time and feeling annoyed.

The day also builds multiple chances to see underwater life. Viking Cave is where snorkeling is specifically tied in, and there’s time elsewhere for swimming or snorkeling depending on what the guide sets up.

One extra detail worth knowing from guest feedback: a baby reef shark was spotted during a snorkeling stop. I can’t promise you’ll see one, but it tells you the snorkeling spots can have surprises when conditions are right.

Price and value: is $139 a good deal?

At $139 per person, this sits in the mid-to-higher range for Phuket day tours. The value comes from what’s bundled:

• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket province
• A guide in English
• Speedboat cruise
• Snorkeling fins/equipment
• Lunch and refreshment
• Travel insurance
• Local taxes listed as included

Those add up fast if you were trying to build the day yourself: transportation to the marina, a boat, guide time, snorkeling gear, and lunch logistics. You also benefit from a schedule that hits multiple iconic areas in one go—especially helpful if you only have one day to spare.

The main “cost surprise” risk is the extra fees: national park fees and the Royal Phuket Marina admission fee. If you plan for them ahead of time, the total day cost is predictable. If you don’t, it can feel like you’re paying twice.

Who this tour fits best

This is a good match if you:

• Want a one-day Phi Phi sampler with snorkeling included
• Like the speedboat pace and don’t mind short time windows at each stop
• Travel with kids (the tour says most travelers can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult)
• Prefer having pickup and lunch handled for you

It’s less ideal if you:

• Want long, slow beach time in one place
• Are very sensitive to motion (speedboat days depend on sea conditions)
• Hate surprise fees, since park and marina charges are additional

Weather, timing, and how to make the most of limited time

The tour notes that it requires good weather, which is standard for islands and speedboats. If conditions aren’t safe, you should expect a date change or a full refund.

For timing, start thinking in blocks:

• Your morning is about travel and big viewing moments
• Midday is where snorkeling and swim potential peaks
• Lunch resets you before Bamboo Island beach time

If you’re going to do one thing that improves your experience, it’s simple: be ready to move quickly when the group does. When a day is tightly scheduled across multiple coves, your enjoyment rises when you stay flexible.

Should you book this Phi Phi & Bamboo snorkeling speedboat tour?

Yes, if your goal is a high-effort, high-reward Phi Phi day with snorkeling gear included and fewer hassles from pickup to lunch. The structure is strong: famous stops, real water time, and a meal break at Ton Sai Bay on Phi Phi Don.

I’d only hesitate if extra fees would annoy you (national park fees and the Royal Phuket Marina admission fee), or if you’d rather spend a full day at one beach instead of collecting several coves. Also, double-check whether your booking includes both Maya Bay and Bamboo Island or a choice, since the description and stop details can be a little inconsistent.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands snorkeling tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 to 8 hours.

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Phuket province, using an air-conditioned minivan.

Are snorkeling fins and equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and fins.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat?

Lunch is included. You’ll have a buffet lunch and desserts at a beach-side restaurant on Phi Phi Don at Ton Sai Bay, with sea views.

What extra fees should I expect?

You must pay national park fees to the guide upon check-in (400 THB/adult and 200 THB/child) and there is an additional Royal Phuket Marina admission fee of 400 THB per person.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30am.