Small Groups of 20 people – Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

Phi Phi by speedboat feels like cinema. This 9.5-hour island day mixes Bamboo Island beach time, snorkeling in clear water, and classic Phi Phi scenery like Pileh Lagoon, plus a lunch stop with a view.

I especially like the way the day is structured for comfort and time in the water, and I like that your guide team (like Goodes and Ray, based on common guide mentions) keeps the flow smooth.

Two things I really like: the sea-view buffet lunch at the Phi Phi Holiday Resort comes with lots of options (including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten free when requested), and the snorkeling kit is included with life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins, and even a brand new snorkel mouthpiece.

One drawback to keep in mind: the ride is fast and can get choppy, so if you’re sensitive to motion, bring something before you leave.

Key reasons this Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands day trip works

• Small-group feel (max 20): you spend less time watching other groups and more time enjoying your stops.
• Sea-view lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort: 1 hour to eat and reset, with dietary requests handled by request.
• Real snorkeling gear included: life jacket + mask/snorkel/fins, plus a brand new mouthpiece.
• Monkey Bay rules you should know: macaques are visible from the speedboat only—no on-land access.
• Phone-friendly extras: a waterproof floating phone case and a onboard restroom help when the day gets long.

Phuket to the marina: what the first 15 minutes sets up

Most of the work happens before the boat ever leaves. You get hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket, then you head to Royal Phuket Marina for a short info and safety session (about 15 minutes). That briefing matters, because the day is built around speedboat timing and quick transitions between the water and the next stop.

This is also where you’ll get a sense of how the crew runs the day. On trips like this, the difference between stressful and easy is usually small things: clear instructions, organized boarding, and knowing where to be when the boat pulls in. A lot of people highlight that the crew and guide keep everything organized, and that matches the way the itinerary is laid out.

You should also note the pace. This tour runs about 9 hours 30 minutes, with a bunch of “hit it, see it, swim, move on” moments. If you prefer slow travel, you’ll find this is more like island hopping than wandering.

Speedboat logistics: fast, fun, and sometimes bumpy

You’re going by speedboat for a reason. It’s the quickest way to string together Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach area, Pileh Bay, and the famous Phi Phi viewpoints without losing half your day to slow ferry schedules.

The tradeoff is motion. Even when everything is well-run, speedboats can feel rough—especially on the way out and sometimes again on the return. Several people recommend taking motion sickness medication ahead of time if you’re prone to it. If you’ve never been sure how you react, treat this as a “better safe than sorry” day.

Good to know what helps: you’ll have life jackets for snorkeling, and you also get a waterproof floating phone case. That means you can keep your phone accessible for photos and video without playing the “where’s my bag?” game the whole day.

Also, there’s a restroom on board, though you may not use it much if you’re trying to stay comfortable in choppy conditions.

Bamboo Island: the beach break that starts the day right

Bamboo Island is part of a marine national park system, so it has that “protected” feeling: less like an urban beach day and more like you’re stepping into a natural setup made for swimming, snorkeling, and sun time.

You get about 1 hour here—long enough to do the basics well. Plan on doing a short swim, then snorkeling if conditions are calm. If you’re the type who likes to arrive and immediately choose one anchor activity, this is a good place to do it. The island is known for its simple, open beach vibe, which keeps things from feeling complicated.

The snorkeling expectations here are straightforward: you’re going for clear water and fish life. People often describe the underwater views as a highlight of the day, even when rain shows up.

If rain does happen, don’t panic. Wet weather in the tropics usually means you still get plenty of visibility, and the tour keeps moving. Just grab sun protection too, because cloud cover doesn’t always mean you’re off the hook.

Monkey Bay at Phi Phi: macaques, but from the speedboat

Monkey Bay is famous for macaques doing their thing—climbing, jumping, and generally acting like they own the place. But you should know the rule up front: you’ll see them from the speedboat only, and there’s no on-land access.

That’s actually a good safety and wildlife approach. You get the experience (watching monkeys in their natural behavior) without the scramble that can happen when people try to get too close. It also keeps your schedule intact. Monkey Beach is a shorter stop (around 10 minutes), so think of it as a quick “check it off” moment rather than a long hang.

If you love animals, bring this mindset: watch, enjoy, then move on. Don’t expect a beach-level interaction.

Phi Phi Holiday Resort lunch: sea-view food that actually helps

Lunch is a big deal on tours like this, because it decides whether the day feels enjoyable or like a long endurance test. Here, lunch is served at the Phi Phi Holiday Resort with sea-view seating, and it lasts about 1 hour.

The buffet includes a mix of Thai and foreign cuisine, and the tour supports dietary needs on request, including vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten free. That’s valuable because it’s not just “we can try.” The day is run by time and movement—so having actual options matters when you’re hungry.

Also included: seasonal fruits, coffee and/or tea, snacks, and bottled water during the day. On the boat, people commonly describe a steady flow of refreshments, which helps a lot when you’ve spent hours in sun and salt air.

One practical tip: eat like you’re prepping for snorkeling later. Even if you ate well at breakfast, island days burn through energy fast. A filling plate now means less crankiness later.

Pileh Bay and the lagoon swim: the stop many people remember

Pileh Bay is often treated like the star of the itinerary, and for good reason. You swim in emerald green water surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, and the stop is about 30 minutes.

This is where you’ll feel the “real Phi Phi” vibe—high cliffs, dramatic water, and the kind of swim you don’t forget. It’s also a good place to focus on snorkeling with your whole body: mask fit, slow breathing, and keeping your kicks gentle. When you do that, the fish and coral scenes tend to be more enjoyable and less stressful.

A quick reality check: coral can vary day to day. Some people report lots of fish, while others notice less living coral than expected. Either way, the setting and water color are usually the emotional payoff.

If you want photos, aim for near the cliff side when the water is calmer and light is favorable. Quick hands. Quick shots. Then get back in the water.

Swallow bird caves and Maya Bay: viewpoints, not just beaches

After Pileh, the day includes a stop to learn about a cave important for swallow birds. Those birds are connected to the specialty dish known as bird’s nest soup. This is a good “breathing space” moment: you’re not jumping straight back into water, and you get context for why Phi Phi is more than just beaches on postcards.

Then comes Maya Bay, famous because of the 2000 film The Beach. You’ll do sightseeing here (about 1 hour), including the look of bright blue water and white sand.

Important update for planning: Maya Bay is listed as having a closure starting August 1, 2025 for a period that isn’t fully shown here. If your trip is in that window, expect the operator may need to adjust. If this stop is your top reason for booking, double-check the current status close to your travel dates.

Even with a possible closure, the rest of the route still gives you a lot: cliff scenery, swimming time, and snorkeling. But if you’re planning around a specific Maya Bay photo moment, it’s smart to watch the dates.

Price and value: what $108.43 covers, and what to budget

The price is $108.43 per person, which is the big headline. Here’s what makes it feel like decent value: you get hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, accident insurance, snorkeling equipment, and lunch plus snacks and drinks.

National park fees are not included. You’ll need to budget 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child for admission fees. That’s a normal part of the cost for these waters, but it’s still real money—so plan to have cash or a simple way to pay on the day.

What you’re effectively paying for is time and organization. A day like this is hard to DIY without losing hours to transport and unclear timing. The small-group size (max 20) also tends to make boarding and transitions feel calmer than the chaos you can see on bigger departures.

One more value point: snorkeling gear is included, and some kits are basic on cheaper tours. Here, you even get a brand new snorkel mouthpiece. That small detail helps comfort, especially if you’re using the gear multiple times.

Who should book this tour (and who might want a different style)

This trip fits best if you want a high-output day with multiple stops: beach time, macaque spotting, one solid lunch break, then more swimming and snorkeling.

Book it if:

• You’re visiting Phuket and want the classic Phi Phi highlights without planning transportation all day.
• You care about snorkeling and want gear included.
• You like a guided pace with clear instructions, especially if you’re not comfortable navigating boats in a new place.

You might skip or consider something different if:

• You hate speedboat travel or get motion sick easily (bring meds).
• You prefer long, unhurried beach time over short stop-and-go.
• Maya Bay is the single reason you’re coming, and your dates fall after Aug 1, 2025.

Final call: should you book V. Marine Tour’s Phi Phi and Bamboo day trip?

If your goal is a well-run, small-group Phi Phi experience with lunch and real water time, I think this is a strong choice. The combination of included snorkeling equipment, the sea-view lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, and the focus on stops that actually give you swimming moments makes it feel worth the money.

Just go in with the right expectations: it’s a long day, the speedboat can be bumpy, and Monkey Bay is a quick look from the boat. If you’re okay with that trade, you’ll likely come away with exactly what island-hopping days are supposed to deliver—memories, photos, and a sore jaw from smiling too much.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch tour?

It runs for about 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Hassle-free hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are provided.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included: life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins. A brand new snorkel mouthpiece is also included, and beach towels are complimentary.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes. Lunch is included as a sea-view buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, and seasonal fruits plus coffee and/or tea are also included. Dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten free can be requested.

Are national park fees included in the price?

No. National park fees are 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Will I be able to go on land at Monkey Bay?

No. You can only see the macaques from the speedboat, and there is no on-land access.

What happens if the tour can’t run because of weather?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.