Explore Phi Phi Islands by Ferry – Snorkeling & Lunch Included

The best part of this day is the mix of famous sights and time in the water. You cross the Andaman Sea by ferry, visit Maya Bay and Viking Cave, then spend time around Phi Phi Don with lunch and snorkeling included.

I like the convenience of hotel pickup from major Phuket beach areas, and I like having a choice of travel styles. Standard and first class use a longtail boat for snorkeling, while premium class uses a speedboat and air-conditioned ferry seating.

The drawback is the long day on the water. The ferry takes about 90 minutes each way, and with a possible group of up to 450 people, this is a shared sightseeing trip rather than a quiet island escape.

Key points to know before booking

• Maya Bay and Viking Cave are the headline sights: You see two of Phi Phi Leh’s best-known coastal landmarks from the water.
• Phi Phi Don includes about two hours: This is your main island stop, with buffet lunch and time for snorkeling, swimming, or exploring.
• Premium class changes the feel of the day: You get air conditioning on the ferry and snorkeling by speedboat, which helps you cover more places in less time.
• Standard and first class use a longtail boat for snorkeling: These options cost less, but the water portion is slower and more traditional.
• The ferry ride lasts about 90 minutes: Bring patience, especially if you want a relaxed day rather than a fast excursion.
• The national park fee is extra for standard and first class: Budget THB 400 per adult and THB 200 per child.

A full day from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands

This excursion is built for you if you want to see the Phi Phi Islands without arranging ferries, transfers, lunch, and snorkel gear separately. The day begins with a shared van from Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, or Karon Beach, followed by an express ferry across the Andaman Sea.

The advertised start time is 8:30 a.m., but your exact hotel pickup time is confirmed by phone the day before. You need to provide your hotel details when booking and wait in the lobby 15 minutes before pickup.

The total outing lasts about eight hours. That sounds manageable, but the ferry crossing takes roughly 90 minutes in each direction. I would treat the boat ride as a major part of the experience, not just a transfer between activities.

The ferry has standard, first-class, and premium choices. First class offers shaped seats, but do not expect a reclining chair. Premium class is the more comfortable choice if air conditioning matters to you, and it also changes the snorkeling setup from a longtail boat to a speedboat.

The 90-minute ferry crossing

The trip across the Andaman Sea gives you time to settle in before the island stops begin. Refreshments such as tea, coffee, and snacks are provided onboard, and restrooms are available.

The ferry is practical, but comfort depends heavily on the class you select. Standard class is the basic option. First class costs more but should not be chosen because you expect a fully reclining seat. The shaped seats may feel a little better, yet one part of the experience still involves a long ride in a shared boat.

Premium class is the strongest choice for comfort. Air conditioning can make a real difference in Thailand’s heat, especially after an early hotel pickup. The speedboat snorkeling option also lets you reach more areas in a shorter period.

The tradeoff is simple: the lower-priced options make the tour more affordable, while premium reduces some of the waiting and heat. If you are sensitive to motion, you should also remember that the speedboat is not automatically gentler than the ferry. Sea conditions can affect both.

Maya Bay and the cliffs of Phi Phi Leh

Maya Bay is famous for its enclosed setting. Cliffs rising about 100 meters surround the bay on three sides, creating a dramatic pocket of water and sand.

Several small beaches sit inside the bay, with some appearing only at low tide. The main beach is about 200 meters long. That gives you a sense of scale: this is not an endless beach where you can spread out in solitude. It is a compact, highly scenic stop that works best when you focus on the view and the shape of the cliffs.

The sea, tides, and weather control how the visit works. The operator notes that the itinerary can change for safety and comfort, with no refund for changes caused by weather, tide level, sea conditions, accidents, or other factors. You may not always dock at the Phi Phi Don pier either. Conditions can require a longtail boat transfer to the island.

That flexibility is sensible in the Andaman Sea, but you should book this day with an open mind. Maya Bay may be viewed from the boat, approached differently, or given less time if conditions shift.

Viking Cave from the water

Viking Cave sits at the bottom of a tall limestone cliff on the northeastern side of Phi Phi Leh. Its Thai name is Tham Phaya Nak, and its English name comes from paintings inside that resemble Viking ships.

The scheduled stop lasts about 20 minutes. This is a short viewing stop, not an extended cave visit. You will have enough time to take in the cliff and the cave entrance, but you should not expect a long walk, a guided underground tour, or a quiet exploration.

That brief timing makes sense in a day that also includes Phi Phi Don and snorkeling. Viking Cave works as a scenic pause along the island route, giving you another look at the limestone formations that define the Phi Phi group.

Two hours on Ko Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don is the main inhabited island in the group. Unlike volcanic islands, it is made largely of limestone. Two broad sections are linked by a narrow, flat strip of land, which gives the island its distinctive shape.

You have about two hours here. Lunch is a Thai buffet served at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don, with snacks included as part of the day. A vegetarian selection is available, which is useful if you do not eat meat.

I see the lunch as more than a basic add-on. After a morning of boat travel and salt water, a buffet gives you a proper break and lets you choose how much you want. It also means you do not need to spend your limited island time hunting for food.

Do not expect two unhurried hours to reveal every corner of Phi Phi Don. The stop is designed around the tour schedule, not independent island exploration. You will have to divide your time between lunch, the beach, and any included water activity.

Snorkeling by longtail boat or speedboat

Snorkel equipment is included, with a mask and snorkel supplied for the water portion. For standard and first-class passengers, snorkeling is done from a longtail boat. This gives the activity a distinctly local feel and may suit you if you prefer a slower ride close to the water.

The longtail boat option is also the better value if snorkeling is important but you do not need to race between several sites. You can see coral and fish in the water, though conditions vary. One outing took place during a storm that caused the current to increase, showing why the crew may need to adjust the plan.

Premium passengers snorkel by speedboat. This lets the group cover more areas in less time and may give you more variety during the water portion. It also changes the rhythm of the day. You spend less time moving at a slow pace and more time reaching separate locations.

I would choose longtail boat snorkeling for a relaxed, lower-cost day. I would choose premium if your priority is covering more of the Phi Phi area, having air conditioning on the ferry, and reducing some of the slower transfers.

Swimming and snorkeling are subject to sea conditions. Some parts of the program are not suitable for pregnant women, seniors, or people with health problems, so consider your own comfort in open water before booking.

What the lunch and onboard service add

The package includes a buffet lunch, snacks, and refreshments such as tea and coffee. That is useful because the day is tightly scheduled and food options during island stops may be limited by time.

A buffet also works well for mixed groups. You can choose a larger meal after snorkeling or keep it lighter if you prefer. Vegetarian food is available, but the supplied details do not confirm other dietary arrangements, so you should check before booking if you have a serious allergy or a special diet.

An English-speaking guide is provided on the boat. The crew handles the practical side of the day, including transfers, equipment, and movement between the islands. The service can be attentive and helpful, but the scale of the operation means you should not expect a private guide focused only on your party.

What $60.22 buys you

At about $60.22 per person, this tour offers solid value if you need the full package from Phuket. You get shared hotel transfers, the ferry, an English-speaking boat guide, lunch, refreshments, snorkel equipment, and access to the main island route.

The price becomes more attractive if your hotel is in Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, or Karon, since pickup and drop-off are included in those areas. A surcharge applies outside them. Transfers from Layan, Naithon, Maikhao, Ao Por, and Phuket Airport cost THB 1,000 per van each way. Other listed areas, including Merlin Beach, Rawai, Naiharn, Surin, Kamala, Bangtao, Cape Panwa, Naiyang, Boat Lagoon, the New Bus Terminal, and Bypass Road, have a THB 100 per-person, per-way surcharge.

Standard and first-class passengers must also pay the national park fee during the tour: THB 400 per adult and THB 200 per child. That extra charge changes the final price, so include it in your budget before comparing this trip with other Phi Phi excursions.

Premium pricing is not provided here, so you should check the current difference before selecting it. The upgrade cannot be bought onboard. You must arrange it before boarding at the pier, subject to availability, or book premium class from the start.

The group size and pace

The maximum group size is 450 people. That is a significant number, and it tells you what kind of day this is. You get an efficient shared operation, not a small-group sailing trip.

A large group can be useful for keeping the price down and making hotel transfers simple. It can also mean more people at the ferry, lunch, and popular island stops. If you want personal attention, a quiet beach experience, or flexible timing, I would look for a smaller excursion instead.

The pace is active but not extreme. You board a ferry, transfer between boats if conditions require it, visit major viewpoints, eat lunch, and spend time in the water. You should be ready for heat, boarding steps, wet clothing, and a full day away from your hotel.

Children aged three and younger go free. Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. Most people can take part, but the operator specifically warns that parts of the route may not suit pregnant women, seniors, and people with health problems.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Give complete hotel information at booking. If you do not, the reservation may be canceled. The exact pickup time is provided by phone at your hotel the day before, so keep your phone available.

Wait in the lobby at least 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup. Shared vans work on a route, and a late arrival can affect the whole day.

Bring suitable swimwear, sun protection, and a change of clothes. The tour provides snorkel gear, but it does not say that towels are included. You will be more comfortable with dry clothing for the return ferry.

Keep some cash available for the national park fee if you are in standard or first class, and for any transfer surcharge. The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

Finally, do not judge the day only by a perfect weather forecast. The company can change the route because of tides, storms, accidents, or sea conditions, and safety takes priority. No refund is offered for those itinerary changes.

Should you book this Phi Phi ferry tour?

I would book this tour if you are staying in Phuket and want the simplest way to see Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Phi Phi Don in one day. The included hotel transfer, lunch, ferry, guide, and snorkel gear remove much of the planning, and the $60.22 starting price is reasonable once you add up those parts.

Choose standard or first class if you want to control the cost and are happy with longtail boat snorkeling. Choose premium if air conditioning and faster movement between snorkeling areas matter more than keeping the price low.

I would skip it if you dislike long ferry rides, large groups, or fixed schedules. For everyone else, it is a practical introduction to the Phi Phi Islands, with enough scenery and time in the water to make the day worthwhile, as long as you accept that the sea and weather may rewrite the plan.

FAQ

How long is the ferry ride from Phuket to Phi Phi?

The ferry ride takes approximately 90 minutes each way.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:30 a.m. Your exact hotel pickup time is confirmed by phone the day before the tour.

Which Phuket areas include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Shared van transfers are included from Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, and Karon Beach. Surcharges apply to other areas.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a Thai buffet lunch at a restaurant on Phi Phi Don, along with snacks and onboard refreshments. Vegetarian options are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included. Standard and first-class passengers snorkel by longtail boat, while premium passengers snorkel by speedboat.

How much is the national park fee?

Standard and first-class passengers must pay THB 400 per adult and THB 200 per child during the tour. The fee is not included in the listed tour price.