Phi Phi Island Big Boat Tour – Snorkeling, Beaches & Scenic Views

The best part of this tour is the ride itself. A larger boat gives you more room to sit, move around, and watch the Andaman Sea while the Phi Phi Islands come into view. You’ll pass Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave, then have time for snorkeling, lunch, and beach time around Phi Phi Don.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off from Patong, Kata, and Karon, since getting to the pier on your own adds another layer to a long day. I also like that lunch, fruit, soft drinks, masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included. The main drawback is the time spent at sea. If you want hours on the beach, this may feel like a boat tour with brief island stops rather than a beach day.

At about $98.77 per person, this is worth considering for the easy transport and full package. It is less appealing if you only want a ferry ride to Phi Phi and prefer to arrange your own meals and beaches.

Key Points Before You Book

• A roomy boat changes the feel of the day: You get more space than on a tightly packed speedboat, but the journey takes much of the day.
• Phi Phi Don is the main island stop: Expect lunch, snorkeling, and beach time, with the exact beach and schedule changing by season.
• The most famous sights are often viewed from the water: Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave are sightseeing points, not guaranteed long shore visits.
• The tour includes useful basics: Snorkel equipment, a life jacket, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, insurance, a guide, and boat transfers are covered.
• Season matters: From November through April, the boat usually includes sightseeing around Phi Phi Lay. From May through October, the schedule focuses more on cruising and Laemtong Beach.
• Budget an extra THB 400: The national park fee is listed separately from the tour price.

A Full Day From Phuket to Phi Phi

This is a roughly 10-hour outing, beginning with pickup around 7:00 a.m. and ending back at the meeting point. The early start is not a minor detail. Phuket traffic can affect pickup times, and the driver may arrive earlier or later than expected, so you need to wait in your hotel lobby.

Pickup is offered only in Patong, Kata, and Karon. If you are staying elsewhere, you may need to reach the listed meeting point at Sun Leisure World near The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa in Patong. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

The land transfer is limited to a maximum of 15 people, which can make the hotel pickup more manageable. The water group can be larger, depending on the vessel. The listed capacity ranges from 35 people on a speedboat to 50 on a June Bahtra, while a longtail boat carries up to 12. For this experience, the big-boat format is part of the appeal, but it also means the boat itself may feel busier than the small land transfer.

At the pier, the day begins with the trip toward Phi Phi. Coffee, tea, and dessert are served on board. Those small comforts matter because the first part of the day is mostly travel, not island time.

The Cruise to Phi Phi Don

The boat is scheduled to leave the pier around 8:30 a.m., with arrival at Phi Phi Don listed around 9:50 a.m. The timing can vary with traffic, sea conditions, and the season, but you should expect a substantial ride before the first major stop.

I like this style of trip for passengers who enjoy watching the sea rather than rushing from one platform to another. A larger boat lets you find a place to sit and take in the views without being locked into the tight seating common on smaller vessels. You can also make use of the included refreshments while the guide provides commentary.

The tradeoff is simple: comfort comes at the cost of speed. A speedboat may get you between islands faster, but it can feel rougher and more cramped. This tour is better suited to you if the ride is part of the experience, not just transportation between beaches.

The boat reaches Phi Phi Don at Tonsai Pier. During the May to October low season, the schedule says to remain on board during a short stop at Tonsai Pier before continuing toward Laemtong Beach. That means you should not assume every Phi Phi stop is a chance to get off and wander.

Phi Phi Don, Laemtong Beach, and Time on Shore

Phi Phi Don is the practical center of the day. Depending on the season and boat schedule, you may stop at Laemtong Beach, have lunch, snorkel, and spend time near the beach.

The most praised part of the experience is the snorkeling around Long Beach. The water and marine life can be the highlight for you if seeing colorful fish matters more than checking off every famous viewpoint. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included, so you do not need to rent the basic equipment separately.

I would keep your expectations sensible. Snorkeling conditions depend on weather, visibility, and the exact stop chosen by the crew. The tour promises a snorkeling opportunity, not a private reef or a long guided marine-life session. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask the operator which beach and reef are planned for your travel date.

Lunch is included and served as a buffet. The food has received both positive and negative reactions, so I would treat it as convenient fuel rather than a reason to book. One particularly useful detail for Muslim visitors is that the buffet has been described as halal. At the same time, the meal has also been called ordinary for the price, so your value judgment may depend on how much you care about having food arranged for you.

Seasonal fruit and cool soft drinks are also provided. Since Phi Phi prices are generally higher than those in Patong, included food and drinks can save you from paying island prices during the day.

Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave From the Water

The Phi Phi Islands are famous for dramatic coastal scenery, but this tour does not promise long visits at every landmark. Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave are part of the sightseeing route, with several sights viewed from the boat.

That matters when comparing this tour with a speedboat trip that advertises multiple shore stops. Here, you may get better room to sit and a calmer ride, but the famous locations can pass by as scenic views rather than places where you spend an hour on land.

Maya Bay is the name most people recognize, yet a view from the boat can still be worthwhile. You get a broad sense of the cliffs, water, and enclosed bay without treating the stop as a full beach visit. Monkey Beach and Viking Cave add more visual interest to the cruise, especially if you enjoy photography and want to see several Phi Phi landmarks in one day.

The schedule includes sightseeing around Phi Phi Lay from November through April only. The listing repeats this seasonal point, so you should pay attention to the month of your trip. From May through October, the itinerary instead describes a cruise to Phi Phi with refreshments on board, a short Tonsai Pier stop, and arrival at Laemtong Beach.

In plain terms, the same tour name can produce a different rhythm depending on the season. High-season departures may give you more sightseeing around Phi Phi Lay. Low-season departures may focus more on the cruise, Phi Phi Don, Laemtong Beach, and the conditions of the day.

What the Bigger Boat Gives You

The boat is the defining feature. You have more room to lounge than on a small speedboat, and that can make a long day easier on your body. Families and small groups may appreciate having space to sit together rather than balancing around narrow seats and wet gear.

The larger vessel also makes the trip less dependent on speed. You can watch the islands approach, enjoy the included coffee or tea, and listen to the guide’s commentary. This is a pleasant way to see the Andaman Sea if you do not need every minute optimized.

But a larger boat does not mean a private experience. Water transport may hold 35 or 50 people, depending on the boat, so the deck and boarding areas can be active. You may also spend much of the day on board. One poor experience described only about two hours away from the boat, which is a useful warning for anyone expecting a full beach itinerary.

I would choose this format over a speedboat if you value space and a steady pace. I would choose a smaller boat if your priority is reaching more coves quickly or spending longer periods ashore.

Price, Inclusions, and the Extra National Park Fee

The listed price is $98.77 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi, but it includes several items that add up when arranged separately:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Patong, Kata, or Karon
• Round-trip Phuket to Phi Phi boat transport
• Tour guide and commentary
• Mask, snorkel, and life jacket
• Lunch
• Seasonal fresh fruit
• Cool soft drinks
• Insurance

The national park fee is not included and is listed as THB 400 per person. Add that to your calculation before booking. The wording about admission fees can otherwise cause confusion, since some fees may be handled by the tour while the national park charge remains separate.

Value depends on how you travel. If you want a simple package with transport, food, equipment, and a guide, the price is reasonable for a full day. If you are comfortable buying a ferry ticket, arranging your own lunch, and planning island stops independently, you may find this tour expensive for what it provides.

The key question is how much convenience is worth to you. Phuket to Phi Phi is not a quick local hop, and a missed connection or poor pickup can damage an otherwise good day. The package removes much of that planning work, though one pickup problem has been reported, so keep your booking details and hotel information clear.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

Confirm the pickup location before the morning of the tour. The stated pickup areas are Patong, Kata, and Karon, while the meeting point is in Patong. Do not assume the operator will collect you from any Phuket hotel.

Wait in the lobby from about 7:00 a.m. The pickup may be early or late because of traffic, and the instructions specifically ask you to be patient.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for valuables. These items are practical for any snorkeling and beach outing, though only the mask, snorkel, and life jacket are listed as provided.

Keep some cash for the THB 400 national park fee and for personal purchases. The tour includes non-alcoholic drinks, not alcoholic beverages.

Ask about the exact seasonal route if you are booking for May through October. The itinerary changes, and you should know if you are mainly getting a cruise and Laemtong Beach rather than the Phi Phi Lay sightseeing pattern used from November through April.

Do not book this expecting a private guide. The land transfer is limited to 15 people, but the boat may carry more. The guide’s name is not provided, so you cannot select a particular guide in advance.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Who Will Like This Phi Phi Tour

I would recommend it to families and small groups that want a straightforward day with transport already arranged. The larger boat, included lunch, and provided equipment reduce the number of decisions you need to make.

It also suits you if snorkeling is important but you do not need a specialist marine tour. The Long Beach snorkeling stop can be beautiful, and the colorful marine life is a genuine reason to look forward to the day.

This may also work well for visitors who prefer a steadier boat ride. You can sit, watch the scenery, and move around more than you usually can on a small speedboat.

I would hesitate if you want long, quiet stretches on the sand. The boat occupies much of the schedule, and the famous Phi Phi sights may be viewed from the water. I would also compare ferry prices if you are confident organizing your own meal, snorkeling arrangements, and island transport.

The overall rating is 3.4 out of 5 from 46 ratings, which fits the mixed value picture. The strongest praise centers on beautiful snorkeling, Long Beach, the views from the big boat, and a good halal buffet. The sharpest criticism concerns pickup problems, extra charges, limited time off the boat, and food that may not feel special for the price.

Should You Book This Big Boat Experience?

Book it if you want an organized Phi Phi day with hotel transfers, lunch, snorkel gear, and a spacious boat in one package. It is a practical choice for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who would rather watch the islands than manage several separate bookings.

Skip it if the price feels high for a day spent mostly on board. A ferry ticket can cost less, though you would need to arrange your own meal and activities. Before paying, check the season, confirm pickup, add the THB 400 park fee, and decide how much beach time you truly want.

For me, the tour makes the most sense as a comfortable scenic cruise with a snorkeling stop, not as an intensive island-hopping adventure. Book with that expectation, and the day is more likely to feel like good value.

FAQ

How long does the Phi Phi Island tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 10 hours, including hotel pickup, the boat journey from Phuket, island sightseeing, snorkeling, lunch, and the return trip.

What time does pickup begin?

Pickup is scheduled around 7:00 a.m. You should wait in your hotel lobby because traffic may cause the driver to arrive earlier or later.

Which Phuket areas offer hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered in Patong, Kata, and Karon. The listed meeting point is Sun Leisure World near The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa in Patong.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with seasonal fresh fruit and non-alcoholic soft drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour provides a mask, snorkel, and life jacket.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The national park fee is listed separately at THB 400 per person.

Will I visit Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave?

These locations are included as sightseeing points around the Phi Phi Islands. The itinerary describes sightseeing from the boat, so it does not promise a long shore visit at each location.

Does the route change by season?

Yes. From November through April, sightseeing around Phi Phi Lay is listed. From May through October, the itinerary includes a cruise, a short Tonsai Pier stop, and arrival at Laemtong Beach on Phi Phi Don.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.