REVIEW · PHUKET
From Phuket: Phi Phi and Maya Bay Snorkeling by Speedboat
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by V. Marine Tour · Bookable on GetYourGuide
This is a long day of island-hopping that moves fast. You get speedboat views of the Andaman Sea, plus multiple chances to snorkel with gear included. The best part is the mix of iconic sights and actual water time, not just quick photo stops.
I really like how the day is structured around the coast—boat passes, then Maya Bay and Phi Phi water—so you feel the place as well as see it. The snorkeling setup is straightforward with mask, snorkel, and a life jacket provided. One thing to consider: Maya Bay may be closed right now, so the itinerary may not include stopping at the beach.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- From Phuket to Phi Phi: pickup timing and your day start
- Speedboat views of the Andaman Sea, plus Monkey Beach from the deck
- Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay: iconic sights with real snorkel time
- Phi Phi Don lunch break: where the day slows for a good meal
- Khai Nai Island: the afternoon swim and small-island feel
- Snorkeling gear, safety, and comfort basics that matter
- How the $112 price stacks up for value
- What can change: weather and the Maya Bay closure
- Should you book this Phi Phi and Maya Bay speedboat day trip?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How much does the Phuket Phi Phi and Maya Bay snorkeling speedboat trip cost?
- How long is the tour?
- What time will I be picked up from Phuket?
- What islands and stops does the tour include?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- Is lunch included, and what about drinks or snacks?
- Are alcoholic beverages included?
- Will the tour stop at Maya Bay?
- What should I bring for the day?
Key things to know before you go

- Speedboat hop-to-hops: A 1-hour ride from Phuket to Phi Phi sets the tone early.
- Monkey Beach from the water: You’ll spot monkeys while you’re still on the boat.
- Maya Bay time is the main draw: When open, you get more water time around Phi Phi Leh.
- Lunch on Phi Phi Don: Noon break at a seaside restaurant, with snacks and beverages during the day.
- Khai Nai is the wind-down stop: Small-island time for relaxing and snorkeling.
- Photographer option: A photographer named Mac may take great shots as you go.
From Phuket to Phi Phi: pickup timing and your day start

If you’re staying anywhere in Phuket, the day kicks off early—usually a morning hotel pickup with times that depend on your area. Expect pick-up starting around 7:00am to 8:00am, then you’re routed to the harbor area in an air-conditioned vehicle.
After pickup, you’re on a return speedboat and return car setup, so you’re not dealing with finding transport or figuring out the schedule yourself. The first big transition is the boat ride to the islands. You’ll spend about an hour cruising out to Phi Phi, which is enough time to get oriented—and to realize the speedboat ride can feel lively when the conditions are breezy.
This is the part of the day where you’ll get the rhythm. Keep your essentials easy to reach (sunscreen, shades, a towel ready for the stops), because once you’re out there, the day becomes a series of short, fun, water-focused segments.
Speedboat views of the Andaman Sea, plus Monkey Beach from the deck

One of the reasons people love this route is simple: you don’t just arrive at Phi Phi—you see a lot of it from the water first. The speedboat gives you fast angles on coastline and rock formations as you travel.
As you cruise along, you’ll pass notable landmarks like Camel Rock or Nui Bay. It’s not a long museum-style stop, but it is the best kind of travel education: you see what the geography actually looks like at speed, in daylight, with the sea stretching out around you.
And then there’s Monkey Beach. You won’t be hiking for monkeys; you’ll be spotting them from aboard the boat as part of the approach. It’s one of those moments that feels random until you realize it fits the day’s flow—quick wildlife encounter, then straight into the water activities.
If you’re the type who enjoys motion and views, this is the section that clicks. If you prefer slow, you’ll still enjoy it, but you’ll want to lean into the idea that this is a packed day.
Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay: iconic sights with real snorkel time

Phi Phi Leh is where the tour earns its fame. Your main stop centers on Maya Bay, made widely known from The Beach. When Maya Bay is operating normally, you get more time for swimming and snorkeling in the area, which matters because water time is what makes the Andaman feel special.
This tour is built around the idea that snorkel experiences aren’t just a single quick dip. You’ll have multiple snorkeling trips across the day, with gear included (mask, snorkel, and life jacket). So at Maya Bay, you’re not just standing on a viewpoint—you’re using the water time in a way that fits the setting.
Now for the big caution: Maya Bay is listed as closed for restoration until further notice, and the tour will not stop or access the beach during that closure. That doesn’t mean the whole day is useless—it just means you should treat the Maya Bay beach itself as a possible miss. What you can still count on is Phi Phi Leh being part of the routing, plus continued snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the broader area.
If Maya Bay being accessible is a must-have for your bucket list, double-check the current operating status before you go. If you mainly want the turquoise water and rock-and-beach scenery of Phi Phi, this trip still makes sense even when the beach can’t be visited.
Phi Phi Don lunch break: where the day slows for a good meal

At noon, you head to Phi Phi Don for lunch. This is a real reset moment in the middle of a day that otherwise moves quickly from stop to stop.
The lunch is served at a beachside restaurant, and you’ll have beverages included as well as snacks during the tour. Practically, this gives you two advantages: you recharge your energy, and you get a chance to dry off a bit between water sessions.
I like this lunch design because it avoids the all-day snack scramble. You’re not eating tiny portions on the boat while bouncing around. You get a proper break, then you’re back out again for the afternoon island time.
If you’re picky about food, the tour information doesn’t list specific menu options. So I’d plan to be flexible and expect a standard lunch setup that works well for groups, especially since the focus of the day is sightseeing and snorkeling.
Khai Nai Island: the afternoon swim and small-island feel

After lunch, you head to Khai Nai Island. This stop tends to feel lighter than the main Phi Phi moments. You’ll explore the island itself, then you get time to relax, swim, and snorkel around the area.
Khai Nai is the kind of place that gives you a different pace—more casual, less iconic-landmark pressure. That’s a nice balance after Maya Bay/ Phi Phi Leh focus earlier in the day. If your body starts to feel that early-morning rhythm (and the boat ride has you thinking about naps), this is the moment to slow down without losing the “water is part of the plan” vibe.
Also, snorkeling is included with gear and a life jacket, so you’re not burning time trying to rent equipment or hunt down a shop. Just arrive, put on your mask and snorkel, and spend your attention on the water.
Expect a classic Andaman mix: bright light, white sand impressions, and sea colors that look unreal once you’re actually in them.
Snorkeling gear, safety, and comfort basics that matter

This is one of those tours where the basics are handled. You get snorkel equipment (mask and snorkel) and a life jacket. A professional guide runs the day, and the routing includes entrance and national park fees.
That matters because snorkeling in protected areas often involves rules and logistics. Here, you’re not guessing which waters you can enter or what the day’s expectations are. You also get a live English-speaking guide, which helps if you want quick clarity on what to watch for and when.
Comfort notes from the practical side:
- You’ll want to bring a towel (listed as required), plus a swimsuit and sunscreen.
- Wear beach shoes or comfortable footwear for the walking segments on and around the islands.
- Bring sunglasses and a camera, because you’ll have plenty of photo chances from boat viewpoints and shoreline stops.
Safety-wise, this trip is not recommended if you have heart complications, are pregnant, or have other serious medical conditions. That’s a clear boundary, and it’s worth taking seriously because the day includes boat travel and active water time.
Also keep in mind: the tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If conditions aren’t good, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
How the $112 price stacks up for value

$112 sounds like a “do I really want to pay for this?” number—until you break down what you’re actually getting.
At this price, you’re typically covered for:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Return speedboat transfers
- Return transportation by air-conditioned car
- Professional guide
- Entrance fees and national park fees
- Lunch
- Beverages and snacks
- Snorkel equipment and life jacket
The big value play here is the combination of logistics and included costs. If you tried to piece together boat transport, park fees, and a guided day yourself, you’d usually spend more time and money chasing missing parts. This tour bundles it into a single price, with fewer decision points for you.
The one clear non-inclusion: alcoholic beverages. If you want beer or cocktails on the side, you’ll need to buy them separately.
If your goal is a high-impact day—Phi Phi scenery plus snorkeling—this price is fairly aligned with what you’re getting, especially since national park fees and the water gear are already part of the package.
What can change: weather and the Maya Bay closure

Two items can affect your day more than you might expect:
First, weather. If conditions are poor, the operator will offer an alternative date or a full refund. That’s your safety net, but it also means you should travel with some flexibility if possible.
Second, Maya Bay closure for restoration. When Maya Bay is closed, the tour will not stop or access the beach. That changes the “classic” part of the itinerary, so the best approach is to decide what you want most:
- If you must stand at Maya Bay beach, you’ll need to time your trip when access is allowed.
- If you mainly want Phi Phi and water activities, you’ll still get a packed day around the islands and snorkeling opportunities.
Either way, it’s smart to read the current status before you lock in your schedule.
Should you book this Phi Phi and Maya Bay speedboat day trip?

Book it if you want a structured day that includes hotel pickup, speedboat transfers, guided navigation, snorkeling gear, and a beachside lunch—without you planning every connection yourself. It’s also a strong fit if you like seeing coastlines from the boat first, then getting into the water when you arrive.
I’d skip or carefully reconsider if:
- You’re traveling with specific medical conditions that make boat and water time unsuitable (heart complications, pregnancy, or other serious conditions).
- Maya Bay beach access is the sole reason for your trip and you can’t adjust plans if it’s closed.
- You dislike fast-paced schedules, because the day is built to move.
If you’re aiming for one of the most popular island-and-snorkel days from Phuket, this is a practical pick—just go in with the right expectations about Maya Bay access and you’ll likely have a memorable day on the water.
FAQ
FAQ
How much does the Phuket Phi Phi and Maya Bay snorkeling speedboat trip cost?
The price is listed as $112 per person.
How long is the tour?
The duration is 9 hours.
What time will I be picked up from Phuket?
Pick-up times vary by area, starting around 7:00am and running up to about 8:00am. The exact time depends on your location.
What islands and stops does the tour include?
The day trip includes Phi Phi Leh (with Maya Bay), Phi Phi Don (with lunch), and Khai Nai island. You’ll also pass landmarks such as Camel Rock or Nui Bay and spot monkeys at Monkey Beach from the boat.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel and life jacket) is included.
Is lunch included, and what about drinks or snacks?
Lunch is included, served at a beachside restaurant in Phi Phi Don. Beverages and snacks are also included during the tour.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Will the tour stop at Maya Bay?
Maya Bay is listed as closed for restoration until further notice, and the tour will not stop or access the beach during that period.
What should I bring for the day?
Bring a towel, plus a swimsuit, comfortable clothing, beach shoes, sunscreen, a camera, and sunglasses.










