From Phi Phi: Private Full-Day Speed Boat Charter

Phi Phi’s best sights are scattered across several islands, and this private speedboat lets you string them together in one long, salt-sprayed day. You’ll snorkel at Shark Point and Loh Samah Bay, stop at Pi Leh Lagoon, and reach Bamboo Island for lunch on the sand. It is a busy route, but the scenery earns the attention.

I like the freedom to shape the day with your own boat, and I like that lunch, fruit, water, masks, and life vests are included. The captain and crew, including guide Nancy on some departures, are described as helpful and friendly. The main drawback is the price: $521 for up to two people is a serious splurge, and rough seas can force a changed route or cancellation.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to two: You do not share the speedboat with a large tour crowd.
• A full Phi Phi circuit: The route covers Shark Point, Runtee Bay, Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Hin Klang, Nui Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay.
• Two strong snorkeling stops: Shark Point may offer blacktip shark sightings, while Loh Samah Bay has a large coral reef and tropical fish.
• Beach lunch on Bamboo Island: Expect lunch with seasonal fruit on a powdery white beach.
• Maya Bay from the water: Access rules can limit entry, so the bay may be viewed from outside rather than on foot.
• Sunset finish: The boat returns toward Phi Phi as the sun drops over the sea.

Why a private Phi Phi boat can be worth the cost

The price is $521 per group of up to two people, not per person. For a couple, that works out to $260.50 each, before any national park fees. That is expensive beside a shared island trip, but the comparison is not quite apples to apples.

You are paying for a private speedboat, a driver, a flexible plan, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, water, and a six-hour outing packed with major Phi Phi sights. A private boat also gives you more control over how long you spend at each stop, although the number of planned locations means the day will still feel active rather than slow.

The value is strongest if you care about privacy and want to see many locations in one outing. It is weaker if you prefer long beach time, a relaxed pace, or a low-cost excursion. With only six hours, you will make many stops, but you should not expect every stop to become a long, quiet visit.

The tour is especially useful for two people who want their own boat without paying for a much larger group. The information also describes the group as limited to one participant, which appears to reflect the private arrangement rather than a normal shared group. Confirm the exact passenger setup when booking if you are traveling with more than two people.

Starting at Phi Phi Hospital or Laemtong Pier

The listed starting options are Koh Phi Phi Hospital and SAii Phi Phi Island Village. The meeting instructions specify being ready in front of SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier, so check your confirmation carefully and do not assume the two locations are interchangeable.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included. You need to reach the meeting point yourself, and the activity ends back there. Bring cash, since national park charges may not be included and are collected at random according to the provided information.

Wear swimwear under light clothing, and bring a sun hat and sunscreen. The boat offers little shelter from a strong tropical sun, and the sea glare can be tiring after several hours.

Shark Point and Runtee Bay: an early water stop

The first major stop is Shark Point, followed by Runtee Bay. The appeal here is simple: get into the water early, before the day has become too hot, and look for marine life around Phi Phi’s rocky coast.

Blacktip sharks are specifically mentioned as a possible sighting. They are part of the thrill, but wildlife never follows a timetable, so you should treat them as a bonus rather than a promise. The snorkeling also depends on visibility, sea conditions, and your comfort in open water.

You receive a mask and snorkel, along with a life vest. If you are not a confident swimmer, the vest can make the stop easier, but this remains a water-based activity with repeated climbs in and out of a speedboat. People prone to seasickness may find the ride and the open water difficult.

Bamboo Island: beach time and lunch on the sand

Bamboo Island changes the rhythm. After the first snorkeling stop, you get a chance to step onto an uninhabited island, stretch your legs, sunbathe, and eat lunch beside a broad white-sand beach.

The island is known for its wild bamboo, though the real draw is the beach and the sense of space. Lunch includes seasonal fresh fruit, and drinking water is supplied. Do not expect a restaurant, café, or built-in comfort stop. This is a simple beach meal, which is part of its charm but also means you should bring anything personal you may need.

Bamboo Island is one of the better stops for anyone who wants more than a string of photographs from a boat. You can actually get on the sand and enjoy the setting. Still, the route has many later stops, so your time here may feel shorter than you would prefer.

Mosquito Island and Hin Klang for another look underwater

After lunch, the boat heads toward Mosquito Island. Like Bamboo Island, it is uninhabited, so the stop is about natural scenery and the sea rather than shops or attractions on land.

The next snorkeling point is Hin Klang. The attraction is another chance to see the underwater side of Phi Phi, with the exact experience shaped by water clarity and weather. If you enjoy snorkeling, the repeated water stops are a strength. If you tire quickly in the sun or dislike getting wet several times, this itinerary may feel too full.

The boat provides masks, snorkels, life vests, and water, but you should bring sunscreen and a hat. Cash is also useful for park fees or other personal needs. Drones are not allowed.

Nui Bay, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave

Back near Phi Phi Don, the route continues to Nui Bay and Monkey Beach. These stops show a different side of the islands, with steep limestone formations, small coves, and the famous macaques at Monkey Beach.

Monkey Beach is visually memorable, but it is still a wild setting. Keep food and personal items secure, and follow the crew’s instructions around the animals. The information provided does not promise a landing here, so be prepared to see it from the boat rather than walk ashore.

Viking Cave adds a bit of mystery to the route. A wall painting resembles a large Viking boat, which explains the name. The cave is also linked to the collection of edible bird nests used in medicinal soup. You will look at the cave from the water, and the stop is brief compared with a full historical site visit.

Pi Leh Lagoon: limestone walls and still water

Pi Leh Lagoon is likely to be one of the visual highlights. Tall, jagged limestone cliffs enclose the turquoise water, giving the lagoon a sheltered, almost enclosed feel.

You can take a swim here, and the sunlight on the water can make it seem lit from below. This is the kind of stop where the boat’s private setup matters: if the timing allows, you can enjoy the view without being tied to a large group’s schedule.

The lagoon is not a quiet secret. Phi Phi’s famous scenery attracts many boats, and conditions can change the feel of the stop. Still, the cliffs and clear water make Pi Leh a strong reason to choose this route.

Loh Samah Bay and the coral reef

Loh Samah Bay provides the final major snorkeling session. The reef is described as large, with colorful tropical fish moving through it. For anyone choosing the tour mainly for time in the water, this is one of the most important stops.

The quality of snorkeling depends on visibility, tide, weather, and local protection rules. You should also remember that coral is fragile. Keep your fins and feet away from the reef, and do not touch marine life.

Loh Samah Bay is close to Maya Bay, so the two stops work well together. You get an underwater experience at Loh Samah, then a dramatic above-water view at Maya Bay.

Maya Bay and the limits of a famous name

Maya Bay became famous after appearing in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. Its steep cliffs, pale sand, and clear water made it an international symbol of Phi Phi. The fame also brought heavy pressure, so access rules can be strict.

The tour information says Maya Bay may be closed to tourists for coral propagation, with the bay viewed from outside the restricted area. It also notes a seasonal closure for Maya and Loh Samah bays from August 1 through September 30, 2022. That date is old, and rules can change, so confirm the current access policy before you book.

Do not book this trip assuming you will stand on Maya Bay’s beach. Book it for the full coastal view, the surrounding limestone cliffs, and the chance to photograph one of Thailand’s best-known sights from the sea. If beach access is essential, ask the operator about the current rule rather than relying on an old schedule.

Sunset on the return to Phi Phi

The final leg is timed to catch sunset over the ocean before returning to the original meeting point. After several snorkeling sessions and beach stops, the changing light can be a welcome, quiet ending.

Sunset timing depends on the departure time, weather, and how long the earlier stops take. The activity lasts six hours, so check available start times carefully. A late start may improve the sunset chance, but it could reduce daylight at the first stops.

This is also when the private format can feel most pleasant. You can settle back with your own small group instead of waiting for a large boat to organize everyone.

What is included, and what is not

The package includes:

• Private speedboat
• Driver
• English-speaking guide
• Lunch
• Seasonal fresh fruit
• Drinking water
• Life vests
• Snorkel and mask
• Accident insurance

A sea guide is not included as a separate service. National park fees are also excluded unless you select the add-on. The supplied information says officials collect these fees randomly, but protected islands and snorkeling areas may require payment.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and dinner is not provided. Plan your food around the included lunch and arrange your own transport to and from the meeting point.

The operator is Anda Krabi Seatour. The guide language is English, and Nancy is named as one guide associated with the tour. The crew and captain are described as helpful and friendly, which matters on a boat day where clear instructions and quick help make the experience easier.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

The sea determines the day. If weather becomes dangerous, the itinerary can change or the trip can be canceled. You should be comfortable with that uncertainty before paying for a tightly planned route.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness. A speedboat can be bumpy, and the repeated movement between boat, beach, and water is not ideal for everyone.

I would also think twice if you want a slow island day. This is a sightseeing circuit with many stops. You will cover a lot of ground, but you may spend only a limited amount of time at each location.

The tour makes the most sense for a couple or pair of friends who enjoy snorkeling, want privacy, and prefer seeing many Phi Phi highlights in one outing. It also suits people who value a private boat more than a bargain price.

Should you book the private Phi Phi charter?

Book it if you want a high-coverage day around Phi Phi, enjoy snorkeling, and are willing to pay for your own boat. Bamboo Island, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and the sunset return give the day a strong mix of beach, cliffs, reef, and open sea.

Skip it if your priority is the cheapest option, long stretches of quiet beach time, or guaranteed entry to Maya Bay. Also skip it if seasickness or limited mobility could make six hours on a speedboat unpleasant.

For the right pair, the private format is the key benefit. You get a packed route, basic comforts, and more personal space than a shared excursion. Just confirm the meeting point, current Maya Bay rules, and national park fees before you commit.

FAQ

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

The activity lasts six hours. Available starting times depend on the date you select.

Where does the tour start?

The listed starting options are Koh Phi Phi Hospital and SAii Phi Phi Island Village. The meeting instructions say to be ready in front of SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier, so check your booking details carefully.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point. Koh Phi Phi Hospital and SAii Phi Phi Island Village are listed as drop-off options.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price is for a group of up to two people. The activity is described as private and as a small group limited to one participant, so confirm the exact setup if your party has more than two people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and seasonal fresh fruit are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A snorkel, mask, and life vest are included, along with drinking water.

Are national park fees included?

No. National park fees are not included unless you select the available add-on.

Can I enter Maya Bay?

Access depends on current conservation rules. The provided information says Maya Bay may be closed to tourists for coral propagation, in which case you can view it from outside the bay area.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may change, or the tour may be canceled, if sea conditions are considered too dangerous.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later booking.