Phi Phi Islands Exclusive Tour by Speedboat from Koh Yao Yai

The best Phi Phi views come from the water. This six-hour speedboat trip from Koh Yao Yai visits Maya Bay, Pileh Bay, Monkey Beach, and several snorkeling spots in one neatly planned outing. I like the small group of six to 14 people, which should make the boat feel more personal than a large island excursion.

I also like that snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and an onboard restroom are included. The main point to weigh is the extra cost: hotel pickup is not included, and you must also pay the national park fee in cash. The sea conditions can affect the schedule, too.

Key details before you book

• Black tip reef shark possibility: Koh Bida Nok is the main snorkeling stop, with a chance to spot black tip reef sharks.
• Six-hour route: The tour starts at 9:00 am and returns to the Elixir Divers meeting point on Koh Yao Yai.
• Small boat group: A maximum of 14 people keeps the outing more intimate, though at least six passengers are needed for the trip to operate.
• Lunch with a view: Your lunchbox is eaten aboard the boat near Pileh Bay, rather than at a crowded restaurant.
• Several short island stops: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, Wang Long Bay, and Monkey Beach each offer a different kind of Phi Phi scenery.
• Extra fees matter: Hotel transfers cost 100 to 400 THB per person, and the national park fee is 400 THB for adults or 200 THB for children ages 3 to 12.

Starting at Koh Yao Yai at 9:00 am

The meeting point is Elixir Divers & Speedboat Tours at 2/3 Moo 3, Phru Nai, on Koh Yao Yai. The activity ends back at the same place, so you should plan your own way to and from the marina unless you add the available hotel pickup.

That transfer costs 100 to 400 THB per person. The exact amount depends on the pickup arrangement, so check it before setting out. This is one of those small costs that can change the final price, especially if you are booking for a family.

The listed tour price is $113.74 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see Phi Phi, but the price includes a speedboat excursion, snorkeling equipment, lunch, beverages, and a restroom on board. You also get a limited group size instead of being placed on a large public boat with many other people.

You must pay the national park fee separately in cash. It is 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children ages 3 to 12. Beach towels are not included, so bring your own if you want one for the ride or the beach stops.

The boat requires at least six passengers to operate and accepts no more than 14. That minimum creates a little uncertainty on quiet dates, but the operator offers another date or a full refund if the trip cannot run because the minimum is not met.

Maya Bay: famous, beautiful, and busy by nature

Maya Bay is the first listed stop, and it is the place most people already know from the film The Beach. Its curved beach and steep limestone cliffs make it an easy photo stop, even if you have only a short time ashore.

You can take photographs and, depending on the conditions and the day’s plan, enjoy an optional walk on the beach. The attraction here is the setting rather than a long activity. You are looking at one of the most recognizable bays in southern Thailand, so expect the stop to feel more scenic than quiet.

The timing is important. Maya Bay is famous precisely because so many people want to see it. A small group helps with the feel of the outing, but it cannot make a well-known national park site private. Keep your expectations realistic: this is the stop for classic photographs, not solitude.

Bring sun protection and secure anything loose before getting off the boat. The day includes several stops, and the bright water and pale sand can make the heat feel stronger than expected.

Koh Bida Nok and the search for reef sharks

Koh Bida Nok is the main stop for serious snorkeling. The trip includes snorkeling gear, so you do not need to arrange your own mask and equipment separately. The water here is described as calm, with coral reefs and marine life to look for.

The special promise of this stop is the chance to see black tip reef sharks. That is a possibility, not a guarantee, and wildlife never follows a tour schedule. Still, this is the clearest reason to choose this excursion over one that only visits beaches and viewpoints.

You should be comfortable in the water to get the most from Koh Bida Nok. The tour description says most people can participate, but it does not provide a separate beginner snorkeling class or a detailed account of water depth. If you are uncertain about swimming, ask Elixir Divers about the conditions before booking.

The operator also notes a flexible itinerary. That can be useful when sea conditions, visibility, or crowd levels change. A flexible route may mean that the exact order or length of stops shifts during the day, but it gives the guide room to choose better conditions.

Viking Cave and Pileh Bay from the boat

Viking Cave is included as a cruise-by point or possible snorkeling stop. From the water, you can see the dramatic cliff setting without treating this as a long land visit. The stop is brief in feel, but it adds variety to the route.

Pileh Bay is one of the most scenic parts of the outing. The plan includes cruising through its emerald water, swimming, and eating your lunchbox on board with the bay around you. I like this arrangement because it uses the boat as part of the experience instead of treating it only as transportation between beaches.

A lunch on board also saves time. You do not have to leave the route, find a restaurant, and wait for a table. The tradeoff is that you are eating in a moving or anchored boat environment rather than at a shaded café. If you need a quiet, formal meal, this may feel basic. If you prefer more time in the bays, it is a sensible use of the schedule.

Drinks are included, which is helpful in Thailand’s heat. Even so, carry any personal snacks or extra water you may need, since the supplied details do not specify the type or quantity of beverages.

Wang Long Bay and the cliffs of Phi Phi

Wang Long Bay is described as a narrow, scenic bay with monkeys on the cliffs. This is a good example of why the route works well: it gives you a different view of the islands from the usual beach scene.

The narrow shape of the bay should make the cliff walls feel close from the boat. You may see monkeys around the rocks, but they are wild animals, not trained performers. Keep food and loose items secure, and follow the guide’s instructions around them.

Because this stop is viewed from the water, do not expect a long walk or a substantial beach visit here. Its value is the boat-level view into a tight cove, along with the chance to spot wildlife without adding another major landing to the schedule.

Monkey Beach and the familiar Phi Phi postcard

Monkey Beach offers soft white sand, clear water, and wild monkeys. It is one of the easiest stops to understand: you get a classic Phi Phi beach, a chance to look for monkeys, and time near the water.

The animals are the main attraction, but you should treat them with care. Do not assume they are tame simply because they are accustomed to boats and people. Keep your belongings close and avoid feeding or approaching them unless the guide specifically directs you.

Like Maya Bay, Monkey Beach may be popular. The small group helps once you are back on the boat, but the beach itself is still part of a heavily visited island circuit. The stop is best for a quick beach impression rather than a peaceful afternoon with a book.

Ao Nui and the possible route adjustment

Ao Nui is listed among the route highlights as a tiny beach and snorkeling stop, although the formal stop list also names Maya Bay, Koh Bida Nok, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, Wang Long Bay, and Monkey Beach. This suggests that the guide may adjust the route according to the day’s conditions.

That flexibility is useful, but you should not treat every listed highlight as a guaranteed, equal-length visit. The tour lasts about six hours, and there are several islands and bays to cover. Some places may be viewed from the boat, while others allow swimming, snorkeling, or a short beach walk.

If Ao Nui is included on your day, it sounds like a quieter counterpoint to the famous sites. A tiny beach and a short snorkeling stop can offer a more relaxed pause, provided weather and timing allow it.

What the small group changes

The maximum of 14 passengers is one of the strongest features of this trip. A small boat group usually means less time waiting for people to board, a better chance to ask the guide a question, and a more comfortable rhythm between stops.

The available feedback gives the guide Igor special praise, along with the small group atmosphere and food served on board. That is useful context because the trip’s appeal is not only the scenery. Friendly personal service can make a busy island route feel much more manageable.

Still, small group does not mean private charter. Other boats will be in the Phi Phi area, especially around the best-known beaches. You are paying for a smaller shared group, not exclusive use of every bay.

The tour also needs at least six passengers to run. If the minimum is not met, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it means you should avoid building a tightly timed onward plan around this boat unless you have a backup.

Is $113.74 good value?

At $113.74 per person, this tour makes the most sense if you value convenience and a controlled group size. The price covers the speedboat trip, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and an onboard restroom. Those inclusions reduce the number of separate arrangements you need to make.

The cost is less attractive if you only want to see one beach or spend most of the day swimming in one bay. This is a sightseeing circuit with several stops, not a slow beach day. You are paying to cover a lot of Phi Phi in about six hours.

Remember to add hotel transportation and the national park fee. An adult using the highest stated transfer cost would pay an additional 400 THB for pickup, plus 400 THB for the park. Those fees are not hidden, but they do belong in your real trip budget.

The included lunch is another practical saving. You will not need to search for food while the boat moves between islands, and eating at Pileh Bay gives the meal a better setting than a standard roadside stop.

Who will enjoy this speedboat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want to see the major Phi Phi sights from Koh Yao Yai without organizing several boat connections. It suits people who enjoy snorkeling, short scenic stops, wildlife sightings, and a fairly active morning and afternoon.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Couples who want a compact island day with good photo stops
• Families with children ages 3 to 12, provided the children are accompanied by an adult
• Snorkelers who want a chance to see black tip reef sharks
• Visitors who prefer a small shared group to a large excursion boat
• Anyone who wants lunch and equipment handled in advance

I would think twice if your priority is complete quiet, a long beach stay, or a slow pace. Maya Bay and Monkey Beach are famous places, and the six-hour schedule covers many stops. Also consider the sea: the operator requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the operator says most people can participate. Children must have an adult with them. Since no detailed accessibility information is supplied, ask Elixir Divers directly if you have mobility or equipment concerns.

Should you book the Koh Yao Yai Phi Phi tour?

Book it if you want a well-packed Phi Phi route with a small group, included snorkeling gear, lunch, and a real chance to see Koh Bida Nok’s reef life. The strongest reasons are the limited group size, the flexible plan, and the combination of major sights with less standard stops such as Wang Long Bay.

Skip it if you want an inexpensive beach transfer, a private boat, or several uninterrupted hours in one place. Also calculate the park fee and hotel pickup before deciding. For the right kind of day, this is a strong value: you see a lot, the practical details are covered, and Igor’s praised personal approach may make the busy Phi Phi circuit feel more relaxed.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Elixir Divers & Speedboat Tours, 2/3 Moo 3, Phru Nai, Koh Yao District, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am. The experience lasts approximately six hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional 100 to 400 THB per person.

What is included in the tour price?

The price includes beverages, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board. Beach towels are not included.

How much is the national park fee?

The fee is 400 THB for each adult and 200 THB for each child ages 3 to 12. You must pay it in cash.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum of six passengers may result in another date or a full refund.