Small Groups of 20 people – Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

Paradise comes with a speedboat ride. This nine-and-a-half-hour trip from Phuket packs Bamboo Island, Phi Phi, Maya Bay, and Pileh Lagoon into one busy but rewarding day, with hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, snacks, and lunch included. I especially like the maximum group size of 20 and the steady supply of water, fruit, and soft drinks on board. The main catch is the ride itself: the boat can be loud and rough, and popular stops may feel crowded.

The best parts are the emerald water at Pileh Bay and the time spent swimming and snorkeling around the islands. Guides such as Ray, Sunny, Anton, Alan, and Goodies have earned praise for clear instructions, good humor, and careful attention to safety. Still, this is an ambitious itinerary. If rain or wind arrives, you will feel it, and the day may seem like a parade of quick stops rather than a lazy beach escape.

Key points at a glance

• Pileh Lagoon is the water highlight: You get about 30 minutes to swim in the green lagoon beneath tall limestone cliffs.
• Bamboo Island gives you a full beach hour: Swim, snorkel, or stretch out on the sand within the marine national park.
• The speedboat covers a lot of ground: The fast boat makes the far-flung stops possible, but the ride can be bumpy and noisy.
• Lunch comes with an ocean view: A buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort includes Thai and international dishes, with special diets available on request.
• Monkey Beach is viewed from the boat: The macaques stay wild, and there is no land access at this stop.
• The small-group promise matters: A group of 20 feels much better than a packed boat, though one account reported 28 people on board, so confirm the arrangement when booking.

What this Phi Phi day trip is really like

This is a full-day island-hopping outing rather than a quiet cruise. You leave Phuket by speedboat, visit several famous bays and beaches, stop for swimming and snorkeling, and return after seeing the main sights around Phi Phi.

The day begins at Royal Phuket Marina with light refreshments and a short safety and information session. Hotel pickup and return are included, which is a real advantage in Phuket, where reaching a marina can take time and involve confusing transfers. One account described an air-conditioned minibus and a smooth pickup, though the ride from Patong can take about an hour while other passengers are collected.

At the marina, the operation can feel busy because several groups may be checking in at once. Directions are provided, but allow a few minutes to get your bearings. The boat itself is described as clean, with enough room for a small group. Four crew members may be on board, depending on the boat and departure.

The advertised maximum is 20 people. That number is important because small speedboats become uncomfortable quickly when every seat is taken and wet towels, bags, and snorkeling equipment are added. Most comments describe the smaller group as a major advantage, but one account reported 28 people. If space is a priority, ask the operator to confirm the expected headcount before you pay.

Bamboo Island: your first proper swim

Bamboo Island is usually the first major stop, after roughly an hour on the boat. It is a broad, relatively open island with white sand and clear water, part of the marine national park system.

You have about an hour here, which is enough time to swim, snorkel, and sit on the beach without feeling rushed. This is one of the more relaxed sections of the day because you can choose your own pace. If you want photographs, take them early. If swimming is your goal, get into the water before the beach fills with other boats.

The island is described as fairly barren, so do not expect a developed beach resort. That is part of its appeal, but it also means the stop depends heavily on weather, sea conditions, and how many other groups arrive at the same time.

Bring sun protection. One sunny-day account specifically warned about the strength of the sun, while rainy-day accounts show how quickly conditions can change. A hat, sunscreen, and a dry bag for essentials are sensible additions, even though towels and a waterproof phone case are supplied.

Monkey Beach: a short wildlife stop

Monkey Beach is a sightseeing pause of about 10 minutes. You remain on the speedboat and watch macaques climb, swim, and jump along the shore.

This is a quick photo stop, not a chance to walk among the animals. That restriction is sensible. The monkeys are wild, and the tour clearly states that there is no land access. Keep food and loose belongings secure, and do not expect a long wildlife encounter.

The short stop also shows the pace of this excursion. You see many places, but the schedule leaves little room to linger if a particular bay captures your attention.

Lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort

Lunch is served at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with a sea view and about an hour to eat and take a break. The buffet includes Thai and international food, plus seasonal fruit, coffee, and tea.

The meal is one of the better practical features of the tour. A long day on the water is tiring, and having a proper buffet instead of only snacks makes the price easier to justify. Several accounts describe the food as plentiful or excellent, while one found lunch disappointing. Your experience may depend on the day’s menu and your own expectations.

Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated when requested in advance. Do not leave this until the morning of the trip. Mention it at booking so the operator has time to prepare.

The resort setting also gives you a break from the engine noise, spray, and movement of the boat. That pause matters more than it may seem. This is a long day, and an hour on land helps you reset before the afternoon stops.

Pileh Lagoon: the strongest part of the itinerary

Pileh Bay is the visual and swimming highlight. The lagoon is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and has striking green water. You get around 30 minutes to swim.

The time is short, but the setting is excellent. Several accounts singled out the snorkeling and lagoon swim as the best parts of the day. The crew may help people get into the water, explain where to swim, and take photos or videos with your phone.

You should follow the guide’s instructions closely here. Water conditions can change, and the boat may be moving in an open bay. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are included, but national park rules may require life jackets in certain areas, even when you would prefer to swim without one.

One practical point: snorkeling quality can vary. Some outings produce plenty of fish, while the coral may be limited or less healthy than you hoped. The water and cliff setting remain memorable, but this is not a dedicated reef expedition.

Viking Cave and the story behind bird’s nest soup

The itinerary includes a sightseeing stop at Viking Cave, where you learn about the cave’s importance to the island’s swallow birds.

These nests are valued for bird’s nest soup, a specialty associated with the region. The stop is mainly educational and scenic. It does not appear to be a long cave visit or land excursion, so treat it as a brief look from the boat rather than a separate adventure.

This is a useful reminder that Phi Phi is more than a collection of pretty beaches. The islands have working traditions and natural resources that shape local life, even if the tour only gives you a short introduction.

Maya Bay and the limits of fame

Maya Bay is the most famous stop, known for the white sand and bright blue water featured in the film The Beach. You get about an hour to see the area, though the supplied details note that the national park may close the bay during certain periods.

The key date provided is August 1, 2025, when Maya Bay is scheduled to close. Closures can affect access, so check the current operating status before booking and again before departure. The tour may still operate with changes, but you should not pay specifically for Maya Bay without confirming that it is open on your date.

Even when open, this is not a private beach experience. Maya Bay is one of Thailand’s most famous natural attractions, and many boats may be nearby. The beauty is genuine, but the sense of solitude shown in movie scenes is not something you should count on.

The guide can help set expectations. One account praised Sunny for preparing the group before reaching Maya Bay, which is useful because rules, walking routes, and swimming restrictions can affect how you enjoy the stop.

Snorkeling, equipment, and comfort on board

The tour provides a life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins, and a new snorkel mouthpiece. Beach towels, bottled water, snacks, seasonal fruit, coffee, and tea are also included. Soft drinks are served during the day, and alcoholic drinks can be purchased separately.

A waterproof floating phone case is supplied, which is handy for people who want pictures in the water without risking a phone. Guides have also been praised for taking photos and videos when people jump into the sea or snorkel. A separate photography upgrade may be available, but it is not part of the listed base price.

There is a restroom on board. Use it when conditions are calm, but shore facilities will be more comfortable when available. A bouncing speedboat moving quickly over waves is not the ideal place for anyone who needs a long bathroom break.

The biggest comfort issue is motion. Several accounts warn that the ride becomes rough, especially on the return journey or during strong wind. If you are prone to seasickness, take appropriate medication before departure and sit where the boat feels most stable. The speed is useful because it reduces travel time between Phuket and the islands, but it also means more noise, spray, and jolts.

Weather can shape the whole day

The tour runs only with favorable weather conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That policy protects you financially, but weather can still affect a trip that goes ahead. One account described heavy monsoon rain from beginning to end, while another praised perfect weather. Rain can reduce beach time, make the boat ride rougher, and dull the colors of the water. Wind may create large waves even when the tour is not canceled.

Pack a light waterproof layer, protect your phone, and accept that the Andaman Sea controls the schedule more than the operator does. The crew can manage safety, but they cannot order sunshine.

Is the $108.43 price good value?

At $108.43 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi. Local beach vendors may sell lower-priced trips, but the lower fare can come with fuller boats and less space. This experience includes hotel transfers, a professional guide, accident insurance, snorkeling equipment, towels, lunch, snacks, drinks, a phone case, and an on-board restroom.

That bundle makes the price reasonable if you value convenience and a smaller group. You are paying not only for the islands, but also for transportation, food, crew support, and a more organized day.

You must add the national park fee: 400 Thai baht per adult and 200 baht per child. The listing also states that the adult national park charge is 400 baht per person, so budget for that extra cost. Alcohol is not included.

The value drops if you dislike packed schedules, rough boats, or crowded attractions. In that case, a slower private charter or a tour with fewer stops may suit you better, although the supplied information does not provide prices for those alternatives.

Who should book this experience?

I would point this tour toward first-time visitors to Phuket who want to see the main Phi Phi sights in one day. Families can benefit from the organized transfers, food, drinks, and crew support, and one family account praised Sunny and the crew for helping with children.

It also suits active people who want several chances to swim and snorkel rather than spend the day sitting on a boat. You should be comfortable with speed, noise, wet conditions, and a full schedule.

I would think twice if you get severe seasickness, need a quiet beach day, or want long snorkeling sessions. The boat ride can be rough, the snorkeling time is limited, and the busiest sights may not feel peaceful.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. If you miss the tour because a cruise ship arrives late or fails to return on time, no refund is provided. Cruise passengers must give the ship name and docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times when booking.

Should you book the Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands tour?

Book it if you want maximum scenery in one organized day and value a small boat, reliable refreshments, hotel pickup, and an attentive crew. The strongest reasons are Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, the snorkeling, and the care provided by guides such as Ray, Goodies, and Sunny.

Skip it if your dream is an empty beach and a gentle boat ride. Phi Phi is famous for good reason, but fame brings other boats, and the speedboat can be punishing in rough weather. For most active visitors with limited time in Phuket, the $108.43 cost is fair, provided you add the park fee and prepare for the motion.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What is the group size?

The advertised maximum is 20 people. One account reported 28 people on a boat, so confirm the expected group size if this is important to you.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort and includes Thai and international dishes.

Can special diets be accommodated?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary requests are available when requested in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Life jackets, masks, snorkels, fins, and a new snorkel mouthpiece are included.

Are towels provided?

Yes. Beach towels are included.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The stated fee is 400 Thai baht for adults and 200 Thai baht for children.

Can I visit Maya Bay on every departure?

No. Maya Bay can close under national park rules. The provided update states that it will be closed from August 1, 2025, so check the current status before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

Yes, but cruise passengers must provide the ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time when booking. Missing the tour because the ship is late or fails to return on time is not refundable.