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

The best reason to book this Phi Phi day trip is the range: in one long outing, you get white sand at Bamboo Island, limestone cliffs at Pileh Lagoon, monkeys at Monkey Beach, snorkeling, and a look at famous Maya Bay. The speedboat cuts travel time, giving you more island time than a slower boat would.

I especially like the maximum group size of 20, plus the steady supply of water, soft drinks, fruit, and snacks. I also like the care shown by guides such as Ray, Sonny, Alan, and Goodies, who explain the stops, help with photos, and keep an eye on swimmers. The main drawback is the ride itself: it can be loud and very rough, especially in strong wind or monsoon rain. Take motion-sickness medicine if you need it.

Key points before you book

• Bamboo Island comes early: You get about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on a broad white-sand beach.
• Pileh Lagoon is a water stop: The emerald-green lagoon and tall cliffs make this one of the strongest photo and swimming stops.
• Maya Bay has rules: You can sightsee at the famous beach, but admission is separate and park closures can affect the visit.
• Lunch is at Phi Phi Holiday Resort: The buffet includes Thai and international dishes, with special diets available if requested ahead of time.
• The boat ride is fast but bumpy: The first run to the islands can take about an hour, and the return may be rough.
• The national park fee is extra: Budget 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child, in addition to the tour price.

What the $108.43 price really buys you

At $108.43 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi. Local beach vendors may sell lower-priced island trips, but the price often reflects a more crowded boat and a less private lunch setting. Here, the advertised limit is 20 people, and several boats have four crew members, leaving more room to move and making it easier to get help in the water.

Your price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, accident insurance, lunch, bottled water, snacks, fruit, coffee or tea, snorkeling equipment, beach towels, and a waterproof floating phone case. That is a useful package, since towels, drinks, and gear can quickly add cost on a full-day outing.

The value is strongest if you want one carefully arranged day rather than piecing together transport, boat tickets, food, and snorkeling equipment. It is less attractive if you prefer a quiet beach day or already have access to a private boat.

The 400 THB national park fee for adults and 200 THB for children is not included. Alcoholic drinks cost extra, though water and soft drinks are supplied during the day.

Starting at Royal Phuket Marina

The day begins at Royal Phuket Marina with light refreshments and a short information and safety session. This is where you get oriented, meet the guide and crew, and learn how the day will work before boarding the speedboat.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which matters because the marina is not close to every Phuket resort. One account described a roughly one-hour transfer from Patong, including other pickups. That makes this a full day, not a quick half-day outing.

The marina can feel confusing at first if many groups arrive together. The operation is organized, but you may see a large crowd before everyone is directed to the right boat. Once aboard, the smaller group size becomes more important.

The fast ride to Bamboo Island

The first island stop is Bamboo Island, part of the marine national park system. You get about an hour to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on a large, relatively open island with pale sand and clear water.

This is the stop that most closely matches the classic tropical-island picture. It gives you proper beach time rather than only a quick photo from the boat. Bring sun protection, since the island is described as broad and barren, with little shelter.

The first speedboat run can take around an hour. The ride is quick compared with slower sightseeing boats, but speed also means noise, spray, and hard bumps when the sea is unsettled. Sit where you feel most stable, keep valuables secured, and take motion-sickness medicine before departure if rough water affects you.

Monkey Beach from the boat

At Monkey Beach, the boat pauses for about 10 minutes so you can watch the macaques swim, climb, and jump along the shore. The short stop is designed for sightseeing and photographs, not a beach visit.

You do not go ashore. That is an important safety point because the monkeys are wild animals, not trained performers. Stay on the speedboat, keep your hands and food to yourself, and treat the stop as a quick wildlife sighting.

Ten minutes is enough to see what makes the place memorable, but not enough for a leisurely visit. If you want long stops at every location, this itinerary may feel busy.

A sea-view buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort

Lunch is served at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with a sea view and about an hour to eat. The buffet offers Thai and international food, along with seasonal fruit, coffee, and tea. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be handled if you request them when booking.

The setting is a real advantage. Instead of eating a basic meal on a moving boat, you get a proper break on land with a view. Several descriptions of the day praised the quantity of food and the resort location, while one found the lunch only average. That is a fair warning: expect a practical buffet, not a special restaurant meal.

The lunch stop also helps break up the day. Nine and a half hours on a speedboat can be tiring, so an hour to sit down, eat, and use facilities is welcome.

Swimming in Pileh Lagoon

Pileh Bay, also called Pileh Lagoon, is the most striking water stop. You swim for about 30 minutes in emerald-green water enclosed by tall limestone cliffs.

This is a boat-based swimming stop, and the scenery does much of the work. The cliffs rise sharply around the lagoon, giving the water a sheltered, dramatic feel. It is also a strong place for photographs, especially if your guide or a companion can take pictures from the boat.

The half-hour limit may feel short. The tour covers many locations, and Pileh is one of the places where you may wish for more time. Life jackets are part of the included equipment, and national park rules may require them in some swimming areas, even when you are comfortable in the water.

Viking Cave and the story behind bird’s nest soup

The itinerary includes a sightseeing stop at Viking Cave, where the guide explains the cave’s importance to the island’s swallow birds. Their nests are valued for bird’s nest soup, a specialty dish.

The visit is mainly for viewing and explanation. It is not presented as an on-land cave exploration, so think of it as a short cultural and natural-history stop between swimming locations.

This small piece of context adds more meaning to the scenery. You are not only passing a limestone cave, you are learning why it matters economically and culturally.

Maya Bay and its changing rules

Maya Bay is the famous beach associated with the 2000 film The Beach. The stop lasts about an hour and focuses on the bright water, white sand, and dramatic setting that made the location internationally known.

You should pay close attention to the current rules when booking. The tour information states that Maya Bay will be closed from August 1, 2025 through a later date that is not specified here. Park authorities can also control access and activities, so the exact experience may change.

Admission to Maya Bay is not included in the tour price. The separate national park charge is 400 THB for an adult and 200 THB for a child. Since Maya Bay is one of the main reasons many people choose this excursion, check the operating date and closure status before paying.

A visit here is best approached as a scenic stop, not a guaranteed swim. The beach may be busy, and rules can limit where you walk or enter the water.

Snorkeling, gear, and time in the water

Snorkeling is one of the strongest parts of the day. The tour supplies a life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins, and a new snorkel mouthpiece, so you do not need to rent basic equipment separately.

The underwater views can be very good, with plenty of fish at some stops. Do not expect a perfect coral garden every time, though. Conditions vary, and some areas may show more fish than living coral. Boat traffic can also affect the water at popular sites.

Rain does not necessarily end the snorkeling. Some outings have gone ahead in heavy rain, and the underwater views were still worthwhile. But poor weather can make the sea rough, reduce visibility, and make the long ride uncomfortable. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The crew helps people in and out of the water, but you should still be comfortable swimming or at least be prepared to use a life jacket. The boat has a restroom, though using it while the boat is bouncing at speed may not be pleasant. Shore stops offer better chances to use facilities.

What the small group feels like on board

The stated maximum is 20 people, and that size is a major part of the price. You are less likely to be packed shoulder to shoulder, and the crew can give clearer instructions and more direct help.

There is one reason to confirm the group size before departure: one party reported 28 people on its boat despite booking a small-group experience. It still felt manageable to them, but it was more than expected. The supplied information also refers to a maximum of 20, so any mismatch is worth raising with the operator.

The guides receive especially strong praise for clear English, humor, organization, and attention to safety. Goodies, Ray, Sonny, Alan, Anton, and P are among the guides named in the tour feedback. Your guide will depend on the boat and date, but the repeated pattern is clear: the guide is an important part of the experience.

Some guides take photos and videos with your phone during water stops. A separate photography package is also available, though its price is not provided. If you want underwater images, ask about the package before booking rather than assuming it is included.

Food, drinks, and useful extras

You receive water throughout the day, along with soft drinks, snacks, and fresh fruit between stops. This sounds simple, but it matters under the Phuket sun, especially when you are moving between beach, boat, and water activities.

Beach towels are included and are hung out to dry after swimming on some boats. The waterproof floating phone case is another practical touch. Even so, keep your phone secured and do not rely on a case alone for expensive equipment.

Bring sun protection. A hat, sunscreen, and a cover-up will help on both Bamboo Island and the exposed boat ride. Alcohol is available to buy, but it is not included.

Weather, crowds, and comfort

This is a popular route, and you should expect other boats at major sites. The most crowded moments are likely around well-known stops such as Maya Bay and the main Phi Phi beaches. The small group improves your own boat experience, but it cannot remove the wider traffic around famous islands.

The weather can change the day more than any other factor. Strong wind makes the speedboat rough, and monsoon rain can continue for much of the route. The operator requires favorable weather and offers a new date or full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

The boat ride is part of the adventure, but it is not gentle transport. If you have back problems, severe motion sickness, or dislike fast open-water rides, consider that carefully. The tour suits active people who want swimming and snorkeling more than people seeking a calm cruise.

Who should book this Phi Phi tour

I would choose this trip if you want to see many of Phuket’s headline sights in one day and value included transport, food, equipment, and a smaller boat. Families can benefit from the organized schedule and attentive crew, though children should be comfortable with the speedboat and water stops.

It is also a good fit for first-time visitors who do not want to negotiate separate transfers or decide which islands to combine. The itinerary gives you beach time, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, cultural context, and famous film scenery.

I would hesitate if you want long, quiet periods on one beach. The schedule has many stops, and some are only 10 or 30 minutes. I would also think twice if rough seas are a serious concern or if Maya Bay is the only attraction you care about, since access and closure rules can change.

Final verdict: good value for an active island day

This tour earns its strong reputation through organization, attentive guides, a well-filled day, and the comfort of a smaller group. The included snacks, drinks, towels, snorkeling kit, phone case, hotel transfers, and resort lunch help explain the higher price.

The tradeoff is clear: you pay more for a structured day, but you still face crowds, changing weather, and a bumpy speedboat ride. Book it if you want variety and easy logistics, confirm Maya Bay’s status, budget for the national park fee, and take motion-sickness medicine if needed. For an active first visit to Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands, it is a sound choice.

FAQ

How long does the Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, including hotel transfers, the marina briefing, boat travel, island stops, snorkeling, lunch, and the return trip.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the experience offers mobile tickets.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour information states a maximum of 20 travelers. One supplied account described a boat with 28 people, so you may wish to confirm the group size when booking.

What equipment is included?

You receive a life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins, and a new snorkel mouthpiece. Beach towels and a waterproof floating phone case are also included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with Thai and international dishes, seasonal fruit, coffee, and tea.

Can special diets be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions are available upon request. Make the request at the time of booking.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The listed fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. This charge is separate from the tour price.

Can I see the monkeys at Monkey Beach?

Yes, the boat stops for sightseeing. You remain on the speedboat because the macaques are wild animals and there is no on-land access.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, and the same options apply if that minimum is not reached.