6 Hours Private Tour Around Phi Phi Islands From Phi Phi

A traditional long-tail boat, a private captain, and a half-day among Phi Phi’s coves: this tour gives you room to see the famous spots without following a large group’s timetable. I like two things in particular: you can choose how long to linger at each stop, and the route mixes headline sights such as Maya Bay with quieter bays where swimming and snorkeling take center stage.

The main caveat is that the boat leaves from Phi Phi Don, not Phuket. You need to reach the meeting point by McDonald’s on Phi Phi yourself, and strong wind or rough water can close beaches or change the route. The 400 THB per adult national park fee is also extra.

The most useful details at a glance

• Private for up to two people: The listed price is $187.49 per group, with extra people charged 400 THB each.
• A traditional long-tail boat: Your captain steers while you enjoy the views, swim, snorkel, or take photos.
• Eight named stops: The route includes Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Phi Leh Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, Long Beach, Loh Lana Bay, and Wang Long Bay.
• Flexible stop times: You can decide how long to stay at each place, within the six-hour tour and depending on conditions.
• Bring the park fee: National park entry costs 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid at the point of entry.
• Pack for a wet, sunny day: Drinking water, a cooler box with ice, life jackets, and snorkel masks are included. Fins are available to rent.

Six hours on the water, on your terms

The appeal here is not simply ticking off a string of beaches. It is the private format. You share the boat only with your own group, and the captain can adjust the pace rather than ushering everyone along to keep a large excursion on schedule. If you find a cove you love, you can ask to stay longer. If the sea turns choppy or a beach is closed, the captain may need to suggest another stop.

The six hours are approximate, and the listed stop times add up to four hours and fifteen minutes. The remaining time allows for the boat ride between places, though the actual balance will depend on sea conditions and how long you choose to stop. The route is ambitious, so don’t expect a long beach day at every bay. Think of it as a sampler with the freedom to linger where you most want to.

That flexibility is the tour’s strongest selling point. A couple may value the extra privacy and control, especially if you want to take photos, snorkel at your own pace, or avoid feeling rushed through a favorite spot. For a larger group, the per-person price may become more attractive, but each additional person costs 400 THB.

Monkey Beach, where wildlife steals the show

The first stop is Sam Had Beach, also called Wild Monkey Beach. The plan allows about 30 minutes to see the monkeys that live there. You may find this one of the most memorable stops, but the animals are wild, not a petting attraction. Enjoy watching them without expecting them to perform on cue.

One especially useful tip: leave enough time here if monkeys are high on your wish list. The private format gives you a chance to ask the captain to spend longer, but every extra minute comes from the rest of a six-hour outing. Decide before you go whether you would rather linger here or reserve more time for swimming and snorkeling later.

The stop can also be a good reminder that nature sets the schedule. Wildlife may be active or less visible, and conditions around the beach can affect access. Keep your plans flexible, and let the captain advise on what is practical that day.

Viking Cave and Phi Leh Bay’s emerald water

Viking Cave is a 30-minute stop. It is known as a collection point for valuable swiftlet nests, which are used in Chinese bird’s-nest soup. The cave is a striking point of interest along the route, though the stated stop does not promise a tour inside. Treat it as a chance to see the cave and learn why it matters to the local industry, rather than an extended visit.

Next comes Phi Leh Bay, one of the emerald lagoons inside Phi Phi Leh. The plan allows about 30 minutes, and the setting is a natural counterpoint to the cave: steep island scenery and clear water rather than a cultural or commercial story. This is a good place to look around from the boat, take photos, and enjoy the water.

The captain’s local knowledge matters most when the route needs adjusting. The boat operator is described as knowing scenic spots, and the private arrangement lets you tell the captain what you want from the day. Still, wind and sea conditions can limit which coves are safe or open. One tour party had beaches closed in windy weather, but the captain found other beautiful places and adapted the outing.

Loh Samah Bay and Maya Bay’s famous shore

Loh Samah Bay is allotted around 30 minutes and is described as a place for snorkeling and relaxing. Bring your mask, included with the tour, and remember that fins are not included but can be rented. The water is the main attraction here, so this stop suits you if you want time to swim rather than only photograph the scenery.

Maya Bay gets about 45 minutes. Its fame comes in part from the film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which was filmed here. You can walk along the white beach and take in the setting that made it recognizable around the world. The allotted time is longer than for most stops, but it is still a visit, not an open-ended beach stay.

Maya Bay is also a place where access and conditions can shape the experience. The tour includes the national park fee separately, and the fee is 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child. Confirm the day’s access arrangements with the operator, and do not assume that a stop is guaranteed if weather or local rules intervene.

Long Beach and two quieter coves

The route then includes a long beach facing southwest, with views toward Phi Phi Leh and soft, fine white sand. It is listed as a 30-minute stop and offers a different mood from Maya Bay’s film fame. If you want a simple stretch of sand and a view across the water, this could be a pleasant place to pause.

Loh Lana Bay, on the northwest coast of Phi Phi Don, is described as a cove with a beach about 500 metres long. Thirty minutes gives you a taste of the bay, but not necessarily time to explore the full shoreline. Its location on the main island also adds variety to a route that includes several stops around Phi Phi Leh.

Wang Long Bay is another 30-minute stop, with turquoise water and small fish. It is a natural choice for a swim or snorkel if conditions are calm. The boat carries life jackets and masks, while fins cost extra. You can bring your own snacks and drinks, or arrange a packed lunch for an additional 100 THB per person. Choices include Thai fried rice or a baguette sandwich, with chicken or vegetarian options.

What the price includes, and what it does not

At $187.49 for a private group of up to two, the tour is not the cheapest way to see Phi Phi. Its value is in the private boat and flexible pace, not in a long list of included extras. If you compare it with a shared excursion, weigh the extra cost against having the boat to yourselves and a say in how long you stay at each place.

The national park fee is a notable additional expense: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. The tour also charges 400 THB for each extra person. An extra hour costs 800 THB, so ask the operator to confirm the final amount and how it applies to your group before extending the trip.

Drinking water, an ice box, life jackets, a snorkel mask, a first aid kit, and accident insurance are included. Fins are for rent only. Food is not included, though you can bring your own or request a packed meal for 100 THB per person. These are practical details worth settling in advance, especially if you plan to spend much of the day in the water.

Getting to the right starting point

The meeting point is McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don, and the tour returns there at the end. This is an important detail if you are planning from Phuket: the boat does not depart from Phuket, and you must make your own way to the meeting point on Phi Phi. Check your island plans carefully before booking. Confusing the departure location has caused people to miss the tour.

The experience is listed as suitable for most people, but it is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or has high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone disease. The sea can be choppy, and one party found the waves strong enough to make seasickness a possibility. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider your comfort before choosing a boat outing.

You receive confirmation at booking, and the tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who should choose this private Phi Phi boat trip?

I would consider this tour if you are already staying on Phi Phi Don, want to see several island highlights in one outing, and value flexibility more than the lowest possible price. It makes particular sense for a couple or small group who want private space, time for photos, and the ability to choose between lingering at a favorite stop or moving on.

It is less suitable if you need a Phuket departure, want a fixed guarantee that every beach will be accessible, or are looking for a very low-cost trip. Wind and access conditions can change the plan, and the park fee adds to the cost. If the schedule and starting point work for you, the private long-tail format offers a personal way to experience Phi Phi’s famous bays and quieter swimming spots.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at McDonald’s on Phi Phi Don. You need to make your own way to the meeting point.

Does the tour leave from Phuket?

No. The meeting point is on Phi Phi Don, not Phuket.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about six hours. The total time at the listed stops is about four hours and fifteen minutes, with the rest of the time used for travel between locations and any adjustments.

How many people can join for the listed price?

The $187.49 price is for a group of up to two people. Each extra person costs 400 THB.

What is the national park fee?

The fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid at the point of entry. It is not included in the tour price.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

A snorkel mask and life jacket are included. Fins are available to rent, but are not included.

Can I bring food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring snacks, drinks, or food. A packed lunch can also be arranged for an extra 100 THB per person, with Thai fried rice or a baguette sandwich and chicken or vegetarian choices.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather requires cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.