From Krabi: Phi Phi Island Full-Day Private Speed Boat Tour

The appeal here is having a boat of your own for a day among Phi Phi’s famous bays and beaches. Instead of following a fixed crowd from stop to stop, you can ask the crew to adjust how long you stay in quieter places.

I like two things in particular: a private crew that can help with the practical bits, including getting on and off the boat, and the mix of scenery and swim stops, from Bamboo Island’s pale sand to Pileh Lagoon’s green water. The picnic and supplied drinks also mean less planning on the day.

The trade-off is that this is a premium outing, and a private boat cannot make popular sites empty. Maya Bay can be crowded, and it is closed, along with Loh Samah Bay, in August and September.

At a glance: five things to know

• The boat is private: The listed price is $598 for a group of up to two, with a captain and crew.
• The route packs in variety: Expect beach time, snorkeling, swimming, a lagoon, a cave, and a pass around Maya Bay.
• You have some say in the day: The crew can adjust time at stops, which matters when one bay is busy or you would rather linger elsewhere.
• Park fees are extra: Budget 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child aged 3 to 11.
• The tour has seasonal limits: Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay close in August and September.

A private boat changes the pace

The Phi Phi archipelago is a popular day trip, and its best-known coves can draw plenty of boats. A private speedboat does not remove the crowds, but it gives you a more flexible way to spend the day. You are not sharing the boat with a large tour group, and the crew can discuss where you would like to linger or move on.

That flexibility is especially useful for families and small groups with different energy levels. One family of five described getting help from the crew with young children, while another outing included attentive help for a 73-year-old passenger getting on and off the boat. Those examples do not promise the same crew or exact assistance on your trip, but they show why a private setup can be more manageable than a packed group boat.

The seven-hour format is a full day on the water, not a leisurely island stay. You will visit several places, so expect a balance of cruising, short stops, and time to swim or explore. The route begins at Nopparat Thara Pier, with pickup options listed for Pak Nam, Nong Thale, and Ao Nang. Pickup is described as being from your hotel lobby, but confirm the exact meeting point when you book. One passenger staying around Railay had a mismatch between the app’s hotel-lobby directions and the correct dock.

Bamboo Island: sand, reef, and an early swim

Bamboo Island is the first named stop. It is known for white sand, clear water, and reefs, making it a natural place to start with a beach break or snorkeling. The water and shore are the draw here, so bring your swimwear and sunscreen where you can reach them quickly.

Starting at Bamboo Island can also help you enjoy it before the day gets further along. One private-tour group chose to arrive early, before the beach became more crowded. Timing and conditions can vary, but this is a good reason to appreciate the crew’s ability to shape the schedule rather than treat every stop as a timed handoff.

Snorkel and mask are included, as are life jackets. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before getting into the water and use the life jacket. A private boat allows for a more personal pace, but it does not turn open water into a supervised swimming pool. Follow the captain and crew’s directions.

Phi Phi Don: picnic and a choice of free time

The tour then heads to Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don, where you have a picnic and some free time. You can explore the streets or walk up to the viewpoint for a broad panorama. That choice is useful: you can stretch your legs on land, take in the island from above, or keep your break easy if you would rather rest.

The viewpoint is the more effortful option, so consider your group’s comfort and the time available before setting off. The tour is seven hours overall, and the schedule also needs to fit in the other islands. If walking is difficult for anyone in your group, this is a good stop to discuss with the guide rather than assume the uphill walk will suit everyone.

Lunch details may differ from one outing to another. The tour includes a picnic set, and past trips have featured both cold picnic-style food and a cooked lunch, with fresh fruit and drinks also mentioned. Treat those details as examples, not a guaranteed menu. Bottled water and soft drinks are included, which is handy in the heat, but bring any other snacks you know your group will want.

Viking Cave and the emerald water of Pileh Lagoon

Viking Cave is a sightseeing stop where you can see the cave and its birds’ nests. The description promises a view of the cave, not a visit inside, so think of this as a short look from the boat rather than an extended land stop.

Next comes Pileh Lagoon, one of the tour’s most striking water stops. Its deep emerald color is the main attraction, and the plan is to take photos and swim. The contrast between the enclosed lagoon and the open sea makes this a different kind of stop from Bamboo Island’s beach and reef.

Water conditions can change. One outing began under overcast skies with choppy seas, and the captain chose a safe route to a lagoon for snorkeling. That is a useful reminder that the captain’s judgment comes before a wish list. If the sea is rough, the exact order or amount of swimming may need to change.

Loh Samah Bay and the Maya Bay reality check

Loh Samah Bay is listed as a snorkeling stop, with clear, shallow water and colorful coral reefs. It offers another chance to get in the water, but the bay’s access is seasonal: Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay are closed in August and September. Check your travel dates before booking if either site is central to your plans.

Maya Bay is the famous name on this route, associated with the film The Beach. The tour description says you cruise around the bay, so do not book on the assumption that you will land on its beach. It is a scenic pass by an iconic place, and its fame is also the reason it can feel busy. One group found it crowded and appreciated spending less time there and more time at quieter stops.

This is where a private boat earns much of its value. You may not control the number of boats at Maya Bay, but you can ask the crew to keep the stop brief and use more of the day for swimming or calmer locations. The crew’s flexibility is not a guarantee that every request or route will be possible, since conditions and site rules matter, but it gives you more say than a rigid group schedule.

What the private-tour price buys

At $598 per group of up to two, this is a high-cost day out compared with joining a shared boat. The value depends on how much you care about privacy, flexibility, and having the crew’s attention. For a couple, the whole amount is a sizeable spend. For a small family or group, the per-person calculation may look different, but confirm the price for your exact party size before booking.

The private format is most useful if you want to set the pace, need extra help getting aboard, or are traveling with children who may need breaks. Past crews have included guides such as Neen and Bee, and one family praised guide Neen’s communication and help during deep-water snorkeling. Another couple described a guide who helped make a special moment possible. These are examples of the personal service the format can allow, not a promise that a particular guide will be assigned.

Included equipment and supplies cover some practical costs: private speedboat, captain and crew, accident insurance, snorkel and mask, life jackets, picnic set, bottled water, and soft drinks. The national park entry fee is separate, at 400 baht per adult and 200 baht for a child aged 3 to 11. Add that to your budget rather than treating the advertised boat price as the full cost.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The speedboat and multiple water stops also make it a poor fit if you need an easy, step-free day. If you are unsure, ask the operator about the boat and boarding before paying.

Practical details before you book

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Keep your swim gear easy to reach, since the day includes beach and water stops. Drones are not allowed.

The listed driver languages are English and Thai. Pickup is included, with Pak Nam, Nong Thale, and Ao Nang shown as pickup options. Confirm the exact location and time, especially if your accommodation is on Railay or elsewhere where a hotel-lobby pickup may not apply.

Starting times depend on availability. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Check the booking terms for your selected date before confirming.

Should you book this Phi Phi speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a private day on the water and value the freedom to adjust the pace more than you value keeping costs low. It is a strong fit for couples, families, or a small group that wants help from a dedicated crew, several chances to swim, and a picnic break between island stops.

Think twice if your top priority is an uncrowded Maya Bay, a low-cost outing, or a guaranteed beach landing there. The best reason to choose this tour is not that it avoids every crowd. It is that you have more control over how you spend your day when the crowds are there.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

What is the price?

The listed price is $598 per group of up to two. Confirm the price for your party size when booking.

Which places are included in the route?

The named stops and sights include Bamboo Island, Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and a cruise around Maya Bay.

Is Maya Bay open all year?

No. Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay are closed in August and September.

Is the national park entry fee included?

No. The fee is 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child aged 3 to 11.

What equipment and refreshments are provided?

The tour includes a snorkel and mask, life jackets, bottled water, soft drinks, and a picnic set.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, and sunscreen.

Where can pickup be arranged?

The listed pickup options are Pak Nam, Nong Thale, and Ao Nang. Pickup is described as being from your hotel lobby, so confirm your precise meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are not allowed on this activity.