From Phi Phi: Full Day Longtail Tour Maya Bay & Snorkeling

Maya Bay’s pale sand, Pi Leh Lagoon’s clear water and a sunset boat ride make this a full day of Phi Phi’s headline sights. I like that the route mixes beach time with snorkeling, and that water, fruit and lunch are included in the $37 price. One thing to weigh: seven stops in eight hours means plenty of time aboard the longtail, and rough water or rain can make that ride uncomfortable.

I also like the chance to reach Bamboo Island and Shark Point in the same outing, rather than spending the day at just one beach. But don’t expect a private cruise or a detailed talk at every stop: group sizes can reach 20, and the quality of explanations and communication may vary.

The quick take

• Maya Bay and Bamboo Island are the big beach stops. You get time ashore at both, with the 400 THB national park fee paid separately in cash.
• Pi Leh Lagoon and Shark Point bring the water time. Swimming and snorkeling are listed at both, with reef and marine-life viewing at Loh Samah Bay, too.
• Seven stops make for a busy day. You visit Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, Shark Point and Bamboo Island, then watch the sunset.
• The boat ride is part of the deal. A traditional longtail gives you an open-air view, but it offers less shelter from rain than a closed boat.
• This is not a transfer from the mainland. You must already be on Koh Phi Phi and make your own way there.
• The $37 fare is not the full cost. Add the 400 THB park charge, and consider that lunch is a simple meal rather than a restaurant stop.

Seven stops, one long day on the water

The tour starts at the Marlin Statue in Tonsai Bay, where you meet Pantawan Tour staff 20 minutes before the 10:30 AM departure. The meeting point is on Koh Phi Phi, even though some map apps may label it as Ao Nang or Krabi. Check the map pin carefully: this trip does not include transport from Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang or elsewhere.

From there, the day follows a string of popular spots around the Phi Phi islands. The route may change with weather, and the seven scheduled stops are a lot to fit into eight hours. Think of this as a sampler: you’ll see several famous places, but you may not get a long stay at every one.

The group is listed as a maximum of 20 people. That’s small enough to feel more personal than a large ferry excursion, but it is still a group outing. Be ready to share the boat, follow the schedule and ask the crew if you need to know how long you have at a stop.

Monkey Beach and Viking Cave

Monkey Beach opens the route with a chance to see monkeys in their natural setting, along with coastal views. The stop is listed for a visit and sightseeing. Treat it as a short look rather than a guaranteed long beach stay, since the full schedule includes six more locations.

Viking Cave is the next point of interest, with sightseeing and snorkeling listed. The cave has local legends and a history that can add a little context to the island scenery. How much explanation you get may depend on the crew and the day: some people have found that they needed to ask where they were and how long they could stay.

That variation matters if you’re booking for more than pretty views. The trip is advertised with an English-speaking guide, but don’t assume every stop comes with a detailed guided talk. If you want more information, ask the staff directly.

Swimming in Pi Leh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay

Pi Leh Lagoon is one of the day’s strongest reasons to go. The enclosed water and steep island walls make a dramatic setting for a swim or snorkel, and the stop is specifically listed for both. Bring your swimwear and towel in an easy-to-reach bag so you are not rummaging through your things when the boat arrives.

Loh Samah Bay offers another chance to explore coral and marine life. It is described as a hop-on, hop-off stop, so the time ashore or in the water may feel less structured than at the main beaches. The tour provides a mask and snorkel, plus a life jacket, but you should not expect a dedicated dive instructor or a long lesson.

These water stops are where the pace can feel most rewarding, especially if you’re happy to swim rather than simply tick off viewpoints. Still, the day has many stops. One person who wanted more time to watch fish found the overall schedule a little rushed. If snorkeling is your main priority, ask the crew how much water time to expect before you set off.

Maya Bay: famous scenery, with a separate fee

Maya Bay is the headline stop for many people. It became widely known as the filming location for The Beach, and the tour gives you free time to visit and take in its famous shoreline. The bay’s clear water and pale sand are the draw, but it is also a popular destination, so the experience is about seeing an iconic place rather than having a quiet beach to yourself.

The national park fee is 400 THB in cash, paid separately from the tour price. The same daily payment covers access to national parks in the area, including Maya Bay and Bamboo Island. The information also notes that an additional fee may apply, so bring enough cash rather than relying on a card.

The tour does not include the fee in its $37 fare. That does not make the trip poor value, but it changes the real price and is easy to overlook while booking. Keep the cash dry and handy, and remember you pay the charge once per day, not once at each park stop.

Shark Point and the white sand of Bamboo Island

At Shark Point, the plan is to swim and snorkel, with the possibility of seeing blacktip reef sharks. The crew is described as helping you find suitable spots, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. If you’re nervous about being in the water, the life jacket is included; you can also ask the crew about conditions before getting in.

Bamboo Island shifts the mood from snorkeling to beach time. The stop gives you free time on a stretch of white sand, with swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing among the obvious ways to spend it. Bring water shoes if you have them, along with sunscreen and a hat. There is little point in reaching a lovely beach if you spend the visit nursing a sunburn.

The beach and lagoon stops are the parts of the day most likely to make the long boat ride feel worthwhile. But the schedule has to balance them with travel between islands. If your ideal holiday day means settling in for hours at one beach, this is not the right format.

Sunset on the return route

The final highlight is sunset over the Andaman Sea, followed by a scenic ride back to the starting point at the Marlin Statue. The timing depends on the day and conditions, but the sunset is part of the planned outing, not an optional add-on.

The longtail itself shapes the experience. It gives you open views and the classic island-hopping feel, but it is not fully enclosed. In rain, you can get wet, and in choppy conditions the ride may feel rough. One particularly difficult outing involved high waves, seasickness and a long stretch aboard the boat. That is not a routine forecast, but it is a useful reminder that weather and sea conditions matter more than the glossy beach pictures suggest.

The operator may change the schedule for weather. Light rain is common in the rainy season, and tours can still run if conditions are judged safe. If conditions are unsafe, the tour may be cancelled, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

What the $37 price includes, and what it doesn’t

At $37 per person, the tour offers a lot of stops, boat transport around the islands, basic snorkeling gear, drinking water, fruit and a lunch box. The value is strongest if you want to see several well-known Phi Phi sites in one day and are comfortable with a simple meal and a group pace.

Food is practical rather than elaborate. Lunch has been described as rice with vegetables, and the portions may be modest. Some outings have also included bread and jam early in the day, followed by juice and pineapple later, but those details are not a firm promise. Bring a snack if you know you’ll want more than a lunch box during eight hours out.

The park charge adds 400 THB in cash, so factor it into your budget. Accommodation, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. More importantly, the tour begins on Koh Phi Phi, so you must arrange your own transport to the island and arrive before the meeting time.

The overall value depends on what you want. If you price each stop as a separate excursion, this bundled day can be an efficient way to see a lot. If you prefer a private boat, long swims at each location or a full meal, the low fare comes with clear compromises.

Getting ready for a day in the sun

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, comfortable shoes, water shoes and cash. Reapply sunscreen, especially on your shoulders and upper back. On a boat, you may sit facing the water for long stretches, and that can leave your back exposed even when you think you’re covered.

Keep valuables and anything that should stay dry protected from spray or rain. The boat is open, and the crew cannot make the weather disappear. If you are prone to seasickness, the possibility of a bumpy ride is worth taking seriously before you book.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under one year, people over 95, or anyone over 243 pounds (110 kg). Pets, alcohol and drugs are not allowed. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, or reserve now and pay later.

Who should book this Phi Phi longtail tour?

Book it if you’re already staying on Koh Phi Phi, want to see a broad range of famous island stops, and are happy to trade long visits for variety. Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Shark Point and Bamboo Island make a compelling day, and the included water, fruit and snorkeling kit help keep the $37 fare useful.

Skip it if you need a mainland transfer, want a sheltered boat, dislike a busy schedule or expect a polished guided tour at every stop. The best fit is a flexible swimmer who can handle a full day on an open boat and understands that sea conditions can change the plan.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet the Pantawan Tour staff at the Marlin Statue in Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi, 20 minutes before departure. Some map apps may show Ao Nang or Krabi, so check the pin carefully.

Does the tour include transport from Phuket or Krabi?

No. You must get to Koh Phi Phi yourself. The tour does not include transfer from Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang or other areas.

What time does the tour depart, and how long does it last?

Departure is at 10:30 AM, and the full-day tour lasts approximately eight hours. Check availability for the exact starting time on your date.

What equipment and food are included?

The tour includes a mask and snorkel, a life jacket, drinking water, fruit and a lunch box.

How much is the national park fee?

The fee is 400 THB in cash, paid once per day. It covers national parks in the area, including Maya Bay and Bamboo Island. An additional fee may apply.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, water shoes and cash.

What happens if the weather is unsafe?

The schedule may change with weather. Light rain does not necessarily stop the tour, but if conditions are unsafe, the trip may be cancelled with an option to reschedule or receive a full refund.