Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat

Bamboo Island is the main reason to take this trip: its pale sand and clear, shallow water make a lovely change from Phi Phi’s crowded waterfront. You travel there in a traditional wooden longtail, then have time to swim, snorkel or simply sit on the beach.

I like two things about the plan: you get a taste of several different marine spots, including Shark Point, and the half-day schedule leaves your afternoon free on Phi Phi Don. The included fruit, water and lunch also make the outing easier to manage.

The main caution is the clock. The ride can take about an hour each way, and some departures have been delayed, leaving less time on the island than you might expect. Confirm the meeting details and boat arrangement before you go.

What to know before you book

• Bamboo Island is the star: Expect clear, shallow water, white sand and time for swimming or snorkeling.
• The boat ride is part of the day: A wooden longtail offers a local-style trip, but it can be noisy, especially near the engine.
• Shark Point is a possibility, not a promise: Blacktip reef sharks may be seen among the coral, alongside tropical fish.
• The national park fee is extra: Budget 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child, paid at the entry point.
• The schedule can feel tight: The tour lasts about four hours, but the ride to Bamboo Island may take around an hour each way.
• The advertised activity is private: Only your group is meant to participate, though reports of an overcrowded boat make it worth confirming this detail.

From Tonsai Pier to Bamboo Island

The meeting point is by McDonald’s near Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, and the stated start time is 10:30 am. You make your own way there, so allow time to find the spot rather than assuming the boat will collect you from your hotel.

From there, the trip runs by wooden longtail boat. This is a classic way to get around the islands, with open views and a close-to-the-water feel. It is not the quietest ride: the engine can be loud, particularly if you sit at the back beside it. If you are sensitive to noise, choose another seat when you board, and consider bringing ear protection.

The full excursion is listed at about four hours. That sounds generous until you account for the boat ride. One estimate puts the journey at roughly an hour each way, which can leave less time ashore than the broad outline suggests. In one account, time on Bamboo Island was only about 45 to 50 minutes. The actual schedule may vary, but this is worth keeping in mind if your priority is a long, unhurried beach visit.

Bamboo Island: sand, shallow water and a short stop

Bamboo Island is the payoff for the ride. The draw is simple: bright sand, clear water and an inviting place to swim or snorkel. The shallows suit a relaxed splash as well as a look beneath the surface, and the island’s beach gives you somewhere to rest between swims.

The snorkeling around Bamboo Island is one of the trip’s strongest points. Tropical fish are a likely highlight, and the water can be clear enough to make the underwater life easy to appreciate. The tour provides a mask and life jacket, so you do not need to bring those essentials yourself. If you have your own well-fitting mask, you may still prefer it, but the included gear removes a packing chore.

The trade-off is how much time you get on shore. A short stop can be enough for a swim and a quick look around, but it will feel rushed if you want to snorkel at length, relax on the sand and eat lunch at a leisurely pace. Think of this as a sampler of Bamboo Island, not a full beach day.

Lunch is described as a beachside meal with seasonal fruit and drinking water. That setting matters: a meal under the island’s natural canopy can make the stop feel like more than a quick swim break. But the arrangement has not always matched that expectation. Some trips have served lunch on the boat instead of on the beach. If eating on the island is important to you, ask the operator to confirm the plan before departure.

Monkey Beach and Shark Point

The route also includes Monkey Beach and Shark Point. The tour description highlights wild monkeys at Monkey Beach, but it does not promise a set viewing time or a specific wildlife encounter. Treat it as a chance to see the area and possibly spot monkeys, rather than the main reason to book.

At Shark Point, the aim is snorkeling over coral reefs, with the possibility of seeing blacktip reef sharks. The word possibility matters. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the tour information does not promise a sighting. Even without sharks, the stop adds another underwater setting to the morning and gives you a reason to bring your mask.

The exact order and length of these stops are not spelled out in detail. That makes the tour appealing if you want variety, but less suitable if you want to spend most of your time at one particular site. Ask how much time is planned at each stop if you have a firm preference.

The longtail ride: character with a few caveats

A longtail boat is part of the appeal, not just transport. You get an open-air ride and a traditional way to travel between Phi Phi and its nearby islands. For many people, that is more memorable than simply arriving at a beach by a larger, enclosed boat.

There are practical limits. The engine noise can be strong, and the boat may feel cramped if it is full. Although the activity is presented as private for your group, there have been reports of boats feeling overcrowded. Because the difference between a private trip and a packed boat changes the whole experience, confirm directly with Oh-Hoo that your booking is for your group alone and ask how many people will be aboard.

Timing is another concern. Some departures have reportedly started as much as 90 minutes late. On a four-hour tour, a delay of that size can take a large bite out of snorkeling and beach time. Arrive on time, but also be realistic about the schedule and avoid planning a tight afternoon commitment immediately afterward.

What the $24.14 price covers

At $24.14 per person, the base price is appealing for a boat outing that includes a guide, snorkeling mask, life jacket, lunch, fruit, drinking water, a first-aid kit and accident insurance. That bundle means you do not have to arrange separate transport or rent basic snorkeling gear for the trip.

The required national park fee changes the real cost. Adults pay 400 THB and children pay 200 THB at the point of entry, so this charge is not included in the advertised price. Add it to your budget before deciding whether the trip is good value.

Value depends heavily on time and delivery. If the boat leaves on schedule, you get a scenic ride, a beautiful island stop, a meal and more than one chance to snorkel. If there is a long delay or the boat is crowded, the relatively low ticket price may not make up for lost time. I would book for the range of experiences, not on the assumption that you will get a long, quiet stay on Bamboo Island.

The tour is listed as booking an average of 29 days in advance. That is useful context if you are planning a Phi Phi stay, but it does not mean you must book that far ahead. Check availability for your dates and weigh the value against your own need for a firm schedule.

Who will get the most from this morning

This trip suits you if you want an easy introduction to the islands around Phi Phi Don and like the idea of combining a beach stop with snorkeling. It is especially handy if you want to keep the afternoon open rather than give up a whole day to a boat tour.

It also works for people who are comfortable with a basic boat ride and flexible about wildlife sightings. You may see tropical fish, and blacktip reef sharks are possible at Shark Point, but the main sure things are the boat journey and the planned stops, not a particular animal encounter.

It is less suitable if you want a long stretch of quiet beach time, dislike engine noise or need the schedule to run precisely. The operator does not recommend the tour for pregnant people or those with high blood pressure, heart disease or bone diseases. Most people can participate, and child tickets are for ages 4 to 10.

Should you book the Bamboo Island tour?

Book it if you want a low-cost half-day outing with a traditional boat ride, a beautiful beach, snorkeling gear and several stops in the waters around Phi Phi. Bamboo Island is the strongest reason to go, while Shark Point and Monkey Beach add variety.

Skip it, or ask careful questions first, if your priority is a long stay on the sand or a reliably timed schedule. The ride may take about two hours in total, and delays can shrink the time at each stop. Before paying, confirm that the boat is private for your group, ask how lunch will be served, and check the expected time at Bamboo Island. Those answers will tell you more about the likely value than the low base fare alone.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet by McDonald’s near Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. You make your own way to the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 10:30 am.

How long is the tour?

It lasts approximately four hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes lunch, drinking water, fruit, a life jacket, a snorkeling mask, a guide, a first-aid kit and accident insurance.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid at the point of entry.

Can I see sharks?

Blacktip reef sharks may be seen at Shark Point, but a sighting is not guaranteed.

What ages qualify for a child ticket?

Child tickets are for children ages 4 to 10.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

Most people can participate, but the tour is not recommended for pregnant people or those with high blood pressure, heart disease or bone diseases.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.