Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat

The best part of this Phi Phi day is the change of pace: limestone cliffs and clear bays by daylight, then a boat ride at sunset and a chance to see glowing plankton after dark. You cover many of the islands’ celebrated stops in one trip, with several opportunities to snorkel rather than just viewing the coast from the boat.

I like the mix of classic sights and time in the water, especially Bamboo Island and the snorkeling stops. I also like that the day lasts into the evening, giving you a sunset and a possible night swim that shorter trips skip.

The trade-off is time. A longtail boat moves at a more leisurely pace than a speedboat, and the day can run long. Departure delays have also occurred, so confirm the start time and bring patience, sun protection, and extra snacks.

Key points to know before you go

• Bamboo Island is a highlight: Expect white sand and time to swim or snorkel, though the length of the stop can vary.
• The route covers famous Phi Phi sights: Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Shark Point are on the itinerary.
• Snorkeling happens several times: Masks and life jackets are included, but sightings of sharks and other wildlife are never guaranteed.
• Sunset and plankton make for a long finish: The night swim depends on staying until dark, and the glowing specks may be subtle.
• The listed fare is not the full cost: Add the national park fee of 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child.
• Plan for simple food and variable timing: Lunch and fruit are included, but bringing extra snacks is sensible.

A full day on the Andaman Sea

This tour starts at 9:30 am at the McDonald’s meeting point on Phi Phi Don. You make your own way there, then board a traditional longtail boat at Ton Sai pier and head out across the Andaman Sea. The trip lasts about nine hours, though the actual schedule can shift.

The route packs a lot into one day. That is useful if you have limited time on Phi Phi and want to see its best-known spots without arranging separate boat trips. The cost is a relatively low $30.41 per person before the national park fee, but you should weigh that against a long day, simple meals, and the possibility of crowded stops.

The boat is part of the experience. It gives you a slower, open-air look at the cliffs and water, but the ride between places takes time. The seats can feel uncomfortable over many hours, so this is not the best choice if you want the quickest transfers or need a cushioned ride.

The advertised start is 9:30 am, but some departures have begun later, with reports of delays from 30 minutes to more than an hour. Some people received a revised time before the trip; others waited without a clear explanation. Check your confirmation for updates, and avoid scheduling a tight connection after the tour.

Monkey Beach, macaques, and a first look at the coast

The first stop is Monkey Beach, known for white sand and macaques. It is a quick chance to see one of Phi Phi’s familiar sights, but wildlife is unpredictable. Monkeys may not be present when you arrive, and this stop may feel less rewarding than the beaches or snorkel sites if the animals are away.

As with any wild animals, watch from a respectful distance and keep food put away. The tour information does not promise a long visit here, so think of it as one small part of a broad route rather than the day’s main attraction.

Bamboo Island brings the beach time

Bamboo Island is often the stop people most want to linger over. Its pale sand and clear water make a welcome break from the boat, and the schedule allows time to swim or snorkel. Some groups have spent around an hour here, while others have had less time, so do not count on a fixed duration.

The island’s shore can be uneven. One account described sharp rocks on a walk across the island, so sturdy footwear is a good idea if you plan to leave the sand and explore. If your priority is simply swimming and relaxing, take advantage of the time you do have rather than expecting a long beach afternoon.

Maya Bay is famous, and often busy

Maya Bay is the stop made famous by the film The Beach. Its curved stretch of sand and high limestone walls are striking, and it is a memorable place to photograph from shore. It is also one of the most popular stops, so expect other boats and people sharing the view.

Conditions affect how the bay looks and what you can do there. Low tide has left some visitors underwhelmed, and swimming may not be permitted during a visit. Treat Maya Bay as a scenic stop, not as a guaranteed swimming session, and appreciate the setting even if the water or crowd level is not ideal.

Pi Leh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay

Pi Leh Lagoon is framed by steep limestone cliffs, making it one of the most dramatic places on the route. The boat may anchor for a swim or snorkeling, but tides can affect access. If water levels prevent entry, the boat may only approach the lagoon rather than taking you inside.

Loh Samah Bay adds another chance to swim in clear water. Snorkeling conditions vary by spot, so one stop may offer more to see than another. The tour typically includes several opportunities in the water, which gives you more chances to enjoy the marine life than a single-stop cruise would.

Bring your own snorkeling mask only if you prefer using your own gear; a mask and life jacket are included. The operator describes seeing exotic fish and says sharks may be spotted, but animal sightings are not assured. Keep expectations open and enjoy the underwater scenery you find.

Viking Cave and Shark Point

Viking Cave is known for swift nests. It is a look at a distinctive local feature rather than a beach stop, and the route may involve viewing it from the boat. The itinerary includes the cave, but does not promise a visit inside.

At Shark Point, the aim is to spot black-tipped reef sharks. This can be an exciting prospect, but it is wildlife, not a scheduled performance. You may see sharks, or you may not. The snorkeling itself can still be worthwhile for fish and other sea life.

Sunset and the plankton swim

The late finish is what separates this outing from a standard island circuit. The boat pauses for sunset on the water, then the group can swim after dark to look for bioluminescent plankton. When conditions are right, movement in the water can produce tiny points of light.

Keep expectations realistic. The plankton can appear as only an occasional bright speck, and you need darkness and a swim to have a chance of seeing it. It is not a guaranteed glowing spectacle. Some people may find the final wait worthwhile, while others will be tired after a full day in the sun.

The timing and group’s plans can also shape this part of the tour. One account describes a group choosing to return before it was fully dark, while a few people transferred to another boat to stay for the plankton. Ask the crew how the evening is being handled before you set out, especially if seeing the plankton is your main reason for choosing this trip.

Food, equipment, and the real cost

The tour includes a lunch box, drinking water, fruit, a snorkeling mask, life jacket, guide, first aid kit, and accident insurance. Food is simple rather than a meal to look forward to on its own. Reports describe a jam sandwich and orange juice earlier in the day, rice for lunch, and pineapple later, though the exact offerings can vary.

I would bring snacks and extra drinks if you have a big appetite or want something beyond the included food. You will be outside for many hours, and a few familiar snacks can make the long ride more comfortable. The listed price is $30.41 per person, with the national park fee payable separately at 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children.

That additional fee matters when comparing this trip with other options. The base fare gets you a full-day boat route, equipment, and basic food, but the park fee increases the amount you pay on the day. The value is strongest if you want to visit many of Phi Phi’s best-known locations in one outing, not if you want a small group, a fast boat, or long stays at every beach.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This is a good fit if you want a broad introduction to Phi Phi’s islands and are happy to spend most of the day moving between stops. You get the classic scenery, repeated chances to snorkel, and an evening finish for sunset and plankton. The price is appealing for the number of places included, provided you account for the park fee and simple food.

It is less suited to anyone who dislikes long boat rides, wants precise timing, or expects a quiet experience at famous sites. The tour can have up to 30 people, and popular stops can be busy. Some accounts describe friendly, funny guides, while others found that explanations were limited or that the route was not clearly briefed. Expect the service to be locally run and communication to vary.

The operator advises against joining if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. Most people can participate, but the length of the day and time on the boat are worth considering before booking.

Should you book the Phi Phi 7 Islands tour?

Book it if you want one affordable, full-day outing that strings together Phi Phi’s famous bays, beaches, and snorkel spots, with a chance to see the sunset and plankton. Bamboo Island, the scenery around Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon, and multiple swims are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if you need a firm schedule, want a speedy trip, or would be disappointed by crowds, basic meals, or a faint plankton sighting. Confirm your departure time, bring sun protection and snacks, and treat wildlife and water conditions as bonuses rather than promises. If that sounds like a fair trade for a long day at sea, this tour offers a lot of Phi Phi in one trip.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts about nine hours. It begins at 9:30 am as scheduled, though the actual departure has sometimes been later.

Where does the tour start?

Meet at McDonald’s PP Island Krabi on Phi Phi Don. You need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:30 am. Check your confirmation for any update, as some departures have started later than advertised.

What is included in the price?

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

Is the national park fee included?

No. Pay 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child at the point of entry.

How many people can join?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

What age qualifies for a child ticket?

A child ticket is for children aged 4 to 10. The child ticket price is not specified here.

Which places are on the route?

The itinerary includes Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, Viking Cave, and Shark Point, followed by sunset and a night swim for plankton.

Is plankton guaranteed to be visible?

No. The night swim offers a chance to see bioluminescent plankton, but visibility can be faint and depends on conditions.

Can I join if I am pregnant or have a medical condition?

The operator does not recommend the tour for people who are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases.