A private boat turns Phi Phi into your own map. This full-day charter runs out of Krabi’s Ko Phi Phi area with a private speedboat and a day you can shape around the best water and snorkeling moments. You hop between classic bays and lesser-stops fast, without the hassle of fitting into a big-group schedule.

I really like the clear plan for top snorkeling areas, including Shark Point and Loh Samah Bay’s reef scene. I also love that lunch happens on Bamboo Island sand, with seasonal fresh fruits as part of the package.

One thing to keep in mind: weather matters. If sea conditions get dangerous, the operator can change the route or cancel, so you’re not treating this like a fixed, guaranteed itinerary.

Key points to know before you go

• Private speedboat day with an English-speaking guide and a driver handling the boat
• Shark Point and Runtee Bay snorkeling with a chance to see blacktip sharks
• Bamboo Island lunch on the beach plus seasonal fresh fruits
• Pi Leh Lagoon and Viking Cave stop: limestone-cliff turquoise water and a famous cave painting
• Maya Bay and sunset from the boat with outside-bay viewing if access is limited

Private speedboat charter: why this setup is worth the money

Phi Phi can feel packed. This is the opposite vibe. A private speedboat means you’re not weaving through crowds, and the captain can move you to the day’s best conditions instead of waiting for everyone to finish lunch.

The value here isn’t just speed. It’s that the tour bundles the stuff that usually costs extra or takes time to arrange: snorkel mask and life vests, lunch, drinking water, and an accident insurance component. When you add in the logistics of hopping from island to island around Phi Phi, it becomes easier to see why this is priced per small group.

For a couple or a tiny party, it can be a smart way to “buy back” your day. You get more water time and fewer transfer headaches, which is exactly what you want when you’re here for bays, beaches, and reefs.

Meeting at Laemtong Pier: how the day runs in real life

You’ll meet at SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier and get out to sea from there. Depending on the option selected, the itinerary can also reference Phi Phi Hospital as a starting/drop-off point, but the practical meet spot is the SAii area.

The tour is built as a loop: start at the meeting point, do island-hopping and snorkeling in a set sequence, then end back at the same area. You’ll spend the day on the water—fast boat segments in between—so it’s a good match if you like variety and don’t want a slow, single-island day.

One practical note: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. If you’re staying elsewhere on Phi Phi Don, plan on getting yourself to the pier side on time with cash in your pocket.

Shark Point and Runtee Bay: morning snorkeling with blacktip sharks

The morning starts with a couple of strong snorkeling stops: Shark Point and Runtee Bay. This is where the tour leans into the marine-life promise—specifically including blacktip sharks in the underwater mix.

Don’t expect a guarantee of seeing sharks, but the point is that this isn’t a generic snorkel. The tour is targeting known areas where wildlife sightings are part of the experience. If you want the best shot at colorful fish and the thrill of watching larger marine life from the safety of snorkel gear, you’ll be glad this comes early.

Also, going in the morning tends to make everyone’s water comfort easier. Seas can still be calm, the light can be good for seeing movement under the surface, and you generally avoid the “everyone’s tired” feeling that can build later in the day.

Bamboo Island lunch on sand: the calm break you’ll appreciate

After the first snorkel session, the day slows down in the best way: Bamboo Island. It’s described as uninhabited, with wild bamboo around the beach—plus the kind of shore stop that makes the charter feel like a full island day, not just a moving snorkel shuttle.

Lunch is part of the charm. You’ll eat right on the sand with seasonal fresh fruits served with the meal. That matters because you don’t lose time to finding food or tracking down a lunch spot that may be crowded or closed.

This is also a good moment to regroup. If you’ve been actively snorkeling in cool water and then suddenly want sun time, Bamboo is built for that: sunbathing, a beach reset, and a chance to feel the day shift from action to relaxed.

Mosquito Island and Hin Klang: another reef-focused swim stop

Next up is Mosquito Island, also uninhabited. The tour then moves to Hin Klang for another snorkeling session, keeping the underwater theme going instead of switching the day to only beaches and viewpoints.

Hin Klang is where you’re looking for more reef structure and fish activity. Even if the water clarity isn’t exactly the same as the morning, a second snorkeling stop increases your chances of having a standout moment—especially if the first site has conditions that make visibility a little hit-or-miss.

If you’re the type who hates rushing and wants “enough time to actually look,” this kind of back-to-back snorkeling approach can be a win. You’ll also want to manage your energy here so you’re not wiped out for the stops later on Phi Phi Don’s shoreline and the caves.

Nui Bay and Monkey Beach: Phi Phi Don’s shoreline moments

Back on the island side, the tour heads to Nui Bay and Monkey Beach. This is a nice pivot from underwater time into something more scenic and land-connected—especially if you’re enjoying the variety of Phi Phi’s coastline.

Monkey Beach is famous enough that you’ll want to be ready with eyes up and camera handy, but the bigger value is the perspective shift. You’re not just chasing reef fish anymore; you’re seeing how these bays and cliffs shape the experience of the islands.

One drawback to consider: these are beach and shoreline areas, so you’ll want to be comfortable moving around on natural surfaces. If you’re expecting a fully flat, easy stroll, you might find parts of these stops less convenient than the boat itself.

Viking Cave and Pi Leh Lagoon: cave art and limestone-cliff color

Two of the tour’s most story-heavy stops are Viking Cave and Pi Leh Lagoon.

At Viking Cave, you’ll see a painting on the wall that resembles a long Viking boat. It’s also known as a site connected to the collection of bird’s nests used for medicinal soup, which is a reminder that Phi Phi isn’t only a postcard—it’s also a place with long-running local traditions and industry.

Then comes Pi Leh Lagoon, described as a turquoise lagoon enclosed by jagged limestone cliffs. The effect matters: the water glows under the sun in a way that looks almost lit from beneath. This is exactly the kind of stop where you’ll want to pause and just watch, because the color is the point.

If you’re photographing, this is a better-than-average spot for getting “wow” shots without hunting for a perfect angle for a long time. Your viewpoint is already set up by being on the water and looking into the limestone ring.

Loh Samah Bay reef time and the reality of Maya Bay access

Loh Samah Bay is next for snorkeling, with the promise of coral reef and colorful fish. This is another of those “core snorkeling” stops where structure under the water makes the difference between seeing only a few fish and seeing a lot of movement around the reef.

Then you’ll head to Maya Bay—famous from Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach. Here’s the key practical detail: Maya Bay may be closed off for coral propagation, meaning you might not be able to go inside the bay area. The tour is set up so you can still see the scenery from the boat.

This is a common pattern in Phi Phi tourism right now: access can change based on environmental protection. The good news is that the boat viewpoint still gives you a memorable look at the famous shore, even when entry is restricted.

The other important note is timing. Maya and Lohsamah bays are noted as closed during a period in the year, with outside viewing possible. If your visit overlaps dates when access is restricted, you won’t be surprised if the focus shifts more toward what you can see from the water.

Sunset return: planning your last photos and last swim

As the day winds down, you’ll get back on the boat for a sunset return. The route is designed to bring you into that classic ocean-color moment while you’re still out on the water, which is often the best place to watch the sky change here.

For photos, your best bet is to be ready before the boat slows. Once people start moving around for the perfect frame, time slips away. Keep your sunscreen and hat position simple so you’re not rummaging mid-sunset like a confused tourist stereotype.

If you’re hoping for one last quick water moment, remember the tour is about a full loop already. That means there’s less flexibility for unscheduled swims, so treat each snorkeling window as your main shot.

Price and inclusions: what $521 per group buys you

This charter is priced at $521 per group up to 2. On paper, that sounds like a lot until you think about what’s included: a private speedboat, a driver, an English guide, lunch with seasonal fresh fruits, snorkel mask and life vests, drinking water, and accident insurance coverage.

Then there are the costs you might assume are included but aren’t. National Park fees are not included unless you select the add-on. Also, park officials collect fees randomly, which is why the tour explicitly asks you to bring cash.

Here’s the value lens I’d use: if you’d otherwise hire a boat, sort your own snorkeling gear, and pay for food and water on the run, this starts to look more reasonable. The big benefit is not paying for the gaps and delays that come with DIY island-hopping.

Also, you’ll want to factor in personal fit. This isn’t the right tour for people who are prone to seasickness, and it’s not set up for mobility impairments. If those apply, a different style of Phi Phi day trip will likely feel more comfortable and less stressful.

Who this charter is best for (and who should skip)

This tour is best for you if you want a private island-hopping day and you’re serious about snorkeling around Ko Phi Phi. It also works well if you like structure: a clear stop order, a guide to handle the flow, and a day that ends where you started.

You might not love it if you’re looking for a slow, lounging-only vacation day. The boat segments and multiple stops mean you’re moving through the day constantly. You should also skip it if you’re pregnant, have mobility limitations, or get sea sick easily, since it’s noted as not suitable for those needs.

If you’re a first-timer on Phi Phi, this charter is a strong way to see multiple “must-see” locations without spending your time researching. If you’re a repeat visitor, it can still be worth it because it keeps the day tightly packed with snorkeling and scenery that feels different from a single-bay hang.

Should you book this Phi Phi private speedboat charter?

If your top priorities are snorkeling variety, a beach lunch on Bamboo Island, and the chance to see Maya Bay from the water with a proper sunset finish, then this is a strong book. The private boat setup also makes it easier to enjoy Phi Phi without feeling like you’re stuck in a crowd flow.

Book with one big expectation set: you’re depending on the sea. Weather can shift plans, and access rules at protected bays can change during certain periods. If you can be flexible and you’re comfortable on a speedboat, you’ll likely find this charter delivers the kind of full-day Phi Phi experience that feels efficient and genuinely fun.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Phi Phi private speedboat charter?

The tour duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You should be ready in front of SAii Phi Phi Island Village at Laemtong Pier. The itinerary also references Koh Phi Phi Hospital as an alternative start and drop-off location.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Life vests, a snorkel and mask are included.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the private speedboat, driver, lunch, seasonal fresh fruits, life vests, snorkel and mask, accident insurance, and drinking water.

Are national park fees included?

No. National park fees are not included unless you select the add-on option. Park officials collect the fees randomly.

What islands and snorkeling stops are on the itinerary?

The itinerary includes Shark Point and Runtee Bay, Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Hin Klang, Nui Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pi Leh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay viewing from the boat.

Can you enter Maya Bay?

Access can be restricted. The information provided notes that you can see Maya Bay from outside the bay area even when entry is limited due to coral propagation.

Is this tour a good choice if I get seasick?

No. It is noted as not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

Are drones allowed?

No, drones are not allowed.

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