Private boat days on Phi Phi feel different fast. This 4-hour Phi Phi and Bamboo outing is built around your pace, with a local captain steering the longtail and you hopping from one calm spot to the next.

I especially like the mix of scenery and water time: Long Beach for big views, then calmer bays like Loh Moo Dee Bay and Rantee Bay where you can actually breathe between swims. I also like that snorkeling gear basics are handled for you, with a mask and life jacket included.

One drawback to plan for: weather can change the route, and in at least one case Bamboo Island was skipped due to conditions. It’s still a good tour concept, but you’ll want a flexible mindset—and to make sure your safety gear is on before you get in the water.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private longtail flexibility: you can set the pace within the 4-hour window.
• Snorkeling stop at Shark Point: good chance to see fish without booking a full-day excursion.
• Quiet stops away from the crowds: Long Beach, Loh Moo Dee Bay, and Rantee Bay are built for calmer time.
• Bamboo Island ending with swim access: coral reefs are just a short swim from the beach when conditions allow.
• Included basics for water time: life jacket and snorkeling mask are provided; fins are extra rental only.
• English/Thai captain: easier communication for questions, timing, and safety checks.

What You Get From a Private Longtail Boat Around Phi Phi

If your goal is to see Phi Phi without feeling packed into a schedule, a private longtail makes the biggest difference. You’re not stuck with a rigid checklist for every stop. Instead, you’re working through a set route with room to linger where it feels right.

This tour is designed around 4 hours on the water, which is a sweet spot for most vacation rhythms. You get multiple viewpoints and swim stops, but you still return to Phi Phi Island with time to eat, rest, or keep exploring on your own.

The value comes from what’s included and what’s avoided. You get a professional Thai captain, water, a first aid kit, and accident insurance, plus life jacket and a snorkeling mask. National park fees are not included, so factor those into the true total cost—but you’re still paying for the privacy and access that shared boats often can’t match.

Price and Real-World Value (Including the Park Fee)

The price is $182 per group (up to 2) for the 4-hour experience. That means the cost is not really about quantity; it’s about buying a smaller boat and a calmer day. If you’re traveling as two, it can feel fair compared with paying per-person for crowded boat tours that cut snorkeling time short.

Do a quick budget check before you book: the National Park fee is separate—400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. That fee is outside the tour price, so your final number depends on who’s in your group.

Also note something practical: the published duration is 4 hours, but real-world timing can slide with conditions on the water. In one instance, the trip ran closer to 3 hours, so I’d treat 4 hours as a target, not a guaranteed clock-in/clock-out promise.

Where You Meet: Mcdonald’s Near Ao Ton Sai Pier (and the Burger King Landmark)

Your meeting point is at Mcdonald’s Phi Phi, near Ao Ton Sai Pier. The provider emails the exact meeting point time, and you can be marked as a no-show if you arrive more than 10 minutes late after the captain has moved on.

One extra wrinkle: the description you may see elsewhere references the Burger King area as a landmark. Don’t stress—just confirm the exact spot by email so you’re not wandering Phi Phi like a character in a slapstick movie.

Plan to arrive ready to go. You’ll want swimwear on, a towel handy, and cash for the park fee if required. If you’re bringing snacks or drinks, you can—just keep it easy to manage on a boat.

The 4-Stop Itinerary: Long Beach, Shark Point, Loh Moo Dee, Rantee Bay, Bamboo

This tour has a clear flow: long views, then snorkel time, then calmer bays, then Bamboo Island at the end. Even though you’re on a private boat, the sequence matters because it helps you avoid backtracking and saves your energy.

Here’s what each stop is trying to give you—and what to watch for.

Long Beach and Shark Point: Big Views with a Snorkel Moment

The tour starts with a stop at Long Beach, a serene place to take in the Phi Phi skyline from the water. It’s a strong first move because it sets expectations: you’re there for scenery, not just jumping in and out of the ocean.

At this stage, you may also get a chance to snorkel at Shark Point. Snorkeling is the kind of activity that depends on the day—wind, swell, and how clear the water is—but the setup is there for you. You’ll have your mask included, and fins can be rented if you want them.

One important safety detail: the life jacket is included, but you should still make sure it’s worn properly. In one experience, the life jacket wasn’t put on right away and a snorkeler ended up with shoulder chafing. You can avoid that hassle by asking the captain to fit it before you head into the water.

Loh Moo Dee Bay: Secluded Feel, Easy Time in the Water

Next up is Loh Moo Dee Bay, described as a peaceful retreat with soft white sand and crystal-clear water. This stop is where the tour starts to feel like a break from the usual Phi Phi chaos—more quiet, more room to relax.

What I like about this kind of bay stop is simple: it lets you take the pressure off. You’re not racing to the next photo spot. Instead, you can swim, float, or just sit and watch the water calm down around you.

If the water is clear, it tends to be a great moment to appreciate how close marine life can be to shore—especially after you’ve already spent time looking from Long Beach.

Rantee Bay: Sun Time and a Relaxed Swim Break

After Loh Moo Dee, the itinerary includes Rantee Bay, another quieter stretch where you can relax in the sun or swim in the emerald-toned water. This is the tour’s “slow down” segment.

Why this matters: people often book Phi Phi tours and end up stressed, because they’re trying to do too much in too little time. A stop like Rantee Bay balances the day. It gives you recovery time between snorkeling and viewpoint moments.

Like any bay, the exact comfort depends on conditions, but the intention is consistent: calmer water than the open travel sections, with a chance to enjoy being in the sea rather than constantly working around boat movement.

Bamboo Island Finale: Coral-Reef Snorkel When Conditions Allow

The tour ends at Bamboo Island, with pristine beaches and coral reefs just a short swim away. This is the stop you probably hope will deliver the classic island payoff: a beach finish with snorkeling options close to where you’re resting.

Here’s the practical catch: weather can shift the plan. On one ride at the end of the rainy season, Bamboo Island wasn’t visited due to conditions. That doesn’t mean the whole day is ruined—it means you should treat Bamboo as a bonus stop that depends on the day’s sea state.

If Bamboo is included, plan for a short swim and some patient floating. If it isn’t, you’ll still have the earlier stops—Long Beach, Loh Moo Dee Bay, and Rantee Bay—so the day won’t collapse into a disappointment-fest. Just don’t lock your entire expectations onto Bamboo being guaranteed.

Safety and Comfort Tips That Actually Matter Here

This tour includes the big safety essentials: life jacket, snorkeling mask, a first aid kit, and accident insurance. That’s the baseline. The comfort part is on you, plus a bit on the captain’s habits.

Based on real experience, I’d focus on two things right away:

• Get the life jacket on and adjusted before you snorkel. If it shifts or rubs, you can end up with sore shoulders fast.
• Ask questions early. With an English/Thai-speaking captain, you can clarify what’s next and how much time you’ll have at each spot.

Boat comfort is also worth mentioning. One ride experience emphasized careful driving, with the captain handling the boat in a way that made people feel safe. That’s not just a nice-to-have; it matters because rough travel can drain you before you even hit the water.

If you get motion-sensitive, consider taking a moment to settle, hold steady, and keep your plan simple: short snorkel sessions, then back to relaxing.

Snacks, Lunch, and What to Bring on a 4-Hour Water Day

Food is easier than you might think on Phi Phi. You can bring snacks and drinks with you, and local restaurants and the market can make a packed lunch.

There’s also an optional lunch order through the tour—100 THB per person. The choices listed are Thai fried rice or a baguette sandwich, with chicken or a vegetarian option.

My advice is to keep it light. A private boat day still has sun, movement, and water time, and heavy meals can slow you down. If you’re planning to snorkel at Shark Point, you’ll usually feel better with a snack rather than a big sit-down meal beforehand.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and When to Skip It)

This private boat format works well for couples and small groups because you’re buying time on a calmer route. It’s also a good match for families who want multiple swim chances without coordinating with a big group.

But you should respect the health limits. The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women, and it’s not recommended for people with high blood pressure. The information also notes people with heart disease and bone diseases are not recommended.

There’s a child limit too: it’s not suitable for children under 4 years.

If any of those apply to your group, it’s better to look for a different kind of Phi Phi day—one that’s easier to manage from shore.

Should You Book This Private Phi Phi and Bamboo Longtail Tour?

Book it if you want a small-group, private experience where the day feels more like your vacation than a rushed checklist. The route makes sense: Long Beach for views, Shark Point for a snorkeling chance, quieter bays for real downtime, then Bamboo Island if conditions allow.

Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re the type who needs every stop guaranteed. Weather can change the Bamboo segment, and in at least one case the total time ran a bit under the target duration. If you’re okay with flexible travel and you’re ready to ask your captain to help you get set safely for snorkel time, it’s a strong option.

Finally, check your budget honestly. The tour price is only part of the story because the national park fee is added on. Once you factor that in, you’ll be able to judge whether you’re paying for privacy and access—or just paying for a boat ride.

If that’s what you want on Phi Phi, this one is worth considering.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi: 4Hrs Bamboo & Phi Phi Tour?

The duration is 4 hours.

How many people is the price for?

The price is listed per group up to 2.

Where do we meet the captain?

You meet the professional captain at Mcdonald’s Phi Phi Island near Ao Ton Sai Pier.

What time do we need to arrive?

Arrive on time for the meeting time confirmed by email. You may be considered a no-show if you arrive more than 10 minutes late after the guide has moved on.

Is Bamboo Island guaranteed?

It depends on weather and sea conditions. In at least one case, Bamboo Island was not visited due to weather.

What snorkeling gear is included?

A snorkeling mask is included, and life jackets are included. Fins are available for rent only.

Is drinking water included?

Yes, drinking water is included.

Are national park fees included in the tour price?

No. The national park fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Can we bring snacks or arrange lunch?

Yes. You can bring snacks and drinks. Restaurants and the local market can pack lunch, and lunch can be ordered for an extra 100 THB per person.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, and people with high blood pressure. People with heart disease and bone diseases are also not recommended.

You Might Also Enjoy

Roundtrip Transfer from Full Moon Party Koh Samui to Koh PhanganDON’T miss It ! Doi suthep temple+ Hmong villageJewellery Making Class with Silversmithing in Chiang MaiFrom Ayutthaya: Ayutthaya Heritage Boat Ride