Phi Phi, but with less chaos. This small-group speedboat tour from Koh Yao Yai puts snorkeling and photo stops into one smooth 6-hour loop across the Phi Phi area. I love the tight group size (up to 14) and the fact that your day is built around a real water time at Koh Bida Nok with snorkeling gear included.

Do note one trade-off: the national park fee is extra and you’ll need cash (400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children ages 3–12). Hotel pickup isn’t included either, so you may pay an additional 100–400 THB per person if you want it.

Key things I’d plan around

• Small group, maximum 14 people: personal service feels real, not just marketing.
• Snorkel stop at Koh Bida Nok with provided gear: the goal here includes spotting black tip reef sharks.
• A lunchbox cruise by Pileh Bay: you eat while the scenery stays in motion.
• Classic Phi Phi photo stops plus options: Maya Bay includes an optional beach walk.
• On-board convenience: restroom on the boat, and a mobile ticket for easy entry.

Why This Phi Phi Tour Starts on Koh Yao Yai

I like the logic of starting on Koh Yao Yai instead of rushing straight from the busiest launch points. You get a full-day feel without it turning into an all-day travel slog. The result is a trip that’s focused: speedboat transfers, a handful of high-impact islands, and time in the sea where it counts.

The tour is also run with a small-group format. That matters in places like Phi Phi, where your experience can go from relaxed to hectic fast. With a maximum of 14 people (and at least 6 needed for departure), the day tends to feel more controlled.

You also get a clear snorkeling mission. Koh Bida Nok is the big underwater target, and the plan includes snorkeling equipment. The itinerary then strings together scenic bays and beach moments, so your day isn’t only about swimming.

Small-Group Speedboat: Less Waiting, More Water Time

This is a speedboat day trip, and you’ll feel that pace right from the start. It’s designed around seeing the sights from the water, then stepping in for short snorkel and swim windows. The boat ride portions are not filler. They’re how you get the best angles and the calm-water cruising moments between stops.

The group size cap (up to 14) is one of the main reasons the tour earns strong marks. In practice, that usually means fewer delays with gear, fewer bottlenecks for photos, and more time your guide can actually spend on you. One review highlighted guide Igor for being excellent—clear, organized, and helpful. If you end up with him, that’s a promising sign.

You’ll also have practical comfort built in:

• beverages are included
• lunch is included
• there’s a restroom on board
• you’ll use provided snorkeling equipment

Just remember: you’ll still want to time your energy. It’s a full day at sea with multiple stops, so if you get seasick easily, bring a plan for that. The tour runs in good-weather conditions, and schedule changes are possible when weather turns.

Price and Value: What $113.74 Covers (and What Doesn’t)

At about $113.74 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do Phi Phi. It also isn’t the priciest. The value comes from what’s bundled, and what’s not.

Here’s what you get included:

• lunch (served as a lunchbox on board)
• beverages
• snorkeling equipment
• restroom on board

What’s not included:

• hotel pickup and drop-off (100–400 THB per person if available for your location)
• national park fee: 400 THB for adults, 200 THB for children 3–12
• beach towels

That park fee is the one budget item people forget. It’s part of why the tour’s total cost can climb once you add it at the start of your day. You’ll pay it in cash, so plan ahead.

Still, when you compare this to tours that make you rent gear or buy lunch, the math starts to look better. For many people, you’re paying for the convenience of a planned day: boat time + snorkeling gear + meal, all wrapped into one schedule.

The Snorkeling Plan: Koh Bida Nok and the Shark-Sighting Angle

Your snorkeling anchor stop is Koh Bida Nok. The equipment is included, so you won’t need to hunt down rentals at the last minute. The tour also specifically aims for black tip reef sharks at this location, with the idea that this is where your chances improve.

That’s the key word: improve, not guarantee. Even when conditions are right, wildlife encounters are still wildlife. What you can count on is that the stop is built for snorkeling, not just a quick look.

The itinerary then adds more marine-time variety around the Phi Phi area. You’ll cruise by or snorkel at Viking Cave depending on the run. That flexibility can be nice. If conditions are calm, you may get more water time. If not, the “cruise by” version still gives you the sightseeing payoff without forcing a longer swim.

A quick practical note from the way the tour is structured: it’s a short-stop style. You’ll likely snorkel in blocks, not all-day continuous swimming. If you like being in the water but also want time for scenery and photos, this format tends to work well.

Stop-by-Stop: Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, and the Monkey Beaches

The itinerary is a classic mix of iconic scenery and wildlife-adjacent stops. Here’s how each point feels in real life, and what to watch for.

Maya Bay: Photos First, Optional Walk

You’ll start with Maya Bay, giving you time to capture the views. The tour includes the chance for an optional beach walk. That’s a big deal if you want a stretch of time on land rather than only seeing the bay from the boat.

If you’re hoping for that classic “The Beach” movie vibe, this is your moment. Just keep your expectations practical: the walk is optional, and it’s still a speedboat day. Plan to move quickly so you don’t feel rushed.

Koh Bida Nok: Snorkeling Stop With Included Gear

Next up is Ko Bida Nok, your main snorkeling stop. This is where you’ll use the provided snorkeling equipment. The big aim here is coral and marine life, plus the chance to look out for black tip reef sharks.

If you want the most value from this tour, it’s here. Take a few minutes before your water time to get comfortable with your setup. When snorkeling gear is included, it’s your job to use it well.

Viking Cave: Cruise-By or Snorkel Stop

After that, you’ll hit Viking Cave. The plan can be a cruise by or a snorkel stop. That means the experience could lean more toward sightseeing or toward getting back in the water.

Either way, your guide keeps the day moving. If you prefer active time, lean into the option that offers snorkeling. If you want less water strain, the cruise-by still gives you the dramatic shapes from the boat.

Pileh Bay: Swim, Then Eat With Emerald-Water Views

Pileh Bay is built for two things: a swim window and that signature “eat while the scenery stays gorgeous” moment. This is also where your lunchbox time pairs with water views.

This part of the day often feels like the balance point. You get to slow down for lunch, then you can go straight back into the water without it feeling like a separate trip.

Wan Long Bay: Narrow Views and Cliffside Monkeys

Wan Long Bay is described as narrow and scenic, with cliffside monkeys. This is a great stop for quick photos and for just watching the shoreline activity from the boat.

Wildlife areas can be unpredictable. Treat monkey sightings as a bonus, not the main event. The main event here is the scenery plus a brief window to look closer.

Monkey Beach: Wild Monkeys and Soft Sand Time

Then comes Monkey Beach, again with wild monkeys and soft white sand. This is more of a beach-and-photos moment than a long swim session, so treat it like a chance to reset, stretch your legs, and take in the coastline.

If you’re booking mainly for snorkeling, this stop may feel lighter than Koh Bida Nok. But it’s also where Phi Phi’s personality shows up in a very immediate way—sand, monkeys, and that bright coastal light.

Lunchbox on Board: Why the Meal Feels Part of the Tour

I like that lunch isn’t an afterthought. You get a lunchbox on board with scenic views of Pileh Bay. That turns the meal into part of the experience instead of a rushed stop.

The day is also set up with a small-group vibe, which helps meals feel smoother. If you’re sensitive to long pauses or crowds, this is worth noting.

One review called out delicious food on board and the whole experience as dreamlike. I can’t promise the exact same words will match your day, but the structure makes that reaction understandable. Eating with sea views tends to do that.

Also, because this is a speedboat itinerary, you’re not spending the time between stops searching for food or drinks. That alone can make the tour feel like good value, even if the price isn’t the lowest on the market.

Weather, Timing, and the Realities of a 6-Hour Day

This trip lasts about 6 hours. The start time is 9:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point. That timeframe is ideal for a day trip: long enough to see multiple Phi Phi highlights and snorkel, short enough that you’re not exhausted by sunset.

The tour needs good weather. If the day is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It’s one of those deals where flexibility matters. When waves are high, boats slow down or stop running. You’ll feel that risk when you book.

You’ll also want to keep your expectations aligned with what a speedboat day can do. This isn’t a leisurely island-hopper. It’s stop-driven and time-managed, which is great if you like seeing a lot without turning it into a long-haul trip.

Pickup, Meeting Point, and What to Bring for a Smooth Start

Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, though pickup is offered. If you use it, expect a cost of 100–400 THB per person. If you don’t, you’ll meet at the operator location.

Your meeting point is:

Elixir Divers & Speedboat Tours Operator

2/3 Moo.3, Phru Nai, Ko Yao District, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand

Start: 9:00 am

For what to bring, the data is clear on one item: beach towels aren’t provided. Bring your own if you want one. Also plan to have cash ready for the national park fee.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, so keep your phone handy and charged. It’s a small thing, but it cuts down on stress right at check-in.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Might Prefer Another Option)

This Phi Phi snorkeling tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a small-group day at sea
• snorkeling with included equipment (especially at Koh Bida Nok)
• classic Phi Phi photo stops and coastal viewpoints from the water
• lunch handled, not something you scramble for

It’s also a good match if you like wildlife moments on beaches and cliffs, because the itinerary includes stops with monkeys. If you’re traveling with kids, note that children must be accompanied by an adult.

Who might want to think twice?

• If you hate speedboat rides, this may feel too active.
• If you’re very sensitive to weather changes, remember the tour depends on good conditions.
• If you’re expecting beach time to replace snorkeling, the snorkeling anchor is at Koh Bida Nok, and other stops are more mixed beach-and-scenery windows.

One more note: the operator states that most travelers can participate. Still, always judge your own comfort with snorkeling and time on the water.

Should You Book This Exclusive-Style Phi Phi Tour From Koh Yao Yai?

I think this is worth booking if your goal is a balanced Phi Phi day: water views all day, real snorkeling at Koh Bida Nok, and a lunch setup that doesn’t eat your time. The small-group size cap (max 14) plus included gear and lunch are the kind of details that quietly make vacations better.

The main reason not to book is if you don’t want extra costs and cash logistics. Between the national park fee paid in cash and any optional pickup, your final out-the-door number won’t be just the listed price. Also, if weather becomes rough, the trip may shift or be refunded.

If you’re flexible, value-focused, and excited about snorkeling and iconic bays, this one checks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

What time does the tour start from Koh Yao Yai?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the Phi Phi Islands Exclusive Tour?

You’ll meet at Elixir Divers & Speedboat Tours Operator, 2/3 Moo.3, Phru Nai, Ko Yao District, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup is offered for an additional 100–400 THB per person.

What are the national park fees?

The national park fee is 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children ages 3–12. It needs to be paid in cash.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are lunch, beverages, snorkeling equipment, and a restroom on board.

What islands or spots are visited during the day?

The itinerary includes Maya Bay, Ko Bida Nok, Viking Cave, Pileh Bay, Wan Long Bay, and Monkey Beach.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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