REVIEW · KO PHI PHI DON
Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat
Book on Viator →Operated by Oh-Hoo · Bookable on Viator
Ten islands, one fast day.
This Phi Phi snorkeling tour is built for momentum: you bounce between famous bays and lesser-known coves, with a speedboat doing the heavy lifting so you spend more time in the water (and less time idling on the waves). I especially like the mix of animal spotting and beach time—think monkeys on the cliffs and clear-water snorkeling stops where you can see fish and even harmless sharks.
What I like even more is that the day isn’t just “drive past pretty places.” You actually stop. You get time at multiple beaches, photo moments with Maya Bay in the background (the famous The Beach setting), and a lunch break on the island route that many people remember as a highlight. The one thing to plan around: this is a popular route, so expect crowds and some stops may limit snorkeling access depending on local rules and conditions.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Why this “best-of Phi Phi” feels different from a basic day trip
- Price and value: what $66.85 buys you in real time
- Getting started at McDonald’s near Tonsai Pier (and why timing matters)
- The itinerary flow: from Ko Phi Phi Le to Maya Bay photos
- Stop 1: Ko Phi Phi Le
- Stop 2: Monkey Beach
- Stop 3: Long Beach
- Stop 4: Rantee Beach
- Stop 5: Bamboo Island (and lunch with a view)
- Stop 6: Ko Yung Island
- Stop 7: Nui Beach
- Stop 8: Viking Cave
- Stop 9: Ko Phi Phi Lee
- Stop 10: Loh Samah Bay
- Stop 11: Maya Bay (The Beach photos)
- Snorkeling reality: time in the water, wildlife, and what to pack
- What you can realistically hope to see
- What to bring so your day goes smoothly
- Crew, comfort, and the practical stuff that affects your enjoyment
- Who should book this Phi Phi speedboat snorkeling tour
- Should you book? My honest take
- FAQ
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour?
- How much does the tour cost?
- Where is the meeting point?
- Is this a mobile ticket?
- What places are included in the day?
- Is there a lunch stop?
- What wildlife can I see on this tour?
- What is the child ticket age range?
- Who should not join the tour?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things to know before you go

- Speedboat routing means less travel time between islands and more time at each stop
- Maya Bay photo stop is a major part of the day, even though access can vary
- Monkey Beach stop gives you a strong chance of seeing wildlife up close
- Multiple snorkeling areas with fish, and sometimes sharks, not just one quick swim
- Small-ish group with a maximum of 30 travelers
- Lunch stop on the island route is part of the day’s pacing
Why this “best-of Phi Phi” feels different from a basic day trip

Phi Phi can be overwhelming in the best way: gorgeous limestone cliffs, beaches that look like postcards, and a lot of boats all aiming for the same Instagram angles. This tour is designed for that reality. Instead of doing one or two locations slowly, you get a full-bite “greatest hits” day that covers both big-name spots and the kind of coves people remember long after they’ve left the island.
The fast speedboat matters more than you might think. When the boat is quicker, it doesn’t just shorten transfers—it also helps you arrive at each stop with more daylight and more energy. You’ll still be on the water for a long day (about 9.5 hours), but the pacing feels more like island-hopping than boat-staring.
And yes, it’s built around snorkeling. The tour’s selling point is that you get repeated chances to get in the water, not one token swim. Expect typical tropical reef-life visuals: schools of fish, clear patches when conditions cooperate, and the occasional larger movement passing by as you float near the surface. A couple of highlights also point to harmless sharks showing up during snorkel time.
Other Phi Phi Islands tours we've reviewed in Ko Phi Phi Don
Price and value: what $66.85 buys you in real time
At $66.85 per person, this is priced like a true “all-day island circuit,” not a cheap transfer-only boat ride. You’re paying for three things:
- A speedboat (faster route, more stops)
- A structured day across many islands and bays
- Snorkel-focused stops plus a lunch break on the route
Whether it’s a deal depends on what you want. If your goal is to see as much Phi Phi as possible in one day—especially if it’s your only day—this is strong value. If you’re hoping for long, uncrowded snorkeling sessions in one chosen area, you might find the schedule a bit more compressed than you’d like.
Group size also affects the feel. With a stated maximum of 30 travelers, it won’t be a private boat, but it’s not the biggest-tour mega-factory either. Still, Phi Phi is busy. You’re buying convenience and access to key spots, not solitude.
Getting started at McDonald’s near Tonsai Pier (and why timing matters)

The meeting point is simple: McDonald’s near Tonsai pier on Ko Phi Phi Don. You’ll go on your own to the meetup spot. You can also use a mobile ticket, which is practical when you’re bouncing between islands and don’t want to juggle paper.
Here’s the practical angle: Phi Phi ferries dump people at the same times, and McDonald’s is in the middle of the mess. If you arrive late, you’ll feel it fast. Plan to show up early so you can get checked in, grab water and sunscreen, and stay relaxed while you wait for boarding.
Also note the health and comfort notes. The operator says the tour is not recommended if you’re pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. They also flag that this is not suitable for guests who travel poorly on big boat/ferry-style trips—so if you already know rough water wrecks you, take that seriously.
The itinerary flow: from Ko Phi Phi Le to Maya Bay photos

This is a classic “clockwork” day: you move through stops with snorkeling and beach time layered in. Below is how each stop fits the puzzle—and what to consider at each one.
Stop 1: Ko Phi Phi Le
Ko Phi Phi Le is the kind of place where you’ll quickly understand the limestone silhouette appeal of Phi Phi. Expect dramatic cliff walls and clear-water snorkel potential when the sea is calm. The advantage of starting here is timing: you’re usually fresher early in the day, so snorkeling and short beach breaks feel easier.
Consideration: water conditions can change quickly. If the sea gets choppy, visibility can shrink. Speedboat routes often mean you’re stepping into variable conditions back-to-back.
Other snorkeling tours we've reviewed in Ko Phi Phi Don
Stop 2: Monkey Beach
This is the wildlife stop. You’re not just seeing “nature”—you’re looking for monkeys moving around the beach area and nearby trees. It’s also one of those stops that can make the day feel fun even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler.
Consideration: monkeys are wild animals. Keep your distance, don’t try to feed them, and treat it like you’re in their space—not the other way around.
Stop 3: Long Beach
Long Beach is exactly what it sounds like: more stretch, more sand, and time to slow down. This kind of stop helps you reset between snorkeling moments. It’s also a good place for simple photos—horizon lines, soft sand, and that bright-water Phi Phi look.
Consideration: this is not a “quiet cove” stop. In peak season, beaches like this can be busy, especially when multiple boats line up at once.
Stop 4: Rantee Beach
Rantee Beach continues the beach-and-photo arc. The idea is to give you more variety in coastline views and water access—so you’re not only looking at one type of bay over and over.
Consideration: beach access can vary with sea conditions. When waves are up, some areas are better for wading than for full-on swimming.
Stop 5: Bamboo Island (and lunch with a view)
Bamboo Island is where the day often delivers that “worth it” feeling. Lunch is served on the island route, and feedback points to Bamboo Island lunch as tasty, with a great view. It’s a key break because you stop moving for a bit and actually eat somewhere that feels like a destination.
Consideration: bring sunscreen you can trust. Lunch stops can still mean sun exposure, and you’re likely to have been in the water already.
Stop 6: Ko Yung Island
Ko Yung Island adds another layer of island scenery. This is the type of stop that’s less about one signature photo and more about getting variety in bays and snorkeling chances.
Consideration: if you’re sensitive to motion, remember you’re still traveling by speedboat between every stop. Short hops add up.
Stop 7: Nui Beach
Nui Beach is a “clear water and sand you can see” kind of stop. The tour description emphasizes that you can see sand under clear green waters, which is exactly what you want when you’re snorkeling.
Consideration: clarity is weather-dependent. Even on good days, snorkeling visibility isn’t guaranteed—so don’t plan your entire day around one perfect-water assumption.
Stop 8: Viking Cave
Viking Cave is a shift from beach time to cliff-and-cave scenery. You’ll get the look of the limestone world from the waterline, and this stop often feels more like sightseeing than snorkeling.
Consideration: cave stops can be less about getting in the water and more about looking. If your main goal is maximum snorkel time, manage expectations here.
Stop 9: Ko Phi Phi Lee
Back to Phi Phi Lee territory, with more of that iconic limestone-and-green-water setting. This is a meaningful step because it keeps the scenery moving while still staying “in the Phi Phi language” you came for.
Consideration: since this is a high-demand area, crowds can also follow you here. Expect boats, and don’t be surprised by lines at check-in or photo moments.
Stop 10: Loh Samah Bay
Loh Samah Bay is another clear-water stop, and the tour description highlights seeing sand under the water. That’s a good sign for snorkel visibility, especially if you’re aiming to spot fish at shallow depths.
Consideration: snorkeling at these popular spots can come with crowd overlap. You might get short stretches with better views and then need to share the best water zones.
Stop 11: Maya Bay (The Beach photos)
Maya Bay is the finale for a reason. It’s described as a small, semilunar-shaped bay with limestone mountains, and the tour is built around photos with Maya Bay in the background. If Phi Phi is on your Thailand itinerary, this is one of those moments that makes the trip feel “complete,” even if you’re not chasing movie nostalgia.
Consideration: Maya Bay access can change. There are times when boats can’t get close the way you expect, so come with a flexible mindset. If your day’s weather and conditions allow, you’ll get the photo moment; if not, you’ll still be in the area but might not have the full approach.
Snorkeling reality: time in the water, wildlife, and what to pack

This tour offers multiple snorkeling stops, and that’s the biggest difference-maker. You’re not stuck with a single spot where your luck decides your whole day. The tour highlights include monkeys, fish, harmless sharks, and other Thai wildlife, and the snorkeling concept is to give you repeated opportunities to see reef life.
A useful detail: snorkeling time can land around an hour and some change depending on timing and conditions. So you should treat this as “enough snorkeling for most people,” not as a long technical reef session.
What you can realistically hope to see
- Fish in clear pockets around the shoreline
- Harmless sharks at certain points (including black-tip sightings mentioned by one of the experiences)
- Reef texture and shallow-water views when the sea is calm
What to bring so your day goes smoothly
The data you were given doesn’t list exact gear, but it does say you’ll be snorkeling and spending long hours on a speedboat. So I’d plan like this:
- Swimwear + quick-dry towel (you will get wet)
- Waterproof sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap
- A rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt if you burn fast
- Something for seasickness if you’ve ever had problems on boats
Waves can be intense on speedboats, and one account mentions people getting seasick when conditions were rough.
If you drop your snorkel gear, don’t panic—crew support came up in feedback as helpful when people had equipment issues. Still, it’s easier to just keep things secure on your body.
Crew, comfort, and the practical stuff that affects your enjoyment

This is one of those tours where the crew really matters. The experience description and the overall ratings point to professional, upbeat staff. And there are concrete examples of hands-on support—help recovering dropped snorkel equipment and doing a smooth job managing stops.
Comfort is the second factor. The boat can be crowded on busy days. One strong complaint focused on the boat being packed and not very comfortable, and another pointed out that some stops can be protected areas where snorkeling isn’t allowed. That doesn’t mean the tour is “bad,” but it means you should calibrate your expectations:
- You’re buying a high-traffic Phi Phi highlights circuit
- Snorkeling rules can affect what you can do at each location
- The best water might be shared, not reserved
Who should book this Phi Phi speedboat snorkeling tour

I think this tour makes sense if you want:
- A single-day “see a lot” itinerary on Phi Phi
- Multiple snorkeling tries rather than one
- Iconic stops like Monkey Beach and Maya Bay
It’s also a solid fit for families in the stated child range (ages 4–10) since most travelers can participate, and the group cap is 30 travelers.
I’d be more cautious if you:
- Get seasick easily (speedboat conditions can be rough)
- Have health conditions listed by the operator (pregnancy, high blood pressure, heart disease, bone diseases)
- Want a peaceful, low-crowd snorkeling vacation (this is a popular route, and crowds are part of the deal)
Should you book? My honest take

If you’re doing Phi Phi for the first time and you want the highlights in one day, this tour is a strong choice. The speedboat pacing is the big advantage: you’ll spend your time on the islands you came for, with repeated snorkeling moments and a photo-focused finish at Maya Bay.
If you’re a “one perfect reef” person who hates crowds, I’d think twice. Snorkeling can be limited at certain protected stops, and the boat can feel tight when the day is busy. In short: book it for variety and iconic hits; pick a calmer, more focused snorkeling plan if solitude is your priority.
FAQ
FAQ
What is the duration of the Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour?
The tour is about 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.).
How much does the tour cost?
It costs $66.85 per person.
Where is the meeting point?
Meet at McDonald’s near Tonsai pier on Ko Phi Phi Don (the tour lists a McDonald’s location near the pier area).
Is this a mobile ticket?
Yes. The tour includes a mobile ticket.
What places are included in the day?
The stops listed are: Ko Phi Phi Le, Monkey Beach, Long Beach, Rantee Beach, Bamboo Island, Ko Yung Island, Nui Beach, Viking Cave, Ko Phi Phi Lee, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay.
Is there a lunch stop?
Yes. Lunch is mentioned as being served on Bamboo Island.
What wildlife can I see on this tour?
The tour highlights include monkeys, fish, harmless sharks, and other Thai wildlife.
What is the child ticket age range?
Child tickets apply for ages 4–10 years.
Who should not join the tour?
The tour says it is not recommended for guests who are pregnant, or who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. It also states it’s not suitable for guests traveling by big boat or ferry.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The tour also requires good weather; if canceled for poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.


























