From Phi Phi: Full Day Snorkeling Trip by Longtail Boat

Nine hours, many stops, and one very small boat. This Phi Phi trip packs Pi Leh Lagoon and Maya Bay into a long day at sea, with Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, snorkeling, sunset, and night swimming with luminescent plankton. I like the wide range of scenery and the chance to see several famous Phi Phi sites in one outing. I also like that lunch, fruit, water, a mask, and a life jacket are included, which keeps the $40 price sensible.

The trade-off is comfort and consistency. A shared longtail boat is noisy, exposed, and less roomy than a speedboat. The schedule may also change: Shark Point can be missed, Maya Bay access can be restricted, and some past outings have had poor guiding or limited food. If you want a polished, carefully paced day, this may feel rough around the edges.

• Pi Leh Lagoon gives you the day’s clearest swim, surrounded by steep limestone cliffs.
• Monkey Beach combines wildlife and snorkeling, though monkeys should be watched carefully.
• The longtail boat offers classic Phi Phi scenery but can feel crowded on a nine-hour trip.
• Shark Point is an opportunity, not a promise, since sea conditions and timing may affect the stop.
• Sunset and glowing plankton extend the outing into darkness, making this more than a standard beach tour.
• The 400 THB adult national park fee is extra, and current access to Maya Bay should be confirmed.

What the $40 Phi Phi Boat Trip Includes

At about $40 per person, this is priced as a budget-friendly group excursion rather than a private island day. You get the boat ride, a Thai and English-speaking guide, a lunch box, fruit, water, snorkeling equipment, and a life jacket. The extra national park charge is 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children, so add that to your real budget.

That price is good if you want to see many places without arranging separate transport. It is less impressive if you mainly want long, quiet time at one beach. The itinerary covers a lot of ground, but a nine-hour shared outing can feel hurried at some stops and oddly slow at others.

The tour begins at the McDonald’s near Ao Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Island. The operator confirms the precise departure time by email, so check your inbox rather than relying only on the general activity schedule. Child tickets apply to ages 4 through 10, and children should bring a passport or identification card.

Setting Out From Tonsai Bay

The traditional longtail boat is part of the appeal. Its high prow, exposed sides, and loud engine give you the classic Phi Phi look, and the open design lets you feel close to the sea. You also get broad views as the boat moves between islands.

That charm has limits. The boat is shared, and the person seated near the back may have a poorer view than someone near the front. One report also described cockroaches below deck, especially as the day grew later. That is a single account, not a guaranteed feature of every departure, but it is worth keeping expectations practical: this is basic local transport, not a polished yacht.

Bring a dry bag for your phone and a light cover for spray. Seating comfort matters more than it might on a short ride because the outing lasts around nine hours.

Monkey Beach and the First Snorkel

Monkey Beach is an easy opening stop because it gives you land, wildlife, and water time in one place. You can watch the macaques, take photographs, and then snorkel beside the white sand. The combination makes a lively start to the day.

Keep your distance from the monkeys and protect anything edible. They are wild animals, not trained photo props. The beach can also feel busy when several boats arrive, so your best moments may come from watching quietly rather than trying to get the perfect close-up.

The first snorkeling session helps you settle into the equipment before the more scenic water stops. The tour supplies a mask and life jacket, but bring your own mask if you need a particular fit. A poorly fitting mask can spoil an otherwise good swim.

Lunch on the Andaman Sea

Lunch is served on board while the boat moves between stops. The supplied meal is described as a lunch box, with fried rice noted in one account, along with water and pieces of pineapple. It is functional rather than lavish.

One portion was considered small for a full nine-hour day. I would eat a proper breakfast before meeting the boat and bring any permitted snacks if you need more food. The included fruit and water are useful, but do not treat the lunch as a large restaurant meal.

Eating on a moving longtail also takes a little care. Keep your food secure and your belongings protected from spray. The setting is memorable, though, and a simple meal at sea can feel perfectly adequate when the cliffs and islands are passing by.

Viking Cave and Pi Leh Lagoon

Viking Cave is viewed from the water, where you can look up at the cavernous cliffs and the swift nests associated with the cave. These nests are collected in parts of Southeast Asia for bird’s nest soup, which gives the stop a cultural and natural angle beyond the usual beach scenery.

Do not expect a long guided visit inside the cave. The main value is seeing the site from the boat and hearing what the guide can explain. Guide quality appears to vary. Some people found the staff friendly and helpful, while another account described a guide who explained very little and mainly pointed out the stops.

Pi Leh Lagoon is the visual centerpiece. The boat enters a narrow opening framed by tall limestone walls, then pauses for swimming and snorkeling in the green-blue water. This is the place where the trip feels most special, even if you have already seen photographs.

The lagoon is best enjoyed from the water. Look up at the cliffs, then take time to float and watch the water below. Since the stop is one of the main reasons to book, ask the guide how long you have and stay aware of the departure instructions.

Loh Samah and Maya Bay

Loh Samah adds another dramatic stop, with steep rock walls and clear water suited to more snorkeling or a quick swim. It is part of the larger Phi Phi circuit, so you get a sense of how closely the islands fit together while still offering different views.

Maya Bay is the famous name on the schedule, but access rules matter. One past outing found the bay and national park closed, despite the 400 THB fee being collected. That is a serious concern, especially if you are paying the fee mainly for entry to a place you cannot enter.

Conditions can change, so confirm the current status before booking and again before departure. If Maya Bay is closed, you may still see the area from the water, but that is not the same as walking onto the beach. A clear explanation of the fee and access should be part of the day.

The scheduled time at Maya Bay has also been long on some departures, around an hour and a half. That can be welcome if access is open and you want to take photographs. It may feel excessive if you cannot enter or if the heat is strong.

Bamboo Island and Shark Point

Bamboo Island is the beach break. You can sunbathe, swim, and take a rest from constant snorkeling. For many people, this is the easiest part of the day: no complicated activity, just sand and water.

The drawback is that an hour on a beach can feel too long if shade is limited or if you prefer seeing more sites. One account found some beach stops longer than expected. Bring sun protection and use the time according to your energy level. You do not need to be in the water every minute.

Shark Point is the most uncertain stop. The plan offers a chance to snorkel near sharks, which may be exciting for confident swimmers. At the same time, one outing did not reach the shark area at all. Sea conditions, timing, wildlife, and local decisions can affect this stop.

Treat sharks as a possible bonus, not the main reason to book. If you do reach Shark Point, follow the guide’s instructions and keep a respectful distance. If you need a guaranteed shark encounter, this group itinerary is not the right product.

Sunset and Luminescent Plankton

The boat returns toward Tonsai Bay as the light fades. The sunset is one of the strongest reasons to choose the full-day schedule rather than a short morning trip. You get a changing view of the islands after the bright midday hours, and the ride back can be beautiful.

Night swimming with luminescent plankton follows the sunset. When conditions are right and the water is dark enough, movement can stir tiny points of light around you. It is a memorable final activity, but it depends on darkness, water conditions, and timing.

The timing has not always been handled well. One outing began the plankton swim too early, before the glow could be seen clearly, and the guide was said to hurry the group. Ask how long the boat will wait for proper darkness. If the guide says it is time to enter the water before the conditions look right, it is reasonable to ask for a short pause.

This final swim is not suitable for everyone. You should be comfortable in the water and follow the life-jacket instructions. Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments are specifically advised not to join this activity.

Guides, Group Size, and Day-to-Day Quality

The guide can shape the entire day. The tour is offered in Thai and English, and some staff have been described as kind and willing to communicate clearly. Other reports describe weak explanations, shouting, or an overly forceful manner.

That mixed picture means you should judge the trip by its structure as much as by its commentary. The natural sights are strong enough to carry a quiet guide, but poor communication becomes a problem when the schedule changes or a stop is skipped.

A shared boat also means you cannot set the pace yourself. You may spend longer than you want at one beach, then have less time at a snorkeling site. A private boat or speedboat costs more, but it may give you better views, more control, and a smoother ride. The longtail is the better fit if you value local character and low cost over comfort.

Practical Packing Advice for Nine Hours

Pack lightly, but bring the things that make a full day on the water easier:

• Sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your shoulders
• A dry bag or waterproof phone case
• Identification for children
• Extra snacks, since the lunch may be modest
• Cash for the national park charge
• A towel and dry clothes for the return
• Motion-sickness medicine if boat travel affects you

Do not assume every scheduled stop will happen exactly as written. Weather, sea conditions, park rules, and timing can alter the route. The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and if the tour itself is cancelled, you should be offered another date, another time, or a full refund.

Who Should Book This Phi Phi Excursion?

I would choose this outing if you have only one open day around Phi Phi and want a broad introduction to the islands. It works best for strong swimmers, beach lovers, photographers, and people who enjoy a full schedule. The mix of limestone cliffs, monkeys, snorkeling, beaches, sunset, and plankton gives you plenty of variety for the money.

I would look elsewhere if you dislike crowded boats, need reliable access to Maya Bay, want a large lunch, or expect detailed guiding at every stop. A private longtail or speedboat would cost more, but it could solve some of the comfort and control issues.

The average score of 3.9 from 96 ratings fits the picture: the scenery and activity list are appealing, but the service can be uneven. The best parts are genuinely memorable. The weak points come from basic transport, changing access, and inconsistent handling of the schedule.

Final Verdict: Good Value With Real Caveats

Book this trip if your priority is seeing as much of the Phi Phi area as possible for about $40, and you can accept a basic shared longtail boat. Pi Leh Lagoon, the sunset, and the possible plankton swim give the day real value, while Monkey Beach and Bamboo Island add welcome variety.

Skip it if you need a quiet boat, dependable shark snorkeling, guaranteed Maya Bay entry, or a polished guide. Before paying, confirm the current Maya Bay rules, ask how the national park fee will be handled, and accept that the itinerary may change. If those conditions suit you, this is an energetic and affordable day on the water, not a luxury cruise.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at the McDonald’s near Ao Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Island. The operator confirms the exact pickup time by email.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts about nine hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat tour, a guide, lunch, fruit, water, a snorkeling mask, and a life jacket.

Is the national park fee included?

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

Are Maya Bay and the national park always accessible?

Access can vary. One reported departure found Maya Bay and the national park closed, so check the current rules before booking and before departure.

Are children allowed to join?

Yes. Child tickets are for children ages 4 through 10. Children should bring a passport or identification card.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels the tour, you should be offered another date, an alternative time, or a full refund.