Small Groups of 20 people – Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

Paradise takes a little planning. This Phuket day trip packs Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don, Pileh Bay, Viking Cave, and Maya Bay into about nine and a half hours. I like the small-group limit, listed at 20 people, and the steady supply of water, fruit, snacks, towels, and snorkeling gear. I also like that lunch is served at a resort beside the sea rather than at a plain roadside restaurant.

The main caution is the speedboat. It cuts travel time across the Andaman Sea, but the ride can be loud and very bumpy, especially in strong wind or rain. The many stops also make this a busy day, and popular sites can be crowded with other boats.

The tour costs $108.43 per person, plus a national park fee of 400 Thai baht for adults and 200 baht for children. That is not the cheapest Phi Phi excursion, but hotel transfers, food, drinks, equipment, insurance, and a smaller boat help explain the price.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Bamboo Island gets a full hour: You have time to swim, snorkel, and sit on the sand rather than simply take a quick photo.
• The small boat matters: A group of around 20 gives you more room than the packed boats common on cheaper island trips.
• Pileh Bay is the water highlight: Its emerald lagoon and high limestone walls create the most memorable swim of the day.
• Lunch comes with a sea view: The buffet includes Thai and international dishes, with special diets available if requested ahead.
• The speedboat ride can be rough: Motion sickness tablets are a sensible precaution, especially in windy weather.
• Maya Bay rules can change: Check the current operating status before booking, since the bay has scheduled closures and visitor controls.

From Phuket to Royal Phuket Marina

The day begins with hotel pickup and ends with a return transfer. That removes one of the usual headaches of a Phi Phi trip: finding your own way to the pier before sunrise or arranging a taxi back after a long day on the water.

Pickup times vary by hotel, and the drive to Royal Phuket Marina can take close to an hour from Patong when other passengers are collected. At the marina, you receive light refreshments and attend a short information and safety briefing. The marina can feel busy at first, with many groups gathering before departure, but the check-in process is described as organized.

The speedboat has a toilet, though you will find shore facilities more practical when the boat is racing across choppy water. The boat is equipped with life jackets, masks, snorkels, fins, and a new snorkel mouthpiece for each person. A waterproof floating phone case is also included, which is useful when you want photos without risking your phone.

Bamboo Island: Your First Proper Beach Stop

Bamboo Island is usually the first major stop, reached after roughly an hour on the water. It is part of the marine national park and has the classic combination you came to see: pale sand, clear water, and open views.

You get about one hour here for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing. That is a good amount of time for a first stop, though the island is described as fairly barren, so do not expect much shade or a long list of things to explore inland.

The beach can be busy, particularly when several boats arrive together. Still, the time here gives you a chance to settle into the day before the faster sequence of Phi Phi stops. Bring sun protection, and use the beach towel provided if you want to dry off before boarding.

The journey to Bamboo Island is one of the rougher parts for some people. Several accounts describe a bumpy ride, and one especially wet day brought heavy rain from start to finish. The crew may continue in unsettled weather when conditions are considered safe, so pack a light waterproof layer or protect your belongings inside a dry bag.

Monkey Beach Without the Monkey Mischief

At Monkey Beach, the boat pauses for about 10 minutes so you can watch macaques climbing, jumping, and swimming along the shore. You do not go ashore. The monkeys remain wild, and the viewing is from the speedboat.

This short stop is more about seeing the animals in their natural setting than having an encounter. That is a good safety rule. It also means the stop can feel brief, especially if the monkeys are not close to the water when your boat arrives.

Have your camera ready, but do not expect a long wildlife session. The boat crew controls the distance and the timing, keeping the visit quick before moving on toward lunch.

Seaview Lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort

Lunch is served at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, where you have about an hour to eat and rest beside the sea. The buffet includes Thai and international food, seasonal fruit, coffee, and tea. Vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary requests are available when arranged in advance.

Food quality is one area where expectations should stay reasonable. Some people found the buffet excellent and plentiful, while another described the lunch as merely decent and one found it disappointing. The setting is part of the value: you are eating at a resort with an ocean view, not from a box on the boat.

The break also helps pace the day. After the first beach and boat ride, a proper meal and time on land are welcome. Drinks and snacks continue on the boat, including bottled water and soft drinks. Alcohol is not included, but it can be purchased.

Pileh Bay, the Best Swim of the Route

Pileh Bay is allotted about 30 minutes and is often the strongest stop for swimming. Tall limestone cliffs surround emerald-green water, giving the lagoon a dramatic scale that is hard to appreciate from photos alone.

The visit is short, so you will want to get in the water promptly. The crew helps organize the swim and keeps an eye on safety. Some departures include a playful jump from the boat, but you should follow the guide’s instructions and local safety rules rather than assume every activity is available in every condition.

This is also one of the tour’s snorkeling areas. The water can be full of fish, though the quality of the coral varies. You might see plenty of marine life without finding much living coral. National park rules may require life jackets in certain swimming areas, even if you are a confident swimmer.

Strong wind can change the character of Pileh Bay. On a calm day, the water may look wonderfully clear. On a wet or windy day, the ride between stops can be uncomfortable, and the water may not have the same postcard appearance.

Viking Cave and the Story Behind Bird’s Nest Soup

The route includes a sightseeing stop at Viking Cave, where the guide explains the cave’s importance to the island’s swallow birds. Their nests are valued for bird’s nest soup, a specialty dish associated with parts of Southeast Asia.

This is a viewing and information stop, not a cave exploration. The listed schedule does not give it a separate duration, so expect a brief look from the boat as part of the route. It adds cultural and natural context to a day otherwise centered on beaches and swimming.

Maya Bay and the Crowds That Come With Fame

Maya Bay is the final major highlight, with about an hour scheduled for sightseeing. Its white sand and bright blue water became famous after the 2000 film The Beach. The setting is undeniably beautiful, but fame brings crowds and strict environmental rules.

The bay has been subject to temporary closures for conservation. The supplied tour information says Maya Bay will be closed from August 1, 2025, with the full closure details needing confirmation at booking. Check the current status and rules before you pay, since conditions can change.

Do not assume you will have the beach to yourself. The tour may time its stops well, but no operator controls every boat in the Phi Phi area. Maya Bay is best approached as a scenic landmark rather than a quiet beach escape.

The guide’s briefing can make a difference here. One family particularly appreciated being told what to expect before arriving, which helped them plan their time and understand the restrictions. Listen closely, since access rules and swimming permissions may differ from what you picture from the film.

What the Small Group Really Changes

The advertised maximum is 20 people, and many positive experiences centered on having enough space aboard. A smaller group means less crowding when you board, more room to move around, and a better chance of getting the guide’s attention.

One booking reported 28 people on the boat, despite expecting 20. That still did not feel especially crowded to that person, but it is worth keeping in mind: group size may not always match the headline number. If the smaller format is the main reason you are paying more, confirm the current capacity before booking.

The crew receives strong praise for safety, friendliness, and organization. Guides named Goodies, Ray, Sunny, Alan, Anton, and P were singled out on different departures, so the exact guide depends on the day. Goodies was praised for clear English and a lively manner, while Ray and Sunny were noted for caring attention and help with families.

The crew also handles small comforts well. Towels are hung to dry after swimming, drinks are offered often, and fresh fruit and snacks help keep you going between stops. These details matter on a long day when you are in and out of salt water and moving between islands.

Snorkeling, Gear, and Photography

Snorkeling gear is included, along with a life jacket, mask, snorkel, fins, and a new mouthpiece. That saves you from renting equipment separately and makes the tour easier for a first-time snorkeler.

The underwater experience can be excellent, with plenty of fish at some stops. Do not book solely for coral, though. Conditions vary, and one account described lots of fish but little live coral. Rain does not necessarily ruin the snorkeling, but it can reduce visibility and make the surface experience less pleasant.

A photography package may be available as an extra. Several people considered it worthwhile, especially for underwater images and photos taken while swimming or jumping from the boat. It is not part of the base price, so decide if professional shots are important to you before adding the cost.

You can also use the floating phone case included in the tour. This is a practical feature for casual photos, but test the case before entering the water and keep your phone secured.

Is $108.43 a Fair Price?

At $108.43 per person, the tour sits above the cheapest island-hopping offers. The comparison is not simply about the number of stops. You are paying for hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, accident insurance, a speedboat, a buffet lunch, snacks, fruit, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, towels, and a boat restroom.

The smaller group is the main value point. Cheaper local tours may pack more people aboard and use a shared cafeteria-style lunch area. This tour aims for a more comfortable boat and a resort lunch with a sea view. The difference may be worthwhile if you dislike being packed shoulder to shoulder.

You should also add the national park charge: 400 baht per adult or 200 baht per child. Alcohol costs extra. Read the total carefully so the final price is not a surprise.

I would consider the price fair for a full-service day, especially if your hotel is in Phuket and you want transfers handled. It is less compelling if you mainly want a quiet beach day, dislike fast boats, or prefer to spend longer at one island.

Weather, Comfort, and Who Should Book

The tour runs only when weather permits. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy helps, but it does not prevent a scheduled trip from feeling wet or rough when conditions are unsettled.

Take motion sickness medicine before departure if you are prone to seasickness. The ride is fast, loud, and sometimes very bumpy, particularly on the way to the first island or on the return. Wear sun protection, bring a waterproof layer, and avoid bringing valuables you do not need.

This outing suits you if you want to see many famous Phi Phi sights in one day, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and value a guide-led schedule. It works well for families and active couples, provided everyone is comfortable with a speedboat and water activities.

It is less suitable if you want silence, long beach walks, guaranteed calm seas, or a private island feel. Nine and a half hours is a full commitment, and the schedule moves from one stop to the next.

Should You Book This Phi Phi Tour?

I would book it if you want a well-supported first visit to Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands. The best reasons are the manageable group size, strong crew service, included refreshments, proper lunch setting, and the chance to combine beaches, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and Maya Bay in one day.

I would pause if the weather forecast is poor, if you are highly sensitive to rough boat rides, or if you expect an uncrowded Maya Bay. Confirm the current group size, national park fee, and Maya Bay access before booking. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund, since later cancellations are not refunded.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket are included.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes.

What is the group size?

The tour has a stated maximum of 20 people, although one departure was reported to have 28 people aboard. Confirm the current capacity if space is especially important to you.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet at Phi Phi Holiday Resort and includes Thai and international dishes. Special dietary requests can be made in advance.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes. Life jackets, masks, snorkels, fins, a new snorkel mouthpiece, and beach towels are included.

Is the national park fee included?

No. The fee is 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child. Alcoholic drinks are also not included, though they are available to purchase.