The stunning waters around Ko Phi Phi Don offer some of Thailand’s best boat excursions. Two main types of tours dominate: the overnight Maya Bay experience (perfect for photographing the bay without day crowds) and half-day island-hopping trips that circle the archipelago’s prime snorkeling spots.
I especially recommend the sunrise tours – they avoid the midday heat and typically include stops at Monkey Beach and Pileh Lagoon. For families, the afternoon half-day trips work well, offering better value and plenty of swim time without exhausting younger travelers.
Read on for my tested recommendations of Ko Phi Phi Don’s most worthwhile boat tours.
Key Points
- The Maya Bay Sleepaboard Experience offers an overnight adventure with personalized activities like swimming with plankton and kayaking to sea caves.
- The Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour provides a comprehensive snorkeling tour across multiple Phi Phi Islands, including Maya Bay.
- The Snorkeling Adventure in Phi Phi Islands is an affordable option with diverse marine life sightings and a low-price guarantee.
- The Phi Phi Island Half-Day Tour is a time-efficient option for travelers, offering snorkeling at Pileh Bay and Loh Samah Bay.
- Visitors should consider potential issues like high crowds, safety concerns, and tour operator reliability when selecting the best cruise or boat tour in Ko Phi Phi Don.
Maya Bay Sleepaboard Spend the Night on Our Purpose Built Boat in Maya Bay
Nestled within the stunning Andaman Sea, Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Don invites you to experience its natural beauty through an exclusive overnight sleepaboard adventure.
This 19-hour experience offers a convenient and paperless ticketing process, with instant mobile tickets available in English and Thai.
Departing at 3 PM from Tonsai Pier, you’ll be transported to Phi Phi Don, where a 5-minute walk leads you to the travel shop. The tour has a maximum of 35 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
Once aboard the purpose-built boat, you’ll have the chance to swim with glow-in-the-dark plankton and kayak to nearby sea caves.
Reflecting the movie “The Beach” that catapulted Maya Bay to fame, this sleepaboard tour provides an exclusive opportunity to spend the night in this breathtaking location.
With the beach currently closed for recovery, this experience allows you to enjoy Phi Phi Don from afar while creating unforgettable memories.
Read our full review: Maya Bay Sleepaboard Spend the Night on Our Purpose Built Boat in Maya Bay Review
Book now: Check availability
Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat
Set out on a captivating full-day snorkeling adventure across the Phi Phi Islands, as you explore the region’s diverse marine life and stunning natural landscapes. Key highlights include Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island, Pi Leh Lagoon, Shark Point, and the iconic Maya Bay.
You’ll have ample time for sunset viewing and night swimming with glowing plankton.
The tour offers fresh fruit snacks, cold drinks, breakfast, and a simple lunch on board. While most guests praise the beauty of the locations and snorkeling experiences, some report issues with tour timing, guide engagement, and food quality.
Prepare for potential delays, crowding at popular spots, and limited amenities on the traditional longtail boat.
Safety is a concern, with incidents involving marine hazards, so listen closely to the briefings. Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat Review
Book now: Check availability
Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat
Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Phi Phi Islands on this captivating snorkeling adventure. Priced at just $21.12 per person, this tour offers a low-price guarantee and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
You’ll enjoy approximately 9 hours exploring iconic spots like Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, and Monkey Bay, with the chance to spot diverse marine life, including fish, leopard sharks, monkeys, and swallows.
While the organization and meals are deemed satisfactory, recent feedback suggests issues with additional fees and tour duration. Be prepared for high visitor volume, especially at Maya Bay.
The overall tour rating of 4.2 out of 53 reviews reflects a mix of experiences, with both positive and negative feedback on the tour guide. To ensure a seamless experience, take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option, and familiarize yourself with the cancellation policies.
With a focus on continuous improvement, the tour operator is committed to delivering an exceptional experience.
Read our full review: Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat Review
Book now: Check availability
Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat
Take a half-day tour from Phi Phi to explore the stunning Phi Phi archipelago. This 4-hour tour is perfect for time-pressed travelers, allowing you to visit the main sights.
Travel by traditional longtail boat for an authentic experience, starting from Andaman Beach Resort.
First, you’ll visit Koh Phi Phi Leh, a limestone mountain rising from turquoise waters. Enjoy snorkeling opportunities at Pileh Bay and Loh Samah Bay.
Then, head to Monkey Beach, home to playful macaques. Explore Viking Cave, known for its impressive rock formations and coral.
The tour includes an instant mobile ticket, so you can conveniently access it on your device. It’s available in English and concludes back at the starting point.
Keep in mind the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with certain health conditions. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.
Read our full review: Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands with a range of cruises and boat tours. Whether you want to spend the night in Maya Bay, discover the 7 islands, go snorkeling, or take a half-day tour, there are options to suit your interests. These practical and objective tours offer the best way to experience the natural beauty of this iconic destination in Thailand.