Review · KOH PHI PHI SNORKELLING TRIPS
Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling Tour from Krabi
Phi Phi Island day trips have a way of feeling like a postcard. This one blends snorkeling and famous viewpoints with a guided circuit, plus lunch and transfers from Krabi. You hit beaches and coves like Bamboo Island, Loh Samah Bay, and Maya Bay, with time built in for swimming, photos, and a proper buffet meal.
I especially like the practical setup: hotel pickup and round-trip transfers from Ao Nang and Krabi Town, and you’re not left juggling logistics. I also like that the tour handles the main snorkeling basics for you, including masks and life jackets, plus fruit, water, and lunch on Phi Phi Don. One consideration: with a max group size of 45 and multiple stops packed into one day, the pace can feel brisk, and popular sites like Maya Bay may feel busy.
Key things to know before you go

- You’re paying for a full-day circuit, not just snorkeling, with timed stops across both Phi Phi islands and bays
- Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, so you can travel lighter
- Lunch happens on Phi Phi Don as a buffet meal with time to rest after the morning stops
- Maya Bay is on the route, and you’ll get a dedicated sightseeing and photo window
- A National Park fee is not included, so plan for that extra cost at entry
Still set on Phi Phi? Compare the other crossings
Price and what you get for about $66.19

This Phi Phi snorkeling tour from Krabi is priced at $66.19 per person, and the value comes from what’s wrapped into that ticket. You get a guided day that runs about 7 to 8 hours, with a structured itinerary, a tour guide, and the big essentials that cost extra when you do things on your own.
What’s included is the core of the experience: lunch, fruit, and drinking water, plus snorkeling mask and life jacket. You also get accident insurance and a first aid kit on hand. For most people, the transfers matter just as much as the snorkeling. If you’re staying in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, hotel pickup and round-trip transfers take the guesswork out of getting to Nopparat Thara Pier.
There are a couple of add-ons you should mentally budget. The National Park fee is not included (400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child), and you may pay an extra 100 THB per person if you’re picked up from remote areas like Klong Muang or Tub Kaek. In other words, the headline price is a starting point, not the final number.
Getting to Nopparat Thara Pier: pickup, timing, and mobile tickets

The tour starts at 8:00 am. It begins at Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang, and the day ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup is offered from Ao Nang and Krabi Town, so you do not have to get yourself to the pier by trial and error.
You’ll also have a smoother day if you’re ready with your mobile ticket. Confirmation is handled at booking, and the meeting point is described as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not staying in the exact pickup zones.
Plan for a quick day. The schedule moves stop to stop, so the start time matters. If you show up late, you’ll feel it immediately when the boat is already transitioning between island areas.
Group size, pace, and why Maya Bay can feel different
This tour caps at 45 travelers, which is a meaningful detail. A smaller group can mean calmer snorkeling and less waiting, but with popular Phi Phi stops, even a well-run tour can end up sharing space with other boats.
That shows up in how the day feels. One clear theme in the feedback is that the team can keep things organized even when the boat is full, and the guide support helps. In at least one case, the guide James was called out as great, and the team was described as attentive, including taking photos if you want them.
The trade-off is time. The itinerary is full: you’re visiting beaches and bays, then moving again. Viking Cave is a quick stop. Maya Bay is a photo and sightseeing window. The day can feel like you’re collecting highlights rather than lingering. If your idea of a perfect Phi Phi day is long, unhurried swims and long beach time, you’ll want to adjust your expectations.
Snorkeling gear and safety basics that matter on Phi Phi

Snorkeling is a centerpiece here, and the tour makes it easier by providing snorkeling masks and life jackets. That’s a practical win. It means you’re not stuck renting gear at the pier or worrying whether you picked the right size.
For peace of mind, there’s also a first aid kit included, and accident insurance is part of the package. These items do not replace good safety judgment on the water, but they do signal that the operator is thinking about standard risks that come with a day on the sea.
There are also clear health and comfort limits listed for the tour. It’s not recommended if you’re pregnant or if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. Also, the tour notes it is not suitable for guests traveling by big boat or ferry, which is an important detail for anyone who worries about boat type or how they feel when boarding and moving between stops.
The itinerary stop by stop: from Bamboo Island to Monkey Beach

Here’s how the day is structured, with what each stop is for and what to watch for.
Bamboo Island: white sand and clear water time
Bamboo Island is first, about 1 hour at the stop. This is where you get a classic Phi Phi beach moment, with white sand and clear water, plus time to swim and relax onshore. If you want the “arrive and exhale” start, this is the point of the schedule.
Because it’s early, you may also feel less rushed. You’re fresh, and the day hasn’t turned into a rhythm of timed snorkel windows yet.
Mask and fins: more reef stops around Krabi
Viking Cave: limestone views and bird nest history
Next is Viking Cave for about 30 minutes. This stop is about sightseeing and photos, focused on a limestone cave where bird nests are harvested, and there are wall painting details to look for.
If you’re coming for water time, this is more of a visual break. It’s still worth it because it changes the scenery from beach to cave walls, and it adds context to what makes this area famous.
Pileh Bay: cliff-lined lagoon with crystal water
Pileh Bay comes after, with about 45 minutes here. The highlight is the cliff-lined lagoon look, with crystal water and that sense of finding a hidden place in plain sight.
This stop is a good bridge between viewpoints and snorkeling time. You get a scenic payoff, then you’re back in motion toward the next bay.
Loh Samah Bay: snorkeling with colorful fish and coral
Then it’s Loh Samah Bay, about 45 minutes, and this one is built around snorkeling. The description focuses on colorful fish and coral reefs.
This is the stop that matters most if your main goal is underwater. Make sure you’re comfortable putting your face in the water and moving at a comfortable pace. With a guided day, it helps to stay aware of group timing so you don’t lose the start of the next segment.
Maya Bay: photo time and the Film The Beach connection
Maya Bay is a short but famous stop, about 30 minutes. It’s listed for photo shooting and sightseeing, with a note that it’s the location tied to the Film The Beach.
Even if you’re not chasing movie trivia, this is usually the reason many people book the Phi Phi loop. The time window is brief, so come ready to capture what you came for quickly, then enjoy the water and views while you can.
Phi Phi Don: buffet lunch and a chance to rest
Now you get a breather on Ko Phi Phi Don, with lunch plus about 2 hours total at the stop. The meal is a buffet style lunch in a restaurant, and the schedule explicitly includes time to relax and rest.
This is where expectations should be set. This is not positioned as a casual beach picnic. It’s a restaurant buffet, which some people may prefer for comfort and efficiency on a packed day.
Ko Phi Phi Le: another lagoon viewpoint
After lunch, Ko Phi Phi Le is next for about 30 minutes. It focuses on a cliff-lined lagoon and crystal water again, which gives the day another big visual moment after your break.
This stop is less about snorkeling time here and more about seeing the coastline and getting the classic island look that makes Phi Phi famous.
Wang Long Bay: sightseeing and photos
Wang Long Bay is another photo and sightseeing stop at around 30 minutes. It fits the pattern of the afternoon: quicker windows that keep the momentum going.
Think of it as finishing strong on the scenery side, then winding down toward the water time at the end.
Monkey Beach: swim, relax, and a final snorkeling window
The final stop is Monkey Beach, about 30 minutes. This one is built for swimming, relaxing, and snorkeling again.
It’s a good end-of-day choice because it lets you end on something physical and fun. If you’re saving energy, use this as your last chance for a relaxed dip before the boat returns.
Lunch on Phi Phi Don: buffet style, time to reset

Lunch is one of the most practical included items in the package: you get a buffet meal at Phi Phi Don. The schedule gives you a solid 2-hour window for lunch and downtime.
I like this design because it breaks the day into two halves. The morning is for beaches, caves, and snorkeling. After lunch, the afternoon returns to viewpoints and shorter stops, plus a final snorkeling session.
One small expectation adjustment: since the lunch is in a restaurant, you should not assume it’s served on the beach. That matters if you’re someone who wants the food experience to be part of the scenery. For many people, the trade-off is worth it, because you get a real pause in a day that otherwise moves quickly.
What the guide does for you: organization and photo help

A guided tour is only as good as how it handles timing and transitions, and the feedback points to a team that pays attention. On one trip, James was specifically mentioned as a great guide. The tone was that the team was attentive and would take photos if you wanted.
That kind of support matters on Phi Phi because you’re juggling stops, boats, and limited time windows. When the guide is on top of things, you spend less energy figuring out what to do next, and more energy actually enjoying each stop.
When this tour is a great fit

This Phi Phi Islands snorkeling tour from Krabi fits best if you want a guided day that checks the main boxes in one go. It’s a strong match if you:
- want multiple Phi Phi highlights in one trip, including Maya Bay and Bamboo Island
- prefer having snorkeling gear and life jackets provided
- value included lunch, fruit, and drinking water
- like the structure of a set itinerary rather than designing your own route
It’s also a good option if you’re staying in Ao Nang or Krabi Town and want pickup without sorting out boats and meeting points yourself.
Who should think twice
This is not for everyone. The tour specifically notes it is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases.
It also says it is not suitable for guests traveling by big boat or ferry, which is a useful clue if your comfort level with boats is limited.
Finally, think about your tolerance for crowds and time pressure. With up to 45 travelers and multiple scheduled stops, the day can feel fast. If you’re the type who wants lots of quiet time at one beach, you may feel the pace more than you’d like.
Weather and National Park fees you must plan for
Phi Phi days depend on weather, and this tour notes it requires good weather. If the day is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Also, the National Park fee is not included: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, and it’s paid at point of entry. If you forget to budget that extra line item, it can feel annoying at the end of the day. Better to plan now.
Should you book this Phi Phi snorkeling tour from Krabi?
Book it if you want the classic Phi Phi experience in one structured day, with snorkeling gear included, guided stops across both Phi Phi bays and viewpoints, and a real buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don. The logistics are handled, especially if you’re based in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, and the guide support can make a full boat still feel organized.
Think twice if you’re sensitive to crowds or you dislike a packed schedule. This is built around ticking off stops, not hanging out forever at one spot. And if long lingering at Maya Bay or a beach-style lunch is your top priority, you should match your expectations to the reality of timed windows and restaurant service.
FAQ
Is lunch included on this Phi Phi snorkeling tour from Krabi?
Yes. Lunch is included and it is a buffet style meal on Phi Phi Don, with about 2 hours at that stop for eating and relaxing.
What snorkeling equipment is provided?
The tour includes snorkeling masks and a life jacket, plus a guide to run the day.
Are National Park fees included in the tour price?
No. A National Park fee is payable at point of entry: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.
Where do hotel pickups happen, and what is the meeting point?
Pickup is offered for Ao Nang and Krabi Town. The activity starts at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
What time does the tour start and how long does it last?
The start time is 8:00 am. The duration is about 7 to 8 hours.
What if the tour is canceled due to weather?
The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
More Tour Reviews in Krabi
- Krabi: Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat with Lunch★ 4.5 · 3,952 reviews
- Krabi: Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Tour★ 4.8 · 3,616 reviews
- Krabi: Kayak Adventure through Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest★ 4.6 · 2,024 reviews
- Krabi: Elephant Bathing Session at Krabi Elephant Shelter★ 4.9 · 2,021 reviews
- Krabi 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + Bioluminescent Swim★ 5.0 · 1,861 reviews
Reefs Worth the Mask
- Krabi 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + Bioluminescent Swim★ 5.0 · 1,861 reviews
- Krabi: 7 Island Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat with Snorkeling★ 4.6 · 1,063 reviews
- Krabi: 4 Islands Hopping & Snorkeling Tour★ 4.0 · 192 reviews
- Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling & Plankton Night by Big Longtail Boat★ 4.0 · 164 reviews
- Krabi: Hong Islands Snorkeling with Lunch by Longtail Boat★ 4.1 · 63 reviews
Phi Phi: The Other Crossings
- Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Lunch from Krabi★ 5.0 · 1,392 reviews
- Phi Phi Early Bird & 4 Islands – Day Tour by Speedboat From Krabi★ 5.0 · 986 reviews
- Krabi: Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay Speedboat Tour with Lunch★ 4.4 · 420 reviews
- Phi Phi Island Speed Boat Adventure from Krabi★ 4.5 · 295 reviews
- Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat from Ao Nang, Krabi★ 4.5 · 248 reviews
Newest reviews from around Krabi
Koh Phi Phi Snorkelling Trips, compared.
★ 4.3Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day TourFrom $513,340 reviews
★ 4.2From Phi Phi: Half-Day Longtail Boat Tour with SnorkelingFrom $241,733 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Lunch from KrabiFrom $1221,392 reviews
★ 5.0Phi Phi Early Bird & 4 Islands – Day Tour by Speedboat From KrabiFrom $81986 reviews
★ 4.3From Phi Phi: Full Day 7 Island Tour by Longtail with SunsetFrom $35637 reviews
★ 4.6From Ao Nang: Phi Phi Islands Day Tour by Boat with LunchFrom $51621 reviews
★ 4.4Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay Speedboat Tour with LunchFrom $50420 reviews
★ 4.6Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour with Buffet LunchFrom $46402 reviews
Also filed under







