Your speed boat sets the tone fast. This private Phi Phi day links classic islands and snorkel spots with a picnic on the beach, plus your own crew. I also love the private speed boat pacing, because you are not stuck with a big-tour timetable. One thing to plan for up front is that the national park entry fee is not included in the price.

You’ll leave from Nopparat Thara Pier on a private speed boat, with pickup options around Krabi like Pak Nam, Nong Thale, and Ao Nang. The boat comes with snorkel mask and life jackets, bottled water, and soft drinks, so you can focus on the water and the islands instead of gear hunting. Expect an English, Thai speaking guide or driver depending on the crew, and a day that typically runs about 7 hours.

Before you book, note two practical limits: Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed in August and September, and the trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Also, no drones are allowed.

Key Highlights That Matter on This Private Phi Phi Speed Boat Day

• Private boat, full crew means you can move on your schedule, not a mass-tour schedule.
• Bamboo Island first is a great way to start with white sand, clear water, and early snorkeling.
• Picnic on Phi Phi Don gives you real downtime, plus a viewpoint option after lunch.
• Viking Cave and Pi Leh Lagoon deliver the classic Phi Phi “wow” shots, including birds’ nests and emerald water.
• Loh Samah Bay snorkeling is built for calm, clear, shallow-water reef viewing.
• Maya Bay timing can make or break the experience, and a private format helps you avoid peak crunch when possible.

Why This Private Phi Phi Tour Feels Worth It

Phi Phi can be busy, even in the best weather. What I like about this format is the built-in advantage: you’re not competing with a crowd for time in the water, shade, or a decent swim slot. A private speed boat day is also the simplest way to hit multiple islands without spending your whole day in transit.

The second reason this tour works well is the mix of “do” and “rest.” You get snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and multiple swim stops, but you also get a beach picnic and free time on Phi Phi Don. That balance matters on a 7-hour day, because your best memories come from the easy moments as much as the big sights.

Getting to Nopparat Thara Pier, and Why the Morning Matters

Your day starts with pickup from one of three areas, depending on where you’re staying: Pak Nam, Nong Thale, or Ao Nang. Then you head to Nopparat Thara Pier for the private speed boat departure. This matters because speed boats run on a tight flow, and early stops can mean calmer water and fewer boats around you.

Once you’re on board, the crew handles the basics that can slow a day down for many visitors. You’re provided with life jackets and a snorkel mask, plus bottled water and soft drinks. That setup is a big deal on Phi Phi, where the difference between a smooth start and a stressed start is often just who has to chase gear first.

Stop One: Bamboo Island for White Sand and Reef Snorkeling

Bamboo Island is where the day often clicks for people. You arrive to white sands and crystal clear water, with the chance to relax on the beach or put on your snorkel mask for reef viewing. If you’ve ever been frustrated by crowded snorkel sites, starting here on a private boat helps you get your first swim before the day really heats up.

What makes Bamboo Island a smart first stop is variety. You can choose easy beach time, or you can snorkel when the water is at its best. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, this stop is commonly used for comfortable, guided snorkel time since the goal is to see reefs without making the day feel technical.

A practical tip: bring sunscreen you can reapply quickly, because island sun can hit hard even when the sky looks calm.

Phi Phi Don and Tonsai Bay: Picnic Lunch Plus a Real Island Pause

After Bamboo Island, the itinerary moves to Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don Island. This is where you’ll eat a picnic lunch on the beach, with the day’s food setup planned for you. Having lunch at the island, rather than on the boat the whole time, gives you a true break from the motion.

Then you get free time that you can actually use. You can explore the streets, or you can walk up to a viewpoint for broad panorama views. This portion of the day is less about checking off sights and more about letting Phi Phi feel like a place you’re in, not just a stop you pass through.

One small drawback to keep in mind: Pi Phi Don can feel busy compared with quieter coves. The private boat format helps because you control how your crew handles timing, but you should still expect some bustle near the main area.

Viking Cave: Birds’ Nests and a Quick, Iconic Cruising Stop

Next up is the Viking Cave area. On the water, you’ll cruise by and see the famous birds’ nests at Viking Cave. This is not a long shore stop, so it’s best thought of as an “on-the-boat” moment in your photo sequence.

Why I like this as a stop is that it breaks up the heavier swim portions. After time in the water, it’s nice to sit, take photos, and let your body recover while you still feel like you’re moving through highlights.

Pi Leh Lagoon: Deep Emerald Water for Photos and Swimming

Then comes one of the most photogenic stops on the route: Pi Leh Lagoon. You’ll see its deep emerald color, and you’ll have time to capture photos and swim. The color is what you’ll remember, but the practical value is that this stop is built around the water itself, not just a viewpoint.

If you like snorkeling, Pi Leh can give you that “look down, see life” feeling that people chase in Thailand. If you just want to swim, you still get that signature calm-water vibe that makes photos look like you planned them.

Keep your phone or camera plan simple. Bring a dry bag if you have one, or at least decide what you’ll do before you jump in, so you’re not fumbling mid-session.

Loh Samah Bay: One of the Better Reef Snorkeling Spots

Loh Samah Bay is where the itinerary turns toward shallow reef snorkeling. You cruise there and enjoy the clear, shallow water and colourful coral reefs. This stop is especially valuable if you want snorkeling that feels more relaxed than “deep water” sessions.

The main advantage here is visual clarity. Clear water plus shallow reefs often means you can see more without trying to swim hard or fight currents. Your crew provides snorkel masks, so the setup is usually quick and you can spend more time looking at the reef and less time adjusting gear.

If sea conditions are rough earlier in the day, Loh Samah is still a good bet because it’s positioned as one of the more “snorkel-friendly” experiences in this set of islands.

Maya Bay Cruise Past The Beach and Why Crowds Change Everything

The day finishes with an iconic cruise around Maya Bay, the location made famous by the film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. You get the classic approach to Maya Bay by boat, which is the easiest way to experience it without spending a whole day walking around.

Now the honest part: Maya Bay can be crowded. A private tour does not erase crowds completely, but it often lets your crew adjust timing and spend less time in the busiest pockets. That is the difference between standing in a crowd trying to enjoy a viewpoint and actually feeling like you got a moment with the scenery.

Important seasonal note: Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed during August and September. If your travel dates fall in that window, you should expect the plan to be adjusted around closures.

Safety, Gear, and How the Crew Helps You Actually Enjoy the Day

This tour includes several practical safety and comfort items: life jackets, snorkel mask and bottled water, plus accident insurance. That’s the baseline, and it matters on a day that involves multiple boat transfers and open-water swims.

What makes the experience feel smooth is crew support. I’ve seen examples where crew members were attentive with older visitors, including help getting on and off the boat for someone in their 70s. If you want a tour that feels caring rather than rushed, this private setup tends to make that possible.

There’s also a real-world reminder that marine life happens. In one case, a stingray incident occurred during the day, and the tour responded with healthcare support and aftercare. You should still stay cautious, follow crew instructions, and avoid stepping where you cannot see the bottom, but it’s reassuring to know accidents are covered by insurance and handled responsibly.

If you’re an amateur swimmer, you can still do well, especially because the itinerary includes multiple swim moments at different vibes. Your best move is to tell the crew what you’re comfortable with at the start.

Price, National Park Fees, and the Value Math for Up to Two

At $598 per group up to 2 people, this is not a cheap Phi Phi day. The value comes from two places: you’re paying for a private boat with a full crew, and you’re buying time control. In a crowded world, time is often your biggest cost, and private pacing is one of the few ways to turn chaos into calm.

Here’s the basic math you can use:

• If you go as a pair, it’s roughly $299 per person, before fees.
• If you’re traveling solo, this price model is less attractive because it’s per group.

Then there’s the national park entry fee, which is not included:

• 400 Baht per adult
• 200 Baht per child age 3 to 11

This is also why you should not treat the listed price as the full bill. Add park fees into your plan so you don’t get surprised at the dock or at entry.

The included snorkel mask and picnic setup are also part of the value. You are not paying extra on the fly for essential items, and you get food planned into the day, not tacked on as a separate stop.

What to Pack, What You Can Skip, and What the Tour Does Not Work For

For this kind of water day, pack like you’re going to be outside the entire time. You’ll want:

• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen

If you forget any of those, the day is still doable, but you’ll lose comfort and time. Also, plan to keep your valuables secure because you’ll be moving between water and boat.

A couple of things to know before you go:

• Drones are not allowed.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women.
• The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Even with a helpful crew, this is still a boat-based day with movement and water time, so honesty is your friend. If mobility is a concern, ask directly what your crew recommends based on your situation before you commit.

Who This Private Phi Phi Speed Boat Day Fits Best

This is a strong match if you want:

• A private experience with your own speed boat and crew
• Flexible timing at sensitive stops like Maya Bay
• A mix of snorkeling and relaxation, not just a nonstop checklist

It’s also a good fit for families who want less chaos. The private format tends to make it easier for kids and older visitors to enjoy the day without being swept into rigid group schedules.

If you want the absolute cheapest Phi Phi option, this probably isn’t it. But if you care about comfort, pacing, and time in the water, this tour is one of the more practical ways to do Phi Phi properly.

Should You Book This From Krabi?

Book it if you’re traveling as a couple or small group and you want a day that feels controlled, with a private crew, snorkeling gear, and a beach picnic built into the schedule. I’d especially recommend it if Maya Bay crowds would stress you out on a large group tour, because private pacing gives your crew room to manage time.

Think twice if your dates fall in August or September, since Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed. Also think hard if you or someone in your group has mobility limits or if anyone is pregnant, since the tour is not designed for those situations.

If your goal is a classic Phi Phi day with real beach time and reef snorkeling, this private speed boat format is a smart upgrade.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi private speed boat tour from Krabi?

The duration is 7 hours, though exact starting times depend on availability.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Nopparat Thara Pier by private speed boat.

What is included in the price?

Included items are the private speedboat, captain and crew, accident insurance, snorkel and mask, picnic set, life jackets, bottled water, and soft drinks.

What is not included in the tour price?

National park entry fees are not included, at 400 Baht per adult and 200 Baht per person for children ages 3 to 11.

What snorkeling gear do I get?

Snorkel and mask are included.

Are Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay available year-round?

No. Maya Bay and Lohsamah Bay are closed during August and September.

What areas are pickup and drop-off available for?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Pak Nam, Nong Thale, and Ao Nang.