Phi Phi by private boat is one of those days you remember for years. This one from Phuket feels interesting from the start because you get a real briefing at 5 Star Marine, then you set off on your own schedule across a string of bays, caves, and snorkeling spots. I especially like that it is customizable in practice, so you are not trapped in a rigid timetable, and you have the snorkeling gear ready when the water looks good. One consideration: the national park fees and lunch are extra, so your final cost will be higher than the quoted price.

I also like the vibe on board. You get snacks, soda and bottled water, plus a restroom on board, which matters when you are spending 6 to 8 hours on the Andaman Sea.

The main drawback to plan around is seas. The boat rides from Phuket can be long and bumpy, so bring ear plugs and consider motion-sickness help if you get queasy.

Quick hits before you go

• Private charter up to 15 means fewer crowd headaches and more control over how long you stay in each place
• Snorkeling equipment included so you can jump in at the stops with coral and fish
• Maya Bay viewing time works even if swimming is restricted, because you still get the famous scenery
• Viking Cave plus Birds Nest Cave info gives context to what you can and cannot do there
• Monkey Beach is quick and real. Keep your snacks tight, because the monkeys have no respect for your lunch plans
• Crew-led adjustments help when stops get too busy, so you are not stuck waiting in the worst lines

Private Phi Phi Feels Like Your Own Day (Not a Crowd Schedule)

This is the kind of tour where the word private actually matters. You board a boat with your group only, so the pace can flex. If a beach looks calmer than expected, you can spend longer. If one stop is running crowded, your guide can steer you toward a better-feeling option.

I love that the day is built around variety. You get classic Phi Phi sights like Maya Bay and Viking Cave, then you also get the calmer, water-focused stops where snorkeling is the point. And because this is a speedboat style outing, you spend less time just traveling and more time on the interesting parts of the coastline.

What this tour style means for you

If you hate standing in lines, this format helps. You also get more chances to enjoy the water without feeling rushed. That is especially valuable at Phi Phi, where popular viewpoints can turn into a hot, crowded mess in high season.

Price and Value: What You Pay for a Group of Up to 15

The price is $1,108.78 per group up to 15. That sounds steep at first if you are thinking per person, but the math changes fast once you split it.

For a group, you are essentially paying for:

• Your own boat and crew for the day
• On board snacks, soda, bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Private transportation from Phuket pickup
• Restroom access on board

You still have extra costs, though. Lunch and national park fees are not included. National park admission is listed as 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid in cash to your guide on the day. Budget for it now so you are not doing math while you are on a beach.

Who gets the best deal

• Groups that can fill most of the 15-person limit will feel the value most
• Families who want flexibility and fewer crowd headaches tend to like private setups
• Couples who want a do-it-your-way day can still make it work, but you will feel the cost more if you are only a few people

Getting Underway at 5 Star Marine: Briefing, Drinks, and Time-Saving

The day starts at 5 Star Marine. You check in at their offices, get a full tour briefing, and can grab something to drink like coffee, tea, or a cool beverage. If you brought extra luggage, you can store what you do not need for the outing.

This briefing is not just formalities. It sets you up to move efficiently once you are on the water, and it helps the crew handle the route in a way that fits your group.

A nice practical detail: your equipment needs are covered. You get access to snorkeling gear, and the day plan is designed around stops where you will actually use it, not just admire the water from the boat.

Stop 2: Maya Bay Viewing Time and What You Should Expect

Maya Bay is the star name everyone recognizes, because it was featured in The Beach film. On this tour, you get a dedicated stop there after a cruise out to Phi Phi.

Here is the key reality check: swimming is restricted at Maya Bay under current rules. You can still see it, photograph it, and enjoy the setting from the approved viewing areas.

Why this stop is still worth your time

Even if you cannot swim, Maya Bay delivers the dramatic limestone scenery people travel for. The bay is famous for a reason, and on a well-run private trip, you are less likely to feel like you are trapped in a slow-moving line for hours.

One smart tip from how crews operate: going early helps. Crowds can build quickly, and a good guide will try to work with the timing so you spend more time looking and less time waiting.

Pileh Bay and the Blue-Lagoon Snorkel Moment

After Maya Bay, you shift into the stops where the water does the talking. Pileh Bay is a blue lagoon area in Phi Phi Ley, and the style here is very water-forward.

You cruise into the lagoon across shallow corals, and you can watch marine life around your boat. Once you are in the right spot, you can switch to snorkeling and look for fish and coral close up.

What I like about this approach

This is where included snorkeling gear becomes more than a checkbox. The stop is structured around seeing life in the water, not just sightseeing from above it. If your goal is more swimming and less standing, Pileh Bay is the stop that tends to deliver.

Admission for this stop is not included, but the effort is still focused on snorkeling time, which is what most people want out of a Phi Phi trip.

Viking Cave: Birds Nest Cave, Plus Why You Cannot Go In

Viking Cave is also known as Birds Nest Cave. The stop is designed to explain the historical significance and why you cannot currently enter the cave. You also get a look at the little birds flying around overhead, which helps make the whole place feel more alive than just a photo stop.

This is one of those stops where you feel the value of a guide who knows what you are looking at. Even without access inside, you leave with context. It turns a quick pause into something memorable.

The practical side

Because you cannot enter the cave, manage expectations. Think of Viking Cave as a viewpoint and learning stop, not a “walk inside and explore” moment.

Monkey Beach: Fun Wildlife Watching With Real Etiquette

Then you head to Monkey Beach, where friendly, playful monkeys often swim out toward boats. This is a quick stop, built for watching and enjoying the moment without overstaying.

What to remember: these monkeys are bold. Keep a close grip on anything edible. If you have snacks, keep them secured and do not wave food around for photos.

Why it works on a private tour

On a private charter, you can usually get in, enjoy the viewing time, and move on without adding to the chaos. It feels more like wildlife watching than crowd management.

Ko Phi Phi Don: Island Time, Beaches, and Lunch by Choice

Ko Phi Phi Don is the main island. Here, you get a longer stretch of time on a white sandy beach so you can explore the main island at your own pace.

Lunch is not included, but you have the chance to pick a local restaurant when you are there. In practice, this is helpful because you can choose based on what looks good in the moment, dietary needs, and how busy it feels.

Why this stop matters

It gives your legs a break. After cave and lagoon time, island time feels grounded. You are not just bouncing from one water stop to another.

It also lets you separate the day into “water time” and “human time.” That mix keeps a full-day speedboat trip from feeling like one long sprint.

Nui Beach (Camel Rock): Snorkeling Where Coral and Fish Shine

Nui Beach, also known as Camel Rock, is one of the best snorkeling locations on Phi Phi. You get a stop built for exactly that: white sand on the beach and coral and marine life right where you can swim.

Admission for this stop is included, which is a small but useful detail when you are budgeting for the day.

What to do during your snorkeling window

If you want more than a quick splash, arrive at the snorkel spot ready to spend time in the water. The gear is there, and this is the stop designed to reward you for using it.

If you are not a confident swimmer, you still get value from the stop. You can float, watch from the boat edge, and focus on the coral and fish in the clearer shallower areas first.

Koh Rang Yai: Fruit, Cool Refreshments, and Sunset Options

At Ko Rang Yai, you slow down. You relax on the sandy beach while enjoying fresh fruit and cool refreshments.

You can also watch the sunset if timing works for your day, then you take the short cruise back toward the pier.

Why this late-stage stop is a smart finish

By the end of a long water day, you likely want a calm landing. This stop functions like that. It is not an intense “one more viewpoint” push. It gives you a gentle close to the day with a softer pace.

Sea Conditions, Motion Sickness, and What to Pack

A speedboat day from Phuket can be a ride. One review-style tip that matches what many people experience: bring ear plugs. If you get seasick, consider motion-sickness medication ahead of time. People have had success taking Dramamine the night before.

For your day bag, I would plan like this:

• Ear plugs for the ride
• Motion-sickness help if you need it
• Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
• A light rash guard if you burn easily
• A dry bag for your phone and camera
• Snug footwear for wet boarding and beach transfers

Also, hydrate. Bottled water is included, but Phuket sun is still Phuket sun.

Is This Tour Right for You?

Book it if you want:

• A private day for your group with your own pacing
• Multiple Phi Phi highlights, including Maya Bay and Viking Cave
• Real snorkeling time with equipment included
• Less crowd stress, especially if you can aim for an earlier start

Skip it or think twice if:

• You are hoping for a Maya Bay swimming moment, because swimming is restricted there
• You are traveling solo or as a tiny group and the per-group cost feels too heavy
• You get motion sick easily and you do not plan for boat ride conditions

FAQ

How many people can be in a group for this private Phi Phi Island boat tour?

The tour price is per group for up to 15 people.

How long does the tour take?

The tour duration is listed as approximately 6 to 8 hours.

Is pickup from Phuket included?

Pickup is offered, and the tour includes private transportation.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What is included on board?

Bottled water, soda or pop, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment, private transportation, and a restroom on board are included.

What is not included in the price?

Lunch and national park admission fees are not included.

How much are the national park fees, and how do I pay them?

National park fees are 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. Payment is in cash on the day of the tour, and you pay your guide who will organize the tickets.

What times are tours available?

The tour opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Phi Phi Private Boat Tour?

If you and your group want the classic Phi Phi hits plus snorkeling, and you value flexibility, this is a strong choice. The private setup, included snorkeling gear, and careful stop sequence make it easier to enjoy the day instead of managing crowds.

Just go in with two realistic expectations: Maya Bay is for viewing, not swimming, and you must budget for national park fees and lunch. If you can handle the speedboat ride conditions with the right prep, you will likely end the day with the kind of photos and memories that feel bigger than a typical half-day excursion.