Phi Phi by speedboat is the kind of day that feels fast, then somehow still calm. From Koh Yao Yai, you get a small-group ride over to Phi Phi landmarks, snorkel with gear included, and end up with a lunch break that is timed for the views around Pileh Bay. The pace is built for people who want big sights without feeling herded.

Two things I like a lot here are the small group size (up to 14), and the fact that snorkeling at Koh Bida Nok is a main event, with the crew specifically watching for black tip reef sharks. One tradeoff to think about: the trip runs only if weather cooperates, so you should be flexible and ready to adjust if conditions are rough.

Key points I’d plan around

• Small-group pace keeps the experience personal, not chaotic
• Koh Bida Nok snorkeling includes gear and shark-spotting focus
• Maya Bay and Viking Cave stops give you water-level scenery and a photo-friendly rhythm
• Lunch on board pairs with scenic cruising near Pileh Bay
• Monkey and bay hopping at Wang Long Bay, Monkey Beach, and Ao Nui makes the day varied
• Extra fees and towels are your main “not included” considerations

Why Phi Phi From Koh Yao Yai Feels Like a Smarter Starting Point

Koh Yao Yai is a great base if you want the Phi Phi Islands without staying in the busiest tourist zones. This tour sends you out from Ko Yao District, and the day is paced like a checklist of highlights from the water, with snorkeling as the anchor.

I like that you are not just riding in a straight line. You bounce between coves and bays, then switch gears from cruising to floating in the sea with a proper snorkeling kit. That mix matters, because it keeps the day from feeling like one long photo stop after another.

The Speedboat Day: What 6 Hours Feels Like On the Water

This is an about-6-hour full-day trip that starts at 9:00 am and returns to the same meeting point. With a maximum of 14 travelers and a minimum of 6 needed to run the tour, you generally get enough people to keep the boat lively, but not so many that you spend your time waiting.

You also get a restroom on board, which sounds small until you are halfway to Phi Phi and realize you are human, not a robot. The ride is by speedboat, so expect the day to feel action-packed, especially with multiple stops layered in.

Finding the Meeting Point Near Elixir Divers

You will meet at Elixir Divers & Speedboat Tours Operator in Koh Yao Yai (2/3 Moo.3, Phru Nai, Ko Yao District, Phang Nga 82160). The tour ends back at that same meeting point, so you do not have to worry about a complicated drop-off.

If you are coming from a hotel, note that hotel pickup and drop-off is not included. You can arrange it for an added 100 to 400 THB per person. I’d confirm your pickup details early, especially if you have a tight morning schedule.

Stop 1: Maya Bay, Photos Plus a Beach Break

Maya Bay is one of those places you recognize even before you see it. Here, you get time at the stop to snap photos and there is an optional walk on the beach area.

The practical way to think about Maya Bay on a tour day: you will not have hours and hours. You are there for the signature views and the chance to get a few great angles without trying to outsmart the crowds on your own.

If you want photos, go in ready. Have your camera or phone charged, and think about where you want your feet and your horizon line before you step off. Quick planning beats frantic running once you are already in the moment.

Stop 2: Koh Bida Nok Snorkeling With Gear and Shark Spotting

This is the snorkeling heart of the trip. At Koh Bida Nok, you snorkel in calmer Andaman Sea waters with snorkeling equipment included. The big detail is that the crew watches for marine life, including black tip reef sharks.

Even if you have never snorkeled before, the included gear and the tour format help you get comfortable fast. You are not stuck figuring out what to do with a mask at the edge of the water while everyone else is already gone.

What to consider: Koh Bida Nok snorkeling is outdoors and weather-dependent, which is true for all Phi Phi water time. If wind picks up, the crew may adjust conditions, so keep your expectations flexible. Bring sunscreen and plan on reapplying when you are back above the water.

Stop 3: Viking Cave Cruise-By, Plus a Possible Snorkel Stop

Viking Cave is all about that dramatic coastline feel. You will cruise by the area, and there is also an option for a snorkel stop depending on how the day is running.

This kind of stop is valuable because it gives you the “Phi Phi vibe” from the water. You get the scenery at speedboat height, not from a land viewpoint where everything feels farther away.

If you choose the snorkel stop, treat it as a bonus rather than a guarantee. The tour is built around multiple stops, so the crew will prioritize timing and safety.

Stop 4: Pileh Bay, Lunchbox Views That Actually Feel Like a Break

At Pileh Bay, you get the chance to swim and cruise in emerald waters, then enjoy a lunchbox on board while you take in the scenery. This is the kind of midday reset that keeps the day from turning into nonstop movement.

Why I think this matters: lunch time is not just about food. It is where your body catches up. You come out of the water, warm up, hydrate, and then you still get to enjoy the bay before heading to the next activity.

The tour includes beverages and lunch, so you are not trying to hunt for snacks while everyone else is already snorkeling. You just show up, eat, and keep going.

Stop 5: Wang Long Bay, Cliffside Monkeys and Narrow-Water Scenery

After Pileh Bay, the itinerary heads to Wan Long Bay (often spelled Wang Long Bay). This is a narrow scenic bay, and it is known for cliffside monkeys.

I like stops like this because they break up the water focus. You are not snorkeling again right away, and you get a different kind of Phi Phi experience, one that mixes wildlife, coastal shapes, and that tropical “this can’t be real” feeling.

Practical advice: keep a respectful distance from monkeys. Do not try to feed them, and do not act like a walking vending machine. If your snacks are in your bag, keep them zipped.

Stop 6: Monkey Beach, Soft Sand With Wildlife Close By

Then you move to Monkey Beach, with wild monkeys and soft white sand. This is the stop where the day starts to feel extra varied, because it includes a beach setting instead of just open-water cruising.

The main drawback to plan for is that wildlife can make the beach feel lively. You might spend more time watching behavior and less time laying out like you are on your own vacation beach day. That’s not a bad thing, it is just different.

If you want photos, go easy. First look for a clean spot on the sand, then set your camera. Quick movement reduces stress for you and keeps things calm around the animals.

Ending at Ao Nui for Snorkeling and a Tiny Beach Chill

The final stop is Ao Nui, where you get another chance for snorkeling and a chill on a small beach. This is a nice closing chapter because it is less about big spectacle and more about relaxing in a smaller-scale cove setting.

This stop is a good way to end if you are feeling good and want more water time, or if you want a quiet moment after the busier sights. Either way, you end the day with one last chance to enjoy the coastline up close.

Price and What You Really Pay: Value Check for $113.74

The listed price is $113.74 per person, which is in the middle of what you might expect for a full-day speedboat Phi Phi trip with snorkeling. The value comes from the combination: speedboat transport, small-group format, lunch plus beverages on board, and snorkeling equipment included.

Still, you should budget for the two main extras that can change your total:

• National Park fees: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child ages 3 to 12. You pay cash.
• Beach towels are not included.

If you add hotel pickup, that is another potential cost of 100 to 400 THB per person, depending on where you are staying. I’d treat the price as the base, then set aside a little extra for the cash fee and any towel situation.

What’s Included, What Isn’t, and the Small Stuff That Saves You

Included:

• Beverages and lunch
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• Restroom on board

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (100 to 400 THB per person)
• National Park fee (cash)
• Beach towels

Here’s the “I want to make your life easy” part. Bring a towel if you care about comfort. Even though the water stops look inviting, you might want to dry off and sit comfortably at the boat. Also plan on reapplying sun protection, because you will be on and off the water repeatedly.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking prevention before you go. Speedboats move, and the schedule is tight enough that you will not have time to feel sorry for yourself.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Pick Something Else)

This tour is ideal if you want:

• A small-group Phi Phi day with personal service
• Snorkeling as more than a quick photo moment
• A mix of iconic stops and quieter coves
• A lunch setup that is built into the sightseeing flow

It may not be perfect if you prefer a slow pace with long beach time. The day includes multiple named stops, so you will be moving more often than on an all-day “just relax” boat outing.

If you travel with kids, note that most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult, and the park fee changes for ages 3 to 12. For anyone worried about safety, the key is that this is run with a minimum group size and a fixed schedule, which usually means the crew plans the timing carefully.

Tips to Have a Better Day on Phi Phi

1) Bring cash for the park fee. It is not a card situation here, and you want to avoid that last-minute scramble.

2) Pack light but smart. Sunscreen, water-resistant protection for your phone, and a dry bag help.

3) Wear water shoes if you have them. You will be stepping on wet areas and getting in and out of the boat.

4) Be ready for fast transitions. This is not a two-hour hangout at each stop, so keep your gear easy to access.

5) Respect the monkeys. Watch them, do not approach them.

One more note on the guide side. If you are lucky enough to have Igor on your trip, you are likely in for excellent guidance, clear snorkeling help, and a friendly atmosphere that makes the day feel smoother.

Should You Book This Phi Phi Snorkel Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a value-focused Phi Phi day that hits the big names, includes snorkeling gear, and treats lunch as part of the experience rather than an afterthought. The small group size, the snorkeling at Koh Bida Nok with shark-spotting emphasis, and the mix of Maya Bay, Viking Cave, monkeys, and Ao Nui make the itinerary feel varied without feeling random.

Skip it if you hate speedboats, want lots of time on one beach, or you are not comfortable paying cash for the national park fee and bringing your own towel.

If you are aiming for a day where you get water views, real snorkeling time, and iconic Phi Phi scenery all in one run, this is one of the more practical ways to do it from Koh Yao Yai.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Phi Phi Islands Exclusive Tour from Koh Yao Yai?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Elixir Divers & Speedboat Tours Operator in Koh Yao Yai.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included, but it may be available for 100 to 400 THB per person.

What snorkeling is included?

You snorkel at Koh Bida Nok with snorkeling equipment included.

Is lunch provided?

Yes. Lunch and beverages are included, and you eat a lunchbox on board.

Are snorkeling masks and gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do I need to pay national park fees?

Yes. There is a national park fee of 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child ages 3 to 12, and it must be paid in cash.

Are beach towels included?

No. Beach towels are not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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