From Phuket: Snorkeling Ferry Cruise to Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi’s limestone cliffs make their biggest impression from the water, and this full-day ferry cruise gives you a broad look at the islands for $39. You’ll pass Maya Bay, Pileh Cove, Loh Samah Bay, Viking Cave, and the Bida islands before spending time on Phi Phi Don.

I like the low price with lunch and equipment included, and I like that the route covers several famous places in one outing. The main drawback is the long open-water ride from Phuket, plus a fairly short stay on Phi Phi Don. Rough seas can also make the two-hour crossing uncomfortable.

Key points to know

• Maya Bay from the ferry: You pass the famous bay rather than spending time on its beach.
• Pileh Cove and Viking Cave: These dramatic stops are viewed from onboard, and the route can change in poor weather.
• Snorkeling near Phi Phi Don: The session takes place in shallow water near shore, so it is easy but not aimed at serious snorkelers.
• Buffet lunch by the sea: Vegetarian choices are available, and food has been one of the strongest parts of the day.
• A long day for a low price: Hotel transfers, ferry transport, guide, lunch, snacks, drinks, mask, snorkel, life jacket, and insurance are included.
• Prepare for extra fees: Foreign adults pay 400 THB for the national park, plus a 20 THB Tonsai Pier cleaning fee.

The real shape of this Phuket to Phi Phi day

This is best understood as a sightseeing ferry cruise with a beach stop, not a fast-paced island-hopping trip. The Royal Jet Cruiser carries you from Rassada Pier to the Phi Phi islands, then provides the main viewing platform for the landmarks around Phi Phi Leh.

You will spend roughly two hours getting from Phuket to Phi Phi. That is a serious chunk of the day, but it also keeps the price down compared with a private speedboat. I would choose this trip if you want the famous names on your itinerary and do not mind trading speed and flexibility for a larger ferry and a lower fare.

The schedule begins early. Hotel pickup is listed around 7:00 to 7:15 am, with check-in at Andaman Wave Master Counter, Gate 3 at Rassada Pier from 7:40 am. If you arrange your own transport, go straight to that counter and bring your passport. The operator also asks for a Covid-19 vaccination certificate at check-in.

Rassada Pier and the two-hour ferry ride

The van transfer is available if you select the pickup option. Pickup starts at the hotel reception, so you should be ready early rather than waiting until the final stated time. The pier can feel hectic, and having your documents ready makes the morning simpler.

The ferry leaves at 8:30 am. Snacks and soft drinks are served onboard, giving you something to do while Phuket fades behind you. The ferry is practical rather than intimate. You get a stable base for the day, but you should not expect the nimble route changes or close-to-the-water feel of a small private boat.

If you are prone to seasickness, take that seriously. The ride can be rough because of the sea conditions, and the operator specifically advises people with seasickness or a fear of open water to take a seasick pill and sleep through the main crossing. Sit where you feel most comfortable, keep water close, and avoid treating the ferry ride as an afterthought. For some people, it will be the hardest part of the excursion.

The trip usually runs even in rain. That is useful if your holiday schedule is tight, but it also means the program may be delayed or some sights may be skipped in bad weather. The weather policy is not generous: the trip is non-refundable when poor conditions affect the program.

Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, and the Phi Phi Leh cliffs

Around 10:30 am, the ferry reaches the Phi Phi Leh area and cruises past several well-known sights. The boat passes Maya Bay, the setting made famous by The Beach, along with Loh Samah Bay, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Pileh Cove, and Viking Cave.

The key point is that these are onboard sightseeing stops. You will not get a long walk on Maya Bay’s sand. Instead, you see the bay and its surrounding cliffs from the ferry, usually while the boat continues along the route. That works well if you want photographs and a first look at the island, but it will disappoint you if Maya Bay is the main reason you booked and you expected beach time there.

Loh Samah Bay is known for the distinctive rock formation behind Maya Bay. It is a quick visual moment rather than a separate visit. The Bida islands add more cliff and sea scenery, while Pileh Cove shows why Phi Phi is so popular: a calm-looking lagoon enclosed by tall limestone walls.

Pileh Cove is one of the more rewarding sights on the route because the surrounding rock gives the water a sheltered, enclosed feel. Still, your view depends on where you are sitting and on the boat’s movement. This is not a private photo stop where you can wait for perfect light.

Viking Cave is another pass-by attraction. It is a beautiful historical site, but it is currently used for swallow nesting. You should think of it as a brief look at a protected working site, not a cave visit. The guide may explain the area in English or Thai, but one practical complaint has been that the guide can be difficult to hear at times. Stay near the guide when possible and do not rely on commentary from the far end of the ferry.

Phi Phi Don, Long Beach, and Laemtong Beach

At about 11:30 am, the ferry reaches Phi Phi Don. The itinerary refers to Long Beach and Laemtong Beach, where you get time to swim, sunbathe, and find a place to sit. Drinks at the beach bar cost extra.

This is the day’s main chance to step off the ferry and enjoy the island at a slower pace. The beach stop gives you a break after the crossing, and I like that you are not rushed directly from one landmark to another. You can swim, dry off, or simply sit with a view before lunch.

The tradeoff is time. The schedule gives you about two hours on the island before returning to the ferry at 2:15 pm, and that period includes snorkeling and lunch. You will not have a full day to explore Phi Phi Don, wander freely, or seek out several beaches.

One caution is worth keeping in mind: do not book this tour expecting a quiet, empty island. Phi Phi is a major day-trip destination, and the beach stop is organized around the ferry schedule. You may find the island’s commercial side more noticeable here, including beach bars and nearby stalls. A sharp price difference between tourist stalls and local expectations is possible, so check prices before buying anything.

Shallow-water snorkeling near the shore

The snorkeling session begins around noon near the beach. Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included, and the water is shallow. That makes this a friendly introduction if you want a short swim without heading far offshore.

I would set realistic expectations. This is not a dedicated reef expedition, and the itinerary does not promise a particular species or coral site. The snorkeling is built into the beach stop, so conditions and marine life can vary. Some visitors may find the water quiet, with less to see than expected, especially on a poor-weather day or at a busy shoreline.

For confident swimmers, the session may feel brief and basic. For beginners, families with older children, or anyone who prefers a shallow area, that simplicity is a benefit. Follow the guide’s instructions, wear the life jacket if asked, and remember that rough sea conditions can affect both safety and visibility.

Bring your own towel because one is not listed among the inclusions. Pack a swimming suit under your clothes, along with sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.

Buffet lunch beside the sea

Lunch is served at about 12:45 pm in a restaurant by the sea. The buffet is included, along with snacks and soft drinks from the tour package.

Food can make or break a budget day trip, and this one appears to do its job well. Vegetarian choices are available, which is especially useful if you are not sure what a fixed island lunch will offer. The buffet format also lets you eat quickly and return to the beach rather than waiting for individual dishes.

I would not choose this excursion for a gourmet meal. The value is convenience: lunch is ready during the island stop, and you do not need to search for a restaurant during a short visit. Drinks from the beach bar are separate, so bring some Thai baht if you want something beyond the included refreshments.

After eating, you have a little personal time to relax or walk around before boarding again. Keep an eye on the departure time. Missing the group’s transfer back to the ferry would create a serious problem on an organized island excursion.

What the $39 price really covers

At $39 per person, the trip is priced for breadth rather than personal service. You get round-trip ferry transport, optional hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, buffet lunch, snacks, soft drinks, mask and snorkel rental, a life jacket, and accident insurance.

That is good value if you were already planning to visit Phi Phi and want the main sights bundled into one day. You would otherwise need to arrange transportation to the pier, ferry tickets, food, snorkeling equipment, and island transfers separately.

The extra costs are easy to overlook. Foreign adults pay a 400 THB national park fee, while foreign children pay 200 THB. Thai nationals pay 40 THB per adult and 20 THB per child. There is also a 20 THB per-person Tonsai Pier cleaning fee.

The low price also explains some of the limits. You do not get a private route, a long visit at Maya Bay, or much freedom to change the schedule. If your priority is comfort, quiet, or a custom snorkeling location, a more expensive small-boat trip may suit you better.

Who will enjoy this ferry cruise

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Phi Phi’s famous sights at a modest price and you are comfortable with a long day at sea. It is especially useful for first-time visitors who want an overview rather than a deep exploration of one island.

It can also suit you if you value included food and gear. The vegetarian buffet choices are helpful, and beginners can use the supplied snorkeling equipment and life jacket without arranging anything beforehand.

I would be cautious if you are pregnant, over 75, have a mobility impairment, use a wheelchair, or rely on a mobility scooter. The activity is not suitable for those groups. You should also reconsider it if you suffer badly from seasickness or need a calm, flexible schedule.

The trip is a poor match if Maya Bay beach access is your top goal. You pass the bay from the ferry, but the main beach stop is on Phi Phi Don. It is also not ideal if you want serious snorkeling, because the session is near shore and the marine life can be limited.

Practical ways to make the day better

Wear a swimsuit beneath light clothes and carry a complete change of clothes. You will have beach and snorkeling time, and wet clothes become unpleasant during the ride back to Phuket.

Use waterproof protection for your phone and documents. You will want photos of the limestone cliffs, but the ferry’s spray and beach activities can be hard on electronics.

Bring cash for the national park fee, pier cleaning fee, and optional beach-bar drinks. The national park charge alone is much higher for foreign adults than for Thai nationals, so calculate the real cost before booking.

Arrive ready for a long ferry crossing. If you are sensitive to motion, ask a pharmacist or doctor about seasickness medicine before the morning of the trip. The operator specifically warns that the sea can be rough.

Keep your expectations tied to the weather. Rain does not automatically cancel the outing, but bad conditions can delay the schedule or prevent the ferry from reaching every sight. You should not book this as a guaranteed checklist of every bay and cave.

Should you book this Phi Phi tour?

Book it if you want the famous Phi Phi scenery, a basic snorkeling session, beach time, and lunch in one affordable package. The ferry covers a lot of ground, and the included transport and food make the $39 price attractive.

Skip it if you want a quiet beach day, a long visit at Maya Bay, or excellent snorkeling. The two-hour crossing is the central cost in time and comfort, and the sightseeing stops around Phi Phi Leh may be brief. For a first look at the islands on a tight budget, I think this is a sensible choice. For a special occasion or a more personal day, spend more on a smaller boat.

FAQ

How long does the Phi Phi ferry tour take?

The experience lasts about 10 hours. Pickup begins around 7:00 to 7:15 am, the ferry leaves Rassada Pier at 8:30 am, and the van returns you to your accommodation around 4:30 pm.

Where do I check in for the tour?

Check in at the Andaman Wave Master Counter at Gate 3 of Rassada Pier. Check-in starts at 7:40 am. Bring your passport and Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option. Pickup starts around 7:00 to 7:10 am from the hotel reception.

Is Maya Bay included as a beach visit?

No. The ferry cruises past Maya Bay for sightseeing from onboard. The route also passes Loh Samah Bay, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Pileh Cove, and Viking Cave.

Are the national park fee and pier fee included?

No. Foreign adults pay 400 THB for the national park, and foreign children pay 200 THB. Thai nationals pay 40 THB per adult and 20 THB per child. The Tonsai Pier cleaning fee is 20 THB per person.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a swimming suit, a towel, and clothes to change into. You should also prepare for rough seas if you are prone to seasickness.