Small Groups of 20 people – Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

Speedboat islands, organized and fun.

This small-group Phi Phi and Bamboo tour is a solid day plan with snorkeling gear included and an actual sea-view lunch, not just snacks and a shrug. I like how the day flows from pickup to a safety briefing, then right into the water, with towels and drinks kept moving. One drawback: the ride can get choppy, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it.

You’re hitting several famous stops east of Phuket—Bamboo Island for swimming, Monkey Bay by speedboat, Pileh Bay for emerald-water water time, plus a sightseeing pass by the bird’s-nest cave area and Maya Bay. The best part is that you’re not stuck watching from the sidelines. You’ll get fins, mask, snorkel, and a life jacket, plus a waterproof floating phone case.

Before you go, note two real-world considerations. The national park fees are not included (400 THB adult / 200 THB child), and Maya Bay has a closure starting Aug 1, 2025, so your exact dates matter.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Max 20 travelers keeps the day from turning into total chaos on the boat.
• Bamboo Island + Pileh Bay are the best chances for relaxed swimming in clear water.
• Monkey Bay viewing from the speedboat means you see macaques without stepping onto their territory.
• Sea-view buffet lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, with dietary needs handled by request.
• All the snorkeling basics included, plus a brand new snorkel mouthpiece.
• Snacks, fruits, coffee/tea, and bottled water keep energy up between stops.

First Look: A 20-Person Speedboat Day From Phuket

This is a big-island-hopping day, run by speedboat from Phuket, timed so you get multiple water moments without spending all day transferring by van and ferry. With a maximum of 20 people, you tend to feel like a group instead of part of a moving crowd.

The schedule is built around short, efficient stops: quick briefing at Royal Phuket Marina, swim time on Bamboo Island, a monkey-view pass, then lunch, then the best water scenery areas later. In practice, that means you’ll be out on the Andaman Sea for most of the day, with your “rest points” mainly being the boat rides and brief breaks at each stop.

You’ll also get onboard extras that matter on a hot day—bottled water and snacks are included, and there’s a waterproof phone case so you can keep your phone accessible near the water. (Just don’t treat it like a swim-proof life preserver—use common sense and keep it secured.)

Price and What You Actually Get (and What Costs Extra)

At $108.43 per person, this trip is priced like a full-day experience, and it includes quite a bit that many tours nickel-and-dime: pickup/drop-off, a professional guide, accident insurance, snorkeling equipment, a sea-view buffet lunch, and snacks/seasonal fruits plus coffee or tea.

What you should plan for in your budget: national park fees are not included—400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. Also, Maya Bay has an important note about admission not included, and with closures starting Aug 1, 2025, the practical answer is: your final Maya time may depend on what’s open for your dates.

To me, the value here comes from “less logistics, more water time.” You’re not just touring by boat—you’re actually set up to snorkel, snack, and eat without scrambling. If you want a day that feels like it’s taken care of, the package style makes sense.

Getting There: Royal Phuket Marina, Briefing, and Boat Setup

Your day starts with hotel pickup and drop-off, then a transfer to Royal Phuket Marina. At the marina, you get a short information and safety session with light refreshments. It’s only about 15 minutes, but it matters because the boat day has multiple water entries and a speed-ride between stops.

Check-in is handled so you can get onto a newer-feeling boat setup and start the day without a long wait. One helpful detail: there’s a restroom on board, though the boat can bounce at speed, so if you’re sensitive to motion, treat it as “available” not “convenient.”

If you’re bringing motion sickness pills, consider taking them before you feel the chop. Speedboat rides can be loud and bouncy, and even good conditions can feel rough when you’re traveling at speed for about an hour to the first main island stop.

Bamboo Island: The Classic Swim, Snorkel, and Sun Stop

Bamboo Island is your first big “paradise” time—about one hour to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe. It’s a larger, more open spot, and it’s part of the marine national park system, which is exactly why the water can look so clear and inviting.

You’ll spend most of your time floating, kicking with fins, and scanning for fish near the reef areas. The practical move is to use the snorkeling kit as soon as you can, because you’ll never have “quiet water” for long.

What to expect here:

• A beach-and-water environment where you can choose your comfort level.
• Easy switching between relaxing on land and getting back into the sea.
• A pace that doesn’t feel rushed because the stop itself is long enough.

If you’re new to snorkeling, Bamboo Island is a good place to get your rhythm. If you’re advanced, you’ll still appreciate it, but Pileh Bay later may be the bigger “wow” moment for many people.

Monkey Beach and Monkey Bay: Seeing Wild Macaques Without Stepping In

You’ll have a Monkey Beach stop where you can spot mischievous local macaques. The key rule is also the whole point: you only see them from the speedboat, and there’s no on-land access.

That makes a difference. You don’t have to manage crowds around animals or worry about safety with wild monkeys. You just keep your eyes open while the boat passes and watch them swim, climb, and jump around in their natural habitat.

It’s a short stop—about 10 minutes—so don’t expect a long animal encounter. But it’s still worth it because it’s one of those Phuket-area experiences that feels distinctly local: you’re not seeing trained monkeys; you’re seeing real behavior, from a distance.

Phi Phi Holiday Resort Lunch: A Sea-View Buffet With Diet Options

Lunch is served at Phi Phi Holiday Resort, and it’s scheduled for about one hour. This is one of the most relaxing parts of the day because you’re off the boat, fed, and back in a more normal rhythm.

The buffet is described as a mix of authentic Thai and foreign cuisine. The big practical win is that vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions are available upon request. If you have specific needs, tell the guide as early as possible—waiting until after you’re seated can make life harder.

A few thoughtful touches come with this style of lunch stop:

• You get seasonal fruits after the main food.
• Coffee/tea and snacks are handled as part of the day’s included plan.
• You’re eating somewhere with a view of the sea, so lunch doesn’t feel like a chore.

One caution: buffets are buffets. Some people enjoy them fully; others find the spread just okay. If you’re picky, you’ll probably still find something safe and filling, but don’t expect fine-dining.

Pileh Bay: Emerald Water and Limestone Cliffs

This is one of the star stops on the itinerary: Pileh Bay with about 30 minutes to swim in emerald green water surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. If you like the classic Phi Phi look—limestone walls and sea color that makes your camera work too hard—this is the place.

The stop is shorter than Bamboo Island, but that’s typical for cliff-walled bays. You’ll likely have a “get in, swim, snorkel, and look around” rhythm rather than a long stay on the beach.

A practical way to enjoy Pileh Bay:

• Don’t wait until you feel rushed. Get in early in your time window.
• Use the fins and snorkel if conditions are good, but don’t force it if visibility isn’t ideal.
• Spend a few minutes just staring up at the cliffs between swims. Even when snorkeling is the goal, the scenery is part of the reward.

Many people treat Pileh as the highlight because it combines beauty with water time. If you only have a limited chance to snorkel well that day, this is where you hope the water cooperates.

Bird’s-Nest Cave Area: The Swallow Bird Story Pause

After Pileh Bay, the schedule includes a sightseeing moment connected to the importance of a cave for swallow birds—birds whose nests are used for the famous bird’s nest soup. It’s not a full tour of anything; it’s more of a learning stop where you’re shown why the cave matters to the local food tradition.

Think of this like the “quick cultural context” break in a day that is mostly ocean and snorkeling. It’s helpful because it reminds you you’re not just chasing scenery—you’re in a place with local livelihoods and traditions tied to geography.

If you enjoy learning as you travel, this short pause can add meaning to the day. If you’re purely there for water time, it’s a brief detour.

Maya Bay Sightseeing: When the Movie Myth Meets Real Closures

You’ll have a Maya Bay sightseeing stop for about one hour. The bay is famous from the early 2000s movie The Beach, and it’s the kind of place where the water looks unreal on a calm day.

Two practical notes:

1) Admission is not included for Maya Bay.

2) Maya Bay will be closed from Aug 1, 2025 through an end date not fully shown here, so you should confirm your travel dates before you get excited about a specific stop.

What you can still count on is the “see it if it’s open” idea: the tour plans to pass by Maya Bay as a sightseeing moment, even if it’s not treated like a long beach hang.

If Maya Bay is your top reason for booking, make your decision based on your exact date and closure information, not just the itinerary name.

Onboard Reality Check: Towels, Phone Cases, Restroom, and Choppy Water

This tour is set up for comfort on a speedboat day. Snorkeling equipment includes a life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins, and there’s a brand new snorkel mouthpiece, which is a small detail that makes the kit feel more sanitary and fresh.

You’ll also get a waterproof floating phone case plus snacks and drinks onboard. Some riders highlight that cold water and snacks are kept coming between stops. Another frequent practical praise point is the towel handling—if you go in the water, towels are managed so you don’t feel like you’re drying off with sand in your eyes.

Now the drawback you should take seriously: the boat can be rocky and choppy. Even people who love the day often say the speed ride is bouncy. If you get motion sickness, plan ahead. Bring meds, stay mid-boat if possible, and keep your focus on the horizon when you can.

The onboard restroom exists, but when the boat is bouncing, you may find shore options feel easier if you’re trying to time it right.

Guides and Small-Group Energy: The Difference Maker

One of the best parts of a tour like this is the human layer. On this operator’s day format, guides are often praised for running the schedule clearly and staying professional.

Names that come up in standout experiences include Goodes, Anton, Ray, P, Sunny, Alan, Gonese, and Ong (often tied to optional photography). Riders also mention guides preparing people for Maya Bay conditions and making sure everyone understands what to do before water time.

You’ll feel this in the moment: safety briefing at Royal Phuket Marina, calm instructions before snorkeling, and a sense that the crew is coordinated. With small-group limits, that coordination matters more than people think. You don’t want to feel like you’re guessing what to do next while you’re in flip-flops, sun, and salt water.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Consider Alternatives)

This tour fits you best if you want:

• A one-day island-hopping plan with multiple water stops.
• Snorkeling time with equipment provided.
• A lunch that’s more than a snack bar meal.
• A max-20 group size that keeps things manageable.

You might think twice if:

• You hate speedboats or get motion sickness easily.
• You mainly want long, slow beach time. This is a “move, swim, snorkel” style day.
• You’re traveling specifically for Maya Bay and your dates fall within the closure window. That’s the one itinerary element that could change your expectations.

Families can work well here too, because the stops are short and controlled, but it’s still a fast-moving sea day. If you’re traveling with kids or older adults, plan for extra comfort breaks around the big stop transitions.

Should You Book This Phi Phi and Bamboo Tour?

I’d book it if you want a well-paced day that gets you off Phuket and into the best-looking water spots without spending your vacation managing the logistics yourself. The value is strongest when you compare what’s included: transport, snorkeling gear, lunch with a sea view, snacks/fruits, and small-group boat capacity.

Skip or carefully re-check your plan if Maya Bay is non-negotiable for your trip dates, or if choppy speedboat rides usually ruin your day. In that case, you’ll want to confirm opening status and consider a calmer alternative.

If you book, do two things: bring sun protection and take motion sickness seriously if you’re sensitive. Then show up ready to swim. This tour is at its best when you treat it like an active day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands tour?

The tour runs about 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What snorkeling gear do I get?

You get snorkeling equipment including a life jacket, mask, snorkel, and fins. A brand new snorkel mouthpiece is also included.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat?

Yes. Lunch is included at Phi Phi Holiday Resort and is a sea-view buffet. Seasonal fruits, coffee and/or tea, snacks, and bottled water are also included.

Are national park fees included in the price?

No. National park fees are 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child.

Does the itinerary include Monkey Beach and Maya Bay?

Yes. Monkey Beach is included as a viewing stop from the speedboat with no on-land access. Maya Bay is included as a sightseeing stop, but admission is not included, and there is a closure update starting Aug 1, 2025.

What group size is this tour?

The tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

What if weather is bad and the tour is canceled?

If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. The tour also requires favorable weather conditions.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid will not be refunded.