Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour
Private full-day private boat from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands. A custom itinerary that visits Maya Bay, Piley (Piley Lagoon), Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Nui Beach, Phi Phi Don main beach, and Koh Rang Yai. Snorkelling equipment, bottled water, soft drinks and snacks are provided on board. National park fees and lunch are not included.
In Collaboration with 5 Star Marine. Updated on February 15, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with 5 Star Marine, inspired by the tour Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private boat with onboard restroom and snorkel equipment
- Swim and snorkel at Maya Bay, Piley Lagoon and Nui Beach
- See Viking Cave, watch monkeys at Monkey Beach and explore Phi Phi Don
Explore all itineraries in Pa Tong.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private boat tour from Phuket visiting the main Phi Phi highlights. Total operating window is 7 hours (pickup + tour + return). Times below assume a start at 08:00 and return by 15:00; exact pickup time is confirmed with the private VIP driver team after booking.
Phuket Boat Lagoon — check-in and briefing
Arrive at the operator office at Boat Lagoon Phuket to check in, store luggage you won't need and receive a full safety and tour briefing. Coffee, tea and cold drinks available while you wait.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your hotel pickup time with the operator the day before; pickup is provided across Phuket.
- Bring only what you need for the day; larger luggage can usually be stored at the office.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to avoid transferring sunscreen into the water while snorkeling.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Lee — first stop
Cruise out to Maya Bay; short stop to view the famous bay and swim/snorkel in nearby clear water. Time at Maya Bay includes the transit from the pier (approximately 45 minutes cruise from the meeting point as described in the tour notes).
Tips from local experts:
- Have masks and snorkel ready once the boat anchors; crew will help fit equipment for children.
- Carry a small dry bag for phones and a light towel; shade is limited on the sand.
- Be prepared to pay the national park fee in cash on board when the guide arranges tickets.
Piley Bay (Piley Lagoon) — blue lagoon snorkel
Enter Piley Lagoon for sheltered swimming and snorkelling among shallow corals (crew selects the safe anchoring spot). This visit is inside the lagoon surrounded by cliffs.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear water shoes if you’ll climb onto rocks; the lagoon entry can have shallow coral close to the boat.
- Small children should use life jackets; confirm sizes with the crew before leaving the pier.
- Listen to the crew about where to jump from the boat safely — currents can change between tide states.
Viking Cave — guided explanation from the boat
Pass by Viking Cave (Bird's Nest cave). The guide will explain the cave's significance and the bird-nest collection history; the cave is viewed from the boat (entry not permitted).
Tips from local experts:
- Have your camera ready for photos from the boat; approach closely but do not attempt to land.
- Follow the guide’s instructions for safe viewing distances; this is a protected area.
- If anyone in your group has mobility limits, remain seated on deck while the boat slows for viewing.
Monkey Beach — short beach stop
Short stop at Monkey Beach to observe and photograph the resident monkeys from a safe distance; crew will advise on safe behaviour around wildlife.
Tips from local experts:
- Do not feed or approach monkeys; secure loose items (glasses, phones, food) before disembarking.
- Keep children close and follow crew guidance — monkeys can be curious and grab items left unattended.
- Bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer to clean hands after the stop.
Phi Phi Don — main island beach stop
Drop anchor at a white sandy beach on Phi Phi Don for a relaxed walk, refreshments (lunch not included) and short exploration of the island’s main beach area.
Tips from local experts:
- Lunch is not provided — bring extra snacks or plan to buy food on Phi Phi Don; confirm dietary needs in advance if relying on island shops.
- Use shaded areas and limit direct sun exposure during midday; bring hats and water.
- Confirm a clear re-boarding time with the crew so the driver can plan the return leg on schedule.
Nui Beach (Camel Rock) — snorkel and swim
Snorkelling stop at Nui Beach (also known as Camel Rock). Clear water and healthy coral provide a good family snorkel; crew will coordinate safe entry points.
Tips from local experts:
- Check that children have properly fitted life jackets before snorkelling; crew can help with sizes.
- Avoid standing on coral — use the ladder or designated entry points provided by the crew.
- Rinse equipment after the stop; a freshwater rinse is usually possible on board.
Ko Rang Yai — late-afternoon beach relax and return leg
Relax on Koh Rang Yai’s sandy beach with fresh fruit and cool drinks provided by the crew. Option to watch the late-afternoon light before the short cruise back to the pier and hotel drop-offs.
Tips from local experts:
- Fresh fruit and cold drinks are provided on board; bring a light jacket if you plan to stay for the cooler late afternoon on deck.
- Confirm the expected arrival time back at Boat Lagoon with the crew so family pickup aligns with the driver schedule.
- Keep small valuables secured during the final beach stop; boats can be busy during re-boarding.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Neighborhood |
Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour
Why this experience
Want to swim in crystal-clear water beneath limestone cliffs and explore one of Thailand's most iconic destinations? The Phi Phi Islands private boat tour puts you on the water with your own guide, stopping at Maya Bay for beach time, snorkeling at pristine coral reefs around Pileh Lagoon, and discovering Viking Cave's ancient rock paintings. A private charter means you avoid crowded group boats and control your itinerary—spend extra time snorkeling if the marine life captivates you, or linger on the sand if you prefer. Monkey Beach offers playful wildlife encounters, and the turquoise lagoon feels like stepping into a postcard.
Before you go
- Best time: Dry/high season (late autumn through early spring); seas are calm and visibility is optimal for snorkeling
- Budget: Private boat charters vary by group size; book directly with your operator for rates
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate; snorkeling is optional, and the boat does most of the work
- What to bring: Snorkel gear (provided by some operators, or bring your own), sunscreen, a rash guard or light shirt, underwater camera, and a seasickness remedy if you're prone
- Getting there: Hotel pickups are standard from Patong; boats depart from Ao Po Marina or Bang Rong Pier (30-45 minutes away)
- Accessibility: Limited; boat transfers, rocky entries to some sites, and water-based activities require reasonable mobility
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour and what's the best time of day? Most private Phi Phi tours run 7-8 hours including hotel transfers. Morning departures (7-8 AM) let you reach the islands early and avoid afternoon crowds.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer? No. Snorkeling is usually optional, and you can enjoy the boat, beaches, and views without entering the water. Wear a life jacket if you do swim.
What's included in the tour? Standard inclusions are the boat, skipper, snacks, and drinking water. Confirm whether lunch, snorkel equipment, and activities like cave visits are covered before booking.
Is it safe to snorkel here? Yes, the reefs around Phi Phi are well-established snorkel sites with excellent visibility and abundant tropical fish. Your operator will brief you on safe entry points and currents.
Can families with small children join? Yes, families are welcome. Children enjoy the boat ride, beach time, and spotting fish; just bring extra sun protection, snacks, and consider a shorter tour option if attention spans are limited.
Complete your trip in Patong
Pair this island adventure with another guided water experience. Explore the mangroves and dramatic karsts of James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay for a different coastal landscape. For a land-based change of pace, try the elephant caretaker experience to connect with wildlife on solid ground.
Browse all Patong itineraries at TheNextGuide.
