Phi Phi Island Speedboat from Phuket: Worth It?

A speedboat trip from Phuket to Phi Phi is a long, fast, and often bumpy ride (about 1.5–2 hours each way). You’ll visit several bays including Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Beach, usually with snorkeling stops and a few hours on Phi Phi Don. The boats are powerful but can get very wet and rough if the sea is choppy. Expect a packed schedule, lots of tourists, and only limited time on the actual islands. It’s a full-day commitment (usually 7am–6pm) that leaves you tired but gives you the classic postcard views.

The best time is December to April when the Andaman Sea is calmer and visibility is good. From May to October the monsoon brings big swells — many days the boats either cancel or the ride becomes genuinely unpleasant. Expect to pay around $70–110 per person for a standard speedboat tour, including snorkel gear, lunch, and pickup from your hotel. Private speedboats or smaller groups push closer to $150–250.

Pick the tour that visits both Phi Phi Islands and the smaller Khai Islands if you want decent snorkeling; the pure Phi Phi + Maya Bay trips get very crowded. Skip the cheapest rock-bottom operators — they tend to overload the boats and cut corners on safety. Bring Dramamine if you’re even slightly prone to seasickness.