The order of the stops is not fixed: the guide moves Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island around the tide and the other boats, so do not worry if your day starts at a different island from the program. Maya Bay is a walk, not a swim, and the swimming is at Pileh and Bamboo. This guide covers the Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay by Speedboat from the pickup to the last stop — the mood, the route and the tips guides mention in passing.
By SB Excursions · Published 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Tour on this route: Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay by Speedboat — From $75 per person, about 8.5 hours.
Can I swim in Maya Bay?
No. Since the bay reopened in 2022, swimming there is banned to protect the reef and the young blacktip sharks. Boats moor at the back of Phi Phi Leh and you walk to the beach on a boardwalk. You swim at Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island instead.
This guide also answers:
- When is Maya Bay closed?
- How much is the national park fee?
What makes the Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay by Speedboat worth your time
A minibus collects you from your hotel between about 7:00 and 8:30 am and takes you to Royal Phuket Marina, where the speedboat leaves at about 9:30 with up to 35 guests. The day runs between Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, Phi Phi Don for lunch, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay, with the walk to Maya Bay; the order changes with the tide and the crowds. You are back at the marina at about 5:30-6 pm and driven to your hotel.
Route highlights at a glance
The standout moments of the Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay by Speedboat.
- Maya Bay on foot — The beach from The Beach, reached on a boardwalk from the mooring at the back of Phi Phi Leh; the bay is protected and swimming there is not allowed.
- Pileh Lagoon swim — Swim and snorkel in the emerald lagoon enclosed by limestone cliffs on Phi Phi Leh.
- Bamboo Island — An uninhabited island north of Phi Phi Don with white sand, shallow water and reef fish close to the beach.
- Lunch on Phi Phi Don — Buffet lunch on the main island, plus Monkey Beach and a look at Viking Cave from the boat.
How the day unfolds, step by step
The route in order; exact pickup times and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
- Hotel pickup — Air-conditioned minibus from your hotel in Phuket, about 7:00-8:30 am; the time is confirmed the day before.
- Royal Phuket Marina — Light refreshments, life jackets and snorkeling gear, then the speedboat leaves at about 9:30 am.
- Bamboo Island — Beach time, swimming and snorkeling over the reef.
- Monkey Beach and Phi Phi Don — Photo stop at Monkey Beach, then a buffet lunch on Phi Phi Don.
- Phi Phi Leh — Viking Cave from the boat, a swim in Pileh Lagoon, Loh Samah Bay and the walk to Maya Bay.
- Back to Phuket — Arrival at the marina at about 5:30-6 pm and transfer to your hotel.
Insider tips
The details a guide mentions on the day — worth knowing before it.
- Have cash for the national park fee: 400 baht per adult and 200 per child, collected on the tour.
- Maya Bay is a protected beach: you walk to it on the boardwalk from the back of Phi Phi Leh, and swimming there is not allowed.
- The sea between Phuket and Phi Phi can be choppy: sit near the back of the boat and take seasickness tablets before you leave if you need them.
- Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel; towels are not included.
- Keep your phone in a dry bag: the boat lands on beaches and you step into shallow water.
- From 1 August to 30 September Maya Bay is closed every year, and the tour sees it from the boat.
Best time of year
November to April is the calm season on the Andaman Sea and the best time for Phi Phi; from May to October the tour still runs on most days, but the sea is rougher and trips can be moved for weather, and Maya Bay is closed every year from 1 August to 30 September.
Whether it is worth the money and what the price covers is in why book it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swim in Maya Bay?
No. Since the bay reopened in 2022, swimming there is banned to protect the reef and the young blacktip sharks. Boats moor at the back of Phi Phi Leh and you walk to the beach on a boardwalk. You swim at Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island instead.
When is Maya Bay closed?
Every year from 1 August to 30 September. On those dates the tour still runs, but Maya Bay is seen from the boat only.
How long is the boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi?
About an hour by speedboat from Royal Phuket Marina, depending on the sea.
How much is the national park fee?
400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child, paid in cash on the tour. It is a government fee and is not included in the tour price.