Krabi: Phi Phi Islands Full-Day Private Speedboat Charter

The Phi Phi day that bends to you. This private speedboat charter packs Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island into eight hours, with a local guide helping shape the pace. I like the freedom to spend longer in the water, and I like that a group of up to 10 can share the $707 boat cost. The main catch is the extra national park fee and lunch charge, plus a fairly brisk schedule.

The crew earns much of the praise here. Guides called Payu, Tangmo, Beauty, and Mimi are singled out for warm service, clear help, and letting families set the rhythm. One group of 10, including four children, especially valued Payu’s flexibility. You should also know that this is a speedboat day, not a quiet cruise, and sea conditions can change the route.

Key points before you book

• A full private boat for up to 10 people: The per-group price can be good value for a family or group of friends.
• Maya Bay comes early: The usual plan reaches the famous beach at about 9:00 AM, though an early departure may be worth requesting.
• Loh Samah Bay is the main snorkeling stop: Expect clear water, tropical fish, and about 30 minutes in the water around Ko Phi Phi Le.
• Monkey Beach is mainly a passing view: You cruise close for photos, but the boat does not stop at the beach itself.
• Bamboo Island gets the longest free time: About 75 minutes are set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• Budget for compulsory extras: The national park fee is 400 THB per adult or 200 THB per child, and lunch costs 280 THB per person.

Why a private Phi Phi charter can be worth the cost

The price is $707 for a group of up to 10, not for each person. That works out to about $71 per person if you fill every place, before the park fee and lunch. For a large family or group of friends, that can compare well with separate seats on a shared excursion, especially since you get your own boat and more say over the timetable.

The real value is control. You are not locked into every stop for exactly the same amount of time as strangers. If your children need a break, your group wants more swimming, or you would rather take fewer photos at a crowded viewpoint, you can discuss the pace with the guide.

That freedom has limits. Maya Bay, park rules, weather, and boat conditions still shape the day. The advertised route is full, with several short stops, so you should think of this as an active island-hopping day rather than a slow, restful boat ride.

A private boat also makes the experience more personal. The strongest praise goes to the crew’s hospitality, with Nee and the boat team offering drinks, snacks, and fresh fruit while taking special care of young children. That kind of attention matters on a hot day when everyone is wet, hungry, and ready for a little shade.

Pickup from Krabi and the ride to Phi Phi

Pickup is available in Nong Thale, Krabi, and Ao Nang. The operator contacts you at least one day before departure to confirm the time, and you should be in the hotel lobby 15 minutes early. Look for staff wearing a Blue Sea Eagle Tour shirt.

The service checks in at Nopparattara Beach before heading out. The listed plan includes a short hop at Railay Beach, followed by about 45 minutes by speedboat. You may find the open-water ride exciting, but it can feel rough if the sea is unsettled. Anyone with back trouble should think carefully before booking.

The boat travels close to shore when possible, which helps with getting on and off near beaches. It is not wheelchair accessible, and large luggage is not allowed. Pack a small day bag only.

An early start may improve the Maya Bay visit. One group arranged a 6:00 AM trip and found the famous bay far less interrupted. The standard information gives hotel pickup from 8:00 AM and Maya Bay around 9:00 AM, so ask Sea Eagle Tour directly if an earlier schedule is possible for your date. Do not assume it is included.

Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay: the morning’s main draw

Maya Bay is the emotional high point for many people. It became famous after the film The Beach, but the setting itself is the reason to come: pale sand, steep green cliffs, and clear Andaman water. The stop allows about 50 minutes for sightseeing and walking.

You will not simply step off the boat and spend the whole time swimming. The route includes a walk across the island toward Loh Samah Bay, so wear shoes that can handle a little walking and bring water. The area can feel busy, especially later in the morning, which is another reason to ask about an early start.

Maya Bay closes for about two months each low season, usually in August and September. If your trip falls during that period, the itinerary may change, and you should confirm what will be open before paying.

Loh Samah Bay receives two mentions in the schedule, which can be confusing. The boat may first use it as a short hop-on and hop-off point, then return for the main snorkeling session. The snorkeling stop lasts about 30 minutes around Ko Phi Phi Le.

This is where you get the underwater part of the day. The water is known for tropical fish with yellow and blue coloring, and the experience is best suited to confident swimmers who are comfortable using a mask and fins. Snorkel equipment and life jackets are included.

Bring biodegradable sunscreen. Sun exposure is strong on the water, and you will have little shade during the open-water parts of the day. Water shoes are also useful for rocky or uneven entries.

Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave from the boat

After snorkeling, the speedboat heads toward Pileh Lagoon. The listed cruise lasts about 15 minutes, enough to take in the tall cliffs and enclosed water from the boat. The schedule calls this a boat cruise rather than a long swimming stop, so keep your camera ready.

The next section includes a short long-tail boat ride and a pass by Viking Cave. The cave is known for the swiftlet bird nests collected in the area. You should treat this as a photo stop, not a full cave visit. The itinerary gives about 15 minutes around the site.

This section adds variety to the day. You are not only jumping into the sea and sitting on sand. You also get to see the dramatic cliff formations from water level, which is the best angle for understanding how compact and steep the Phi Phi islands are.

Still, the schedule moves quickly. If you want long explanations or extended time at each place, the private format helps, but eight hours cannot turn every stop into a leisurely visit.

Monkey Beach is a photo stop, not a beach day

Monkey Beach lies on the southwestern side of Tonsai Bay. The beach is about 150 meters long, backed by thick vegetation and cliffs, with monkeys sometimes foraging along the sand at low tide.

The boat cruises past for photos and a look at the shoreline. It does not stop at the beach itself. This is important if you are booking because you want to walk among the monkeys or spend time on the sand. You will get the view, not a full visit.

Keep food secured and do not try to attract the animals. The best part of this stop is the quick glimpse of a small beach backed by high cliffs, not close contact with wildlife.

Tonsai Pier, lunch, and Phi Phi Don

The route includes a short stop at Ao Tonsai Pier, followed by lunch at Arida Restaurant 2. Lunch is not included in the $707 price. A buffet costs 280 THB per person.

The schedule gives only about 30 minutes for lunch, so this is a practical refueling break rather than a long restaurant visit. If you have dietary needs, ask ahead because the supplied details do not specify the buffet menu.

There is also about 15 minutes for sightseeing and walking on Ko Phi Phi Don. That gives you a quick look at the inhabited island before the boat heads to Bamboo Island. Do not expect a full village visit or free time to explore far from the pier.

The short stop can be useful for stretching your legs after the boat ride. It also breaks up the swimming portions of the day. Families should keep an eye on the clock, since the boat still has to reach Bamboo Island and return to Krabi.

Bamboo Island is the day’s best place to slow down

Bamboo Island gets about 75 minutes, the longest free-time stop on the route. That is enough for a real swim, some snorkeling, and time on the white sand without feeling rushed from the moment you arrive.

The island is uninhabited and covered with low vegetation. A reef extends far out from shore, reportedly up to 500 meters, giving swimmers a broad area to see fish and clear water. Families may find this the easiest part of the day. One group with children said the youngsters did not want to leave.

Bamboo Island is also where the private format pays off most clearly. If your group wants to swim longer, you can ask the guide whether the sea and timing allow it. If someone is tired, there is room to rest on the beach rather than racing straight into another activity.

Do not expect total solitude. Phi Phi is a popular destination, and the beach may have other boats. Even so, the longer stop gives you a better chance to enjoy the setting than the brief photo stops earlier in the route.

The return ride and what to pack

The plan leaves Ao Nang at about 2:40 PM for the return journey, with drop-off in Ao Nang, Krabi, or Nong Thale. The final speedboat leg is listed at about 30 minutes, although weather and sea conditions can affect the timing.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, breathable clothing, water shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash. Leave large bags and drones behind. A waterproof pouch for your phone is sensible, though it is not listed as a supplied item.

The boat is not suitable for children under 3, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with heart conditions or serious medical problems. It is also not recommended for people with back problems. Bad weather or other unexpected conditions can alter the route, so do not schedule an important evening flight too tightly after the tour.

English and Thai are offered. The guide’s role matters here because the day includes several short transitions and a flexible timetable. Guides such as Payu, Tangmo, Beauty, Mimi, and Nee have been praised for being attentive, friendly, and helpful with families.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would choose this charter for a group of friends, a family with older children, or anyone who wants the major Phi Phi sights without sharing a boat with strangers. Ten people can fill the boat, lowering the effective price per person.

It also suits people who care about service. The crew’s habit of offering drinks, snacks, and fresh fruit received especially strong praise, and that small care can make a hot island day easier.

I would be more cautious if you dislike fast boats, need a fully accessible vessel, or want long quiet periods. The schedule includes many stops, and several are brief. You should also be comfortable with sun, salt water, walking, and getting on and off a boat.

The private label does not mean you can ignore park rules or guarantee an empty Maya Bay. It means you have a better chance to adjust the order and pace within the day’s limits.

Should you book the Sea Eagle Phi Phi charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want Maya Bay, snorkeling, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island in one organized day. The strongest reasons are the private boat, flexible pacing, and crew service, especially for families.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day, cannot handle a speedboat, or need wheelchair access. Before booking, confirm the pickup time, ask about an early start for Maya Bay, check whether your date falls during the seasonal closure, and set aside money for the 400 THB adult park fee, child fee, and lunch.

FAQ

How long is the Phi Phi Islands private charter?

The experience lasts about 8 hours, including hotel pickup, the island visits, and the return journey.

How many people can join the private speedboat?

The price covers a private group of up to 10 people.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

Pickup is available in Nong Thale, Krabi, and Ao Nang. Drop-off is available in Ao Nang, Krabi, and Nong Thale.

Is hotel transfer included?

Yes. Hotel transfer is included, and the operator contacts you at least one day before departure to confirm the pickup time.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the private speedboat charter, hotel transfer, an English-speaking guide, snorkel equipment, life jackets, and insurance.

Do I need to pay any extra fees?

Yes. The national park fee is compulsory. It costs 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child from 3 to 10 years old. Lunch is also extra at 280 THB per person.

Is Maya Bay open all year?

No. Maya Bay usually closes for about two months during the low season, commonly in August and September.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

No. The boat is not wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve now and pay later.