Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat

Exploring the breathtaking Phi Phi archipelago is a must-do activity for many visitors to Thailand. This half-day tour from Phi Phi Island offers an immersive experience aboard a traditional longtail boat. Priced affordably, the tour provides opportunities to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, discover hidden lagoons, and visit iconic landmarks like Maya Bay. With a focus on the stunning natural wonders of the region, this guided adventure promises to leave travelers captivated and eager to unveil more of what this remarkable destination has to offer.

Key Points

• The Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour by Longtail Boat provides a comprehensive exploration of the Phi Phi archipelago’s natural beauty, including snorkeling, scenic lagoons, and cave visits.

• The tour is priced from $20.33 and includes various amenities, but an additional National Park fee applies, and private tours or speedboat options are recommended for a better experience.

• The tour departs from the Andaman Beach Resort on a traditional longtail boat, with a meeting point at McDonald’s near Ao Ton Sai Pier, and adherence to the set schedule is essential.

• The tour’s highlights include visiting the iconic Maya Bay, now closed to visitors, and snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the islands, offering a chance to encounter marine life.

• The tour has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 12 reviews, with common complaints about crowded destinations and limited mobility access, leading to recommendations for private tours or speedboat options.

Tour Overview

Offering a quick exploration of the Phi Phi archipelago, this half-day tour provides time-pressed travelers an opportunity to experience the major sights of this renowned Thai destination.

Travelers will journey by traditional longtail boat, seeing an authentic island experience. The tour includes snorkeling, visits to scenic lagoons, and exploration of caves that are inaccessible by land.

Despite the condensed timeframe, the tour aims to showcase the archipelago’s natural beauty and diverse attractions, making it an ideal choice for those short on time.

Inclusions and Costs

This half-day tour is priced from $20.33, which includes drinking water, fruit, life jacket, snorkeling mask, and a tour guide.

The National Park fee is additional – 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, paid upon entry.

Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts without any penalties.

While the price is reasonable, travelers should note that some have complained about crowded destinations and limited mobility access on this tour.

Recommendations include considering private tours or speedboat options for a potentially better overall experience.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is at the McDonald’s restaurant near Ao Ton Sai Pier on Phi Phi Island.

After booking, your confirmed pick-up time will be provided via email. It’s important to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

The tour departs from the Andaman Beach Resort, where you’ll board a traditional longtail boat to begin your exploration of the Phi Phi archipelago.

Punctuality is key, as the tour has a set schedule to follow in order to cover the major sights during the half-day excursion.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Andaman Beach Resort, where participants board a traditional longtail boat to embark on their journey through the Phi Phi archipelago.

The first stop is Koh Phi Phi Leh, a limestone mountain that offers stunning views. Next, the group visits Maya Bay for a photo opportunity, followed by snorkeling at the nearby coral reefs.

The tour also includes:

1. Exploring the island’s captivating lagoons.
2. Discovering hidden caves that are inaccessible by land.
3. Enjoying the authentic experience of traveling by longtail boat.
4. Returning to the meeting point at the end of the half-day adventure.

Exploring Koh Phi Phi Leh

A towering limestone mountain, Koh Phi Phi Leh is the first stop on the half-day tour. The boat pulls up to the island’s white sand beaches, where you’ll have a chance to explore the famous Maya Bay made popular by the movie "The Beach".

Though the bay is now closed to visitors, you can still snap photos from the boat and enjoy the dramatic scenery.

Next, the tour takes you to the island’s interior, where you’ll find stunning turquoise lagoons and caves accessible only by water.

It’s a chance to snorkel, swim, and learn about the natural beauty of this iconic Thai destination.

Snorkeling at Coral Reefs

After exploring the limestone cliffs and lagoons of Koh Phi Phi Leh, the tour takes you to the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the islands.

Your snorkeling adventure begins as you learn about the underwater world, encountering:

1. Kaleidoscopic schools of tropical fish darting through the intricate coral formations.
2. Majestic sea turtles gracefully gliding through the clear waters.
3. Vibrant anemones swaying with the gentle current, their tentacles reaching out.
4. Rays and small sharks navigating the reef, adding an element of excitement to your snorkeling experience.

The snorkeling at these sites offers a glimpse into the rich marine ecosystem of the Andaman Sea, providing an unforgettable highlight of the Phi Phi Island tour.

Visiting Maya Bay

Following the snorkeling experience, the tour makes a stop at the renowned Maya Bay.

Nestled within the stunning limestone cliffs of Koh Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay is a picturesque cove that gained global fame after being featured in the film "The Beach."

Visitors will have the opportunity to snap photos of the iconic bay and its crystal-clear waters.

Though the bay is often crowded, the tour provides a chance to briefly explore this natural wonder.

After the photo stop, the longtail boat will depart Maya Bay, continuing the journey to the next destination on the itinerary.

Reviews and Feedback

According to reviews, the Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 12 reviews.

Highlights include:

• Excellent snorkeling opportunities
• Friendly and helpful staff
• Impressive views of the limestone mountains
• Convenient transportation via traditional longtail boats

However, some common complaints include:

• Crowded destinations, especially during peak season
• Confusion around boarding the boats
• Limited accessibility for guests with mobility issues
• Recommendations for private tours or speedboat options for a more personalized experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

There is no option to customize the tour itinerary. The tour follows a preset route to major sights, which may not be modified. Customers must choose from the available tour options.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers flexibility to change their plans if needed. The cancellation policy provides convenience and peace of mind for booking the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children are welcome, but they’ll need to pay the 200 THB national park fee. The tour is suitable for all ages, as long as participants can comfortably board the longtail boat.

Can We Bring Our Own Snorkeling Equipment?

Guests can bring their own snorkeling equipment if they prefer. However, the tour includes snorkeling masks, so using the provided gear is recommended for a hassle-free experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there is an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can request an extended tour for an additional fee, which will allow them to explore more sites and spend more time snorkeling.

Recap

This half-day tour from Phi Phi Island offers the perfect opportunity to discover the archipelago’s natural wonders. Travelers can explore hidden lagoons, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and visit the iconic Maya Bay, all while immersed in the stunning limestone scenery. With an affordable price tag and a focus on the area’s marine ecosystem, this guided adventure is a must-do for those seeking to make the most of their time on Phi Phi Island.