I booked a Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour because I wanted the big highlights in one day. That’s the promise, right? Clear water, famous bays, snorkeling, and the “I was there” photos, without giving up a whole trip to island-hopping.
This kind of day tour is for you if you’re short on time, traveling with friends, or you want a fun, high-energy day. You should skip it if you get sea sick easily, hate crowds, or want quiet beach time that feels slow and local.
When I say “honest review,” I mean the pretty parts and the parts brochures don’t like to mention, like noise, short stops, motion on the water, and how rushed it can feel.
What the Phi Phi speedboat tour was actually like from pickup to drop off
My day started early with a hotel pickup, then a drive to the pier. After check-in, I got a wristband, a quick briefing, and a chance to grab a light snack- croissant and juice. (I was also given sea sickness tablets whose importance I realised after some time)
The guide ran through the plan, the do’s and don’ts, and what to do if the sea got rough.
Once we boarded, we were give life jackets, which I refused to wear at first. The speedboat took off really fast. The first stretch was mostly about transit, bouncing across open water, with spray coming in from the sides when the boat turned and that's when I wore my life jacket. After that, the day became a loop of short stops: a viewpoint from the boat, a beach stop, a snorkeling stop (or two), and a lunch break on one of the larger islands.
Operators vary, so the exact order and locations can change. Mine felt like the classic setup: a few scenic “wow” points, a couple of water activities, then a return run that had everyone quietly scrolling through photos.
The group vibe mattered more than I expected. We weren’t packed shoulder to shoulder, but it still felt like a group day out, not a private escape. The guide’s communication was clear when it came to meeting times, but the pace stayed brisk. If you’re the type who reads every sign and wants long swims, you’ll notice the clock.
The best parts that lived up to the hype
The water color is real. In the right light, it looks like someone turned up the saturation, bright turquoise near the shore, deeper blue farther out. Even when the stops were short, the scenery carried the day.
I also liked how much you can see in one go. In a single tour, I got a taste of multiple areas around Phi Phi, instead of committing to one beach and wondering what I missed. When snorkeling conditions were decent, it was the kind of simple joy that’s hard to fake, mask on, face in the water, fish flicking past like little commas.
Convenience is the other big win. Transfers, a guide, and a set plan meant I didn’t have to coordinate ferries or negotiate boat prices at the pier.
The reality check moments nobody mentions in the brochure
Let’s talk about the hidden cons of speedboat tours in Thailand, because they’re real. The engines are loud, and the ride can be bumpy. If the sea is choppy, it’s not just “a little splashy.” It can be a repeated smack over waves that makes your lower back complain.
Seasickness is also a serious factor. Even if you don’t usually get motion sick, the combo of early morning, heat, fuel smell, and bouncing can turn your stomach. Seating is tight, and depending on the boat, you might be bracing your feet and gripping the rail more than you expected.
Safety can feel different on a speedboat than on a slow boat. You’ll likely have life jackets available, but the whole experience moves fast, including loading and unloading. Add sun exposure, a wet ride, and salty wind, and you can feel worn out by mid-afternoon.
Then there’s the day trip problem: you don’t really get the relaxed Phi Phi Don island vibe. You’re “there,” but you’re also constantly leaving. Photo windows can be quick, and popular stops can be crowded at peak hours, which makes the famous views feel less like paradise and more like a busy lookout.
Cost, comfort, and safety, what I paid for
I booked a shared speedboat day tour, not private, and my total ended up being the advertised tour price . Some tour operators add a few extra charges, that’s common with Phi Phi tours, the headline price
gets you on the boat, and the details decide how good the day feels.
Most tours bundle the basics, like hotel transfers (sometimes), snorkel mask, lunch, drinking water, and a guide.
Here’s what I look for before I book:
My budget breakdown
The national park fee is the classic one, and it’s not always included in the booking price. Gladly I booked a tour that covered the charges.
My value-for-money verdict: it’s worth it if you want the highlights fast and you accept the pace. It feels less worth it if you’re a slow traveler who hates being told, “Back on the boat in 20 minutes.”
First-timers and short-stay travelers get the best value. If you’re in Thailand for weeks, you might feel like you traded calm for convenience.
Comfort and safety tips from me.
I generally book with a reputable operator, even if it costs a bit more. Google reviews, some online research helps. I also ask straight up about life jackets, boat condition, group size, and whether there’s a first aid kit on board. A good company answers without getting weird about it.
For comfort, I avoid the very front seats because they usually bounce the most. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring ginger tablets or whatever you trust, and take it early, not after you feel bad.
What I pack now:
- A small dry bag (or at least a waterproof pouch)
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- Water shoes for hot sand and rocky entries
- A light long-sleeve layer for sun and wind
- Extra water, even if they provide some
Sea conditions matter. In rough weather and during monsoon season, routes can change, stops can be skipped, and the ride can get intense. I treat the itinerary like a plan, not a promise.
My honest verdict, would I do a Phi Phi speedboat day tour again
Yes, I’d do it again, but only under the right conditions. As a one-day snapshot of the Phi Phi Islands, a speedboat tour delivers a lot. You see dramatic cliffs, bright water, and you get at least one good swim or snorkel session if conditions cooperate.
But it’s not a “relax on an island” day. It’s closer to a theme park version of island scenery, fun, fast, and scheduled. If you book it expecting quiet beaches and long lunches, you’ll leave annoyed.
If I had more time, I’d seriously consider alternatives: staying overnight on Phi Phi Don, taking an early-bird tour to beat some crowds, choosing a private longtail for fewer stops, or taking the ferry and building my own slower plan.
Who I think this tour is perfect for, and who will be unhappy
Perfect for (in my experience):
- Couples who want big views and easy logistics
- Friends who like busy, active day trips
- Solo travelers who want a social, guided day
- Families with older kids who handle boat rides well
Likely unhappy:
- Anyone who gets sea sick easily
- Travelers chasing quiet and space
- Families with very young kids (the bouncing can be a lot)
- People who want long beach time, not short stops
If I planned it again, this is the exact change I would make
I’d book an early departure with a smaller group, even if it costs more. I’d also avoid peak travel weeks if my schedule allowed it, because crowding changes the whole mood of the stops.
If I wanted Phi Phi to feel like Phi Phi, not just a checklist, I’d stay overnight and do a simple longtail trip early the next morning. My quick takeaway: choose the speedboat for highlights, choose an overnight stay for the island feeling.
Conclusion
My Phi Phi Islands speedboat day tour gave me the views I came for, and it also reminded me that speed comes with tradeoffs. The hidden cons of speedboat tours in Thailand are real, noise, bumps, tight seating, sun, and short stops, and the day trip format can feel rushed. I’d still recommend it as a yes, if you’re time-limited and you can handle a bumpy ride. Before you book, confirm what’s included, expect extra fees, and stay flexible with sea conditions.