Phuket to Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat

A wonderful day exploring the islands and the emerald waters surrounding them. I'd do the tour again in a New York minute.

This was essentially a large boat that hauled around a big group of tourists to a few islands. There wasn't any education about Thailand or tours with the guide during our island stops. Also, don't be surprised to see 50 other boats just like yours anchored at the same island you're visiting. It was crowded, kind of boring. The only reason I gave two stars is because they do what they said they would, they take you by speedboat to the beautiful islands and you can get out and swim for about 45 minutes each.

Overall it was a really wonderful trip, the crew was friendly at the start and they provided water, tea, and fruit slices while we made our way to the islands. Our first stop was Maya Bay, overall a beautiful beach if you can ignore the litter, but by the time we were leaving it was extremely crowded, both in people and boats. Then we headed to Pi-Leh Lagoon, also very crowded with boats, here we swam for about a half-hour. The water was a good temperature, but the viability was lacking and you had to watch out for the sharp coral on the sea floor. After swimming they took us to see the monkeys on one of the other islands followed by snorkeling. The snorkeling was really enjoyable, tons of fish everywhere and a good variety of species to see. We snorkeled for about 45 min, then they took us to the buffet. The buffet was small and didn't have a lot of options for vegetarians, but the food was good. After eating, we went to another island about an hour away for drinks and more swimming. Overall it was a great day, there was some boat trouble early on, one of the motors went out but they swapped out the boat while we were at the buffet. Then when we got almost back to port the lead guide became very pushy with selling DVDs of the trip and almost demanding a tip. One couple when unwilling or unable to tip was told that they should not have gone on the excursion by John the lead guide.

First thing to say is that we didn't have great weather - cloudy, with just a little sun now and again. I guess in full sunshine we would have enjoyed it more. We do realize of course that this isn't the fault of the tour operator! The experience itself however wasn't great. We had an hour ride from the hotel after picking up several more guests, a half hour wait at the dock and then an hour bumpy, but ok ride to Maya beach. We arrived to a packed beach the boat reversed into a space, we clambered off and mingled in with the crowds. We had been told just to take cameras and it was easy to see why - no point in beach towels as there wasn't room to lay one down! What a disappointment. The next was a swim stop where we decided not to even get in the water. There were well over 30 boats 'parked' around a bay inlet, you needed to stay close to your boat and the water didn't look that clean with all of the boats around! Next stop was monkey beach, which wasn't a stop to get off, just a chance to photograph some monkeys. The snorkeling stop took about 15 minutes and there were lots of fish to see, but not really great. The next stop had to be changed because the crew said it would be too choppy a ride. So we headed for a different island, unloaded - with many other boats, sat on the sand for 30 minutes and headed back. The ride to the last island took almost an hour and was very, very choppy with several people looking worse for wear and being sick. There was then a shorte ride back to Phuket and another hour transfer back to the hotel. Not really what we had hoped for.....perhaps our expectations were too high?

The different islands are really beautiful to see. The reason for a low rating is that it all feels really rushed and there is than very little time to enjoy the beaches and scenery. Furthermore I would recommend to walk with cash as the drinks have to be paid for on the stops. Food ok, not great!

This tour was very good, albeit a little stressful. I guess the weather wasn't too good on our day because the waves were extremely choppy, a lot of the tour got seasick during the 40 minute boat ride going and coming from the islands. The guides were attentive and helpful, and overall the trip was great. Snorkeling, swimming, and lying on the beach was great, the guys also did a great job making a DVD of the tour and all the activities. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone, but if the weather or the waves aren't too good, expect a bumpy ride!

It was a good day out to say we've been, very crowded at the beaches not very good snorkeling, got to jump off the boat - kids enjoyed it. A lot of time on the boat which was not that comfortable. Didnt get t see James Bond Island, but saw he monkeys and birds nest island. Lunch was ok - you could purchase beer for 100THB but other than that you dont need cash except for the tip at the end. Wear pol shoes as there are a lot of rocks at the sea shore which hurt when jumping off the boat. They provide drinks so no need to take any, they provide snorkeling mask and snorkel.

This was a brilliant start to the holiday. I was picked up from the hotel early in the morning which turned out to be a god send. The earlier the start time the better, trust me. I recognise the irony in being a tourist complaining about the amount of tourists on these islands but we were quite lucky that we got their before a lot of other tours. At the first Island there were 20 people and we were the 2nd boat. 45 minutes later when we left for the next island there were 12 boats and well over a hundred people. These are incredibly popular islands that get packed out as the day goes on. We managed to see 5 of the islands in total and stopped for an amazing lunch with only one other tour boat on this island so that was nice. The speedboat option is essential as it makes your journey time to the islands around an hour instead 2hours if you take the ferry. Our tour guides were brilliant, informative and really did their best for us. 100 would do again if back in Thailand.

This is what you imagine when you imagine hopping the Thai islands! Absolutely breathtaking views all around. Be careful if you get seasick, though!

What a fun day. The crew that we had were super funny and totally over the top. They always did the most to go out of their way to make sure we were having fun, hydrated and occasionally eating fruit. Its a drive out and back but its definitely worth it. They give you wipes and popsicles when you get back in port. There is also an opportunity for you to buy photos and video of you out on the trip while swimming and snorkeling, The only thing I would add is more swimming time.