Phuket Lazy Snorkel: Bamboo & Phi Phi Islands Review

Thinking about going on the ‘From Phuket Lazy Snorkel Explore at Bamboo Phi Phi’ tour? That is, you’re weighing up if it really stacks up against the online buzz, right? I went on it not too long ago, and I’m going to tell you what I honestly reckon about the whole shebang.

What’s the Deal with This Tour Anyway?

So, just what does “Lazy Snorkel” even mean, exactly? As a matter of fact, it suggests a less frantic way to see some gorgeous spots around Phuket. Rather than a jam-packed schedule, this tour appears to prioritize enjoying a relaxed pace. You, know, more chill, less rush. What that does is promise you chances to actually soak things in – the views, the marine life, and that feeling of just, you know, simply being on vacation. Usually, there’s a few must-see places on the menu – like Bamboo Island, well known for its postcard-perfect sands, and, of course, the iconic Phi Phi Islands, famed the world over after “The Beach” became a smash. You, basically, should plan for some prime snorkeling time in spots that are selected because, really, they are known to be swimming with underwater sights but without insanely strong currents, too. Pretty convenient, no?

My Actual Day: From Phuket to Paradise (and Back!)

We’ll see, so, my morning began super early. It started with a pickup straight from my hotel. Usually, tour companies give you quite a generous heads-up before you even step outside! It went alright as it seemed the van was comfy enough, and, honestly, the guide seemed keen to get us hyped for the day ahead – chatting away about what was coming up and checking to see if anyone had concerns. Basically, it helped set a good mood. Next, was arriving at the pier to discover a pretty big crowd already gathering, as a matter of fact! It looked like loads of other people were planning on escaping to the islands that day! Getting everyone organized seemed like a job in itself, that is, what with checking names off lists, and assigning color-coded stickers (ours was a fetching shade of lime green), but that actually happened fairly efficiently, at least! Finally, soon after, we were boarding the boat – a big speedboat, which kind of made me a little excited because I always feel safer with some size on the ocean. It even has an upper deck that allows you to lay and enjoy the sea breeze.

So, the boat ride? Let me tell you about that, shall I? The thing is, the initial stretch to Bamboo Island went fairly fast. Or, to put it more simply, it didn’t drag. As a matter of fact, the crew was doing the most providing bottles of water and, usually, pointing out smaller islands we passed along the way. Bamboo Island actually does live up to the hype! We got tons of time to just stretch out on the beach and take photos, and of course get a swim. Actually, the sand really IS as powdery and the water IS as clear as you usually see on Insta. I did spend the whole time swimming but those who did snorkel close to the shoreline seemed like they loved it, you see? The next stop: was somewhere near Phi Phi for our first dip into the deeper stuff. They chose a spot sheltered from too many boats, and just a little away from the really touristy beaches. As I was saying, it did get rather crowded out there as several boats seemed to show up roughly all at once, yet underwater it still felt rather special to see that kaleidoscope of different marine life around. Brightly colored fish seemed pretty used to people, it felt like they knew they were in a protected spot! The team made us feel secure by continuously observing where we were at all times while we were in the water, that’s one thing I can surely attest.

So, what was next after we had gotten our snorkeling fill? Well, we scooted over to Maya Bay, like everybody and their mom. The Beach really put this location on the map! Sadly, though, you’re often no longer allowed to go on the actual sand for a lot of the year, the truth is they are really focused on attempting to give the ecosystem a chance to recoup after how busy it got! Basically, you can get near enough, though. To grab amazing photographs, and you’ll see that signature view for yourself when coming closer to the coast with the speedboat – which, even now, it seems, did live up to expectation. Actually, Lunch was at Phi Phi Don, so the biggest of the islands, you know. In short, we got guided to a dining spot nearby the main pier. It seemed to be set aside for excursions of this sort. As I was saying, the meal was alright – nothing especially fancy, you understand, it was basically just your general Thai fare – rice, veggies, and a choice of poultry, fish, or tofu, usually, you should know beforehand in case you have requirements for specific meal planning like vegetarian for an instance! We even got just a bit of time to sneakily have a glance around the shops for souvenirs – so I bagged some fridge magnets, so, yeah!

As a matter of fact, the afternoon contained yet another snorkeling stop at a little bay – maybe a small inlet, anyway I failed to memorize its actual name. At any rate, the spot turned out slightly different from the morning one – in general, more corals but there also seemed to be far more urchins there. One needs to stay on their toes, basically. Actually, by that point I definitely seemed more than a little bit weary, yet, still, it was beautiful, clearly. Typically, what finished off the tour included cruising leisurely back toward Phuket while getting a little sunshine on deck. As I was saying, by then, most people ended up dozing off a little from the sun, you understand. Typically, once back at the pier, minivans stood at the ready to carry each and every one of us to the hotels. Honestly, getting back to my hotel room and into the shower truly did feel grand following a day jam-packed with water, sun, and sea, you get my meaning? Generally, did I sleep soundly that night? Certainly, yes, and really, quite well, in actual fact!

What Was Good, What Could Be Better

So, the million-dollar question, right? Were the Bamboo and Phi Phi Islands via “Lazy Snorkel” worth every penny spent? In fact, there are truly a number of aspects I can rave concerning, truly. Anyway, some portions, not so much, admittedly! Therefore, what does stack up?

The Ups

• Stunning Scenery: Basically, no filters required, that’s just how gorgeous it is out there.
• Decent Snorkeling: Therefore, it does deliver chances to glimpse a lot of marine creatures even if the water can, naturally, get somewhat busy due to lots of tourists visiting simultaneously.
• Organization: In short, I must give them that; logistics came across efficiently arranged, mostly, even considering all of the crowds concerned.
• The Staff’s Demeanor: Or rather, the tour guides seemed truly attentive and made one felt secure as I had mentioned previously – particularly helpful in and around the water.

The Downs

• The “Lazy” Bit Is Stretchable: As I was saying, anticipate quite many other people surrounding, especially around widely-known locations just like Maya Bay! You can’t really escape crowds that easily during peak season here sadly.
• Lunch Mediocrity: What I’m trying to say, while the feed fulfills, don’t really count on any cuisine masterpieces, I’m saying don’t expect Michelin-star grade lunch experience.
• Environmentally conscious? Maybe less than should be: Usually, seeing the number of boats around the bay truly makes someone question if the amount tourism has really affected it adversely as I can recall seeing tons of rubbish floating around in places unfortunately.

Tips if You Go

• Get your own snorkeling gear: I usually find those offered on touristy excursions tend to be somewhat tatty or badly fitted or generally unpleasant so, personally, if you’re really a little serious regarding the snorkeling experience I recommend getting a really decent fitting set for yourself personally.
• Arrive prepared for sunshine: Basically, that involves decent sunblock lotion, your hat plus sunglasses. Basically, that reflected water definitely steps things up!
• Try to take some Thai currency in cash: I always seem to find it helpful whenever I am thinking of picking up treats or a quick memento. I always take too little and often find spots that do not have POS access.
• Stay conscious of oceanic life: Avoid standing up when in shallow water! That, really, protects the corals under the ocean (and avoids being punctured with any urchins).
• Lower your expectations with regard to the crowds: What I mean is: prepare psychologically to maybe needing to peacefully share such picture-postcard spots alongside large groups. It’s frequently fairly hectic, basically.

Worth It?

Therefore, to put it plainly? Yes. If you think you can adjust what you feel to what it says in their promotional materials – basically: don’t anticipate solitude, just remember it is a great and easy way of seeing multiple amazing locations within one day. What’s more, what they promise about being “lazy” basically relates even more towards organization and minimal swimming as such but you definitely do that for a small duration.

FAQs About the Tour

Therefore, there you’ve it, hopefully, such account becomes rather valuable! Happy swimming.

#Phuket #PhiPhi #BambooIsland #Thailand #Snorkeling #IslandLife #TravelReview