Phi Phi Islands Cruise: Honest Review, Snorkeling & Buffet Lunch

Phi Phi Islands. Just the name itself conjures up images of crystal-clear waters, postcard-perfect beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Is that trip to this little slice of paradise actually everything it’s cracked up to be? Specifically, I’m talking about that highly tempting “Phi Phi Island Highlights Cruise with Snorkel and Lunch Buffet” that pretty much every tourist spots online or when they stroll through Phuket or Krabi. So, you know, I took the plunge. This is the lowdown – all the fantastic bits, the okay bits, and that thing you should know so that you can determine if it’s actually the perfect way for you to see those dreamy islands.

The Allure of Phi Phi: More Than Just a Pretty Face

What makes Phi Phi so special, anyway? The visual is more than just good advertising. These islands have this really interesting history, going way back when sea gypsies found a home on its shores. The iconic Maya Bay got that massive attention when “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed there. Even with floods of tourists, those towering cliffs, hidden lagoons, and those little beaches that have super soft sand have that undeniable charm. The vibe, too, is a real draw. Picture that relaxed, toes-in-the-sand feeling, mixed with adventure around every corner, is that why the islands lure people from around the globe?

What to Expect from the “Highlights Cruise”

Alright, let’s talk about the cruise itself. Very commonly, tours will take you on some bigger boat or speedboat. Usually, that schedule goes like this: A morning pickup from your hotel. This might be quite early, by the way, depending on where you are staying. A ride to the pier. Then, after that, boarding the boat to head to the islands. What you’ll experience involves some famous sights. First, you go to Maya Bay (of course!), and then, that pile of Viking Cave to take some pictures, snorkel at a popular location, like Pileh Lagoon or Bamboo Island. It might be possible you could land on one or more beaches so that you may have a chance to relax, swim, or simply soak up the sunshine. Typically, a buffet lunch gets served on board. Lunch, really, is more or less what you would imagine: pretty okay fare with options aiming to appease various appetites. Finally, is that there would be a return trip to Phuket/Krabi in the late afternoon.

The Boat Ride: Speedboat or something larger?

Speedboat versus that bigger boat? You may want to know, here is that distinction! Speedboats are a good fit when that speed and agility are at the top of your wish list. You will be able to jet between spots quicker and access less-crowded beaches because that are small. Just remember, the ride may get bumpy, specifically in choppier waters, and there isn’t really much space to walk around. The larger boats, then, are a comfy ride, that has loads of deck space so you are able to stretch out. Plus that there’s usually a restroom and somewhere to sit inside if you wanted some sun protection. Keep in mind that big boats are often slower and probably cannot access the small bays. So, really, your choice hangs on what feels right. Something quick but perhaps wilder or, rather, a more relaxing journey?

Snorkeling Among the Fish

Snorkeling at Phi Phi, for many, can easily be an experience of a lifetime. The waters boast an unbelievable variety of sea life, that seems almost surreal. You could be drifting amongst vibrant coral reefs that are brimming with fish of colors and sizes that you simply can’t dream up. Visibility actually is really solid, particularly when you venture out earlier during the morning prior to that surge of tourist traffic. Famous spots, like Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island, offer snorkeling locations that are appropriate to almost every skill level. That means there are nice, sheltered spots if that’s your first go, as well as more adventurous swims when you have more experience. Don’t forget that sunblock, and do tune in to those guides to discover how to love those reefs responsibly. Anyway, let’s safeguard those underwater spots for many future tourists.

The Buffet Lunch: What’s on the Menu?

Okay, the food! The buffet lunch. Actually, it is included in most of the cruises and usually, what you get is really acceptable, without setting a new gold standard. Usually, they have various foods appropriate for lots of palettes: rice, noodle dishes, some kind of curry (frequently not very fiery), that simple salad, fruit, plus several choices geared for people that might be not used to food here. Do not assume five-star dining. Still, is that that is definitely adequate for refuelling following a morning swim, snorkel and exploration. It’s nice to eat yummy local bites while you are still taking in those fantastic coastal panoramas.

Crowds: The Good, the bad and the inevitable

Let us just face that point; Phi Phi, is so beautiful, is incredibly famous. That also means you’ll likely have masses of people all around. The trick? Should you have it in you, pick your cruise wisely, and aim to select the trips going early, as those normally miss that most intense surge. Or, perhaps consider those options going later because they take advantage of sunset hours, because lots of the day-trippers have already left. Another thing is, you shouldn’t expect desolate beaches all for you. Accept you are gonna be sharing the views. When is that you prepare yourself mentally for that inevitable hustle and bustle and you learn some patience? Actually, it will make all of the differences. Instead of centering all of your frustration with all those people. Rather, simply zero in on that extraordinary beauty. So, you know, this might be a game changer!

Making the most of your Phi Phi Island trip

I would suggest being armed and educated is your very best choice, helping create an incredible trip: First and foremost, do the homework! Study those different cruise companies and make sure you read through previous reviews. Discovering what many other visitors saw to be beneficial can enable you to set that right vibe with what your expectations should be. Wear loads of sunscreen frequently, and also reapply, particularly following going swimming. It is not hard at all to be sunburnt harshly, even when it appears misty. Take with you a dry bag. This allows keeping things, such as mobiles, cameras, and cash, safeguarded coming from water spray. Then, perhaps get yourself a better camera: So, you will remember every visual in high res for when it is long gone. But definitely always soak that moment up with the both of those eyes, very! Then, should you find yourself prone to getting seasick at all, definitely get prepared by popping those seasickness pills upfront. Last piece, bring that very upbeat mood! Keep in mind that certain hiccups come. When that you can address setbacks with a nice smile plus some grace. I would bet that helps make your own trip so much better!

Ethical Tourism: Visiting Responsibly

Whenever checking out attractive sites, you have to reflect upon your effects that are generated. Aid support regional tourism entities that abide by sustainable tourism standards, preventing littering. Definitely appreciate all underwater worlds. And under no circumstance will you ever disturb any species. Check, far too, that that sunscreen that’s used actually is reef safe. Respecting that setting, as well as neighborhood cultures, aids make sure many islands maintain themselves appealing through several years, helping many some other tourists get to benefit that beauty way too!

Alternatives to the Highlights Cruise

Now, should this total cruise option really sound not up your alley. This does not always suggest you have to forget watching Phi Phi entirely! A number of awesome options do exist: You might elect to go by way of a longtail boat, this presents the better flexible method, providing more customization of itineraries. And one can invest more hours upon destinations you appreciate while dodging various tourist masses. Remaining on Phi Phi Don could be an excellent base from which to do island jumps by yourself! That one presents way longer getting exposed that authentic native lifetime, additionally an option involving doing your exploration during more hours far too. I would suggest looking at staying on certain locations, as that are available and might allow more solitary trips too! When your expenses are really on-point is that choosing particular tailored boating excursions that are better private might afford greater command plus solitude than those package organised cruises frequently accomplish! Just see to it every firm picked emphasizes safety in conjunction with eco mindful activities.

My Final Verdict: So, Is it worth it?

Here is what I found to be accurate: The Phi Phi Islands “Highlights Cruise With Snorkel Including Buffet” is a fairly fantastic solution provided you are short of time and would really like to view just several leading landscapes with no creating all complicated itineraries. It is convenient; they treat a range for interests with that swimming that comes easily available along with those stunning beach sights. Actually it would prove to not always come to be truly deeply immersive perhaps on a rather quick see in the islands. Don’t lose your opportunity even to adjust individual anticipations accordingly – that may result around obtaining any good event even despite various inconveniences those crowded destinations may bring about! But it might still create unforgettable days in Thai territory!

FAQs about Phi Phi Island Cruises

Is the Maya Bay actually open?

Okay, so Maya Bay. You’ll want the information. After periods of getting closure allowing recovery due ecological concerns because extreme tourist populations were having negative effect here, the area opened though, and does present only certain limitations when it comes too exactly visitor access. Usually that bay starts getting people once again on select circumstances, along a predetermined pathways. What would seem vital does indeed prove staying revised on how such procedures evolve when scheduling your actual outing!

Will I have enough time on the beaches?

That count of beach time is rather various given specific planned excursions. Specific outings put bigger focus across snorkeling engagements far more whereas alternate packages put some greater stress concerning sitting through that coast for several peaceful relaxation. Check-out that cruise daily schedule to consider which perfectly agrees the best considering that type activity will surely suit all of people best after they venture around, what is essential truly ends happening can truly establish one genuine vision the amount coast a person might literally count with that one.

What should I bring with me on the cruise?

Alright, so that list for packing really includes various bits and bobs which will simply create experiences there really comfortable. Remember one sun cream including bigger SPF numbers, hats if there becomes any requirement concerning blocking away light emissions with faces specifically for many hotter mid time frames across daytime. In most likelihood put some shades from your store there additionally take one bathing garment together certain covering up because will enable moving among activities easier.

This assessment happens based as a sole adventure plus that those happenings might shift too that one depends both the actual enterprise concerned combined seasonal effects, do not automatically take above information is all encompassing.