Phi Phi Longtail Tour Review: Maya Bay Snorkeling

So, you’re likely looking at booking a longtail tour to Phi Phi, hoping to experience the well-known Maya Bay and maybe get some snorkeling in. We went for it, and I figured I’d give you all the info on how it really is. This review covers everything – the good stuff, any bits that weren’t so shiny, and stuff you maybe wanna consider before deciding if this kind of tour is actually your jam.

Booking Your Longtail Adventure

That first step, securing your tour, it’s almost super important. You’ll see stalls offering trips all around Phi Phi, that is, the Don island, particularly near Ton Sai Pier. Tour operators there? Plentiful. Very Many places offer essentially the same trip at generally competitive prices, too it’s worth looking around just a bit. Haggling? It’s definitely on the table, that you might get a better deal, specifically if you’re with a group or booking a tour in the off-season.

You might think about booking online in advance, particularly during peak times. The upside is that you lock in your spot and might save a bit of stress. Yet, the online prices, that they often come with a premium compared to booking locally. Plus, booking in person helps you check the boat condition and negotiate. This might also offer slightly better opportunities for asking all the questions.

I chose to book right on the beach the day before, just because. Seeing the boat and having a real talk with the operator? It gave me that feeling that it was legit. You will also know the precise departure location. Most trips clock in around 4-7 hours, so consider that in your scheduling.

Setting Sail: What to Anticipate

These longtail boats? They’re really that quintessential Thai boat, colorful and slender, too it’s perfect for hopping around islands. However, comfort-wise? Well, don’t go expecting luxury. Usually, you will sit on very basic wooden benches, potentially with cushions. So, prepare for perhaps a little bit of bum soreness, particularly on longer trips. If you have back issues, a bit of padding might be something you consider bringing.

The noise of the engine? Very noticeable, that. They’re actually loud, especially at full speed. Bringing earplugs could definitely make things more pleasant, primarily if you are sensitive to noise. Most tours cap out around 10-15 people, giving a somewhat cozy feel without being terribly overcrowded. Usually this is what it ends up like. Yet, some operators might squeeze in a couple extra passengers, but hopefully that doesn’t ruin your trip.

As for safety, life jackets? Provided, typically. The crew ought to go through a short safety briefing at the start. Still, confirming that everyone knows the location of the safety gear is a great idea, arguably a smart one. Keeping an eye on weather conditions is important, as these boats, that they are small and can be somewhat choppy seas. Tour operators will usually reschedule if the conditions are really unsafe. Then it could be better to reschedule. I remember how exposed I felt as the boat skipped across the waves!

Maya Bay: Beauty and…Crowds?

That famous Maya Bay? The iconic beach from “The Beach?” Arguably the highlight of most tours, you know. It’s stunning, that postcard-perfect view, anyway with that white sand and those towering limestone cliffs. That said, be prepared for that horde, the swarm of tourists, still. Even after its closure for restoration, it draws many folks, sometimes an overwhelming number, actually. Depending on when you go, you might find it somewhat hard to find a spot just to put your towel down.

The way the tours usually work, they permit you an hour or two ashore. It provides time for photographs and walking around, now. Swimming right at Maya Bay? Often restricted to protect the coral, which is unfortunate but definitely important. Remember when I could actually swim there freely? Yet you can often wade in the shallows, which is really still quite enjoyable. Some tours will give you the chance to take photos from the boat when they don’t land on the beach. This at least gives the option for pictures without having many folks in the frame. Which you really appreciate. Be aware, now, you may have to pay like your environmental fee at Maya Bay – I think mine was around 400 baht, that’s about $12 US.

Snorkeling Stops: Glimpses Beneath the Surface

Many longtail tours to Phi Phi, too they incorporate snorkeling stops at several spots around the islands. That’s typically Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, or Monkey Bay. Your itinerary really depends on the tour operator and weather that day, still.

Pileh Lagoon, that it’s often a favorite, that its clear, turquoise water and enclosed setting make it quite unique. Great place to cool down and maybe take some impressive photographs, still, although it can also get pretty busy. That Bamboo Island tends to be quieter, often. Boasting a nice stretch of sand and great snorkeling straight off the beach, anyway. Monkey Bay is neat for spotting monkeys ashore (from the boat, mostly), now though the snorkeling isn’t always the main thing there. Still, spotting monkeys in nature is neat, anyway. Watch your belongings. That’s because the monkeys have grabbed phones, cameras and sunglasses, so maybe watch yours too.

Snorkeling gear? Usually provided, or it at least ought to be, in some respects, though the quality can vary. Giving it a once-over, confirming that the mask fits properly and the snorkel’s clean? Just a smart thing to do. Actually bringing your own gear is arguably a better idea if you are serious about snorkeling and want really dependable, reliable gear. Then, arguably consider that option. Visibility can range depending on conditions, yet even on a “not-so-clear” day, you’ll typically spot an assortment of fish. You won’t spot massive coral structures or incredibly colorful reefs around Phi Phi, yet that marine life still adds something to this trip. Watching little, brightly colored fish dart around you? Something kind of neat. Currents can pick up, specifically around Pileh Lagoon’s opening to the sea, anyway so heed your guide’s instructions and avoid swimming off on your own.

Other Island Highlights: Sightseeing from the Sea

Along with Maya Bay and those snorkeling spots, the longtail tours tend to showcase some of Phi Phi’s additional sights from the water. The Viking Cave? Usually one such spot. Although, the tours tend not to stop right at it, still they will frequently cruise close enough for a photo op. It is that cave noted for the drawings on the walls, as well as being a location for swiftlet nests – a key ingredient for bird’s nest soup. These nests are very expensive.

That Losama Bay, just around from Maya Bay, has crystal clear waters and it’s almost great views, anyway offering one more pretty photograph backdrop. Tours will occasionally pause there to allow people to get a few more photos, now before heading to other destinations. Seeing the main island from the sea is almost its experience too. As it’s Arguably one gets a new vantage point and could see little hidden beaches that way.

What to Bring to stay comfy?

To really improve the experience and to avoid being bothered, just consider bringing these with you:

Sunscreen: Crucial, really, and loads, in some respects because you’re getting toasted out there, mostly. Even on cloudy days, in fact.
Towel: Some tours, or almost all of them, typically don’t supply them.
Swimsuit: Well, obviously.
Cover-up: As it protects you from sun exposure when you are not swimming. Plus, some temples or sites on Phi Phi Don will expect this, still.
Water: A lot, seriously, so it might be a good idea to bring your bottle as it gets warm. Certain tours supply water, confirming that before you head out can also be useful.
Snacks: Tours tend to include fruit, too they might be minimal. Extra snacks keep you satisfied among meals, in some respects because you tend to be burning loads of energy swimming and baking.
Underwater Camera/Phone Case: You may get to capture pictures of all the things you discover when snorkeling, too. Plus, protection will avoid harm.
Motion Sickness Medication: Presuming that you’re prone to seasickness, seriously take one ahead. Small boats on choppy waters? Can be a tricky thing for those affected.

Is the Phi Phi Longtail Tour Worth It?

All in all, a longtail tour to Maya Bay with some snorkeling could be really cool. You see really awesome landscapes. That bright green water, all that snorkeling among the little fishes, yet still keep some points straight.

Those crowds, they’re a thing, just know that and you will manage expectations right away. That comfort level with those small boats varies. And the snorkeling depends a ton on what conditions exist the very day you choose. Now depending upon your focus, maybe an early morning trip avoids many tourists. Now with these issues considered, still you might see something amazing and unique during that trip.

Basically, that Phi Phi longtail trip provides this affordable and genuinely local opportunity, that could expose one to several islands. The beauty shines brightly! Presuming you go in with that “glass half full” sort of attitude. I saw neat and distinct views! I also chilled, I also splashed about. Yet I went back being knowledgeable!