REVIEW · KRABI
Early bird Krabi to Phi Phi islands + 4 Islands by Speedboat
Book on Viator →Operated by Phuket Dive Provider · Bookable on Viator
6 a.m. and the islands already wow. This early-bird speedboat day is built around Maya Bay before the rush plus time in turquoise snorkeling bays around Phi Phi and the Four Islands. I especially like the way the route stacks big-name spots (Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo, Poda) into one efficient day, and I also like that snorkeling gear and life jackets are part of the included package. One thing to consider: the plan runs on a tight clock and some stops depend on tide, so you may not get every condition-perfect moment.
This is a long but punchy 8 to 9 hours. You’ll start from Nopparatthara Pier early, then bounce island to island on a speedboat that keeps the day moving.
You also need to budget for park fees on top of the stated price. National park fees are listed separately, and alcohol is not included, so your final cost is usually a bit higher than the headline.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll feel from the start
- Early-bird timing: why 6:00 a.m. actually matters
- Getting to the pier and getting set: what’s included before the boat
- Maya Bay in the morning: famous, but still worth it
- Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay: the turquoise-limestone combo
- Viking Cave and Monkey Beach: scenery plus small, tide-based surprises
- Ko Phi Phi Don: lunch plus a short break from island-hopping
- Bamboo Island and the Four Islands run: where the day turns postcard-fast
- Bamboo Island: sand, swim time, and a pause that feels earned
- Chicken Island: a quick photo stop that actually works
- Tup Island and Mohr Island: the sandbank connection moment
- Poda Island: pine-shaded beach time and a clean swim feel
- Arrival back at Nopparatthara Pier: finishing before evening plans
- Value check: what you’re really paying for (and what costs extra)
- Pace on a speedboat day: how the schedule feels in practice
- Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this Phi Phi + Four Islands early-bird speedboat?
- FAQ
- What time does this Krabi to Phi Phi speedboat tour start?
- How long is the tour?
- What stops and islands are included?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- What’s included in the price?
- What costs extra during the tour?
- Where does the tour meet?
- Can I cancel for free?
- What’s the group size limit?
Key highlights you’ll feel from the start

- Maya Bay on an early schedule: the tour is designed to hit the most famous spot before heavier crowds.
- Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay: two limestone-framed turquoise areas for relaxing and snorkeling.
- Tide-dependent moments: Monkey Beach, Loh Samah Bay (when low tide), and the Tup/Mohr sandbank connection can vary by conditions.
- Four Islands in one day: Bamboo, Chicken Island, Tup & Mohr, and Poda keep the views coming after Phi Phi.
- Snorkeling support included: life jacket plus snorkeling equipment are part of the package, so you’re not scrambling for gear.
- Max 40 people: small enough to feel organized, big enough to keep the logistics smooth.
Early-bird timing: why 6:00 a.m. actually matters
This tour starts early, with pickup beginning around 06:00 from Krabi Town, Klong Muang, Tub Kaek, Ao Nam Mao, and Ao Nang. You’ll check in at Nopparatthara Pier and get coffee/tea plus a briefing before you head out.
That early departure is the whole point of the experience. Hitting Maya Bay first means you’re more likely to enjoy the iconic bay without the worst of the day’s peak boat traffic. Even if you’re not chasing emptiness for its own sake, the light and calm you often get in the morning make photos and swim time look better.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Krabi.
Getting to the pier and getting set: what’s included before the boat

Before the speedboat leaves, you’ll do the human part: check-in, tea/coffee, and a guide briefing. The tour includes bottled water and life jackets, which matters because you don’t want to waste time hunting for basics once you’re out on the water.
You’ll also be using the provided snorkeling equipment during the snorkeling stops. That’s a real value add on a day like this, because you’re hopping between beaches and coves where the water is clear enough to make snorkeling worth the effort.
Maya Bay in the morning: famous, but still worth it

Maya Bay is the first real water stop. The schedule shows it around 07:45, with time for snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear turquoise water, plus a chance to see this bay tied to The Beach movie fame.
What makes Maya Bay a good early stop is simple: it’s a visual wow, and it’s easy to lose time if you’re not careful. Here, you get a set window (about 30 minutes), so you can split your time between drifting with the current and getting those classic cliff-and-cove photos.
Practical consideration: snorkeling time is limited. If you’re serious about underwater viewing, I’d treat the first minutes in the water as your best window.
Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah Bay: the turquoise-limestone combo

After Maya Bay, the itinerary shifts to two “wow the water” stops: Pileh Bay (Pileh Lagoon) and Loh Samah Bay. Both are described as limestone-mountain-framed turquoise areas where you relax and snorkel.
- Pileh Lagoon is set for about 30 minutes, with a mix of swimming and a chance to just float and take in the color.
- Loh Samah Bay is also about 30 minutes and notes that it can depend on low tide.
This pairing is valuable because it’s not just sightseeing. You’re getting in-the-water time in two different-looking settings that share that unreal, bright-blue look around limestone cliffs. If you’re doing the day primarily for beaches plus snorkeling, these two stops deliver.
Viking Cave and Monkey Beach: scenery plus small, tide-based surprises

Next comes a more “look, photograph, and move” section.
Viking Cave is listed as a spot tied to birds’ nests and wall painting, described as a place where they collect swallow’s nests. You’ll have about 30 minutes here, which is enough for photos and a quick look without turning it into a long hike day.
Then you hit Monkey Beach (also about 30 minutes). The plan notes that it depends on the tide, and the goal is to take photos with local wild monkeys.
Two things to keep in mind with tide-dependent stops:
- Conditions can change what you can safely do and how close you can get.
- If the tide doesn’t line up, you still get scenery, but the exact “moment” may not match your mental picture.
Ko Phi Phi Don: lunch plus a short break from island-hopping

The itinerary includes Ko Phi Phi Don, the tourist center of Phi Phi. The schedule calls for a buffet lunch at a hotel restaurant there, then invites everyone to walk and explore life on the island.
This is one of the smarter breaks in the day. After multiple short beach and snorkeling stops, landing on a more established island gives your body time to cool down and your head a chance to reset. You also get a chance to get off the boat and move at a slower pace for a bit.
One consideration: schedules can shift in real life. The written plan clearly lists lunch on Ko Phi Phi Don, but if weather or timing forces changes, lunch can sometimes end up being handled differently than expected. I’d treat lunch as included, but not as a guaranteed restaurant-style meal no matter what conditions do.
Bamboo Island and the Four Islands run: where the day turns postcard-fast

Once you leave Phi Phi Don, you start the Four Islands circuit with big “beach to beach” energy.
Bamboo Island: sand, swim time, and a pause that feels earned
Bamboo Island is listed as the most beautiful island in Nopparat Thara National Park, with golden sand and time to relax or swim. You’ll get about 30 minutes here.
This is the stop that often makes the day feel worth it. After earlier snorkeling, Bamboo gives you simple beach time—shade, sand, and a chance to enjoy the water without a mission.
Chicken Island: a quick photo stop that actually works
Next is Chicken Island, described as a limestone island in the sea and a favorite for photos because it looks like a rooster’s head. You’ll have around 30 minutes for sightseeing and pictures.
This stop is short, but it’s a good example of how this tour manages variety. You’re not waiting for a long ferry ride or committing to a hike; you’re collecting iconic views and moving on.
Tup Island and Mohr Island: the sandbank connection moment
Then the itinerary links Tup Island and Mohr Island by mentioning famous sandbanks that connect to Chicken Island. The plan describes sand dunes that let you walk in the middle of the sea.
This is the kind of stop that depends heavily on conditions. If the connection is available, it’s a fun and memorable way to “do something” besides swim. If it’s not, you still get the viewpoint from the surrounding islands—but you won’t get the same walking moment.
Poda Island: pine-shaded beach time and a clean swim feel
Finally, Poda Island closes the four-island sequence. It’s described as having a long sandy beach with shady rows of pine trees, plus exceptionally clean sea that’s good for swimming and sunbathing.
Poda is a strong finisher because it’s more about comfort and staying power than photos alone. By the end of the day, it’s nice to have a stop where you can focus on relaxing rather than constantly re-gear and re-board.
Arrival back at Nopparatthara Pier: finishing before evening plans

You’ll return and transfer back to your hotel safely, with arrival listed around 15:00 back at the pier. That early afternoon finish is a real advantage.
It means you can still eat well in Krabi and keep evening plans instead of writing off the whole day to “boat fatigue.”
Value check: what you’re really paying for (and what costs extra)
The price is listed as $111.61 per person. For that, you’re getting a lot of moving parts handled: life jacket, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, plus coffee/tea and full insurance.
That matters because island-hopping days can quickly get expensive once you add entry fees, gear rental, and meals one by one.
What’s not included:
- National park fees: 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child
- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra charge at Klongmueng: 100 THB per person
So your real budget is price + park fees (and possibly the Klongmueng add-on, depending on where you’re picked up). If you’re starting from one of the listed areas, that pickup fee only affects you if you’re specifically charged at Klongmueng.
Pace on a speedboat day: how the schedule feels in practice
This tour is built around short, scheduled stops (many at 30 minutes). That’s the trade-off for fitting Phi Phi plus Four Islands into one day.
If you love busy itinerary energy and you’re fine with quick swims and frequent re-boarding, this style is fun. If you prefer long beach time, reading on a towel, and long snorkeling sessions, you might feel the pace.
The group limit is 40 travelers, and that size is often the sweet spot for organized logistics on a boat day. You still move as a group, but you’re not stuck in a huge crowd.
Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)
This is a great match if you:
- Want big-name Phi Phi views plus Four Islands highlights in one day
- Like snorkeling and want gear provided so you can get in the water quickly
- Prefer an early start and want a better shot at seeing Maya Bay without peak congestion
- Don’t mind that some moments depend on tide
You might think twice if:
- You’re very sensitive to motion or long boat transfers
- You need long downtime on the beach between stops
- You’re expecting the exact lunch setup to never change no matter what
Should you book this Phi Phi + Four Islands early-bird speedboat?
I’d book it if you want one highly efficient day that hits Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo, Chicken Island, Tup/Mohr sandbank area, and Poda without having to plan multiple trips. The included gear and lunch make it easier to commit, and the early timing is a real plus.
Before you go, do two things:
- Plan for national park fees so you’re not stuck doing last-minute math at checkout.
- Mentally accept that a tide can change how certain stops play out, especially Monkey Beach and the sandbank connection area.
If those fit your travel style, this is the kind of day that can turn into a favorite memory fast—fast boats, quick swims, and cliff-and-cove views you’ll be talking about afterward.
FAQ
What time does this Krabi to Phi Phi speedboat tour start?
Pickup begins around 06:00 from Krabi Town, Klong Muang, Tub Kaek, Ao Nam Mao, and Ao Nang, with check-in at Nopparatthara Pier. The listed start time is 6:00 am.
How long is the tour?
The duration is listed as approximately 8 to 9 hours.
What stops and islands are included?
The route includes Nopparatthara Beach, Maya Bay, Pileh Bay (Pileh Lagoon), Loh Samah Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Ko Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Mohr Island, Poda Island, and back to Nopparatthara Beach.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.
What’s included in the price?
Included items are coffee and/or tea, bottled water, lunch, life jacket, snorkeling equipment, and full insurance.
What costs extra during the tour?
National park fees are listed as 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, and alcoholic beverages are not included. There’s also an extra charge at Klongmueng of 100 THB per person.
Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is Nopparatthara Pier (Nopparatthara Pier2QWX+XCH), Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand.
Can I cancel for free?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What’s the group size limit?
The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.






















