Phi Phi day-charter
Phuket to Phi Phi by Yacht: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon & Best Times
Phi Phi from Phuket is the marquee yacht day trip: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island. Travel time 35–75 min depending on boat size, marine park fee $30 pp, and an early start means Maya Bay before the crowds. Here's how to do it right.
At a glance
Travel time
35–75 min
Private price
$500–1,500
Park fee
$30 pp
Best departure
07:00–08:00
Boat types to Phi Phi compared
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| Option | Specs | Price | Best for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat 38ft | 35 min each way | $400–700/d | Fastest route | See deals → |
| Motor yacht 50–60ft | 50 min each way | $700–1,200/d | Comfort + speed | See deals → |
| Catamaran 60–72ft | 70 min each way | $900–1,500/d | Stable, families | See deals → |
| Sailing yacht 50ft+ | 90+ min each way | $700–1,400/d | Sailing, no rush | See deals → |
Prices are 2026 high-season rates (Nov–Apr). May–Oct usually 30–40% cheaper (Similan park closed 16 May–14 Oct). Marine park fees, tip, transfers often extra on private charters.
Private 50–60ft motor yacht, 07:30 departure from Royal Phuket Marina
For families and groups up to 8: private 50–60ft motor yacht, 07:30 departure from Royal Phuket Marina, Maya Bay slot 09:00, lunch in a quiet bay, back 16:30. $700–1,200/day including skipper and fuel. Always confirm whether marine park fee ($30 pp) is included.
What you see on a Phi Phi yacht day trip
Standard route: Maya Bay (the The Beach cove, daily limit 380 visitors — luxury charters can anchor but no landing after 16:00), Pileh Lagoon (emerald cliff bay, snorkel spot), Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Bamboo Island. Lunch anchors in a quiet bay (usually Loh Samah or Nui Bay). Best order: Maya Bay before 09:30 or after 15:00 to dodge crowds — speedboats dump 4,000+ people between 10:00 and 14:00.
Boat type makes the difference (35 vs 75 min)
Speedboat 38ft: 35 min to Phi Phi Don, bumpy in chop, little shade — not ideal for seniors or young kids. Motor yacht 50–60ft: 50 min, smooth and stable, private bathroom + indoor area. Catamaran 60–72ft: 70 min, most stable (twin hulls), large sun deck — best family pick. Sailing yacht: 90+ min if you actually sail (charm), or motor across if you want to maximise island time.
Departure + park fees: details
Best departure marinas for Phi Phi: Royal Phuket Marina (central east, 45 min from Patong) or Chalong Pier (south, 30 min from Karon, closest to Phi Phi). Yacht Haven Marina (north-east) is further out and costs 20–30 min extra at sea. Phi Phi Marine National Park entry: $30 pp (kids $15) — usually NOT included on private yacht charters but IS bundled with Klook/GYG day trips. Always ask at booking whether the marine park fee is in.
Booking tips for Phi Phi charter
- →Leave early (07:00–08:00) — calm sea, empty Maya Bay before 09:30, back at marina before 16:00 when afternoon wind picks up.
- →Maya Bay reservation required — since 2022 daily cap 380 visitors, pre-booked via DNP portal (operator handles). No reservation = no entry.
- →Ask about park fees — $30 pp ($15 kids), usually NOT included on private charters. For group of 6: $180 difference.
- →High season = crowds — Jan–March and Christmas/NY: 4,000+ daytrippers on Phi Phi. Book May (start of low season) or Nov for 60% fewer boats onsite.
- →Plan snorkel + dive stops — Pileh Lagoon (snorkel), Loh Samah (rays + reef), Bamboo Island (whitest sand). Ask operator for 2–3 stops besides Maya Bay.
- →Lunch onboard vs on island — anchoring in a quiet bay is much calmer and standard on private yachts. Restaurants on Phi Phi Don are expensive ($25+) and crowded.
- →Kid safety on fast boats — speedboats slam hard in chop, not ideal for kids under 6. Catamaran 60ft+ much more comfortable — twin hulls = stable.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Phi Phi from Phuket by yacht?
Speedboat 38ft: 35 minutes. Motor yacht 50–60ft: 45–55 minutes. Catamaran 60–72ft: 65–75 minutes. Sailing yacht under power: 90 minutes; sailing properly: 2–3 hours. Departure marina also matters — Chalong Pier is 15–20 min closer to Phi Phi than Yacht Haven Marina (north Phuket). Most full-day charters allow 5–6 hours at the islands.
Is Maya Bay open and can I land there?
Yes — reopened January 2022 after a 4-year coral recovery. Daily cap of 380 visitors, time-slotted (typically 09:00–16:00), no swimming, no overnight, no anchoring inside the bay (anchor in Loh Samah and walk over). Yacht charters book the slot via the DNP (Department of National Parks) portal — operator handles it. Without a pre-booked slot you'll be turned away at the rangers' floating booth.
How much is the Phi Phi marine park fee?
Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park: 400 THB ($30 USD pp) for adults, 200 THB ($15) for kids 4–14. Charged per day inside the park. Klook/GYG shared day trips include this in the price. Private yacht charters usually do NOT — confirm at booking. Pay rangers in cash THB at the Phi Phi pier or at Maya Bay.
What time should we leave Phuket for the best Phi Phi experience?
Depart 07:00–08:00 from Chalong/Royal Phuket. You arrive 09:00–09:30 — Maya Bay is still empty (cap 380 spread across the day). Snorkel Pileh Lagoon and Loh Samah 10:00–12:00, lunch onboard 12:30, Monkey Beach + Bamboo Island 14:00–15:30, head back 16:00 before afternoon chop picks up. Late starts (10:00+) hit Maya Bay during peak crowds and risk rough water on return.
Yacht to Phi Phi vs speedboat day tour — what is the real difference?
Speedboat day tour: $80–150 pp, 30 strangers on board, fixed schedule, ~3 hours at the islands, no shade, no private bathroom. Private yacht: $500–1,500/day for 6–8 guests, your route, your stops, full bathroom, lunch onboard in a quiet bay, 5–6 hours at the islands. For a couple: tour wins on price. For a family of 4+ or any group of 6+: private yacht is similar cost and a different experience.
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How we compared
Rates and boat specs verified May 2026 on Klook, Viator and operator websites (Asia Marine, Lee Marine, Yacht Charter Andamans). Marine park fees validated via DNP portal. We earn a commission on bookings through the listed platforms — this never changes the price you pay or which operators we cover.