Full Day Phi Phi Islands Tour By Royal Jet Cruiser From Phuket

If you’re planning a trip to Phuket and crave a taste of Thailand’s most iconic islands, the Full Day Phi Phi Islands Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser offers a scenic, comfortable, and relatively affordable way to explore. While it’s not perfect, it’s packed with memorable sights, opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, and plenty of time to relax on white sands.

What we love about this excursion are the stunning views of Maya Bay and Viking Cave — famously beautiful spots that draw thousands each year — and the convenience of having a buffet lunch and snorkeling gear included. On the flip side, some reviewers mention organization hiccups and limited sightseeing, so potential travelers should weigh these points.

This tour appeals most to those seeking a relaxed day on the water, eager to enjoy the scenery with a good chance to snorkel, and who don’t mind sharing the boat with up to 100 fellow travelers. If you’re looking for a well-organized, guided experience, this might be a solid choice, especially at an attractive price.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with pickup included, reducing stress on travel day
• Multiple class options to suit different budgets and preferences
• Snorkeling gear included, making underwater adventures accessible without extra costs
• Beautiful stops including Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Pileh Bay
• A tasty buffet lunch and refreshment service onboard
• Limited sightseeing commentary and some organization issues reported

An Overview of the Experience

This full-day tour from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands is designed for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic trip with the chance to swim, snorkel, and soak in breathtaking views. Priced at around $52.30 per person, it offers a value-packed itinerary featuring multiple island stops and onboard amenities that cater to a variety of tastes.

The tour kicks off early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel in Phuket, which is quite helpful, especially after a long flight or a busy day. The transfer is shared, which means a group of fellow travelers will be with you—some reviews mention that not all seatbelts on the van were working, highlighting that the transport experience isn’t always perfect, but generally functional.

The trip on the Royal Jet Cruiser lasts about 1.5 hours, offering a comfortable ride on a modern, well-equipped vessel. The cruise itself has a luxurious feel, with options for standard, first, and premium class, including access to an exclusive lounge for premium guests. The vessel is equipped with air conditioning, ample seating, and large windows for sightseeing, which makes the journey more enjoyable.

The Itinerary and Stops in Detail

Ko Phi Phi Le

The trip begins with gliding past Phi Phi Leh, which is famous for its dramatic cliffs and the world-renown Maya Bay. The boat cruises past Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, and Monkey Beach, giving a spectacular viewing experience from the deck. These sights are the highlights for most travelers—stunning, rugged cliffs and clear waters that make for great photos.

Maya Bay

Perhaps the most famous stop, Maya Bay is where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed The Beach. While you won’t get much time on land here, the onboard views are spectacular. The reviews highlight how the long journey along the sea offers ample opportunity to marvel at the scenery, making it worth the trip. Some reviews mention that sightseeing here is mostly from the boat, so don’t expect an extensive shore visit.

Viking Cave

Another stop is the Viking Cave, known for its ancient cave paintings and the collection of swiftlet nests harvested for bird’s nest soup. It’s a quick sight from the boat, but many enjoy the unique cultural aspect of this site, which adds a bit of historical flavor to the trip.

Pileh Bay

This hidden lagoon is a favorite for its calm, turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. It’s an ideal spot for a quick swim or to take photos. Some reviews mention that while sightseeing from the boat is limited, the views are nonetheless impressive.

Ko Phi Phi Don

The largest island in the group, Phi Phi Don is where everyone gets a few hours of free time. You’ll enjoy a buffet lunch at an island restaurant, with options to relax on the sands or wade into the sea. The lunch is often praised as satisfying, with some reviewers noting it’s a good, hearty meal after the morning’s touring. During the free time, many opt to explore the local shops, beaches, or simply lounge in the sun.

What to Expect from the Tour

Transportation: The round-trip ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi is smooth, with most travelers noting that the boat ride is comfortable and the vessel well-equipped. The shared van transfer to and from your Phuket hotel adds convenience, though a few reviews highlight minor issues like the van’s seatbelts and an unexpected extra payment demanded by the driver.

Guidance and Narration: An English-speaking guide provides onboard narration, helping you identify sights and add context. While some reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and knowledge, others mention that the organization could be better, especially regarding timing and coordination.

Snorkeling and Water Activities: Snorkel gear is loaned free of charge, which is excellent value. The waters around Phi Phi are known for their tropical fish and coral, and the reviews indicate that many guests enjoyed a quick swim or snorkel, although the time ashore is limited.

Food and Refreshments: The buffet lunch is included, with some reviews describing it as satisfying and tasty. Premium class guests can enjoy a seafood dish and access to an exclusive lounge, which adds extra comfort to the experience. Onboard, refreshments like tea, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks are available throughout the day.

Sightseeing from the boat: The best part of this tour is the views of the islands, with most travelers agreeing that the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile. However, some mention that the sightseeing was somewhat limited and that the stops are mostly for photo opportunities rather than in-depth exploration.

Authentic Experiences and Common Criticisms

From reviews, it’s clear that the spectacular scenery and comfortable cruise make this tour popular. Travelers often mention the stunning vistas of Maya Bay and Viking Cave as highlights. The consistent praise for the good customer service and the delicious buffet lunch indicates these are well-managed elements.

However, some travelers have expressed disappointment with poor organization and limited sightseeing commentary. One reviewer described it as “not a tour, this felt like a connection of activities on their own with poor organisation and no guide whatsoever.” Others mention that timing can be tight, with only a few hours ashore, which might leave those wanting more time feeling a bit rushed.

On top of that, some reviews point out logistical hiccups, such as the van driver asking for extra money and the need to pay the national park entrance fee in cash on the day—an extra step that’s worth noting.

Is This Tour Worth It?

In terms of value, at about $52.30 per person, this tour offers a lot—multiple scenic stops, snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, and a comfortable vessel. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want an easy, no-fuss day trip that covers the key sights without breaking the bank.

If your priority is stunning scenery, quick snorkeling, and relaxing cruise vibes, you’ll likely find this tour quite satisfying. But if you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration or highly guided experience, you might want to consider alternative options with more organized guides or longer shore stays.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for first-timers to Phuket wanting a straightforward way to see the islands without much hassle. It suits families, couples, or groups who appreciate comfort and simplicity, and those who are happy with sightseeing mostly from the boat. It’s also ideal for travelers on a budget who want to experience the famous spots like Maya Bay and Viking Cave without splurging on high-end tours.

However, travelers who seek detailed guided tours with extensive land exploration might find this experience a bit limited and should explore other options. Those with mobility issues or pregnant women may want to assess the physical demands and the timing, especially given some reviews about organization issues.

Final Thoughts: Is It for You?

The Full Day Phi Phi Islands Tour by Royal Jet Cruiser offers a solid blend of scenic beauty, water activities, and comfort at a reasonable price. The highlights are the breathtaking island views and snorkel opportunities, which are accessible even for less experienced swimmers thanks to the gear loan.

The onboard lunch and multiple class options make it flexible, while the timing—an 8 to 9-hour adventure—fits well for a day trip. While not flawless, the positives outweigh the negatives if your main goal is to enjoy the iconic islands in style and comfort.

This tour is best suited for relaxing travelers who want to see the sights with minimal fuss, and who don’t mind some organizational quirks. If you’re after a straightforward, scenic day with plenty of photo ops and underwater fun, this trip will serve you well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes. Pickup from your Phuket hotel is included, which saves you the hassle of arranging transport.

What class options are available?
You can choose between Standard, First, and Premium class tickets, with Premium offering access to an exclusive lounge and seafood buffet.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. Loaner snorkel masks and fins are available at no extra cost, making underwater exploration easy and accessible.

How long do we stay on each island?
Most of the time is spent cruising and sightseeing from the boat, with about 3 hours on Phi Phi Don for lunch and exploring.

Are meals included?
A buffet lunch is included, with Premium class guests enjoying a seafood dish. Refreshments like soft drinks, tea, and snacks are also available onboard.

Is there an additional fee to be aware of?
Yes. The National Park Entrance Fee of THB 400 per adult (THB 200 per child) is payable in cash during the tour. Note that the fee is not included in the ticket price.

How is the overall organization?
While most guests find the experience enjoyable, some reviews mention issues with timing and coordination, so patience might be needed.

Who should avoid this tour?
Travelers seeking detailed guided exploration or longer land visits should consider other options. Also, pregnant women or those with certain health conditions are advised to check with the provider before booking.

In essence, this tour offers a convenient, scenic, and affordable way to experience the Phi Phi Islands. Whether you’re after memorable views, snorkeling, or simply a relaxing day on the water, it delivers good value—just with some minor organizational quirks.