snorkel phi phi islands
~ Private or Guided Experiences ~
SNORKEL PHI PHI BY LONGTAIL
~ We create Custom Phi Phi Snorkeling ~
Snorkel Phi Phi by Private Longtail with your friends & family for a fun and flexible ocean adventure. Whether you want to explore independently with a captain, or prefer to book an expert snorkel guide.
Our Guided Eco Tours focus on marine conservation Shark Guardian & Green Fins. These tours combine adventure with impactful education.
SNORKEL PHI PHI BY DIVE BOAT
~ Join the divers on a half day trip ~
You can request to join our dive boat as a snorkeler and explore dive sites which is perfect if you have friend is diving or your group wants to explore dive sites together. Spot sharks, turtles, and stunning reefs, with lunch included on this relaxed half-day trip.
SNORKEL PHI PHI OPTIONS
Snorkel Phi Phi all year round!
We’re lucky on the Phi Phi Islands to enjoy sheltered Phi Phi snorkel sites year-round, thanks to the island’s unique geography. During High Season, the winds typically blow from the east, offering calm and protected snorkeling conditions on the west side of the islands. Conversely, in Low Season, the winds shift to the west, creating ideal snorkel Phi Phi spots on the east side.
Whether you’re experienced or a first-timer, you can choose between a guided or unguided snorkeling experience—either onboard our spacious dive boat or on your own Private Longtail Rental.
Snorkel Phi Phi by Longtail Boat
Private snorkeling tours around Phi Phi National Park.
For groups of 2 – 20 people and Including flexible durations from 3 to 8 hours, with options for sunrise, sunset, or bioluminescent plankton night tours. Additionally, customizable addons to make your trip a perfect Phi Phi experience.
Click here for more info: Longtail Tours: A Complete Guide
Snorkel Phi Phi - Join the Dive Boat
Choose morning or afternoon trip
Experience snorkel Phi Phi on our half-day dive boat trip, perfect for individuals or groups joining friends who are diving—explore top reef sites, spot sharks and turtles, and enjoy a relaxing surface interval with lunch included.
Snorkel Phi Phi From Krabi / Phuket
Customized Day Trip with Hotel Pickup & Return
Your personalized longtail boat tour creates lifelong memories, departs from the main Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don.
If you are staying in Phuket, Ao Nang or Krabi we can arrange your transfers, ferry/speedboat and a private longtail Phi Phi Leh trip including lunch for you.
History of Longtail Boats
Snorkel Phi Phi by Longtail Boat
The Cultural Heartbeat of a Snorkel Phi Phi Adventure
When most people imagine a snorkel Phi Phi experience, it’s not just the reefs and turquoise waters they envision — it’s the image of iconic longtail boats cutting gracefully through the sea. Beyond being just transportation, these handcrafted vessels are symbols of Thai heritage, deeply woven into the island’s cultural and spiritual life. Therefore, choosing to snorkel Phi Phi by longtail boat means stepping into a living tradition that connects you not only to nature but also to the soul of the island.
Snorkeling Phi Phi by Longtail: The Origins of Longtail Boats
Traditional Craftsmanship
Historically speaking, longtail boats — known locally as “Raya” boats — have been used for centuries by fishermen and traders across Thailand. Crafted with care, these boats are built from wood and feature a long propeller shaft designed for maneuvering in shallow waters. Over the years, they’ve been adapted for both function and form, maintaining the same traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. As a result, each boat is not just a mode of transport but a floating piece of Thai craftsmanship.
Cultural Significance
In addition to their function, longtail boats hold deep cultural meaning. Each vessel tells a story, often adorned with colorful cloth, flower garlands, and sacred charms. These are more than decorations — they reflect the beliefs and values of the boat’s owner and are placed to offer protection and bring good luck. For many travelers, these details offer a unique cultural insight that goes far beyond the typical snorkel Phi Phi tour.
From Fishing to Snorkeling Phi Phi
A Shift Toward Tourism
As time went on, and with the rise of tourism in the late 20th century, longtail boats began to serve a new purpose. What were once tools of trade and fishing became key facilitators of island exploration. Today, they are the go-to choice for those looking to snorkel Phi Phi, offering access to secluded coral gardens, lagoons, and hidden bays that larger tour boats simply can’t reach.
A Closer Connection with Nature
What truly sets a longtail boat snorkel Phi Phi experience apart is the intimate connection it creates with the natural environment. Instead of rushing from site to site, the gentle glide allows you to take in the stunning cliffs, lush coves, and marine life along the way. Moreover, many tours include eco-educational options with partners like Shark Guardian and Green Fins, so your snorkeling journey can be both meaningful and sustainable.
The Blessings and Balance of the Boat
Honoring Local Beliefs
Beyond the physical structure, each longtail boat carries spiritual significance. Decorations such as flower garlands, incense holders, and colored cloth are placed to honor sea spirits and protect those on board. Because of this, guests are kindly asked to observe but not touch these sacred symbols — a small gesture that shows deep respect for local customs.
Safety Through Teamwork
When it comes to navigating, the balance of a longtail boat is key. Captains are experts at reading tides and maneuvering through changing waters. At the same time, passengers play a role in ensuring safety by sitting evenly and moving mindfully during snorkeling stops. In short, teamwork not only keeps the journey safe but also enhances the shared experience.
Island Etiquette: Sand and Sustainability
A Touch of Island Life
After a relaxing stop at a beach or reef, it’s natural to bring a bit of sand back onto the boat. However, to help maintain the boat’s condition, we kindly ask guests to shake off excess sand before reboarding. This small effort helps keep the space clean for everyone.
Leave No Trace on Your Snorkel Phi Phi Trip
Equally important, we encourage all guests to dispose of rubbish properly and be mindful of their surroundings. By doing so, you help protect both the longtail boat and the environment it sails through. Ultimately, we believe in clean, respectful travel — and hope our guests do too.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Snorkeling Trip
All things considered, snorkeling Phi Phi by longtail boat offers more than just coral reefs and photo ops. It’s a journey into tradition, where handcrafted boats, local customs, and marine beauty come together in a truly unique experience. By embracing the spirit of teamwork, eco-awareness, and cultural respect, your snorkel Phi Phi tour becomes something far more meaningful — a real connection to the heart and heritage of the islands.
Supporting Captains & Cancellations
Snorkeling Phi Phi: Supporting Local Longtail Captains
At Blue View, we take pride in offering truly local experiences by working closely with a small, trusted group of longtail boat captains. These skilled locals are essential to the snorkeling Phi Phi experience, and supporting their livelihood is a key part of our commitment to ethical tourism.
The Costs of Operating a Longtail Boat
Running a longtail boat involves far more than just fuel. With rising maintenance costs, engine upkeep, and seasonal wear, keeping these boats seaworthy is a full-time responsibility. That’s why we’ve created a booking process that values the time, effort, and expenses of our local captains.
Snorkeling Phi Phi By Longtail Boat – Booking Policy
To honor the commitment of our local captains, we require a non-refundable deposit when booking your tour. This deposit not only secures your trip but also provides you with a digital information pack. Full payment is requested a few days prior to the tour and becomes non-refundable to guarantee the captain’s time and resources.
High Demand in High Season
During our high season, demand for snorkeling tours peaks, which means our captains are often booked in advance. To ensure they can reserve the day for you, we actually ensure they are paid upfront—even two days in advance. This policy helps us maintain a reliable relationship with our captain network but while also respecting the livelihood of our local guides.
Tipping Your Captains: Always Appreciated
Tipping your captain is a heartfelt way to show gratitude for their experience and dedication. Captaining a longtail requires expertise, strength, and long hours on the water. A tip of 200–500 THB goes a long way toward supporting their families and honoring their efforts. It’s a direct way to give back to the people who help make snorkeling Phi Phi so special.
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel your tour, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Partial refunds can only be considered if the captain is able to rebook for that day. Additionally, your 20% booking fee is non-refundable. By adhering to this policy, you help support our local captains, who rely on tourism to sustain their livelihoods.
Snorkeling Phi Phi is remarkable!
Choosing to go snorkeling Phi Phi with Blue View Divers means more than just seeing beautiful reefs. It’s an opportunity to engage with local culture, support small-scale livelihoods, and experience the island in a meaningful, respectful way. We truly appreciate your support of our booking policies and your generosity toward our longtail captains.
What about National Park fees?
Snorkeling Phi Phi Park fees
Clarification about National Park fees for snorkelers or those who wish to visit Maya Beach or Bamboo Island which are not included in the price of longtail tours on Phi Phi.
Summarization of the fees are HERE.
Should I book a guide?
Snorkeling Phi Phi: Should You Book a Guide for Your Longtail Tour?
Snorkeling Phi Phi is one of the most unforgettable ways to explore Thailand’s tropical marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned snorkeler, taking a longtail boat tour to Phi Phi’s reefs and coves offers access to beautiful coral, colorful fish, and crystal-clear bays. But many travelers wonder — is hiring a snorkel guide worth it? Let’s explore when a guide can enhance your tour and when it might not be necessary.
Why Consider a Snorkel Guide?
Expert Support and Safety in the Water
At Blue View Divers, our experienced snorkel guides are trained to ensure your comfort and safety. They provide fins, life jackets, and bring along a GoPro to capture highlights of your trip. Whether you’re snorkeling for the first time or feeling unsure in open water, a guide gives confidence and peace of mind throughout the experience.
Local Knowledge of the Best Sites
A snorkel guide knows exactly where to go for the best snorkeling Phi Phi has to offer. They work closely with your captain to adapt the day’s itinerary based on tides, visibility, and boat traffic. With their insider knowledge, you’ll discover hidden reefs, calm lagoons, and areas rich with marine life.
Language Support and Cultural Insight
Our guides speak fluent English and act as a bridge between your group and the local captain. They can explain interesting facts about the island, marine ecosystems, and wildlife while helping coordinate the day smoothly.
Eco-Focused Snorkeling
When you book a private tour through Blue View Divers, you’ll receive a digital eco-information pack, designed to help you snorkel responsibly. This five-page guide shares sustainable snorkeling tips, reef-safe behavior, and safety reminders so your impact stays low — all part of our commitment as a Green Fins and Shark Guardian eco-partner.
Benefits of Booking a Guide for Snorkeling Phi Phi
Enhanced Safety and Comfort
A guide ensures you’re using the right equipment and provides live tips for swimming efficiently and safely.
Real-Time Reef Knowledge
Your guide picks the best snorkel sites based on up-to-date sea conditions — maximizing visibility and wildlife sightings.
Seamless Communication
With an English-speaking guide on board, you can enjoy smoother coordination and deeper understanding of your surroundings.
Memorable Moments Captured
Photos and videos taken with a GoPro let you relive the magic of snorkeling Phi Phi long after your trip ends.
When You Might Not Need a Guide
Confident Snorkelers
If you’re experienced in the water and familiar with snorkeling safety, you may prefer to explore at your own pace without a guide.
Flexible, Relaxed Itineraries
For guests looking to enjoy the views, swim casually, or simply beach-hop, going without a guide gives you more freedom.
More Privacy
If you’d like a more private day with just your group and the captain, skipping the guide might suit you better.
Snorkeling Phi Phi: What’s Best for You
Whether or not to book a snorkel guide for snorkeling Phi Phi depends on your comfort level, travel style, and expectations. Guides are a great choice for beginners or those wanting more structure and educational value. They help create a safer, smoother, and more enriching experience.
However, experienced snorkelers might enjoy the independence of going without. Either way, we recommend reviewing our eco-snorkeling guide to ensure you explore the reefs with care and awareness.
Explore Snorkeling Phi Phi with Blue View Divers
Whichever path you choose — guided or unguided — snorkeling Phi Phi is always a special experience. If you’re ready to plan your trip, check out our private longtail snorkeling tours or learn more about our eco approach to snorkeling to start your underwater adventure the right way.
Is paying for Maya Beach worth it?
Visiting Maya Beach: Pros and Cons for Snorkeling Phi Phi Travelers
Maya Beach is one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and movie fame. It’s often included in tours for snorkeling Phi Phi, but is it the right stop for your itinerary? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of visiting Maya Beach, including what to expect, when to go, and tips for making the most of your time.
Snorkel Phi Phi – Pros of Visiting Maya Beach
Stunning Views and Surroundings
Maya Beach offers one of the most photographed landscapes in Thailand. Surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear water, it’s a stunning place to admire from the shore or the boat. It’s also adjacent to Loh Samah Bay, one of the highlights of snorkeling Phi Phi, where you can often see reef fish even before entering the water.
Quieter in the Early Morning
Arriving at Maya Beach early — around 7:00 AM — gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery before speedboats from Phuket and Krabi begin arriving. If you’re staying on Phi Phi Island, this early access can offer a much more peaceful experience.
On-the-Spot Flexibility
If you’re unsure whether to stop at Maya Beach, many longtail tours let you decide on the spot. This flexibility is ideal if the pier looks overcrowded or you prefer to admire the view from the water while focusing your time on quieter snorkeling Phi Phi locations.
Snorkel Phi Phi – Cons of Visiting Maya Beach
High Season Crowds
From December to April, Maya Beach gets extremely busy. Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, lines for boat drop-offs, pier access, and entry fees can extend your stop to 1.5 hours or more. This can disrupt your itinerary, especially if your priority is to explore Phi Phi’s best snorkel sites.
Entrance Fees Apply
Visiting Maya Beach is not free. The National Park fee is 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children. This is separate from your tour price and is required for access via Loh Samah Bay. Be sure to keep your ticket if you’re also planning to visit other National Park zones like Bamboo Island.
Seasonal Closures
Maya Beach is usually closed during August and September for environmental recovery. These closures are necessary to allow marine ecosystems to regenerate but can disappoint travelers who didn’t check in advance.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit to Maya Beach
Arrive Early
Beat the rush by visiting as early as possible. Staying on Phi Phi overnight gives you the best chance to arrive before the first waves of day-trippers.
Photograph Your Boat
With so many boats at the beach, it’s easy to lose track of yours. Take a photo of your boat and your captain to ensure a smooth departure.
Bring Sun Protection
Whether waiting at the pier or standing in line, you’ll be exposed to the sun. Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable.
Decide When You Arrive
You can always choose to skip entry and enjoy the view from your boat. This saves time and lets you spend more of your tour at top snorkeling Phi Phi sites.
Can You Snorkel at Maya Beach?
No, snorkeling is not allowed directly at Maya Beach. The area is a protected marine zone, and water entry is restricted to preserve coral and marine life. However, nearby locations like Loh Samah Bay and Pileh Lagoon offer excellent snorkeling Phi Phi opportunities within close reach.
Best Time to Visit Maya Beach for Snorkeling Phi Phi Travelers
High Season (Dec–Apr)
Pros: Reliable weather, calm seas
Cons: Very crowded, longer wait times, higher prices
Low Season (May–Oct)
Pros: Fewer visitors, lower costs, quieter tours
Cons: Maya Beach may be closed in Aug–Sept due to conservation
Shoulder Months (Oct–Nov, May–June)
These months are ideal for visitors who want fewer crowds but still decent snorkeling conditions. Water clarity is good, and Maya Beach is typically open.
Should You Include Maya Beach in Your Snorkeling Phi Phi Tour?
Maya Beach is visually stunning, and for many, it’s worth seeing at least once. However, it’s not essential for every traveler. If you prefer a peaceful, immersive snorkeling Phi Phi experience, you might enjoy viewing Maya Beach from the water and spending more time at quieter bays and coral reefs.
Whether you visit or skip the beach itself, planning ahead and knowing what to expect ensures a better experience. At Blue View Divers, we offer flexible tours that let you decide on the day whether Maya Beach fits into your snorkeling adventure.
About our booking policy
Longtail Snorkeling Phi Phi Policy:
Firstly we make a tour plan for your snorkeling Phi Phi Tour. A non-refundable deposit secures your trip, and you will receive your digital info pack!
Please remember that we cannot control the weather and that Marine life is not guaranteed.
Additionally, full payment is required a few days before your trip, and this payment becomes non-refundable at that point.
We do require 24 hr notice for cancellations and/or changes. 20% booking fees are non refundable.
Blue View Divers Founded in 2006 with an ethos of conservation, community and relaxed diving in small-groups. A boutique-style dive centre with a personal touch and the BEST location to hang out! Dive with us if you like small groups, flexible schedules & excellent customer service. We want you to feel welcome, not just a number. Our Eco-Minded Team of PADI Pros are trained under PADI Staff Instructors Caroline & Kris who have 20+ years experience on Phi Phi.
Contact Info
- 107 Moo 7, Phi Phi Island Ao Nang, Amphur Muang, Krabi, 81000
- +66 (0) 925 12 5584
© 2012 Blue View Divers. All Rights Reserved.
