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Everything You Need to Know About Phi Phi Island Tour Timings

Your Phi Phi Island tour timings

Phi Phi Island tours come in three types: Sunrise tours, half-day tours, and full day tours.

Tour durations last anywhere from 8 to 10 hours for sunrise and half-day tours, and up to 12 hours for full day tours. Tour start as early as 7am for most tours and the last tour begins at 10:30am.

Phuket to Phi Phi Island speedboat time’s around 45 minutes, while Krabi to Phi Phi Island speedboat time’s around 1 hour. Catamarans offer a more relaxed journey ranging an average 90 minutes. Here’s complete breakdown for Phi Phi Island tour timings and find one that matches your plans perfectly.

Tourists relaxing on catamaran deck during Phi Phi Islands tour, Phuket, Thailand.

Half-day tour timings

  • Sunrise Tour of Phi Phi Islands: 6am; Duration: 8 hours
  • From Phuket: Phi Phi Island & Maya Bay Speedboat Tour with Lunch & Drinks: 9am; Duration: 8 hours
  • From Phuket: Phi Phi, Bamboo, and Maiton Islands Day Tour by Speed Catamaran: 10:30am; Duration: 8.5 hours
Phi Phi Islands sunset view with boats on the water, Thailand.

Full-day tour timings

  • From Phuket: PhiPhi, Maya & Khai Island Speedboat Day Tour with Lunch: 7:30am; Duration: 12 hours
  • From Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya, Pileh, Monkey Beach, and Khai Island Speedboat Tour: 7:30am; Duration: 10 hours
  • From Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Pi Leh, & Bamboo Island Speedboat Tour: 7:30am; Duration: 10 hours
  • From Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya Bay & Monkey Beach Day Tour by Speed Catamaran: 7am onwards; Duration: 10 hours

Best time to go on a Phi Phi Island tour

Aerial view of Long Beach, Phi Phi Islands with turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Peak season vs Low season

  • Peak season (November to April): This is the sweet spot for weather. Sunny skies, calm seas, and minimal rain make it ideal for snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. It's also the busiest time, with larger crowds and higher prices
  • Low Season (June to September): Monsoon season brings a lush green landscape and the chance to snag a great deal on accommodation. While downpours can disrupt tours, they usually pass quickly. The seas can be rougher, making some water activities less suitable. This is the time to embrace the island's quieter side and perhaps score a secluded spot on the beach. 
  • Shoulder seasons (May to October): These months offer a pleasant middle ground, with fewer crowds than peak season and the possibility of better weather than the heart of monsoon season.
Drone view of Phi Phi Islands at sunset, showcasing vibrant skies and lush landscapes, Thailand.

Weekdays vs Weekends

  • Weekdays: Generally offer a more serene experience. You'll encounter fewer tourists vying for space on the beaches or during snorkeling trips. This translates to a more relaxed pace for exploring the island's beauty.
  • Weekends: Brace yourself for larger crowds, particularly during peak season (November-April). Popular spots like Maya Bay can be jam-packed, making it challenging to find a secluded spot for relaxation. Tours and ferries might fill up faster, especially for popular activities. Booking in advance becomes even more crucial.

For a less crowded and potentially more affordable Phi Phi Island experience, prioritize weekdays (Tuesday or Wednesday being ideal). However, weekends offer a livelier atmosphere, so the choice depends on your travel style.

Best time of day

To avoid Phi Phi Island's midday crowds and scorching sun, consider an early morning tour with 6am to 7:30am departures.

Seeing the sunrise and exploring before the heat intensifies (activities like kayaking are more enjoyable at cooler temperatures) are major perks of a sunrise or early morning tour. Plus, with fewer crowds, popular spots like Maya Bay transform from bustling scenes into tranquil paradises — perfect for capturing photos without a crowd in the background. Even calmer waters in the morning enhance snorkeling and kayaking experiences.

If an early wake-up isn't ideal, later morning tours (between 9am to 10:30 AM) can still offer a balance between avoiding the peak afternoon crowds and enjoying a relaxed start to your day.

How long does a Phi Phi Island tour last?

Phi Phi Island tours come in a variety of durations, ranging from half-day trips (around 8 to 8.5 hours) to full-day adventures (up to 10-12 hours). The specific length depends on several factors including itinerary, activities, and travel time.  Half day tours cover all the major spots and are perfect if you’re short on time. Full-day tours offer a more comprehensive experience with add-on benefits like water-activities.

Frequently asked questions about Phi Phi Island tour timings

How long do Phi Phi Island tours typically last?

Phi Phi Island tours come in two main types: half-day and full-day adventures. Half-day tours tend to range from 8 to 8.5 hours, while full-day tours can last anywhere from 10 to 12 hours. The specific duration depends on the itinerary, included activities, and even the type of boat used (speedboats are generally faster than catamarans).

What time of day do most Phi Phi Island tours depart?

Most Phi Phi Island tours set sail early in the morning, with departures typically starting between 7am and 10:30am. Sunrise tours kick things off even earlier, around 6am.

Is there a best time of day to go on a Phi Phi Island tour to avoid crowds?

Absolutely! To beat the midday sun and the rush of tourists, consider a sunrise or early morning tour (departing between 6am and 7:30am). You'll be rewarded with cooler temperatures, calmer waters perfect for snorkeling, and the chance to experience the island's beauty before the crowds arrive. If you’re not an early riser, don’t worry, opt for a later morning tour (9am to 10:30am onwards) to still beat the afternoon surge.

Do Phi Phi Island tour timings differ depending on the season?

Not significantly in terms of departure times. However, during peak season (November to April), booking in advance becomes even more crucial as tours tend to fill up faster.

How early do Phi Phi Island sunrise tours start?

Sunrise tours are the earliest option, typically setting off around 6am. This allows you to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the island and get a head start on exploring before the crowds and heat arrive.

What's the latest a Phi Phi Island half-day tour departs?

The latest departure time for half-day tours is usually around 10:30am. This gives you a good chunk of the day to explore Phi Phi Island's highlights before heading back.

How much longer are full-day Phi Phi Island tours compared to half-day tours?

Full-day Phi Phi Island tours are roughly 2-4 hours longer than half-day tours. This translates to more time spent exploring the island, visiting additional destinations like Pileh Lagoon or Monkey Beach, and enjoying activities like snorkeling or kayaking.

Are there any Phi Phi Island tours that focus on snorkeling in the morning when the water is calmer?

Yes, many Phi Phi Island tours, especially sunrise and early morning departures, prioritize snorkeling activities. Calmer waters in the morning provide better visibility and a more enjoyable snorkeling experience.

Phi Phi Island Tours
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