What is included in a Phuket boat tour to Phi Phi with Simba Sea Trips?

Every Simba Sea Trips Phi Phi tour is fully all-inclusive. Hotel transfers from anywhere in Phuket are included. On board, we provide all snorkelling gear, bottled water, and soft drinks. Lunch is served at the Soho Pool Club at Boat Lagoon Marina before or after your trip — included in the price. Professional English-speaking guides accompany every group. There are no booking fees, fuel surcharges, or hidden extras. The price you see is the price you pay.

How long is the boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands?

The boat ride from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands takes 1 hour 10 minutes. We depart from Boat Lagoon Marina on the calmer northern side of Phuket — not Chalong Bay — which gives a noticeably smoother ride, particularly during the May–October monsoon season. Maya Bay (the famous "Beach" location) is reached in the same window. On a private charter you can request a slower-paced route if you'd prefer a longer journey.

What is the maximum group size on a small-group Phuket boat tour?

The maximum group size on a Simba Sea Trips join-in tour is 18 adults per boat. Most Phuket boat tour operators run 30–50 guests per departure; we deliberately cap at 18 so the experience stays personal and the snorkel sites don't feel crowded. Children share parents' bench seats and don't count toward the cap. Private charters are bookable for groups of 2–20 adults — your group only, no strangers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Simba Sea Trips offers full refunds for cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure. Cancellations between 24 and 48 hours receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure are non-refundable. Weather-related cancellations are an exception: if the captain decides conditions are unsafe, you receive a full refund or a free reschedule regardless of timing. The full policy lives at simbaseatrips.com/cancellation-policy/.

Are children welcome on Simba Sea Trips tours?

Yes — children are welcome on all Simba Sea Trips join-in tours and private charters. Life jackets are provided for every age and size. Snorkelling masks are available in children's sizes. The boat has shaded seating for younger passengers. The "maximum 18 adults" cap is for adults only — children share parents' seats and don't count toward the limit. Private charters can be tailored entirely around children's needs: slower pace, shorter day, shallower snorkel sites, earlier return.

Where do Simba Sea Trips boats depart from?

Simba Sea Trips boats depart from Boat Lagoon Marina in north Phuket — specifically the Soho Pool Club at 23 Boat Lagoon Marina, Moo 2, Koh Kaeo, Phuket 83000, Thailand. We deliberately depart from the calmer northern side rather than the Chalong Bay tourist hub, which gives a smoother ride particularly during monsoon. Hotel transfers are included from anywhere in Phuket — Patong, Karon, Kata, Mai Khao, Rawai. Pickup times are confirmed by email the evening before your departure.

Can I book a private charter instead of joining a group tour?

Yes — Simba Sea Trips offers private charters for every tour type: Phi Phi sunrise, Phi Phi sunset, Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island, and Locals Island. The whole boat is yours; departure time is flexible (you choose); itinerary is fully customisable. Private charters work well for families, photography trips, anniversaries, and special occasions. Browse private charter options at simbaseatrips.com/private-charters/, or email sales@simbaseatrips.com for a custom quote.

What languages do the Simba Sea Trips guides speak?

Simba Sea Trips guides speak English fluently — that's the primary tour language. Many guides also speak Thai, German, French, or Russian. If you have a language preference, mention it when booking at sales@simbaseatrips.com and we'll do our best to match a guide. Crew briefings (safety, snorkelling, marina meet) are always given in English. Private charters can be booked with a specific-language guide if requested in advance.

Phuket Boat Tours | Simba Sea Trips — Small Groups, Since 2005

TripAdvisor★★★★★

Had an amazing time! Kayaking and island hopping, private lagoon swimming, and a crazy cool hike to the top of an island (Wear shoes). Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to see a lot of the islands and get in some caves.

GetYourGuide★★★★★

Amazing time.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

My partner baulked at the prospect of getting out of bed at 4:40am. to catch the 5am pick-up car, so I booked this trip to go solo. So, with her quietly snoring, I met the car and we arrived at the harbour around half an hour before departure. We had a light breakfast at the Soho club before boarding and leaving at 6am. The early start is so worth it. We watched the sun rise while heading directly to Maya Bay. Our guide Momo was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly with a great sense of humour. Another bonus to leaving early is that you beat the crowds and as we were leaving Maya Bay the hoards were starting to arrive. We spent the day swimming and snorkelling at carefully selected spots and then had chilled beach time at Coconut Island before returning to a delicious buffet lunch back at the Soho Club. I thoroughly recommend this company. All of staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. The booking process was easy and their boats are clean modern and comfortable. Thanks team Simba.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

We spent a really nice day on the boat. The crew was very helpful, friendly, and made the trip fun and enjoyable. Highly recommended!

TripAdvisor★★★★★

We did the “Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise” tour with Simba Sea Trips our second tour with them in the space of a few days and it was another standout experience. The early start is absolutely worth it. Sunrise over the islands (and from the boat) was something else, and getting out ahead of the crowds made a huge difference to the whole day. The team were excellent once again friendly, organised, and everything ran on time, including the morning pickup which was spot on. The snorkelling was a real highlight. We saw a huge moray eel (very chonky boy), two sea snakes (a first for me), several sharks, and plenty of beautiful fish. Easily some of the best marine life I’ve seen on a tour like this. The whole day felt relaxed and well-paced, never rushed, and just genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. We booked Simba twice within a few days for a reason if you’re considering Phi Phi, this is definitely the way to do it.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

We booked the “Luxury Small Group Phang Nga Bay and Beyond” tour with Simba Sea Trips and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip. The early start makes a huge difference. We were ahead of the crowds all day, which meant places that would normally be packed felt calm and almost private. The scenery in Phang Nga Bay is incredible, but what really stood out was how well the whole day was run. Harry and the team were excellent organised, friendly, and clearly experienced. One thing that really stuck with me was Harry taking the time to pick up rubbish whenever he saw it, which says a lot about the kind of operation they run. The kayaking through the caves and lagoons was a standout. It never felt rushed, and the small group size made it a much more relaxed experience. We were also very well fed and watered throughout the day, which just added to the overall comfort and enjoyment. If you’re comparing this to cheaper, bigger group tours, don’t this is a completely different experience. Absolutely worth it.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

Had an amazing time! Kayaking and island hopping, private lagoon swimming, and a crazy cool hike to the top of an island (Wear shoes). Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to see a lot of the islands and get in some caves.

GetYourGuide★★★★★

Amazing time.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

My partner baulked at the prospect of getting out of bed at 4:40am. to catch the 5am pick-up car, so I booked this trip to go solo. So, with her quietly snoring, I met the car and we arrived at the harbour around half an hour before departure. We had a light breakfast at the Soho club before boarding and leaving at 6am. The early start is so worth it. We watched the sun rise while heading directly to Maya Bay. Our guide Momo was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly with a great sense of humour. Another bonus to leaving early is that you beat the crowds and as we were leaving Maya Bay the hoards were starting to arrive. We spent the day swimming and snorkelling at carefully selected spots and then had chilled beach time at Coconut Island before returning to a delicious buffet lunch back at the Soho Club. I thoroughly recommend this company. All of staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. The booking process was easy and their boats are clean modern and comfortable. Thanks team Simba.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

We spent a really nice day on the boat. The crew was very helpful, friendly, and made the trip fun and enjoyable. Highly recommended!

TripAdvisor★★★★★

We did the “Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise” tour with Simba Sea Trips our second tour with them in the space of a few days and it was another standout experience. The early start is absolutely worth it. Sunrise over the islands (and from the boat) was something else, and getting out ahead of the crowds made a huge difference to the whole day. The team were excellent once again friendly, organised, and everything ran on time, including the morning pickup which was spot on. The snorkelling was a real highlight. We saw a huge moray eel (very chonky boy), two sea snakes (a first for me), several sharks, and plenty of beautiful fish. Easily some of the best marine life I’ve seen on a tour like this. The whole day felt relaxed and well-paced, never rushed, and just genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. We booked Simba twice within a few days for a reason if you’re considering Phi Phi, this is definitely the way to do it.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

We booked the “Luxury Small Group Phang Nga Bay and Beyond” tour with Simba Sea Trips and it was easily one of the highlights of our trip. The early start makes a huge difference. We were ahead of the crowds all day, which meant places that would normally be packed felt calm and almost private. The scenery in Phang Nga Bay is incredible, but what really stood out was how well the whole day was run. Harry and the team were excellent organised, friendly, and clearly experienced. One thing that really stuck with me was Harry taking the time to pick up rubbish whenever he saw it, which says a lot about the kind of operation they run. The kayaking through the caves and lagoons was a standout. It never felt rushed, and the small group size made it a much more relaxed experience. We were also very well fed and watered throughout the day, which just added to the overall comfort and enjoyment. If you’re comparing this to cheaper, bigger group tours, don’t this is a completely different experience. Absolutely worth it.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

Had an amazing time! Kayaking and island hopping, private lagoon swimming, and a crazy cool hike to the top of an island (Wear shoes). Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to see a lot of the islands and get in some caves.

GetYourGuide★★★★★

Amazing time.

TripAdvisor★★★★★

My partner baulked at the prospect of getting out of bed at 4:40am. to catch the 5am pick-up car, so I booked this trip to go solo. So, with her quietly snoring, I met the car and we arrived at the harbour around half an hour before departure. We had a light breakfast at the Soho club before boarding and leaving at 6am. The early start is so worth it. We watched the sun rise while heading directly to Maya Bay. Our guide Momo was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly with a great sense of humour. Another bonus to leaving early is that you beat the crowds and as we were leaving Maya Bay the hoards were starting to arrive. We spent the day swimming and snorkelling at carefully selected spots and then had chilled beach time at Coconut Island before returning to a delicious buffet lunch back at the Soho Club. I thoroughly recommend this company. All of staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. The booking process was easy and their boats are clean modern and comfortable. Thanks team Simba.