Phuket Island Hopping — Where to Go and How to Get There
Phuket island hopping is the practice of visiting multiple islands across the Andaman Sea on a single day-tour or multi-day charter, departing from one of Phuket’s east-coast marinas. From Phuket, five distinct destinations are within reach by speedboat: the Phi Phi Islands (1 hour 10 minutes south, including Maya Bay and Bamboo Island); Phang Nga Bay (about 1 hour north-east, home to James Bond Island and Hong Island); Krabi (1 hour 30 minutes east, including Koh Hong, Railay Beach, and Koh Poda); Coral Island (30–45 minutes south, including Mai Thon and Rang Yai); and the Racha Islands (approximately 45 minutes south, including Racha Yai and Racha Noi).
Most visitors choose one destination per day. The departure point matters: tours that leave from Boat Lagoon Marina on Phuket’s east coast reach all five destinations directly, without needing a road transfer to Krabi or Phang Nga town.
Phuket Island Hopping
Why Island-Hop from Phuket?
Phuket sits at the centre of the Andaman's most-visited day-trip cluster. Within a single sailing day from Boat Lagoon Marina, you can reach five distinct destinations — from the UNESCO-protected limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay to the protected snorkel reefs of Coral Island. No internal flight needed. No road transfer. Each destination has its own character, and the right one for your trip depends on what you're after — postcard scenery, calm snorkel water, a longer-distance adventure, or a quiet local-island day.
Simba Sea Trips has operated boat tours from this base since 2005. We cap every boat at a maximum of 18 adults — well below the 30 to 60-passenger mass-market norm in our area. The smaller group means more space, faster snorkel access, less queue time at busy attractions, and an unrushed day on the water.
Your Destinations
Five Destinations, One Base
Pick a destination, choose join-in or private charter, and explore the Andaman with a captain who has been operating these waters since 2005.
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands sit one hour 10 minutes south of Phuket by speedboat — the region’s most famous postcard view. Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and the snorkelling sites at Bida Nok and Phi Phi Don are all reachable in a single day. Our tours depart pre-sunrise to reach Maya Bay before the crowds. From ฿5,310.
A 400 km² UNESCO-protected expanse of limestone karsts rising from emerald water, roughly an hour north-east of Phuket. James Bond Island is the headline stop, but the bay’s real character lives in its hongs — hidden lagoons reached by sea-canoe through cave tunnels — and the floating village of Koh Panyee. From ฿4,500.
Closer to Phuket by sea than by road — roughly 50 km direct by speedboat versus 180 km via highway. Our private charter departs Boat Lagoon Marina and reaches Koh Hong, Hong Lagoon, Railay Beach, Chicken Island, and the hidden hongs of Phra Nang in 1 hour 30 minutes. No road transfer required. From ฿41,690 group total.
Coral Island (Koh Hae) is one of Phuket’s closest snorkel destinations — roughly 30 to 40 minutes south of our base. Calm reef bays, white-sand beaches, and clear water naturally protected from the open Andaman by Phuket itself. Often combined with Mai Thon and Rang Yai. Best for families and mixed-experience groups. From ฿34,870 group total.
Racha Yai and Racha Noi sit south of Phuket in some of the Andaman’s clearer water, known for white-sand bays and snorkel reefs with consistently good visibility. Racha Yai is the more developed of the pair; Racha Noi is rougher and deeper, for advanced snorkellers. Reached in roughly 45 minutes. Available via private charter.
Whichever destination you choose, the experience is shaped by how the tour is operated. Simba caps boats at 18 adults, departs early to beat the crowds, and includes everything you'd otherwise pay extra for. Here's what makes the Simba experience consistently different.
Smallest group sizes
With an average group size of around 14-16 guests, and capped at approximately 18 adults, there is room to move, stretch out, and enjoy the view in comfort.
Early departures to beat the other arrivals
By departing at the crack of dawn, Simba tours reach the highest density attraction such as Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon in the absence of most boats, and to work within time slot restrictions instead of against them.
An Expert, Safety Conscious and Helpful Crew
Staff have been carefully selected and offer a wealth of experience of the Phi Phi Islands destination. All crew members are English-speaking and ensure that the safety of our traveling party is of the highest priority.
No hidden costs / all-inclusive pricing
Hotel transfers, light breakfast, snacks and soft drinks, snorkel gear, national park fees, accident insurance, are all typically included, so there are no surprises on the day.
Continue exploring
More Andaman destinations from Phuket
Each destination has its own character. Browse the individual pillar pages for full itinerary detail, sub-destination guides, and tour options.
What Our Guests Say
4.9★
from 6,008 verified reviewsTripAdvisor·Google·GetYourGuide
TripAdvisor4,336
Google1,223
GetYourGuide449
TripAdvisor★★★★★
The whole experience was excellent. There were about 12 people plus the crew on the boat. The tour was well organised, there were several stops for swimming and snorkeling and there was plenty of food and drinks. Sara, our guide, was charming and knowledgeable. A great day and highly recommended.
Google★★★★★
Simba Sea Trips – Phi Phi Sunrise Tour (Maya Bay Before the Crowds)
September 2, 2026 | 3 Adults
We booked the Phi Phi Sunrise – Maya Bay Before the Crowds tour, and it was an unforgettable experience.
We were staying in Old Phuket Town, so rather than using the included pickup and drop-off, we drove to the marina and met the group at 5:45 AM. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with coffee, tea, and light morning snacks while the team went over the tour details.
We boarded the speedboat, though we soon discovered one engine had an issue as we set out. The captain quickly contacted the base, and we turned back to switch to another boat. Despite the minor hiccup, the captain, his assistant, and the tour guide were all fantastic—professional, calm, and reassuring throughout.
On our way out, we spotted some monkeys, and about an hour into the journey, we were treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the Andaman Sea.
Our first stop was Bamboo Beach, where we enjoyed about an hour of swimming. Next, we headed to Pi Leh Bay, with its stunning crystal-clear water, followed by snorkeling just around the corner—it was incredible to see such a variety of colorful fish and corals.
We then cruised past Viking Cave and stopped at Maya Bay, the iconic filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio's 2000 film The Beach. From there, we went to Monkey Bay, but unfortunately no monkeys were around, so we moved a bit further and did some more snorkeling instead.
Our final stop was Rang Yai Island, where we spent an hour swimming at the beach and relaxing with a couple of cold beers.
Throughout the trip, the crew provided breakfast, fresh fruit, and a range of beverages. After a full, event-filled day, we returned to the marina and enjoyed a delicious lunch.
I would highly recommend Simba Sea Trips to anyone looking for a safe, well-organized, and truly memorable tour of the Phi Phi Islands.
GetYourGuide★★★★★
Made the best of spotty weather and VERY rough waters. We cute the trip short due to rough water. Nothing the tour company could have done differently. The pick up was 10 mins late. Lots of great snacks on the boat. Very helpful with snorkeling. Overall very good under bad weather conditions.
TripAdvisor★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An unforgettable experience with Simba Sea Trips!
We loved the Phi Phi Sunrise – Maya Bay Before the Crowds tour. It was a super complete excursion, very well organized and it exceeded our expectations. Without a doubt, one of the best experiences of our trip to Thailand!
From the beginning, everything was perfectly coordinated: they picked us up at the hotel and offered us a snack before leaving on the speedboat. Throughout the entire excursion we had cold drinks, water, sodas, and fresh seasonal fruits at our disposal. In addition, they provided us with a waterproof bag to protect our belongings and masks to enjoy snorkeling and observe the fish. You can tell they take care of every detail so that travelers enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The best part of all was arriving at Maya Bay before the crowds, just as the tour promises! We were able to enjoy this spectacular place with a lot of tranquility, take incredible photographs, and appreciate its beauty without the crowds. It was the destination we were most excited to see, and experiencing it this way made the experience even more special. It was completely worth it!
We want to especially highlight the excellent service of the entire crew and our guide. Everyone was very kind, attentive, professional, and looked after us throughout the entire trip. Their willingness and good attitude made us enjoy every moment.
To finish, we returned to the departure port, where a delicious lunch awaited us, the perfect end to a wonderful day.
Thank you very much to the entire Simba Sea Trips team for making this excursion an unforgettable memory! We recommend this tour 100% to those who want to see the Phi Phi islands and enjoy Maya Bay before the crowds. If you are thinking about taking this excursion, do not hesitate: the organization, the details, the attention, and the overall experience make it totally worth it. 🌴🌊☀️
Google★★★★★
Incredible experience with Simba. Although they are more expensive than other providers they are well worth the experience. They take a max of 18 people, although we only had 8 and 3 staff. Our captain, guide Noi Noi and deckhand David. All 3 were incredible and Noi Noi and David would get in the water and point out the sharks, snakes and fish for us to see. Being one of the first on Maya Bay meant less crowds and great photo opportunities. Then at every stop there after we were one of very few boats or the only people. The snacks were plentiful on the boat and the lunch back at the Marina was some of the best Thai we’ve had. Overall this was an incredible experience and a trip definitely paying additional for.
GetYourGuide★★★★★
An Absolutely Unforgettable Experience – Highly Recommended! This was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life! A huge thank you to the entire Simba Sea Trips team, especially our wonderful tour guide, Mr. Noi, who was exceptionally kind, attentive, and knowledgeable throughout the day. We saw baby sharks, clownfish, and stunning rainbow-colored tropical fish while snorkeling. It honestly felt like swimming in an aquarium! The team knew exactly where to find the different marine species and guided us to the best spots, making the experience even more special. Everything was perfectly organized, from the snorkeling equipment and fins to the constant snacks and refreshments. The boat was extremely comfortable, and every little detail was thoughtfully taken care of. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience! It was truly magical, and we will remember this day forever. If you’re visiting Phuket, this tour is an absolute must! Thank you, Simba Sea Trips, and espec
TripAdvisor★★★★★
The whole experience was excellent. There were about 12 people plus the crew on the boat. The tour was well organised, there were several stops for swimming and snorkeling and there was plenty of food and drinks. Sara, our guide, was charming and knowledgeable. A great day and highly recommended.
Google★★★★★
Simba Sea Trips – Phi Phi Sunrise Tour (Maya Bay Before the Crowds)
September 2, 2026 | 3 Adults
We booked the Phi Phi Sunrise – Maya Bay Before the Crowds tour, and it was an unforgettable experience.
We were staying in Old Phuket Town, so rather than using the included pickup and drop-off, we drove to the marina and met the group at 5:45 AM. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with coffee, tea, and light morning snacks while the team went over the tour details.
We boarded the speedboat, though we soon discovered one engine had an issue as we set out. The captain quickly contacted the base, and we turned back to switch to another boat. Despite the minor hiccup, the captain, his assistant, and the tour guide were all fantastic—professional, calm, and reassuring throughout.
On our way out, we spotted some monkeys, and about an hour into the journey, we were treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the Andaman Sea.
Our first stop was Bamboo Beach, where we enjoyed about an hour of swimming. Next, we headed to Pi Leh Bay, with its stunning crystal-clear water, followed by snorkeling just around the corner—it was incredible to see such a variety of colorful fish and corals.
We then cruised past Viking Cave and stopped at Maya Bay, the iconic filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio's 2000 film The Beach. From there, we went to Monkey Bay, but unfortunately no monkeys were around, so we moved a bit further and did some more snorkeling instead.
Our final stop was Rang Yai Island, where we spent an hour swimming at the beach and relaxing with a couple of cold beers.
Throughout the trip, the crew provided breakfast, fresh fruit, and a range of beverages. After a full, event-filled day, we returned to the marina and enjoyed a delicious lunch.
I would highly recommend Simba Sea Trips to anyone looking for a safe, well-organized, and truly memorable tour of the Phi Phi Islands.
GetYourGuide★★★★★
Made the best of spotty weather and VERY rough waters. We cute the trip short due to rough water. Nothing the tour company could have done differently. The pick up was 10 mins late. Lots of great snacks on the boat. Very helpful with snorkeling. Overall very good under bad weather conditions.
TripAdvisor★★★★★
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An unforgettable experience with Simba Sea Trips!
We loved the Phi Phi Sunrise – Maya Bay Before the Crowds tour. It was a super complete excursion, very well organized and it exceeded our expectations. Without a doubt, one of the best experiences of our trip to Thailand!
From the beginning, everything was perfectly coordinated: they picked us up at the hotel and offered us a snack before leaving on the speedboat. Throughout the entire excursion we had cold drinks, water, sodas, and fresh seasonal fruits at our disposal. In addition, they provided us with a waterproof bag to protect our belongings and masks to enjoy snorkeling and observe the fish. You can tell they take care of every detail so that travelers enjoy themselves to the fullest.
The best part of all was arriving at Maya Bay before the crowds, just as the tour promises! We were able to enjoy this spectacular place with a lot of tranquility, take incredible photographs, and appreciate its beauty without the crowds. It was the destination we were most excited to see, and experiencing it this way made the experience even more special. It was completely worth it!
We want to especially highlight the excellent service of the entire crew and our guide. Everyone was very kind, attentive, professional, and looked after us throughout the entire trip. Their willingness and good attitude made us enjoy every moment.
To finish, we returned to the departure port, where a delicious lunch awaited us, the perfect end to a wonderful day.
Thank you very much to the entire Simba Sea Trips team for making this excursion an unforgettable memory! We recommend this tour 100% to those who want to see the Phi Phi islands and enjoy Maya Bay before the crowds. If you are thinking about taking this excursion, do not hesitate: the organization, the details, the attention, and the overall experience make it totally worth it. 🌴🌊☀️
Google★★★★★
Incredible experience with Simba. Although they are more expensive than other providers they are well worth the experience. They take a max of 18 people, although we only had 8 and 3 staff. Our captain, guide Noi Noi and deckhand David. All 3 were incredible and Noi Noi and David would get in the water and point out the sharks, snakes and fish for us to see. Being one of the first on Maya Bay meant less crowds and great photo opportunities. Then at every stop there after we were one of very few boats or the only people. The snacks were plentiful on the boat and the lunch back at the Marina was some of the best Thai we’ve had. Overall this was an incredible experience and a trip definitely paying additional for.
GetYourGuide★★★★★
An Absolutely Unforgettable Experience – Highly Recommended! This was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life! A huge thank you to the entire Simba Sea Trips team, especially our wonderful tour guide, Mr. Noi, who was exceptionally kind, attentive, and knowledgeable throughout the day. We saw baby sharks, clownfish, and stunning rainbow-colored tropical fish while snorkeling. It honestly felt like swimming in an aquarium! The team knew exactly where to find the different marine species and guided us to the best spots, making the experience even more special. Everything was perfectly organized, from the snorkeling equipment and fins to the constant snacks and refreshments. The boat was extremely comfortable, and every little detail was thoughtfully taken care of. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience! It was truly magical, and we will remember this day forever. If you’re visiting Phuket, this tour is an absolute must! Thank you, Simba Sea Trips, and espec
TripAdvisor★★★★★
The whole experience was excellent. There were about 12 people plus the crew on the boat. The tour was well organised, there were several stops for swimming and snorkeling and there was plenty of food and drinks. Sara, our guide, was charming and knowledgeable. A great day and highly recommended.
Google★★★★★
Simba Sea Trips – Phi Phi Sunrise Tour (Maya Bay Before the Crowds)
September 2, 2026 | 3 Adults
We booked the Phi Phi Sunrise – Maya Bay Before the Crowds tour, and it was an unforgettable experience.
We were staying in Old Phuket Town, so rather than using the included pickup and drop-off, we drove to the marina and met the group at 5:45 AM. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with coffee, tea, and light morning snacks while the team went over the tour details.
We boarded the speedboat, though we soon discovered one engine had an issue as we set out. The captain quickly contacted the base, and we turned back to switch to another boat. Despite the minor hiccup, the captain, his assistant, and the tour guide were all fantastic—professional, calm, and reassuring throughout.
On our way out, we spotted some monkeys, and about an hour into the journey, we were treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the Andaman Sea.
Our first stop was Bamboo Beach, where we enjoyed about an hour of swimming. Next, we headed to Pi Leh Bay, with its stunning crystal-clear water, followed by snorkeling just around the corner—it was incredible to see such a variety of colorful fish and corals.
We then cruised past Viking Cave and stopped at Maya Bay, the iconic filming location for Leonardo DiCaprio's 2000 film The Beach. From there, we went to Monkey Bay, but unfortunately no monkeys were around, so we moved a bit further and did some more snorkeling instead.
Our final stop was Rang Yai Island, where we spent an hour swimming at the beach and relaxing with a couple of cold beers.
Throughout the trip, the crew provided breakfast, fresh fruit, and a range of beverages. After a full, event-filled day, we returned to the marina and enjoyed a delicious lunch.
I would highly recommend Simba Sea Trips to anyone looking for a safe, well-organized, and truly memorable tour of the Phi Phi Islands.
GetYourGuide★★★★★
Made the best of spotty weather and VERY rough waters. We cute the trip short due to rough water. Nothing the tour company could have done differently. The pick up was 10 mins late. Lots of great snacks on the boat. Very helpful with snorkeling. Overall very good under bad weather conditions.
High season (roughly November to April) brings sunnier skies, calmer seas, and clearer underwater visibility — ideal for island hopping, snorkelling, and sunrise tours. Low season (May to October, locally called green season) has more varied conditions, but trips still run when conditions are safe — and the lush cliffs are at their best for photography. Simba monitors forecasts closely and adjusts routes or makes weather calls when needed, always with clear communication.
Departure Point: Boat Lagoon Marina
All Simba Sea Trips depart from Boat Lagoon Marina (Soho Pool Club) on the east coast of Phuket. The address is 23 Boat Lagoon Marina, Soho Pool Club, Moo 2, Ko Kaeo, Ampur Mueang, Phuket 83000. Hotel transfer is included in every tour.
Day Trip or Overnight?
Most Simba guests experience each destination as a day trip from Phuket — convenient, fully guided, and fits cleanly into a broader holiday itinerary. Those particularly enchanted by a destination (most commonly Phi Phi or Phang Nga) sometimes choose to stay on a nearby island after their tour to enjoy sunrise/sunset views from land. Either way, the boat experience is the same: organised, small-group, with full hotel transfer logistics handled for you.
Hotel Transfers and Logistics
Every tour includes hotel pickup and return transfer within the Phuket pickup zone. Pickup times vary by destination — Phi Phi Sunrise leaves the marina at 6 AM (hotel pickup from 5 AM); Phang Nga Bay tours typically depart at 7 AM; Locals Island Tours can depart at 9 AM or 1 PM. We coordinate directly with your hotel reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
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