Most of the guests who are travelling to Phi Phi island from Phuket are not aware that there are three choices of boats to choose from to sail to Phuket. Many times they accept what is been given to them by their travel agent or OTA which is generally a low cost boat trip and not the one which suits him or her.

Three main type of boat tours to travel to Phi Phi island would be:

1] By Big Boat 

2] By Speed boat

3] By Royal Jet Premium boat

Lets understand which suits your preference.

A] Big boat tour - Big boat as name suggest is a big boat with a capacity of 300 or more passengers. This being a big size boat has a slow speed as compared to speedboat and takes approx 2 hrs to reach from Phuket pier to Phi Phi Don island. There are 3 classes of service 

1. Economy class - This is the lowest class in a big boat which is located on the lowest deck of the boat. Size of the window is small as you can see from picture below. We generally do not recommend this class though it is cheapest of all classes. This accommodates approx 200-300 guests in economy class.

2. Silver class - This is located on the upper deck of the boat and seating are much comfortable that economy class. Being on upper deck you have good visibility as these are not small windows but huge glasses. This is located on the back side of the upper deck. We recommend this class of service to most of the guests who are looking for value for money with good quality of service.

3. Gold class - This is costliest class and is located on the forward side of upper deck. They have priority during embarkation and disembarkation. They have luxurious reclining seats and various other privileges. We recommend this class for those who demand luxury and high level of service.

Please note as it is a big boat this will pass through Phi Phi Leh and Maya bay but you can not get down and explore these places. This boat will also take you to snorkelling point but that will not be as fascinating as Phi Phi Leh or Maya Bay. This big boat will take you to Phi Phi Don which is the largest island of Phi Phi group of island. There you can enjoy lunch, shopping and beautiful beaches. Please note being a biggest island, you have crowded but lively beaches here.

2] Speedboat - As name suggests, this is fast service boat from Phuket to Phi Phi and generally carries 15-20 passengers in one speedboat. This takes approx 1 to 1.15 hrs to reach Phi Phi island. This boat is recommended to adventure seeking persons who are not bothered about seasickness and luxury, but more keen to explore waters, beaches, bays and caves. As group size and boat size is small, this can take you inside Maya bay and you can explore Phi Phi Leh island as well. Do check details with us before booking this tour. Maya bay got popularity after hollywood film "The Beach" was shot here. This is ideal place for snorkelling and diving and beaches here are small but stunning. But currently entry to Maya bay is closed due to excessive deterioration of corals and marine life till 2021. 

3] Royal jet cruiser - This is a costlier tour than big boat as it offers more luxury and exclusivity to the passengers. This is quite similar to big boat but offers extra luxury. This cruise takes you to long beach instead of crowded Phi Phi Don. Long beach is far more secluded than Phi Phi Don and most of the time enjoyed by couples. But those who enjoy hustle bustle and shopping along the beach side Phi Phi don is a better option as Long beach is much quieter many times.

Thus, do not just take what is offered to you or which is cheaper but understand your needs and then select the boat and service type. Do get in touch with Life Holidays team for more such inside stories about world wide destinations.