You’ve seen the photos, you’ve picked your “must-see” list, and now it’s time to book. But you’ve quickly learned that a Phang Nga Bay tour isn’t just one tour—there are dozens of options. The most important decision you’ll make is choosing the right boat for the destination.
Why? Because the wrong boat can turn a dream trip into a long, uncomfortable day. A boat that’s perfect for one bay might be completely unsafe for another.
As Phuket experts, we’re here to help you match the right vessel to the right adventure. This is our 2025 guide to the best boat tours in Phuket and how you should experience them.
1. Destination: The Phi Phi Islands
This is the superstar. Home to Maya Bay (“The Beach”), Pileh Lagoon, and Monkey Beach, this is a 45-50 km trip from Phuket across the open sea.
- Best Boat(s): Speedboat or Catamaran
- Why You Need Them:
- Distance & Safety: This is an open-ocean journey. You need a fast, powerful, and seaworthy boat. Speedboats are the most popular choice as they can make the trip in about one hour, allowing you to see all the sights in a single day. A high-quality private speedboat gives you space, comfort, and the priceless ability to go to Pileh Lagoon before the join-in crowds arrive.
- Comfort: For families with young children or those who prioritise comfort, a Catamaran is an excellent, safer choice. The ride is far smoother and more stable. While slower (taking 1.5-2 hours), the journey is part of the experience, with plenty of space to relax.
- What to avoid: You cannot take a traditional longtail boat from Phuket to Phi Phi. It is not safe, practical, or legal for such a long, open-water trip.
- See all our most popular Phi Phi Islands boat tours.
2. Destination: Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island)
This bay is a completely different environment. It’s a vast, protected, and exceptionally calm bay, famous for its hundreds of limestone karsts, sea caves, and the iconic “James Bond Island” (Khao Phing Kan).
- Best Boat(s): Luxury Longtail, Speedboat, or Big Boat/Cruise
- Why You Have So Many Options:
- Luxury Longtail Boat: This is, in our opinion, the best way to see the bay. Because the water is so calm, you don’t need speed. Instead, you can glide through the towering cliffs on a private luxury longtail boat. These custom-built boats offer incredible comfort, cushions, a dining table, an onboard toilet, and a private crew. It is the most scenic, romantic, and “authentic” experience.
- Speedboat: A speedboat is still a great option if you are short on time or want to combine your Phang Nga Bay tour with other destinations. It can quickly get you from the pier to the main sights.
- Big Boat / Dinner Cruise: These are large, slow, and stable. They are fantastic for those who don’t want to get in and out of a boat multiple times. Many are sunset dinner cruises, which offer a relaxing evening of sightseeing and dining against a spectacular backdrop.
- Explore our tours to James Bond and Phang Nga Bay.
3. Destination: The Similan Islands
This is a world-class snorkeling and diving paradise, but it’s very far from Phuket (over 100 km). It’s also a national park that is only open seasonally, typically from mid-October to mid-May.
- Best Boat: Speedboat (The ONLY Option)
- Why:
- Extreme Distance: A Similan Islands speedboat is the only way to make this a day trip. The journey involves a 1.5-hour drive to a pier in Khao Lak, followed by another 1.5-hour speedboat ride to the islands. There is simply no other boat that has the speed to make this feasible in one day.
- Important: This is a long and tiring day. It is an incredible reward for snorkelers who want to see pristine reefs and (if lucky) sea turtles, but it is not recommended for small children, the elderly, or those with mobility issues.
- Check out our seasonal Similan Islands speedboat trips.
4. Destination: Coral, Racha, or Maiton Islands
These are Phuket’s “backyard” islands. They are close by (20-40 minutes), making them perfect for a half-day trip or a relaxed, full-day snorkeling adventure without a long boat ride.
- Best Boat(s): Catamaran or Speedboat
- Why:
- Catamaran: Because the distance is short, a catamaran is a top choice. You get to spend less time traveling and more time being on the boat. These trips are often relaxed, with a focus on lounging on the nets, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying a beautiful lunch.
- Speedboat: A speedboat will get you there in minutes. It’s a fantastic option for a private charter to Coral or Racha Islands, allowing you to hop between beaches easily and find your own quiet snorkeling spot.
- Browse our half-day trips to Coral and Racha Islands.
Conclusion: Match Your Boat to Your Dream Destination
As you can see, choosing the right boat is the key to unlocking the best boat tours in Phuket. Don’t try to take a longtail to Phi Phi, and don’t miss the magic of a luxury longtail in Phang Nga Bay.
By understanding the unique geography of each destination, you can now confidently choose the perfect vessel for a safe, comfortable, and truly unforgettable day on the sea.