Phi Phi 6: Amazing trip by speedboat, start at Sunrise

The sunrise speedboat tour to Phi Phi feels like stepping into a different world while most tourists are still sleeping. You’ll slice through calm morning waters as the sun paints the sky in soft pastels, arriving at the famous Emerald Lagoon when it’s practically empty. The water here really lives up to its name – that jade-green color is something else entirely. What struck me most was the absolute stillness of the morning; just the gentle hum of the speedboat engine and the sound of water lapping against limestone cliffs. The 8-hour journey with Treasure Island takes you through these waters with a small group of maximum 15 people, making it feel intimate rather than rushed. The snorkeling equipment they provide is solid quality, and having breakfast on the boat while surrounded by those towering karst formations sets the tone for an incredible day.

Your day starts early (hence the sunrise element), but the pickup arrangements are smooth with air-conditioned transport to the departure point. The beauty of this tour is the small group size – 15 people max means you’re not fighting for space or waiting around. The pace feels relaxed despite covering good ground in 8 hours. Your guide communicates in English and knows exactly when to linger at the Emerald Lagoon (about 30 minutes) for the best experience. The boat has onboard restrooms, which is a relief on longer water tours. They’ve got the meal situation covered with breakfast, snacks, lunch, and drinks throughout the day, so you’re never hungry or thirsty. The flow works well: early start, arrival at unspoiled locations, plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling, then a leisurely return with lunch.

Insider Tip: Book this tour for weekdays if possible – the Emerald Lagoon gets significantly busier with day-trippers from other islands after 10 AM, so that early start really pays off.

This tour suits most fitness levels (rated as easy difficulty) but skip it if you’re pregnant or have spinal issues. The 4.7/5 rating from 15 reviews reflects what you’d expect – solid execution with minor weather dependencies. At $136, it’s competitive for what you get, especially with all meals included. The free cancellation policy gives you flexibility if weather looks rough.

Safety Tip: Infants must sit on adult laps during speedboat portions – no separate seats available for small children.