Little_Miss_Flighty

Hi all,

Heading back to Thailand in September and hoping to visit some of the Islands from Phuket.

Would ideally love to find a company that do private boat rides or hire a long tail boat to head out to Phi Phi Islands, Maya Bay..etc

We want something safe, reasonably priced and a reliable company. We dont mind having to take our own food or what not. We just dont want to be pushed onto the boat with other people and having to leave the island when they boat says we have to, we want to take our own time and relax..There will be 4 adults on the day!

Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks!!

simpsonc510

I would not consider going that distance on a longtail!! Just my opinion. I'd think a speed boat would be much better and safer. The water could be quite rough in September. The beaches in Phuket often have red flag warnings posted, as the currents can be dangerous at that time.

Cicerone

I think you could try to hire a longtail from the pier in Phuket. I agree it could be rough in September out on the open water, and Phi Phi is pretty far for a long-tail. John Gray uses a longtrail for his trips, although he does not go as far as Phi Phi. His trips are excellent and professional, and he does private tours, see see http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com/.

For a long-tail, the Phang Nga area may be better, as it is closer to Phuket. Mabye do an intial hire for Phang Nga for a half day and if you like the feel of it and the boat and captain, then take a longer trip to Phi Phi.

For a speedboat, try the company below. I have used them for day charters, but not for several years now, so can't speak to recent experience. They were quite good when I used them. Not cheap, but reliable and nice boats and service.

Limestone Adventures
Phuket Boat Lagoon
Thepkrasattri Road Koh Kaew
Muang, Phuket
Tel:66-76-273-328
Fax:66-76-239-559
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.limestoneadventures.com

You can take a ferry to Phi Phi. There is an 8:30 am departure. Spend the morning on the island, doing some hiking and snorkeling (bring your own or you can probably hire it at a nearby hotel), and bring a picnic, or have lunch at a hotel. Then ferry back at 2:30 pm. For schedules see http://www.phiphi-ferry.com/ , http://www.andamanwavemaster.com/index.htm
And http://www.phiphi-seaangel.com/tour.htm. Fare one way is about US$20. You can also go to Krabi and other places by ferry (some don't run in the rainy season.)

If you are gpoing to Maya Bay, go early in the morning before all the day trippers arrive. I overnighted there once on a charter and it was great at sunrise and until about 10 am when all the tour boats from Phuket started showing up (when then left). Late in the day may work as well.

rhkkmk

september can be tough..

i would want one of the larger wooden boats with high sides or a speed boat (costly)

KimJapan

The Hongs by Starlight trip we did with John Gray was on a large 2-level cruiser that carries kayaks to the Hongs. It's got a fully equipped kitchen and the food they prepared was great. They take around 20 passengers on a join in tour and it's not crowded. With their mind for safety and the environment I'd be surprised if they used a long tail for anything but shuttle type trips, if at all.

Phuket Sail tours runs very small groups to various locations as well as offering private charters of both sail and speed boats.

Cicerone

John Gray uses a longtail for their small private day tours. They even have a photo of it on their website.

KimJapan

"Circumnavigate the Bay in just one day in our "fast longtail" Boat - traditional, cabined, close to the water - and fast. Throw some kayaks on the cabin and "pai teau" (just go) with a small group of good people, two great guides and a Bay filled with bi...." from the JGSC website - that hardly describes the small, open, lawn mower engined long tails most envision with the word.

shanek

Phuket Sail Tours are an excellent operator and offer private charters.

http://www.phuketsailtours.com/tour_charter.html

They are expensive but very reliable. You might be able to split the cost with others.

You will find other private operators along the beaches. We have enquired at various times and prices ranged from 20,000 baht per day.