Maya Bay in Phi Phi is OPEN
Maya Bay, in Phi Phi, the most famous beach in Thailand, if not the world, is back open as of 1st October 2022. The iconic Maya Bay, in Phi Phi, closed on the 1st of August 2022 so that the Thailand National Park Authorities could assess the effect that the new rules and regulations that they had put into place since January, have had on the bay and the beach.
YouTube host Jay Leshark and his kids, got up before sunrise to head down to Maya Bay, with Cameraman, and 5 Star Marine Phuket tour guide Alex to try to be the first people on Maya Bay and see what it’s like after the 2 months that it had been closed.
Arriving at 8 am they were the first people, apart from the National Park Staff, to come back to Maya Bay.
There was some very encouraging news, as they saw some very young Black Tip Reef Sharks feet from the beach, and not only baby sharks but also some young juvenile Black Tips as well. It seems that even though the new rules and regulations they set out in January did allow people back on to “The Beach” the sharks that had returned after the over 2-year closure are still there and still breeding. This is very good news.
As of writing this, we have not seen the full report from the Thailand National Park Authorities about the effects on Maya Bay, and when we do get this report, we will be sure to share it here.
The rules and restrictions that they put in place in January are still in effect, so many tourists will be restricted per day and no swimming in the bay, plus boats are only allowed to drop tourists off at the backside of Maya Bay.
We recommend that if you want to see Maya Bay on one of our Private Phuket Boat Tours then you leave as early as you can, as the Bay early in the morning is so beautiful and you will definitely miss the crowds. CLICK HERE to see the Phi Phi Tour
Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand the bay and the beach were featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio filmed over 20 years ago.
In the past few weeks, Maya Bay and the movie producers of “The Beach”, known as 20th Century Fox, now named 20th Century Studios have been in the news as the Thailand Supreme Court has fined them 10 million Baht to restore the beach.
The 10 million Baht will be used by Thailand’s Department of Forestry to restore the natural environment at Maya Bay to its natural state.
It will be very interesting to see what happens with this news story.
What Phuket Islands are opening in October 2022 and Phi Phi and Phang Nga Too
The Phuket high season is coming and many of the islands surrounding Phuket are reopening after being closed for the Thailand low season. One of the most anticipated openings is that of Maya Bay in Phi Phi which will be reopening on the 1st of October 2022.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand IF not the world. The beach was featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio which was filmed over 20 years ago. It was closed on the 1st of August to give the Thailand National Park Authorities time to check and assess the last few month’s effects of tourists being allowed back on the beach.
Many of the other islands around Phuket and Krabi are opening on the 15th of October 2022. These include the stunning Similan Islands.
The Similan archipelago consists of eleven beautiful islands, and The Andaman Sea around the islands is one of the best-kept secrets of Thailand. The crystal-clear blue water is filled with marine life, which makes spotting, sharks, barracudas, triggerfish, and various tropical fish not a problem at all. It has some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world.
Also opening up on the 15th of October are the Surin islands. The Surin Islands are an archipelago of five islands and are very popular for their awesome coral gardens and fine white sandy beaches. The Surin Islands are one of the most famous diving and marine life viewing sites in the world, and arguably the best in Thailand.
5 Star Marine Phuket is also opening up some of its tours which it has put on hold during the Phuket low Season, so back open from the 15th of October are the tours to Koh Ha and Koh Rock. These two islands combine stunning water clarity with a diverse range of colorful marine life and corals and therefore offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities you can find. (And they are number one on my list of Phuket Islands to visit)
Also opening up are the Private Phuket Tours to Koh Lip, famous for its white powdery sand beaches and coral-rich turquoise waters, and the Koh Mook 3 day 2-night tour which also includes Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and the stunning Emerald cave.
With many Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, and Phang Nga islands opening up and some amazing private Phuket boat tours from 5 Star Marine Phuket coming back, it is looking like after 2 years of Covid-19 this coming high season is going to be fantastic.
Private Boat Tour Phuket – Recommended Departure Times
We take our customer satisfaction seriously; this means that we regularly run staff training. Only yesterday we had our Guide Team in training and planning sessions for the upcoming high season.
One of the things we like to do as a company is run our private boat tours to avoid the crowds. After discussions yesterday we would like to update our recommended departure times.
The recommended departure times for our Private Boat Tours are not set in stone, you have the flexibility to select a different time; however, with that said, our Guide Team feels that the best way to avoid the crowds is to depart from your hotel at the following times:
06:30 AM – Beat the Crowds
This departure time means that we depart from the pier before the large group tours, and just after the sunrise tours. This should allow our Guide Team to build a program that avoids most of the crowds and creates a unique experience for you.
10:30 AM – Behind the Crowds
This departure time means that we depart from the pier after all the large group tours. This ensures we time our tour to go to the best spots after all the group tours have left them. It should also allow us to have clear water on the tour.
Both of these suggested departure times will allow our teams to create the perfect program for you, avoiding the crowds, in all tide conditions. When booking your next private boat tour with us consider these two departure times for the very best experience.
Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket
Beautiful Spots with 5 Star Marine:
Take a private luxury day cruise Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket with 5 Star Marine and witness the island’s famous landscape with your closest friends and family. Travel in comfort and luxury on one of the VIP speedboats, all of which have been recently renovated.
Highlights:
- For your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, starting at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Ley, is the perfect place to begin your tour since it is a stunning and well-known cove that can be seen from the comfort of your private 5 Star Marine speedboat. Take as many pictures as you like to remember this beautiful bay.
- Snorkel in Loh Samah Bay, a small bay on the opposite side of Maya Bay with beautiful fish and coral reefs.
- Pileh Lagoon features crystal clear, turquoise waters that are inviting for a refreshing dip. In “The Beach,” Leonardo DiCaprio took a diving leap into this lagoon, making it a must-see on every private Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket.
- Visit Small Monkey Beach to witness these mischievous little critters lounging on the karst rocks whilst on your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket.
- Even though the entrance to Wong Long Bay is somewhat small, it is still possible to see this beautiful spot on your Phi Phi Island tour.
- For an additional fee, we can set up a picnic for you in a sandy cove with a shallow bay at Big Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don, complete with the western style of Thai sharing dishes.
- If you’re on a Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, you may stop in Ao Nuoi for some more snorkeling and explore the area’s beautiful beaches and abundant aquatic life.
- Finally, Bamboo Island is the perfect way to round off your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, as it offers a lovely beach and pure blue seas. You can go snorkeling here, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see a black-tip reef shark.
Maya Bay Update:
After over three and a half years of being closed to visitors, on January 1, 2022, the world-famous Bay reopened to day-trippers (by order of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation).
However, beginning August 1, 2022, Maya Bay will once again be closed for two months to allow for natural recovery. Nonetheless, if you are on our Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, you may still see Maya Bay. You can still enjoy the bay from your own, chartered 5 Star Marine speedboat as per the initial closure period. However, you will not be able to stroll on the actual beach due to the necessary recovery.
Whether or not the beach is accessible, Maya Bay is still a must-see on every Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket. 5 Star Marine is an ethical firm that will make sure you get to see the wonders of Maya Bay without causing any harm to the environment. The Marine Park has put in a lot of effort to restore Maya Bay to its paradisiacal state, so we make sure that our Phi Phi Island Tours from Phuket follow the guidelines and are good examples of polite tourism.
Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket Inclusions:
Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds on your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket, so, you can rest easy knowing that you are in competent hands.
To book your Boat Trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
Phi Phi Island Tour & Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket
Stylish Locations with 5 Star Marine
Enjoy 5 Star Marine’s Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket; where you and your select group of friends or family will get to experience the iconic scenery on your very own Phi Phi Island Tour luxury day trip. Discover this world-famous location in style and onboard one of the fully upgraded and brand-new fleet of VIP speedboats.
Phi Phi Islands Tour Highlights
- Start your Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket by heading to Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley, where you can witness this beautiful and famous cove from the comfort of your private 5 Star Marine speedboat. Snap away and capture memorable moments of this well-known bay.
- Cruise around to Loh Samah Bay; a small bay on the other side of Maya Bay that offers some stunning marine life and therefore makes for a good snorkeling stop.
- Enter Pileh Lagoon to swim in the clear turquoise waters. Another famous stop on your Phi Phi Private Tour as this lagoon also featured in “The Beach” when Leonardo DiCaprio dived off into the stunning aquamarine waters.
- Explore Small Monkey Beach, where you can see these cheeky little creatures sitting on the karst rocks and relaxing on the beach.
- Your Phi Phi Island Tour could take you to Wong Long Bay, which we can still access despite the narrow entrance.
- Enjoy a picnic lunch, including Thai sharing dishes that we can arrange for you (at an additional charge), on a sandy cove with a shallow bay at Big Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don.
- Whilst enjoying your Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket, you could experience another snorkeling stop at Ao Nuoi to discover rich corals and marine life together with a picturesque beach setting.
- Complete your Phi Phi Island Tour by taking in the beauty of Bamboo Island – a stunning setting, with shallow clear blue waters and a picturesque beach. Enjoy some snorkeling in this area and you might even spot a black tip reef shark.
Maya Bay
The renowned Bay reopened to day trippers earlier this year, on 1st Jan 2022, after being closed to tourists for almost 3 ½ years (by order of The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation).
However, for purposes of natural rehabilitation, Maya Bay will once again close for 2 months from 1st August 2022 for two months. However, this does not mean you cannot enjoy Maya Bay on your Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket. As per the original closure period, you can still take in the beauty of the Bay from your privately hired 5 Star Marine speedboat; you simply cannot walk on the actual beach during this short rehabilitation time.
Maya Bay still remains one of the most iconic areas you should visit on your Phi Phi Island Tour; whether the beach is open to walk on or not. As an ethical company, 5 Star Marine will ensure that you enjoy the beauty of Maya Bay whilst practicing responsible tourism to help keep the area protected and allow for it to continue regenerating. The Marine Park has worked tirelessly to get Maya Bay back to its previous paradise condition; so, we ensure that our Phi Phi Island Tours from Phuket adhere to the rules and help demonstrate respectful tourism.
Phi Phi Island Tour Inclusions:
Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds on your Phi Phi Island Tour, so you can relax in the knowledge that you are in safe and capable hands.
Your Private Phi Phi Island Tour
During your Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket, enjoy your day observing the stunning coral reefs around Phi Phi which are bursting with colorful marine life, as well as experiencing the natural beauty of the area. Take your time swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear tropical lagoons as our captains guide you around the area.
When you book our Phi Phi Island Tour you get a luxury speedboat all to yourself, which means that you can decide on an itinerary that suits you. This is unlike experiences with group tours when you often get rushed with other tourists on a pre-determined timeframe.
With 5 Star Marine’s Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket, you get to carve out your bespoke itinerary and can enjoy collaborated planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience. Our team of the crew might even discuss a few suggestions based on variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, and tide on the actual day of your Phi Phi Island Tour.
To book your Phi Phi Island Tour from Phuket:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award
5 Star Marine is extremely honored to have once again been given a ‘Travelers’ Choice Award’ for 2022; which recognizes businesses that consistently deliver great service.
Shaun Stenning, CEO of 5 Star Marine commented: “We feel extremely grateful to receive this achievement from Tripadvisor for the 2nd year in a row. It gives us all at 5 Star Marine a sense of pride to know that our customers are consistently delighted with the whole experience they get with us.” He added thanks to his team also. “We sincerely thank all our wonderful guests for their continued support throughout the last few years, and of course our crew and staff for their dedication, hard work and continued efforts.”
This award makes 5 Star Marine part of an exclusive group, ranking among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor. It highlights only the top companies who consistently manage to deliver the very highest levels of customer satisfaction for their experiences. With luxury speedboat day and multi-night bespoke and private trips, 5 Star Marine is delighted to have continued to earn top guest reviews.
As the top 10% of businesses on Tripadvisor for two years in a row, 5 Star Marine is now celebrating being the ‘best of the best for ‘things to do in Phuket. Their team of dedicated and experienced crew, captains, and tour guides ensure that each and every trip is customized to their guests, working together to find the perfect itinerary to make each experience a memorable one.
As challenging as the past few years have been, 5 Star Marine has managed to maintain their consistently high service levels to ensure all of their welcomed speedboat guests received a truly 5-star experience.
“Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travelers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it’s using new technology, implementing safety measures, or hiring outstanding staff, I’m impressed by the steps you’ve taken to meet travelers’ new demands. You’ve adapted brilliantly in the face of adversity.”
Private Speedboat Phuket
For the ultimate, luxury experience, why not hire a Private Speedboat in Phuket with 5 Star Marine? Gather your friends and family together and create memories that last a lifetime. Explore stunning seascapes, tropical islands, and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands; the choice is yours when you opt for our Private Speedboat Phuket option.
All of 5 Star Marine’s Private Speedboat Phuket tours leave from their pier in Boat Lagoon. Consider a multi-night experience, which the expert crew can help plan with you, to see more of the surrounding islands; or alternatively book your Private Speedboat Phuket for a day trip, with so much to see around Phuket you will be spoilt for choice
Your Private Speedboat in Phuket is 100% flexible, so you have the ability to customize your day or multi-night trip with the help of our experienced crew and captains. After understanding your requirements, 5 Star Marine will be able to put together a suggested itinerary, giving you an experience, which is exactly what you are after
With your Private Speedboat Phuket tour, you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary and can enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for the perfectly balanced experience.
On your Private Speedboat Phuket charter, you might select to explore hidden bays, canoe through caves, relax on deserted white beaches, experience exotic marine life in crystal clear waters or even adventure up to breath-takingly high viewpoints.
Private Speedboat Phuket Inspiration:
A few examples of tropical journeys you can make with 5 Star Marine on your own bespoke Phuket Private Charter include:
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Phi Phi, including getting photos of Maya Bay from the boat- the location of The Beach film
- Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches and abundant marine life
- Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
- Coral Island with full beach club, massage and restaurant amenities at Banana Beach Club
- Krabi, Hong Krabi lagoon and the 360-degree viewpoint
- Koh Ha and Ko Rok for something a little more exotic and lesser-known
- Easy to access and family-friendly shallow snorkelling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
Private Speedboat Phuket Inclusions
We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Private Phuket Speedboat charter will include the following:
Explore the best destinations around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and beyond in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Private Speedboat Phuket day or multi night tour.
Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
Phuket Private Tour
Experience stunning seascapes, tropical islands, and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands in absolute comfort onboard one of 5 Star Marine’s Phuket Private Tours.
On your Phuket Private Tour, we will send a proposal with a suggested itinerary. Why do we say “suggested”? Well, when you arrive at the pier for your Phuket Private Tour, our experienced crew will talk through the plan for the day. They can make suggestions based on variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, tide, etc.
The choice really is yours because when you book a Phuket Private Tour with us, you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary with the help of our professional and knowledgeable guides. Enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience.
On your Phuket Private Tour, you might select to explore hidden bays, canoe through caves, relax on deserted white beaches, experience exotic marine life in crystal clear waters or even adventure up to breathtakingly high viewpoints. When you book a Phuket Private Tour with 5 Star Marine, we are able to tailor a bespoke itinerary just for you on your day trip / multi-night tour.
You can pick from a range of exotic and stunning island locations on offer, or why not try our “Phuket By The Sea Tour” which is our unique Phuket Private Tour program that leaves from the 5 Star Marine pier in Boat Lagoon and travels under the Sarasin bridge before you could make your way down to Banana Beach past Surin, Kamala and Patong for example, stopping off at a few of Phuket’s top-class beach clubs.
Phuket Private Tour Destination Inspiration:
A few examples of exotic journeys you can make with 5 Star Marine on your own bespoke Phuket Private Tour:
- Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
- Phi Phi, including Maya Bay (which opened again to guests in January 2022) – the location of The Beach film
- Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches and abundant marine life
- Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
- Coral Island with full beach club, massage, and restaurant amenities at Banana Beach Club
- Krabi, Hong Krabi lagoon, and the 360-degree viewpoint
- Koh Ha and Ko Rok for something a little more exotic and lesser-known
- Easy to access and shallow snorkeling at the Khai Islands
- Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe
Your Very Own Phuket Private Tour
- Our crew will be dedicated entirely to you, your family, or friends on board; attending to your requirements for the ultimate Phuket Private Tour
- We can tailor a unique and customized program, to ensure the day exceeds your desires
- We are flexible on pick-up and drop-off locations to suit you (hotel, pier, beach, etc.)
- You can choose to remain at a lagoon or private beach for longer if you would like; you won’t have to fit in with a tour group timetable
- With a small and intimate group of people, you get the flexibility to make the day what you want
- You will get to discover hidden coves and caves that you will not experience on group tours
- We can organize a private beach picnic for your Phuket Private Tour
Phuket Private Tour Inclusions
We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Phuket Private Tour will include the following:
Explore the best destinations around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, and beyond in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Phuket Private Tour.
Contact us to book your Phuket Private Tour:
+66-93-720-6221
How To Avoid the Crowds – Early Bird Phi Phi Tour or Sunset Tour?
So, as we start to see trickles of tourism return to the island, we have been answering lots of questions from many of our 1st time bookers as well as our return guests. Let’s explore some of the most common questions we’ve been asked:
Q: What is the tour itinerary?
When you hire a private boat with 5 Star Marine, you get sent a proposal with a suggested itinerary. Now, we stress the ‘suggested’ part, and this is why; when you arrive at the pier for your private luxury tour, we will talk through the plan for the day. We make suggestions because there are variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, tide, etc. Our concept is a joint idea between you and your guide on the day, for the best experience.
We take into account your requirements for your day out, and we apply the variables to come up with the best tour itinerary for the day. For example, if the tide is high on your Phi Phi private luxury tour date, we suggest you go to Phi Phi Ley first (explore Maya Bay, Pi Ley Lagoon, go snorkeling near the Viking cave), and then in the afternoon head over to Phi Phi Don.
However, on another day there will be low tide in the morning and high tide in the afternoon; therefore, the itinerary would need to change in order to see Maya Bay at its most beautiful, for example.
This is why the itinerary is suggested, not set in stone. We allow for you to add in more snorkeling stops if you please, and take your time; there are no set schedules of rushing for the next stop like you might experience on group tours.
Q: How long do we get for lunch?
The answer is simple, it is however long you want it to be. As it is a private boat, essentially the boat is yours and your captain and crew on the day are there to give you the ultimate day out so they will take into account your requirements and help guide you.
Q: Should we leave super early to avoid the crowds?
We are starting to see a slight uplift in tourism, and hope that towards December we will see further recovery.
We get asked a lot; how do we avoid the crowds? As a private boat hire you do have the option to go out early, however, this isn’t the only way to avoid the crowds. What we suggest is that we help you retime your tour.
Our experienced guides know that Maya Bay, for example, will be busy between 10 am -11 am but afterward, when the group tour boats leave to go for lunch you can take the opportunity to miss the crowds then. We might suggest you leave the pier at 10 am and get to Maya Bay at 11 am, as other group tours will go to lunch between 12:30-2:30 at Phi Phi Don, so you can find quieter spots by retiming – not necessarily by leaving super early or later.
Out teams know how to create better timings for the destinations, which we refer to as “reverse timing” so we are not following the group tour timings/program. With our private boats, you get the ultimate flexibility and privacy to allow for this.
Although there are now more crowds than during the peak of international shutdowns with Covid-19, there are still plenty of stunning and beautiful places to explore, so now is a great time to get out and see for yourself whilst tourism isn’t back at the same level as before.
Contact us to book your private tour:
+66-93-720-6221
Phuket Sandbox Adventures: Phi Phi Islands, Reef Sharks And Monkeys – All In One Day!
After 20+ months of recovery time, the Phi Phi Islands has restored back to what it was 15+ years ago. In fact, I would say that it is looking better than I have ever seen it in the entire time I have been here in Phuket Island Hopping.
That’s why Jay and I feel so lucky to be taking you on tour with us to this beautiful destination. Add to that, this week had his family on board and FINALLY saw a SHARK.
Watch it all here:
