Big Boat vs Speedboat Tours: Pros and Cons

The Two Main Tour Boat Types

When booking an island tour from Phuket, the choice between a big boat and a speedboat is one of the first decisions you face. Each has distinct advantages and drawbacks, and the right choice depends on your priorities: comfort, speed, budget, or group size. This guide gives you an honest side-by-side comparison.

Big Boats: Overview

"Big boat" refers to larger vessels carrying 40 to 150+ passengers. These include converted ferries, purpose-built tour boats, and large catamarans. They have covered areas, toilets, and sometimes multiple decks.

Advantages

• Stability: The larger hull handles waves much better than speedboats. This is the biggest advantage, especially for travelers prone to seasickness. On a big boat, you barely feel the motion that would have you gripping the side of a speedboat.
• Space: Room to move around, stretch your legs, lie down on the deck, and not feel cramped. This matters on a full-day tour.
• Facilities: Toilets on board (speedboats sometimes have them, sometimes not). Shade from covered deck areas. Some boats have sunbathing decks.
• Price: Generally 30 to 50 percent cheaper than speedboat tours to the same destination.
• Dining: Some big boats serve buffet-style meals on board, which is more comfortable than beach or restaurant stops.

Disadvantages

• Slow: A big boat to Phi Phi takes 90 minutes to 2 hours compared to 45 to 60 minutes by speedboat.
• Less time at destinations: More travel time means less time at the islands.
• Fewer stops: Big boats cannot access shallow bays and narrow passages. Some popular stops (like Pileh Lagoon) are skipped or viewed from a distance.
• Later arrival: You reach popular spots after the speedboats, when crowds are larger.
• Fixed schedule: Very rigid itinerary with minimal flexibility.
• Crowds: More passengers mean more people at each stop.

Speedboats: Overview

Speedboats are fiberglass boats with powerful outboard engines, carrying 25 to 35 passengers. They are the dominant tour boat type in Phuket.

Advantages

• Speed: Reach destinations in half the time or less. This means more time at the islands and more stops per day.
• Earlier arrival: Speedboats reach popular spots before big boats and their crowds.
• Access: Can enter shallow bays, narrow lagoons, and approach beaches that big boats cannot. This opens up destinations like Pileh Lagoon and Maya Bay up close.
• More stops: A typical speedboat tour visits 4 to 6 locations, while a big boat tour might manage 2 to 3.
• Better for snorkeling: Can anchor at the best snorkeling spots, including smaller reef areas.

Disadvantages

• Bumpy ride: Speedboats bounce over waves, which is uncomfortable and can cause seasickness.
• Noise: Loud engines make conversation difficult during transit.
• Limited space: Tight bench seating with little room to move.
• Wet: Expect sea spray, especially in the front rows.
• Higher price: 30 to 50 percent more expensive than big boat tours.
• Basic facilities: Some speedboats have no toilet. Others have a small one at the back.

Head to Head Comparison

• Travel time to Phi Phi: Big boat 90 to 120 min | Speedboat 45 to 60 min
• Seasickness risk: Big boat LOW | Speedboat HIGH
• Stops per day: Big boat 2 to 3 | Speedboat 4 to 6
• Crowd at stops: Big boat HIGHER (40+ passengers) | Speedboat MODERATE (25 to 35)
• Access to highlights: Big boat LIMITED | Speedboat FULL
• Cost (Phi Phi): Big boat 900 to 1,500 THB | Speedboat 1,500 to 3,000 THB
• Comfort on board: Big boat BETTER | Speedboat LESS

Our Recommendations

Choose a Big Boat If:

• You get seasick easily (this alone justifies the choice)
• You are traveling with elderly family members
• Comfort during the journey matters more than time at the islands
• You are on a tight budget
• You have very young children who need space to move around

Choose a Speedboat If:

• You want to maximize time at the islands
• Snorkeling quality is a priority (better reef access)
• You want to visit Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay up close, and multiple stops
• You do not mind a bumpy ride
• You want to arrive at popular spots before the crowds

Consider a Private Speedboat If:

• You want the speed advantages without sharing with strangers
• Your group is 4+ people (the per-person cost becomes reasonable)
• You want a custom itinerary and pace

For the full range of boat type options, see our comparison of speedboat vs longtail vs big boat. Learn about private speedboat charters as a premium alternative. Browse all available tours to find your ideal trip.

What About Catamarans?

Some operators use large catamarans that offer a middle ground between big boats and speedboats. Catamarans provide better stability than a speedboat because two hulls reduce the rocking motion significantly, while they are also faster than a traditional single-hull big boat. They are commonly used for sunset cruises but some operators also run day tours to the islands on catamarans. Expect to pay a slight premium over standard speedboat tours for this more comfortable option that combines speed with stability.

Weather and Boat Choice

Sea conditions should influence your boat choice, especially during the transitional months of May, June, October, and November when weather can be unpredictable. During calm seas (most days November to April), either boat type works well and the speedboat is the better choice for maximizing your time at the islands. In moderate sea conditions, big boats handle the waves much better, so choose the big boat if you are unsure about your tolerance for rough water. In truly rough seas, tours may be cancelled regardless of boat type. If a speedboat tour is cancelled but a big boat tour is still running that same day, that tells you something about the conditions and which vessel handles them better. Your tour operator will advise on expected conditions when you book, so do not hesitate to ask about the sea state forecast and whether a different boat type might be more appropriate for comfort.