How Much Do Phuket Island Tours Cost? (Price Guide)

Price Overview: All Major Tours

Here is what you can expect to pay for the most popular island tours from Phuket in 2026. Prices are per person for group tours unless noted otherwise.

What Is Included?

Most group tour prices include:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Speedboat or big boat transport
• English-speaking guide
• Lunch (Thai set menu or buffet)
• Drinking water, soft drinks, fruit
• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Life jacket

What Is NOT Always Included?

National Park Fees

This is the most common additional cost. National park entrance fees for foreign visitors:

• Phi Phi / Maya Bay: 400 THB adults, 200 THB children
• Similan Islands: 500 THB adults, 300 THB children
• Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga): 300 THB adults, 150 THB children
• Surin Islands: 500 THB adults, 300 THB children

Some operators include the park fee in their headline price. Others list it separately. Always ask: "Is the national park fee included?" Read our national park fees guide for more details.

Other Potential Extras

• Pickup surcharge for hotels in far-north Phuket (Mai Khao, Nai Yang): 200 to 800 THB
• Kayaking on some Phang Nga Bay tours (often included, sometimes optional extra: 300 to 500 THB)
• Photo packages: Some operators offer professional photos for 500 to 1,000 THB
• Wetsuit rental: 200 to 300 THB (rarely needed in Phuket's warm water)

Why Do Prices Vary So Much?

You will notice wide price ranges. This is because:

• Boat quality varies. Newer, faster boats with more amenities cost more to operate.
• Group size. Boats carrying 15 people offer more space than boats packed with 35.
• Inclusions differ. Some tours include everything, others have many add-ons.
• Seasonal pricing. Peak season (December to February) commands higher prices.
• Booking channel. Booking through street touts may seem cheaper but can mean lower quality boats and larger groups.

Private Charters: When They Make Sense

A private speedboat charter seems expensive, but the math changes with groups:

• 2 people: Very expensive per person. Group tour is better value.
• 4 people: Per-person cost drops to 5,000 to 15,000 THB. Comparable to a premium group tour.
• 8 people: Per-person cost of 2,500 to 7,500 THB. Competitive with group tours, far better experience.
• 12+ people: Often cheaper per person than group tours, with complete flexibility.

Tips for Getting the Best Value

• Book directly with operators rather than through hotel tour desks (which add commission).
• Compare inclusions, not just price. A 1,500 THB tour without park fee or lunch is not cheaper than a 2,500 THB tour that includes everything.
• Read what is included carefully.
• Avoid the cheapest option. Extremely cheap tours may cut corners on safety, boat quality, or group size.
• Consider timing. Shoulder season (November, April) offers good conditions with slightly lower prices.

Browse our available tours for transparent pricing with all inclusions clearly listed.