Longtail vs. Speedboat Snorkeling in Thailand – Koh Phi Phi & Similan Islands Adventures. Dive deep into the turquoise wonders of Thailand with us as we provide an in-depth comparison of snorkeling experiences, leveraging different boat types in the stunning regions of Phuket and Krabi! Our journey began with extensive online research, revealing that classic longtail boats are a popular choice for exploring the iconic Koh Phi Phi islands, renowned for their dramatic karst cliffs and pristine bays. For our adventure to the breathtaking Similan Islands, a protected national park famous for its vibrant coral reefs and incredible biodiversity, we opted for the speed and efficiency of 5 Star Marine (https://5starmarinephuket.com/). We tested both – from navigating the world-famous Maya Bay, nestled within the towering limestone formations of Koh Phi Phi (which gained international fame from the movie "The Beach" and was closed for environmental recovery, reopening with strict visitor limits), to immersing ourselves in the crystal-clear waters of the Similan Islands, consistently ranked among the world's top dive and snorkel sites. Along the way, we uncovered invaluable pros, cons, surprising realities, and unparalleled beauty. The Similan Islands National Park, established in 1982, comprises eleven islands, with the most popular for snorkeling and diving being Koh Miang, Koh Payu, Koh Bangu, and Koh Similan itself, often recognized by its distinctive 'Sail Rock' formation. These islands are particularly celebrated for their granite boulder formations and rich marine life, including leopard sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays, though sightings are rare and seasonal. The coral reefs in the Similan Islands are notably healthier and more diverse than many other locations, thanks to their status as a national park and stricter environmental regulations. Whether you're meticulously planning your dream Thai getaway or simply seeking an armchair adventure, this video provides a real-world, savvy comparison to help you maximize your precious time and hard-earned money. Imagine yourself gliding through the serene, emerald waters, perhaps even experiencing the magical bioluminescence Thailand has to offer, as showcased in our other mesmerizing adventure: We Tried the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Thailand and This Happened! This unique, glowing phenomenon adds another layer of wonder to Thailand's diverse aquatic experiences, visible in the dark caves and inlets of Phang Nga Bay. Forget dressing in your finest for Instagram when you're taking a speedboat ferry to a longtail boat for Maya Bay! The ride can be surprisingly rough and wet. Instead, opt for the larger, more stable slow ferry, or save your stylish attire for once you've arrived on the beautiful sands of the bay itself. image credits: Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa, scissortail sergeant Hectonichus: Pomacanthus annularis Chapters: 0:00 Intro – Longtail vs Speedboat for Snorkeling 0:33 Our Morning Departure to Koh Phi Phi 1:03 Maya Bay and the Crowds 2:03 The Rough Speedboat Ferry 3:10 Hidden Costs & Quirks of Koh Phi Phi 4:05 Finding Our Tour Operator 5:31 Into the Water – Snorkeling Begins 6:18 Filefish, Fish Eggs & Underwater Drama 9:10 Speedboat to Similan Islands 11:41 Final Thoughts – Best Boat for Your Trip? Watch to find out! Our Channels @Betweenmeals @StreetsandStructures Reach us at https://www.betweenmeals.net/ The only portion of this video that has been assisted with AI is the production of the theme and any versions of the theme music where SUNO was used as the music creation tool by Tracy Fetter, © 2025 Tracy Fetter. All rights reserved. Some of the fish were generated by AI Here are some other adventures we've had exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of Thailand: We Tried the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Thailand and This Happened! https://youtu.be/rHCM7d4ZpQo IS THIS South East Asia's MOST OUTRAGEOUS Temple?! The Sanctuary of Truth https://youtu.be/XvNL3rNnaMM Discover Talat Noi's Amazing Art Secrets! Street Murals and Galleries! Talat Noi https://youtu.be/5w4L4EbGaV0 Koh Samet: An Epic Travel Adventure Koh Samet Adventure https://youtu.be/GrlJ9rNQfLQ Getting Around Pattaya Like A Local! https://youtu.be/5dHb9zvSTPM Snorkeling Koh Samet: Should You Go Solo or Join a Tour? https://youtu.be/4PQkEqfTVb0 DO YOU NEED To Register Your Drone In Thailand https://youtu.be/Y8aQufYbB6w Koh Larn: Which beach is a sanctuary and which is a zoo? https://youtu.be/3bmlpzJue3c Discover the Hottest Spot in Town at Tichuca Rooftop Bar! https://youtube.com/shorts/fnNHkydkazw?feature=share Bangkok's HIDDEN GEM Rooftop Bar Experience! Palate, Bangkok! https://youtube.com/shorts/Cx1eegNM4-k?feature=share Thank you for watching Between Meals. There will be more. Please like and subscribe.