1 Day in Port: Phuket – A Private Phang Nga Bay Tour By Speedboat
How four cruise passengers created one of our favorite days in Thailand by chartering a private speedboat instead of taking the ship’s excursion.
This post is part of a series on what to do when you have one day in port on a Cruise. You can find more posts from this series on my page,
How To Spend One Day In Port.
Phuket, Thailand, was one stop on our 12-night cruise from India to Singapore, which also included unforgettable visits to Colombo, Hambantota, Penang, and Singapore. When our cruise ship, the Celebrity Millennium, arrived in Phuket, we had a choice. We could book the ship’s excursion to Phang Nga Bay or try something a little more adventurous.
We chose adventure.
Instead of joining a large tour, we chartered our own speedboat in Phuket a private Phang Nga Bay tour through a local company that regularly works with cruise passengers. By sharing the boat with another couple we met in our cruise’s Facebook group, the cost was surprisingly reasonable—and the experience became one of the highlights of our trip.
If you’re visiting Phuket on a cruise and wondering whether you can organize an unforgettable day on your own, the answer is yes. Here’s exactly how we did it.
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🚢 Port Snapshot
⚓ Port: Phuket, Thailand
🛳️ Ship: Celebrity Millennium
🕒 Time In Port: Full Day
🧭 Tour Type: Independent Private Excursion
⏱️ Duration: Approximately 8–9 hours
🚶 Activity Level: ★★☆☆☆ Moderate
⭐ Best For: Independent cruise travelers, Couples, Small groups sharing costs, Photographers, Nature lovers
📸 Highlights: Charter a private speedboat through spectacular Phang Nga Bay, Explore hidden lagoons and sea caves by canoe, Cruise among Thailand’s iconic limestone karsts, See James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan & Ko Tapu), Enjoy lunch in the floating village of Koh Panyee, Return with plenty of time for your ship—and even squeeze in a quick souvenir stop.
Travel Eat Cook Tip
One of the biggest advantages of booking privately wasn’t just avoiding the crowds—it was the flexibility. We set our own pace, lingered where we wanted, skipped what didn’t interest us, and shared the experience with just four guests instead of forty. If you’re considering an independent excursion in Phuket, choose a company that regularly works with cruise passengers and understands the importance of getting you back to the ship well before departure.
Why We Chose a Private Excursion
One of the things we enjoy most about cruising is the freedom to explore each destination in a way that suits our travel style. Sometimes that means booking a ship-sponsored excursion, especially when it offers access to a place that’s difficult to reach on our own. Other times, we find that a little planning opens the door to an even more memorable experience.
For Phuket, our goal was simple: spend the day exploring Phang Nga Bay and visiting the famous James Bond Island. Celebrity offered an excursion that visited many of the same highlights, but we began looking for an option that would give us more flexibility and a smaller-group experience.
That’s when we discovered 5 Star Marine, a Phuket-based company specializing in private speedboat tours of Phang Nga Bay. While most of their guests are visitors staying in Phuket, they also work regularly with cruise passengers and understand the unique timing challenges of arriving by ship. Reading their reviews and seeing their familiarity with cruise schedules gave us confidence we could enjoy an independent adventure without worrying about getting back to the ship on time.
A private charter wasn’t inexpensive, but it gave us something the cruise excursion couldn’t: the freedom to explore Phang Nga Bay at our own pace.
Sharing the Charter Made It Affordable
For just the two of us, chartering a private speedboat was an investment, so before the cruise I posted a message in our cruise’s Facebook group to see if anyone might be interested in sharing the ride.
Fortunately, another adventurous couple from the United Kingdom responded. We met onboard a few days before arriving in Phuket, discovered we had similar travel styles, and finalized our plans together. Splitting the cost made the excursion much more affordable, and introduced us to wonderful travel companions who helped make the day even more enjoyable.
The Journey Begins: Phuket – A Private Phang Nga Bay Tour
Phuket is a tender port, so if you’re planning an independent excursion, allow extra time to get ashore. We were staying in The Retreat, which included priority tendering, allowing the four of us to meet our guide, Lisa, right on schedule before heading across the island to the marina.
The drive from Patong Bay to Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina took about forty minutes, weaving through busy morning traffic before arriving at a quiet, well-kept marina tucked away on Phuket’s east coast.
The staff at 5 Star Marine welcomed us as if we were old friends and encouraged us to grab some coffee or drinks and use the facilities before heading out on the water.
After a brief safety overview, we were introduced to the team who would take care of us for the day: our captain, first mate, and Lisa, who would continue as our guide. A few minutes later, we climbed aboard our sleek speedboat and eased out of the marina.
Then, as if someone had flipped a switch, the captain pushed the throttles forward.
The bow lifted slightly, the engines roared to life, and within seconds we were skimming across the Andaman Sea.
We were officially on our way to Ao Phang Nga National Park. Established in 1981, the protected marine park is renowned for its emerald waters, hidden lagoons, mangrove forests, and near-vertical limestone karsts that rise straight from the sea.
Exploring Hidden Lagoons by Canoe
Our first stop wasn’t James Bond Island, but something far more memorable, a surprise for our new friends who were unaware this was planned as part of the day.
As we approached one of the towering limestone islands, our speedboat eased to a stop alongside a small floating dock, where several local canoe guides were waiting. Two at a time, we climbed into sturdy inflatable canoes, leaving our speedboat behind as our paddlers quietly pushed off toward the towering cliffs.
Only moments earlier, we had been racing across open water. Now the only sounds were the gentle splash of a paddle dipping into the sea and the occasional call of birds echoing off the limestone walls. It felt as though we’d entered another world.
The dramatic cliffs surrounding us are karsts—towering limestone formations. Throughout Phang Nga Bay, these ancient islands hide a maze of sea caves and sheltered lagoons that are too narrow and shallow for larger boats to enter. Exploring them by canoe isn’t just the best way to see them — it’s often the only way.
Our paddler navigated effortlessly through openings in the rock that looked impossibly small. Some passages were so low that we instinctively ducked as the limestone ceiling passed just inches above us.
One lagoon opened into a peaceful amphitheater, its sheer limestone walls draped in lush tropical vegetation. Mangrove trees clung impossibly to the rock, their roots disappearing into the emerald water below. Our paddler knew these caves intimately and seemed genuinely proud to show us their hidden details. At one point, he stopped paddling, smiled, and motioned for us to look straight up.
High above the canoe, sunlight streamed through a natural opening in the cave’s ceiling. Framed by trees and vines along its edges, the opening formed a nearly perfect heart.
For a minute or two, no one spoke. We sat there, looking up through the heart-shaped window into the blue Thai sky, appreciating the quiet beauty of a place that felt wonderfully untouched.
Walking Inside a Limestone Cave
After returning to our speedboat, we continued weaving through the maze of limestone islands that make Phang Nga Bay so unforgettable. Before long, our captain pulled alongside another towering karst, where a narrow strip of sand disappeared beneath an enormous overhang carved into the cliff’s base.
This time, instead of climbing into canoes, we stepped ashore.
The shallow cave stretched back into the limestone, its ceiling rising high above us. Centuries of wind, waves, and tides had slowly hollowed the rock, creating a natural chamber that felt surprisingly spacious. Looking back toward the entrance, the bright blue water, framed by the dark limestone, looked almost too perfect to be real.
James Bond Island: Worth Seeing?
Eventually, it was time to visit the landmark that had inspired countless travelers to add Phang Nga Bay to their bucket lists.
Officially known as Khao Phing Kan and Ko Tapu, the island became world-famous after its appearance in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun.
Many tours stop here long enough for visitors to go ashore, but doing so requires paying an additional park landing fee. After talking it over, the four of us decided we’d rather spend our time enjoying the bay than stand in another line for photographs. Instead, our captain slowly circled the island, offering excellent views from the water while Lisa pointed out the film’s famous locations.
I have to admit, Hollywood worked a little movie magic. James Bond Island is far sexier on screen than in person—but I still wouldn’t have missed seeing it.
Seeing the iconic limestone pinnacle rise dramatically from the emerald water was undeniably fun, especially for anyone who remembers the movie. For us, however, the hidden lagoons and sea caves were the real stars of the day.
Lunch at Koh Panyee
By the time we left James Bond Island, everyone was ready for lunch. Our next stop was Koh Panyee, one of the most fascinating communities in Phang Nga Bay.
Unlike the dramatic limestone islands surrounding it, Koh Panyee isn’t a natural landmark. More than 200 years ago, Indonesian Muslim fishermen established a small settlement here. Today, about 1,500 people still live in the village, where homes, restaurants, shops, and even a floating football field stand on wooden stilts above the water.
Lisa led us through the narrow walkways to a local restaurant, where we enjoyed a relaxed Thai lunch while watching longtail boats and tour groups come and go outside. Like many visitors, we sampled several local dishes, taking a welcome break after a busy morning on the water.
After lunch, we wandered the wooden walkways, passing small shops, fishing boats, and homes that have stood above the water for generations.
A Relaxing Ride Back to Phuket
With lunch behind us and the afternoon slipping away, we climbed back aboard our speedboat for the return trip across Phang Nga Bay. The excitement of racing from one adventure to the next gave way to a slower, more relaxed pace as we settled into our seats and watched the limestone islands gradually fade into the distance.
As we cruised through the calm waters, Lisa surprised us with a beautifully arranged platter of fresh tropical fruit: sweet pineapple, watermelon, dragon fruit, and other local favorites.
The return trip gave us time to enjoy fresh fruit and admire the scenery one last time. It was the perfect ending to a day that never once felt rushed.
One Last Stop Before Returning to the Ship
Back at Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina, our adventure officially came to an end. We thanked our captain, first mate, and especially Lisa for taking such wonderful care of us throughout the day, then climbed back into the waiting van for the drive to Patong Bay.
But if you’ve followed Travel Eat Cook for a while, you probably know we have a small tradition wherever we travel… So we asked our guide, Lisa, to make one final stop — a quick visit to Hard Rock Café Phuket to add another pin to our travel collection.
Before long, we were back on the tender, heading toward Celebrity Millennium, tired, happy, and with plenty of time to spare before the ship sailed.
Would I Recommend Booking a Private Excursion?
Absolutely—but with a few important considerations.
Booking independently isn’t the right choice for every port. If your destination is several hours from the ship, transportation is unreliable, or reliable local operators are hard to find, a ship-sponsored excursion may offer valuable peace of mind.
Phuket, however, is different.
Companies like 5 Star Marine regularly work with cruise passengers and understand that getting you back to the ship on time isn’t optional — it’s their business. That experience, combined with careful planning and ample buffer time, made us comfortable stepping outside the cruise line’s excursion program.
If you’re comfortable doing a little research before your cruise, Phuket is an excellent port to consider for a private excursion.
Final Thoughts On Phuket – A Private Phang Nga Bay Tour By Speedboat
Before arriving in Phuket, we thought this day was all about James Bond Island.
After all, that’s the landmark everyone talks about, the image that appears in nearly every brochure, and the reason many visitors make the trip to Phang Nga Bay in the first place.
But by the end of the day, James Bond Island had become just one chapter. In fact, it wasn’t even our favorite chapter.
The moments we remember most weren’t the ones spent standing in front of a famous movie location. They were gliding silently through hidden lagoons beneath towering limestone cliffs, looking up at a heart-shaped opening in the ceiling of a sea cave, wandering through the remarkable floating village of Koh Panyee, and sharing the entire adventure with new friends we’d met only days earlier.
Choosing a private excursion gave us something that no large group tour ever could — the freedom to experience Phuket on our own terms. We experienced Phuket at our own pace instead of following someone else’s schedule.
Phuket was one of our favorite ports on this cruise, but it certainly wasn’t the last memorable day. From here, Celebrity Millennium continued south to Malaysia, where we explored the colorful streets and incredible food scene of Penang before finishing our journey in Singapore.
Planning a Cruise Through Southeast Asia?
If you’re sailing a similar itinerary, you may also enjoy these guides:
- 1 Day in Port: Colombo, Sri Lanka – Markets, temples, and an overnight stay.
- 1 Day in Port: Hambantota, Sri Lanka – A private journey to Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, and Ravana Falls.
- 1 Day in Port: Penang, Malaysia (coming soon)
- Singapore Cruise Guide (coming soon)
What to Bring for a Private Speedboat Excursion
A day exploring Phang Nga Bay means you’ll spend several hours on the water with very little shade, so packing a few essentials will make the experience much more comfortable.
We recommend bringing:
- Reef-safe sunscreen – The tropical sun is relentless, and there isn’t much shade once you’re out on the water. We reapplied several times throughout the day.
- Waterproof phone pouch – We were constantly taking photos from the canoe and speedboat. Having our phones protected meant we never had to worry about splashes.
- Quick-dry towel – Handy after climbing in and out of the canoe or if you decide to cool off.
- Comfortable sandals or water shoes – You’ll be stepping on docks, boats, wooden walkways, and sometimes wet surfaces.
- Lightweight daypack – Big enough for the essentials without getting in the way on the boat.
- Hat and sunglasses – You’ll appreciate the extra protection during the speedboat ride.
- Cash – Useful for souvenirs, tips, or optional purchases at Koh Panyee.
- Passport or government-issued ID – Check your cruise line’s guidance. We personally carry our passports whenever we’re ashore, but many cruisers prefer to leave theirs in the ship’s safe and carry another form of identification instead.
- Everything else can stay onboard the ship.
