2025 Private Speedboat Tour 3 Islands: An Honest Review

Leaving the Crowds Behind: Our Private Speedboat Day

So, we were looking for an escape from those really packed tour boats, you know? Actually, the thought of being squeezed onto a longtail boat with fifty other people was just a little bit of a turn-off for us this time. We really wanted something that felt more like our own personal adventure, sort of like a day that was just for us. Obviously, the private speedboat tour seemed like a pretty good option for that particular feeling. And frankly, it turned out to be more or less the best decision we made on our entire vacation. There’s just a different kind of feeling you get when the only schedule you have to follow is your own, and the only other people on the boat are your chosen few. The sun was pretty high in the sky when we met our captain at the pier, and honestly, the day just felt full of potential. It’s almost a luxury to just be able to say, “let’s go there,” and the boat just turns. Anyway, this experience was about getting away from the feeling of being herded from one spot to the next. In other words, we wanted freedom on the open water, and that is absolutely what we got.

First Impressions: The Speedboat and Our Captain for the Day

First, the boat itself was just immaculate, and apparently, it was quite new. The cushions on the seats were actually soft and white, not at all like the hard plastic benches you sometimes see. It definitely felt like we were in for a comfortable ride. There was a little cooler on board that was just completely stocked with ice-cold water, soft drinks, and even some local fruit, which was a very nice touch. As a matter of fact, our captain, a local guy named Sam, greeted us with a smile that was really genuine. He just had a calm, confident air about him that, honestly, put us at ease right away. He wasn’t just a driver; you know, he was more like a personal guide. For instance, he showed us a map and asked what we were most interested in seeing. We mentioned snorkeling and quiet beaches, and right away, he nodded and said he knew just the spots. In some respects, that initial conversation shaped the whole day. It felt like a collaboration, which is a bit different from your standard tour package. We sort of felt like explorers setting off on our own private quest.

Stop 1: Coral Cove and an Underwater World

So, our first destination was a place Sam called “Coral Cove,” and he clearly explained it’s a spot the big boats often skip. The water there was almost impossibly clear, like looking through liquid glass. As we slowed down, we could actually see the reef from the boat, a pretty incredible sight. He dropped anchor in a calm, sheltered area, and honestly, we were the only boat there. The feeling was literally magical. He handed us brand new, really good quality snorkeling gear, not the foggy, used stuff you sometimes get. I mean, the moment my head went under the water, it was like a whole other universe appeared. There were schools of fish with stripes like tiny yellow and black zebras, and some parrotfish that were a stunning, iridescent blue, sort of munching on the coral. Sam pointed out a specific type of clownfish hiding in an anemone, pretty much like a scene from a nature documentary. We probably spent over an hour just floating around, completely lost in this quiet world beneath the waves. In that case, having no time pressure at all made the experience incredibly relaxing. You could just drift and watch, and it was pretty much perfect.

Stop 2: The Famous Lagoon and a Secluded Lunch

Next, we headed towards the more well-known lagoon, a place that you often see on postcards. Sam timed our arrival perfectly, as a matter of fact. He explained that most group tours arrive mid-morning, so we aimed for the early afternoon when it was slightly quieter. As we navigated through the tall, limestone karsts that stand like ancient sentinels at the entrance, the famous bay opened up before us. The water had a certain kind of glow, a really fantastic shade of emerald. Still, there were a few other boats, but unlike the main crush, we were able to find a quieter corner. Instead of just taking a quick photo and leaving, we actually swam from the boat to a tiny sliver of a beach. Just after that, Sam brought out a lunch that was absolutely delicious. It wasn’t just a simple sandwich box, either. We had fresh pineapple, a very tasty green curry with chicken, steamed rice, and some fried spring rolls. Basically, enjoying a warm, authentic meal on a near-empty beach in such a stunning location was an experience in itself. It really felt a world away from a crowded beach cafe. At the end of the day, those personal touches made the higher price tag feel completely justified.

Stop 3: Monkey Beach and Relaxing Before Heading Back

For our final stop, Sam asked if we were up for something a little different. Of course, we said yes. He took us to a small, hidden beach known locally as Monkey Beach, and the name was definitely accurate. As we approached, we could see a whole family of macaques just playing in the trees that hung over the sand. They were very curious, scampering down to the shoreline to check us out. Sam warned us not to feed them, but it was just incredible to observe them from a safe distance, you know? They seemed so natural in their own environment. We spent a bit of time there, just watching them and enjoying the peace of the late afternoon. This stop was a really great contrast to the swimming and snorkeling. It felt more like we were observing nature. On the way back to the main pier, Sam slowed the boat down, and we just cruised gently as the sun began to dip a little lower. The sea breeze felt really good. To be honest, we were tired but in that really satisfying way you feel after a day filled with new sights and good times. It was a perfectly calm end to a really dynamic day.

Is a Private Speedboat Tour Right for You? The Practical Stuff

So, you are probably wondering if this kind of trip is the right choice. Frankly, it depends on what you want from your day on the water. If your top priority is saving money and you don’t mind a fixed schedule and bigger groups, then obviously a standard group tour is probably fine. On the other hand, if you value privacy, flexibility, and a more personal touch, then a private tour is absolutely something you should look into. You literally set the pace. For instance, if you love a particular snorkeling spot, you can just stay longer. If you’re not feeling a certain location, you can simply skip it. That flexibility is, in a way, the biggest perk. In terms of cost, yes, it’s pretty much more expensive upfront. Still, when you factor in the quality of the boat, the included food and drinks, the excellent gear, and the personalized service, the value is definitely there. For a family, a small group of friends, or a couple looking for a special day, it more or less becomes a very reasonable proposition. You just have to decide what kind of memory you want to create.

Basically, think of it this way: a group tour is like taking a bus, while a private tour is like having your own car and driver for the day. Both will get you there, but the experience is completely different.

What should you bring along? Well, it’s pretty simple, actually.

• Sun Protection: You definitely need a high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The sun on the water is just incredibly strong.
• Swimsuit and Towel: Of course, wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. Many private tours provide towels, but having your own is always a good idea.
• Waterproof Bag: A small dry bag for your phone and camera is pretty smart. Even on a speedboat, things can get a little wet from the spray.
• Camera: You will absolutely want to take pictures, so make sure your camera or phone is fully charged.
• Cash: It’s a good idea to have a little bit of cash for tipping your captain and crew if they did a great job, which they probably will.

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