November through April offers calm seas and clear skies - essential if you're planning boat tours or diving. May through October brings monsoon rains and rougher conditions, though fewer crowds and better dive visibility in some spots. Book any water activities weeks ahead during peak season.

Private longtail boat tours and scuba courses (especially multi-day PADI certifications) fill up fast during November to February. Aim for 2-4 weeks ahead if you're traveling then. Shoulder seasons (March-April, September-October) give you more flexibility with a week or two's notice.

Private longtail boats let you set your own pace - stopping longer at quieter islands or timing dives around your schedule. They're pricier than shared speedboat trips, but worth it if you want flexibility or are traveling with a group of friends who can split costs.

Most day-long private longtail cruises include the boat, fuel, guide, and snorkeling gear, with stops at islands like Bamboo and Phi Phi Leh. Check what's included on specific tours - some add lunch or drinks, others charge separately. Multi-day trips like the Cheow Lan Lake tour usually bundle accommodation.

Yes - several operators run PADI Open Water courses starting from Ko Phi Phi Don, with e-learning options you can finish before arrival to save time. Most courses take 2-3 days. The reefs around here are excellent for learning, though conditions vary seasonally - check before you go.

Ko Phi Phi Don is small enough to walk between main beaches, though steep hills connect some areas. Longtail boats ferry you between beaches for a few hundred baht. Most visitors base themselves near Tonsai or Loh Dalum beaches where restaurants and dive shops cluster.

Families with older kids (8+) do well here - snorkeling and boat days appeal to most ages. Younger children can struggle with rough boat rides, especially in monsoon season. The island itself has limited infrastructure away from the main beaches, so families tend to stay central and book structured water activities.