Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset by Longtail Boat with Snorkeling

Imagine gliding across the calm waters of Thailand’s Gulf, stopping at picture-perfect islands, and ending your day with a vibrant sunset and glowing plankton in the dark. That’s what the Krabi 7 Islands Sunset tour promises—an adventure packed with snorkeling, striking scenery, and a taste of local Thai hospitality.

While the tour offers beautiful vistas and fun activities, it’s not without its quirks, especially when it comes to crowd levels and safety practices. If you’re someone who loves island-hopping, snorkeling, and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, this trip could be just right. However, travelers seeking a more intimate or safety-focused experience might want to read on before booking.

You’ll appreciate the scenic stops at islands like Yawasam, Tang Ming, and Chicken Island, the delicious Thai buffet dinner at Poda Island, and the mesmerizing glow of plankton at Koh Reng. A potential drawback is the crowd—multiple boats touring the same spots can make the experience a bit hectic, and safety procedures might seem a bit lax at times.

This tour works well for those who enjoy lively group outings, stunning views, and are okay with busy boat stops. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing with some added special moments like sunset and bioluminescence. If you’re looking for a more quiet, personalized trip, consider alternative options.

Key Points

• Vast Island Hopping: Multiple stops including Yawasam, Tang Ming, Chicken Island, Tup Island, Mor Island, Koh Mor, Koh Tub, and Koh Reng.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: Clear waters with colorful fish, coral reefs, and a chance to see baby sharks and anemone fish.
• Spectacular Sunset & Dinner: Enjoy a Thai-style buffet on Poda Island while watching the sunset.
• Bioluminescent Experience: Night swim with glowing plankton, a truly magical sight.
• Crowded Conditions: Common feedback points to busy boat groups and crowded snorkeling spots.
• Safety & Comfort: Some concerns from reviews about safety practices and comfort on the boat.
• Value for Money: At $40 per person, the tour includes transfers, guide, snorkeling gear, and dinner—offering good value.
• Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Pickup & Departure

The day kicks off around noon with pickup from your hotel in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or nearby beaches. The trip departs from Nopparat Thara Pier by longtail boat, with a quick stop at Railay Beach (only during high season, December to April). This early start gets you on the water and headed toward your island adventures.

Snorkeling at Yawasam & Tang Ming Islands

Your first snorkeling stops are at Yawasam Island and Tang Ming Island. Here, the water is usually crystal clear, filled with colorful fish and coral reefs. Snorkeling gear—mask and life jackets—is provided, but no fins are included, so bring your own if you prefer.

Many reviewers have been impressed by the marine life, with reports of seeing baby sharks and vibrant anemone fish. One review mentions that the guide enthusiastically shows the best coral spots, making the experience more engaging. However, the crowded nature of the spots might affect your ability to enjoy quiet snorkeling.

Exploring Chicken Island & Photo Opportunities

Next up is Chicken Island (Koh Kai) with its iconic shape resembling a chicken’s head and neck—a perfect photo opportunity. The boat cruise around the island offers stunning views, and if the tide is low, you get the chance to walk across a sandbar connecting to Tup Island.

Reviews note that during low tide, the walk across the sandbar can be a highlight, with some saying it’s a fun way to connect different islands. However, the crowds can make this feel a bit hectic, and some mention the boat groups arriving simultaneously at the stops, which can lead to congestion.

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Mor Island & Koh Tub

The tour continues to Mor Island and Koh Tub, where you can relax, sunbathe, and snap some scenic photos. The beaches are perfect for a short break, though some reviewers find the boat crowd makes it hard to find quiet spots.

Snorkeling at Tang Ming & Arrival at Poda Island

More snorkeling at Tang Ming Island gives another chance to explore marine life. Then, the boat heads to Poda Island for the highlight of the trip: the Thai-style buffet dinner on the beach paired with a stunning sunset.

The dinner, often praised for its scenic setting, includes soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and vegetarian options on request. One reviewer described the food as “cold, bland, and unpleasant,” which highlights the importance of tempering expectations—this is a simple buffet, not fine dining, but it’s enjoyable with the ocean view.

Night Snorkeling & Bioluminescence at Koh Reng

As darkness falls, the adventure continues with night snorkeling at Koh Reng to see the bioluminescent plankton. Many travelers find this to be a magical and unforgettable experience, with glowing waters creating a surreal environment.

One reviewer states, “Swimming with plankton in the dark was amazing,” but others note that bioluminescence visibility can vary. The glow is a natural phenomenon—so patience and a bit of luck are necessary.

Return & Drop-off

The tour wraps up around 8 p.m., with the boat returning to Nopparat Thara Pier before transfer back to your hotel. Expect a full, active day with plenty of water activities, scenic vistas, and socializing.

Practical Details & What to Know

What’s Included & What’s Not

The package covers round-trip transfers, an English-speaking guide, snorkeling gear, drinking water, and a buffet dinner. Fins aren’t included, so bring your own if you want to maximize your snorkeling. Additional costs include park entrance fees (200 THB for foreigners, 40 THB for Thai citizens), payable in cash on the day.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, change of clothes, towel, and a waterproof bag. If you want to take photos of the bioluminescent plankton, bring a camera with manual settings and a tripod if possible.

A note from a reviewer: motion sickness medication is recommended, especially since the trip involves many hours on the water.

Who Should Avoid This Tour

If you’re pregnant, have back or mobility issues, or are very sensitive to crowded environments, this might not be the best choice. The boat can feel cramped, and safety practices have raised some concerns among reviewers.

Weather & Cancellation

The tour’s schedule is weather-dependent. If sea conditions aren’t suitable, the operator will contact you for rescheduling or a full refund. Remember, the high season runs from December to April; in low season (May to November), Railay pickup is unavailable.

Authentic Experience & Real Insights from Reviewers

Several reviews echo the sentiment that the guides and crew can make or break the experience. One reviewer appreciated guide Daisy for her professionalism, while others noted safety concerns—like being encouraged to remove life jackets—highlighting the need for travelers to stay vigilant.

Food quality also varies; some find the buffet “disappointing” or “cold,” but the scenic setting makes up for it in many travelers’ eyes. The crowds are a common theme—multiple boats arriving simultaneously turn snorkeling spots into busy bunches of people, which can detract from relaxation but also adds a lively vibe.

The highlight for many is the bioluminescent plankton, which many describe as surreal and worth the trip. However, visibility depends on environmental factors, with some travelers only catching faint glows.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for active travelers who enjoy island scenery, snorkeling, and lively group outings. If you’re comfortable in busy environments and value scenic sunsets paired with good food and fun activities, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It’s also a solid choice if you want a value-packed day trip that covers multiple islands, offers beautiful photo opportunities, and introduces you to Thailand’s marine wonders.

However, if you’re seeking an intimate, relaxed experience or have safety concerns, alternative options or private tours might be better suited.

Final Thoughts

The Krabi 7 Islands Sunset tour offers a dynamic day filled with snorkeling, island hopping, and stunning views, all for a reasonable price. You’ll appreciate the variety of stops and the chance to see both marine life and sunset magic, especially if you’re a fan of lively group adventures.

The experience is most suited for those who don’t mind crowds and are looking for a fun, active day out. The bioluminescent plankton, in particular, is a highlight that makes the trip memorable—just keep your expectations realistic regarding food and crowd levels.

This tour delivers a lot of value for its price, making it a popular choice for travelers wanting to explore Krabi’s islands in a single, action-packed day.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but it’s not recommended for children under 2 years. Be aware that the boat can be crowded, and some activities like snorkeling require a certain level of comfort in water.

Are vegetarian or special diets available?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options can be requested when booking, with notice at least one day prior.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring essentials like sun protection, swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, waterproof bag, camera, cash for park fees, and any personal snorkeling fins if preferred.

Is the trip weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled if sea conditions are unsafe. The operator will notify you if this occurs.

How crowded are the snorkeling spots?
Quite crowded, as multiple boats tend to visit the same locations simultaneously, which might affect your snorkeling experience.

What’s the food like?
The buffet is simple—some find it cold and bland, but many enjoy the scenic setting and variety of fresh fruit and drinks.

Can I book this tour on the same day?
Yes, bookings can often be made last-minute, but check availability beforehand, especially during high season.

Is it suitable for pregnant women or those with health issues?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with back or mobility problems, or those with heart issues due to the boat’s conditions and activity levels.

Can I customize or cancel my booking?
Yes, you can reserve without paying upfront, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour truly blends adventure, scenic beauty, and a touch of magic—perfect for those eager to explore Krabi’s coastline and marine wonders. With a bit of flexibility and an open mind, you’re likely to find this day trip rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here: