4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat

A Genuine Look at the 4 Islands One-Day Speed Boat Tour in Krabi

Trying out a 4 Islands Speed Boat Tour in Krabi is often billed as a quick way to tick off some of Thailand’s most photogenic spots—but what’s really on offer? From what we’ve gathered, this tour can be a fun, affordable option for those looking to see a handful of highlights in a compact, half-day trip. While it’s not perfect and has a few quirks, it packs enough memorable moments to appeal to budget travelers or those pressed for time.

What we like: the affordability, the chance to see iconic limestone islands, and the ease of organized transport. What might give some pause: the limited time at each stop and the additional park fee—which, while standard, can add up. This tour suits travelers seeking value and variety over a luxury experience or extensive exploration.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers
• Snorkeling and sightseeing at iconic spots like Chicken Island and Tup Island
• Includes lunch, bottled water, and snacks, adding to the convenience
• Limited time at each location might restrict full exploration
• Additional park fees apply, which are not included in the initial ticket price
• Small group sizes improve the overall experience, with a maximum of 35 travelers

Exploring the 4 Islands Speed Boat Tour in Krabi

This tour offers a taste of Krabi’s most loved islands with a streamlined schedule designed to give you a snapshot of their beauty without breaking the bank or your schedule. It begins bright and early, with pickup between 8:00 and 8:45 AM at the designated meeting point, and wraps up around 2:00 PM. The entire journey covers four popular spots, with several highlights along the way.

While some recent reviews mention that the speed boat was temporarily replaced with a longtail boat—albeit with a larger engine—this change didn’t seem to diminish the experience, just the expectation. The tour is organized by GR Rungtawan Co., Ltd., with a clear focus on making the most of a limited timeframe, which is ideal if you want a quick, budget-friendly way to see the islands.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Poda Island: White Sands and Clear Waters

The first stop at Poda Island is all about relaxing on a pristine stretch of white sand. We loved how this spot offers ample space for lounging, swimming, or just soaking up the scenery. The views of dramatic rock formations in the background add a picture-perfect backdrop. The lunch served here—a packed lunch with a view—lets you fuel up while enjoying the scenery.

Tip: The beach here is free of crowds during the trip, but because the admission fee isn’t included, you’ll need to budget roughly 400 Baht for adults. That’s quite standard for Thailand’s national parks, but worth noting.

Chicken Island: Snorkeling and Marine Life

Next up is Chicken Island. Known for its limestone formation resembling a chicken’s head, it’s a great spot for snorkelers. The clear waters reveal vibrant marine life, and jumping off the boat for a swim is highly recommended. The review from Jeffrey_G mentions that the snorkeling was enjoyable, and the area is popular for its free access—no extra fee required.

Tup Island: Sandbar Connection and Scenic Views

Tup Island is where the tour shines with its famous sandbar that appears at low tide, linking it to neighboring islands. This natural phenomenon provides a wonderful photo opportunity and a chance to wade across the shallow waters. Visitors can enjoy a quick swim or just marvel at the changing tides.

Phra Nang Cave Beach: Cultural and Photo Stop

The final stop is Phra Nang Cave Beach, home to the Princess Cave and its intricate temples. While only a brief stop of about 15 minutes, it offers a chance to snap photos and appreciate the cultural significance of the site. The reviewers appreciated this stop for its photo opportunities and the unique limestone formations.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the Price:

• Lunch (lunch box)
• Bottled water and fresh fruit
• Snacks
• Travel insurance
• Use of snorkeling equipment

Not included:

• The National Park Fee (around 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children). This fee is payable on-site and is standard for most park visits in Thailand, but it’s good to be prepared.

Practical Details

Meeting Point and Timing

You’ll meet at Ao Nang GR TOUR, ideally arriving between 8:00 and 8:45 AM. The tour kicks off at 9:00 AM and lasts roughly 5 hours. The group size caps at 35 people, which helps keep things manageable and less crowded.

Transportation and Comfort

While the original plan was for a speed boat, a longtail boat with a larger engine was used in some cases, according to recent reviews. This swap likely had minimal impact on comfort but might influence the overall speed and ride quality. The boats are shared, but the small group size helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere.

Cost and Value

Despite the modest price of approximately $32.42 per person, it’s a reasonably priced way to visit four popular islands without the hassle of organizing transport yourself. Keep in mind that the additional park fee will add to your expenses, but it’s a standard charge for the national parks in Thailand.

Authentic Experiences and Real-World Insights

While the tour is straightforward, the genuine value lies in the accessible exploration of iconic spots. Reviewers like Jeffrey_G noted that the staff was very friendly and that despite the change from speedboat to longtail boat, the experience remained enjoyable. The lunch on Poda Island was appreciated for the scenic setting, providing a lovely break from the water activities.

Some travelers found the time at each stop somewhat limited, which can be a downside if you’re eager to explore more thoroughly. However, for those wanting a quick snapshot of Krabi’s highlights, this balance may work well.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best for budget-conscious travelers who want to see major islands without splurging. It’s ideal if you’re short on time and prefer a guided, organized experience that covers the basics. It also suits those comfortable with short stops and participating in group activities like snorkeling.

If you’re after a luxury trip or in-depth exploration, this isn’t the right fit, but if your priority is value, convenience, and stunning scenery, it’s worth considering.

Final Thoughts

The 4 Islands Speed Boat Tour in Krabi offers a solid, affordable way to tick off some of the area’s most notable sights. While the experience is somewhat condensed and the time at each location limited, it provides plenty of photo opportunities, fun water activities, and a taste of Thailand’s famous limestone formations.

The included lunch, snorkeling gear, and small group size contribute to its overall appeal, especially given the low price point. For travelers seeking an efficient, budget-friendly day with enough scenic variety, this tour delivers on its promises.

However, be prepared to spend a little extra on the park fee and manage expectations about the short visits. If you’re flexible and eager to see Krabi’s highlights without fuss, this tour could be a good choice.

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup is offered from designated locations, with the tour starting around 9:00 AM at the meeting point.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, from pickup to return.

Are snorkelings equipment included?
Yes, you can use snorkel gear during the stops at Chicken Island and Tup Island.

Do I need to pay the national park fee?
Yes, the fee (around 200 THB for adults) is not included in the ticket price and needs to be paid on-site.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel—though some snacks and water are provided, bringing extra water might be helpful.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but check the age and swimming ability for snorkeling and water activities.

What if the weather’s bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The 4 Islands Speed Boat Tour in Krabi is a practical pick for those wanting a quick, inexpensive glimpse of Thailand’s famous limestone islands and beaches. It’s not the most leisurely or in-depth experience, but for value and variety, it delivers.