Krabi: 4 Islands Day Trip by Longtail Boat or Speedboat

If you’re dreaming of crystal-clear waters, powder-white beaches, and vibrant marine life, a Krabi 4 Islands tour might just be your perfect day out. While I haven’t personally taken this specific trip, reviews and detailed itineraries suggest it’s an engaging mix of scenery, fun activities, and authentic Thai hospitality — all packed into about six and a half hours.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the variety of island stops offers a bit of everything — from iconic caves and sandbars to snorkeling with colorful fish. Second, the value for money shines through, especially with the included Thai-style lunch and hotel pickup. Third, the guides’ friendliness and local knowledge seem to elevate the experience, making it more than just a boat ride.

One potential drawback? It can feel a little rushed, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating or if you’re eager to spend more time snorkeling or exploring. Still, for those wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Krabi’s highlights without a hefty price tag, this trip is a solid choice.

This tour suits travelers who love scenic views, quick island hopping, and engaging guides. If a busy schedule and lots of photo opportunities appeal to you, this adventure is worth considering.

Key Points

• Diverse stops: Visiting Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tup Island, Chicken Island, and Poda Island ensures a variety of landscapes and experiences.
• Authentic Thai lunch: A tasty mini buffet on the beach adds a local flavor to your day.
• Excellent value: Combining transportation, multiple stops, and food at a reasonable price makes it accessible.
• Knowledgeable guides: Friendly, informative guides like Noi, Sunny, and Daisy enhance the trip.
• Perfect for active travelers: Snorkeling, walking sandbars, swimming, and photo ops keep the day lively.
• Weather considerations: The itinerary is weather-dependent, and some reviews note that conditions can affect the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off early (around 8 a.m.) with hotel pickup—depending on your accommodation, so plan for an early start. The guide will confirm your exact pickup time via email. Expect to depart from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang and, in the speedboat option, make a quick stop at Railay Beach to pick up additional passengers.

Phra Nang Cave Beach – A Krabi Icon

Your first stop is Phra Nang Cave Beach, renowned for its towering limestone cliffs and the famous Princess Cave filled with offerings. This beach ranks among the top 10 worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. The soft white sand, shimmering turquoise water, and dramatic karsts make it perfect for a quick walk, swim, or snapping photos. Reviewers frequently mention how much they appreciated the ample time to relax and explore, although some found the overall time here could be longer.

Tup Island & Koh Mor – Sandbar Fun

Next, you’ll head to Tup Island (Thale Waek), famous for its sweeping three-pronged sandbar that connects to nearby islands at low tide. Walking along this natural bridge offers a surreal experience and amazing photo opportunities. Reviewers loved the unique walking experience and the chance to swim or sunbathe on the sand during low tide.

Following this, the boat makes a scenic cruise to Koh Mor and Koh Tub, where you’re encouraged to take a walk along the sandbar connecting the islands or relax on the beaches. The reviews highlight how timed well, allowing guests enough leisure time without feeling rushed.

Chicken Island – Snorkeling & Scenic Views

Chicken Island (Ko Kai) is a highlight, named after its distinctive chicken-shaped rock formation. The crew often stops here for snorkeling, with reviews praising the vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish. Some reviews note that snorkeling time could be a bit short, but overall, the experience is described as “beautiful” and “worth it” for marine lovers.

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Poda Island – Beach Bliss & Lunch

The final stop is Poda Island, known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear water. Here, you’ll enjoy a Thai-style mini buffet lunch right on the beach, a highlight for many travelers. The food is often described as delicious, with some reviewers emphasizing how good the lunch was, especially considering the value of the whole day.

Post-lunch, there’s time to swim, sunbathe, or just soak in the scenery before heading back to the pier. Some reviews mention that more time at each stop would be ideal, but most agree the schedule balances sightseeing and relaxation well.

Transportation & Timing

• Longtail or speedboat: Both options are available; the speedboat gets you between islands faster, but the longtail offers a more authentic, scenic ride.
• Duration: About 6.5 hours total, including pickup and drop-off.
• Group size: Usually a small to medium group, making the experience intimate enough for good interaction with guides and fellow travelers.
• Weather: The trip is weather-dependent; rough seas or rain may lead to schedule changes or cancellations, with full refunds if the trip can’t operate.

Authentic Experiences & Insider Tips

The reviews reveal that guides like Noi, Sunny, Daisy, and Ploy go beyond just pointing out sights—they make the day memorable with their friendliness, witty commentary, and attention to safety. Many travelers mention how guides helped with snorkeling tips, kept everyone hydrated, and created a lively, friendly atmosphere.

For snorkelers, bringing your own gear is optional, but most reviewers found the marine life impressive enough to make the short snorkeling sessions worthwhile. Remember, snorkeling time can be limited (some reviews mention only about 10 minutes), so if underwater exploration is your priority, try to arrive early at the snorkeling spots.

Tip: Pack a waterproof bag to keep your valuables dry, and bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, water, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Also, be prepared for a 200 THB national park fee payable at the pier, which many reviewers say is worth it for access to these protected areas.

What Reviewers Say

Reviews offer a well-rounded picture of the tour’s strengths and minor shortcomings. The majority commend the friendly guides, delicious food, and stunning views. Many note that the timing at each island is well-managed, giving enough time for swimming, relaxing, and photos.

A few mention that beaches can get crowded, especially during peak season, and snorkeling might feel rushed, but these are minor compared to the overall experience. Some travelers have found the trip to be amazing value, especially considering the cost includes transportation, multiple stops, and a tasty lunch.

While a handful expressed a wish for more time at Railay Beach or longer snorkeling sessions, they still agree that the trip showcases Krabi’s most beautiful spots efficiently.

The Sum Up

This Krabi 4 Islands tour offers a well-organized, fun-packed day suited for those eager to see diverse beaches, snorkel with vibrant marine life, and take stunning photos. The inclusion of a Thai-style lunch, friendly guides, and scenic stops make it a practical choice for travelers wanting value and authenticity.

It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing. If you’re after a laid-back, exclusive experience, this might not be the best fit due to the popularity and crowds. However, if you’re looking to tick off iconic spots and capture incredible memories, this trip is a fantastic way to explore Krabi’s natural beauty in just one day.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers transportation by longtail or speedboat, sightseeing at four islands, snorkeling, swimming, and a Thai-style mini buffet lunch.

How long does the trip last?
It lasts about 6.5 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, with most of the time spent at the islands themselves.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling equipment isn’t explicitly provided, so bringing your own gear is recommended if you want longer underwater time. The brief snorkeling sessions are generally well-received.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for children under 2, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions or mobility issues.

What should I bring?
Bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, towels, waterproof bag, camera, cash for fees, and a change of clothes. Drones are not allowed.

Are the beaches crowded?
Yes, especially during peak season, but most reviewers found that the schedule allowed enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery without feeling overwhelmed.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour program is subject to weather conditions. If it can’t operate, the operator will contact you, and you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Final Thoughts

For travelers eager to explore a mix of iconic beaches, snorkel in lively reefs, and enjoy authentic Thai hospitality, this tour balances fun, scenery, and value beautifully. With knowledgeable guides and well-managed timing, it delivers a memorable day—perfect for those who want a broad taste of Krabi’s natural wonders with minimal fuss. Keep in mind the crowds and short snorkeling slots, but overall, it’s a compelling option for soaking in the best of Krabi’s islands in one go.

Ideal for: active, curious travelers who want to see several stunning islands, enjoy snorkeling, and indulge in great local food—all in a friendly, well-organized setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: