Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling & Plankton Night by Big Longtail Boat

Exploring Krabi’s 7 Islands by Longtail Boat: An Honest Review

If you’re considering a day out on the water around Krabi, the Krabi 7 Islands Snorkeling & Plankton Night tour by Big Longtail Boat offers a fun mix of natural beauty, snorkeling, and unforgettable night experiences. While it’s not perfect — some reviews mention crowds and weather-dependent activities — it’s a trip that packs a lot into one day and offers genuine chances for memorable moments.

What we really like about this tour is its diverse itinerary—covering seven islands, each with its unique charm; the value for money, especially with included meals and equipment; and the authentic experience of bioluminescence, which is truly elusive elsewhere. The guides’ knowledge and friendliness also stand out as a highlight for many travelers.

However, one thing to keep in mind is potential crowding and weather impacts, especially on the bioluminescent plankton viewing and snorkeling. The group size and timing might not suit everyone, especially if you’re after a more private or luxurious experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love a full-day adventure, enjoy snorkeling, are okay with some unpredictability, and want to see a good variety of sights without spending a fortune. It works especially well if you’re traveling with family, friends, or are eager to tick off multiple islands in just one trip.

Key Points

• Diverse island stops: The tour covers seven islands, each offering different scenery and activities.
• Snorkeling & marine life: Multiple snorkeling spots have been praised for colorful marine life, though visibility can vary.
• Sunset & dinner: Enjoy a barbecue buffet as the sun sets, creating a perfect backdrop for photos.
• Bioluminescent plankton: Night swimming among glowing plankton is a rare and magical experience, though results may vary based on weather.
• Transport & logistics: Round-trip transfers from Krabi or Ao Nang make it convenient, but group sizes can be large, leading to a crowded feel.
• Cost-effectiveness: At around $38, this trip offers good value considering the activities, meals, and equipment included.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point & General Setup

Most travelers are picked up from their Krabi or Ao Nang hotels, with the meeting point at Nopparat Thara Pier. The trip begins at around noon, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the sights. The boat used is a big longtail, typically accommodating up to 30 people, which means you’ll share the experience with a moderate-sized group — some reviews mention it feeling crowded, especially when the boat is full.

Stop 1: Ko Ya Wa Sam

Your first snorkeling stop is at Ko Ya Wa Sam. Reviewers loved this spot for its colorful marine life and corals, making it a solid choice for snorkeling enthusiasts. The gear is provided, and you can expect about an hour here to swim among the fish and admire the underwater scenery. Some visitors noted that visibility can be affected by currents, but overall, it’s a good introduction to Krabi’s marine life.

Stop 2: Chicken Island

This is one of the most well-known spots, famed for its rock formation resembling a chicken’s head. The coral reefs here are lively, and snorkeling enthusiasts appreciated the abundance of marine creatures. The included gear makes it easy to jump in and explore for about an hour. Reviewers have called it “nice snorkeling” and commented on the helpful guides who show you which jellyfish and sea creatures are safe.

Stop 3: Tup Island

Tup Island is famous for its sandbar connecting several islands at low tide, which makes for fantastic photos and fun walks across the sand. It’s considered one of Thailand’s “unseen highlights,” and many appreciate the opportunity to walk between islands. You’ll stay approximately an hour, with some reviewers noting it’s a quick stop but very photogenic.

Stop 4: Moh Island (Ko Mor)

A beautiful sandbank connecting Chicken Island with Tup Island. Reviewers praised the scenery here, calling it a “miracle” spot. It’s a perfect place to relax, take photos, or explore the shallow waters. The tranquility of this stop offers a break after the busy snorkeling spots.

Stop 5: Manta and Swimming

A shorter stop at Ko Ma Tang Ming allows for quick swimming and snorkeling, roughly 30 minutes. The reefs and marine life here are comparable to previous spots, though some reviews mentioned that the visibility wasn’t always perfect.

Stop 6: Poda Island

This is the longest stop, lasting about two hours. It’s a relaxed beach day — ideal for lounging, swimming, and soaking in the scenery. Reviewers love spending time here because of its beautiful white sands and clear waters. It’s a chance to truly unwind, maybe grab some snacks, or just enjoy the view.

Stop 7: Koh Rang Beach & Bioluminescence

As the day winds down, you arrive at Koh Rang Beach, where you can enjoy night snorkeling among glowing plankton. The experience of swimming in bioluminescent waters has been both described as “like swimming in stars” and somewhat variable based on weather conditions, with some reviews noting that recent rain diminished the glow. Still, many find this part of the tour an absolute highlight, feeling like they’re in outer space.

Dining & Evening Experience

The tour includes a buffet dinner at sunset, with a selection of grilled meats, rice, fresh fruit, and drinks. Reviewers have found the food tasty, especially the grilled chicken and shrimp, which is served with a scenic view of the sunset. The timing of dinner — around 4:30 pm — allows you to enjoy the spectacular sunset while eating, creating a serene and picture-perfect moment.

Night Snorkeling & Bioluminescence

After dinner, the boat heads back for the bioluminescence viewing. Reviewers have described this as a “magical” experience, with tiny flashes of light that appear when you move underwater. Some mention that the glow isn’t as vivid as internet photos suggest, but it remains a memorable part of the trip.

What We Love (And What to Watch Out For)

The guides are frequently praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making sure everyone feels safe and informed. Many reviews mention guides like Pong, who is attentive and helpful, especially when helping with climbing in and out of the boat or explaining marine creatures.

The scenery at every island is stunning — from the rock formations to the untouched beaches. The sunset dinner and night glow add an extra layer of magic to the day. For those after an affordable but content-rich experience, this tour offers a lot.

The snorkeling equipment provided ensures you don’t need to bring your own gear, and the included insurance offers peace of mind.

However, some travelers noted that the group size could feel crowded, especially during peak times, and the boat can be cramped. Also, weather conditions heavily influence the bioluminescence display — don’t expect a glowing show if rain or rough seas are present.

Practical Details & Considerations

Duration: Around 7 to 8 hours, which makes for a full day out but can feel long if you prefer quieter, less crowded trips.

Price: At approximately $38, this is a good deal considering the number of islands visited, meals included, and snorkeling gear. Compared to luxury tours, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore multiple spots.

Transfers: Round-trip pickups from both Krabi town and Ao Nang make it super convenient. Just be aware that some reviews mention slight delays on pickup, so it’s wise to be flexible.

Weather Dependency: The tour is weather-dependent; poor weather could lead to cancellations or a different experience, especially for the bioluminescence.

Group Size: Limited to 30 travelers, but some reviews report feeling crowded, especially when the boat reaches the islands.

Additional Fees: There’s a national park fee of 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child that’s payable at the entrance. Also, an extra charge of 100 THB per person applies for those staying in Klong Muang and Tub Kaek areas.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This adventure suits budget-conscious travelers eager to see a variety of islands and marine life in one day. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for an active, fun-filled trip. If you love snorkeling, enjoy beautiful sunsets, and are curious about the elusive bioluminescent plankton, you’ll find plenty to love here.

That said, if you’re seeking a more luxurious, less crowded experience or are especially sensitive to rough seas or weather, you might want to consider other options or prepare for some variability in the day.

FAQ

Is pickup included? Yes, round-trip transfers from Krabi town and Ao Nang are part of the package, making logistics easier.

What should I bring? Bring your swimwear, towel, sun protection, and perhaps a waterproof camera. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you can bring your own if preferred.

Can I join if I’m pregnant or have health issues? Not recommended for pregnant women or those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone issues, due to the physical nature of climbing in and out of boats and swimming.

How long is each island stop? Most stops are around 30 minutes to an hour, enough time to snorkel, relax, or take photos.

What is the food like? The included buffet dinner features Thai-style dishes like grilled chicken, seafood, rice, fruits, and snacks, generally well-received for its taste and variety.

Is the bioluminescence guaranteed? No. The display depends on weather and sea conditions; recent rain or rough seas can diminish the glow.

What if the weather is bad? The tour provider offers full refunds or the option to reschedule if weather cancels the trip.

How crowded does it get? The group size is capped at 30, but some reviews mention feeling cramped, especially on the boat or at popular islands.

Are there any extra costs? Yes, a national park fee of 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child is payable at entry. Additional transfers to Klong Muang and Tub Kaek areas cost 100 THB per person.

This tour offers a lively, engaging way to see Krabi’s islands with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, relaxing, and experiencing Thailand’s natural wonders. If you’re after a full-day outing with good value and the chance to explore many highlights, it’s a solid choice — just be prepared for some crowds and weather variability.