Snorkeling 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat From Krabi

If you’re planning a day around Krabi’s captivating surrounding islands, the Snorkeling 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat offers a lively and varied experience. While it promises visits to four beautiful spots, includes snorkeling, and offers a delicious onboard meal, the actual experience can differ depending on weather, crowd sizes, and personal expectations.

We love how this tour packs in multiple island visits in just one day, the convenience of hotel pickup, and the chance to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs. The stunning limestone formations and white sandy beaches are the highlights that make this trip stand out. The included lunch and snorkeling gear add to the value, making it a practical choice for those eager to explore Krabi’s natural beauty with minimal hassle.

However, some travelers have noted that the group sizes can be larger than expected, which might affect the intimacy of the experience. If you’re seeking a small, personalized tour, this could be a concern. Still, for those who don’t mind a busier atmosphere and are after a straightforward island-hopping adventure, this tour remains a solid option.

This trip is best suited for adventure seekers, first-time visitors wanting a quick overview of key islands, and those happy to share the boat with others. If you’re after a relaxed, exclusive experience, you might prefer other options, but for many, the value and scenery outweigh the drawbacks.

Key Points

• Multiple island stops in one day offer a chance to see diverse scenery without multiple bookings.
• Snorkeling equipment and lunch included enhance the overall value of the tour.
• Hotel pickup simplifies logistics, especially in busy areas like Ao Nang and Krabi Town.
• Group sizes can be large, with reviews mentioning over 30 people on some trips.
• Weather can impact the schedule, with delays or changes depending on sea conditions.
• Authentic guides and scenic views remain the tour’s most praised features, despite some organizational hiccups.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting early at 8:00 am, the tour kicks off with hotel pickups in Krabi Town, Klong Muang, Tub Kaek, or Ao Nang. The first major stop is Tub Island, famous for its sandbank that connects three islands at low tide. This spot offers a fantastic photo op and a peaceful walk on soft sands. Reviewers mention its uniqueness, calling it “an unseen highlight” of Thailand, and note it’s a perfect place for a quick stroll or beach photo.

Next, the boat heads to Chicken Island (Koh Kai), renowned for its rock formation resembling a chicken’s head. Here, you’ll find excellent snorkeling, with an abundance of marine life in coral reefs. One reviewer appreciated the “nice snorkeling” at Chicken Island, though some lamented the limited snorkeling time (about 30 minutes), which feels a bit rushed amid larger crowds.

Midday brings a leisurely lunch on Poda Island. The buffet features local flavors, and the setting—white sands and turquoise waters—makes for a relaxing break. Many travelers enjoy this part, sharing that they appreciated the included fruits, water, and the chance to unwind at their own pace. Some users, however, mentioned the lunch was not as luxurious as they hoped, but it generally received positive comments for its convenience and decent quality.

Post-lunch, the tour takes you to Pranang Cave, a striking spot with cultural significance and a rock-climbing hotspot. The local legend of a princess spirit and the cave’s striking formations offer photo opportunities and a taste of local lore. Reviewers have noted that while the cave is fascinating, the time spent here is often brief, around 30-40 minutes, which can feel a little rushed.

The final leg involves heading back to the pier around 3:00 pm, with drop-offs back at your hotel. The entire experience lasts approximately six hours, with some reviews mentioning slight delays due to weather or crowding, but overall, it’s a manageable day trip.

The Realities of the Experience

Group Size and Atmosphere: One of the most divisive points from reviews is the size of the group. Promised to be a “small group,” some travelers found themselves sharing the boat with over 30 people, which can detract from the intimacy and comfort, especially during snorkeling or eating.

Guides and Organization: The guides are generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, with some reviewers praising their helpfulness. However, others felt the organization was lacking, citing late pickups, rushed schedules, or confusion at the start of the day.

Snorkeling and Marine Life: The reefs around Chicken Island are noted for their marine diversity, making snorkeling worthwhile. You get masks and life jackets included, which is convenient. But, with only one proper snorkeling spot, some thought the experience could be more varied. Reviewers mentioned that the snorkeling stops are relatively short, around 30 minutes, meaning you need to be prepared for a quick dip.

Scenery and Highlights: The limestone cliffs, sandy beaches, and unique rock formations like Koh Kai provide excellent photo opportunities. Reviewers consistently mention the views as the trip’s biggest draw, with some calling it a “beautiful scenic experience.”

Food and Comfort: The onboard lunch is a simple buffet, often appreciated for its convenience rather than gourmet quality. Fruits and water are included, which is a nice touch for hydration after snorkeling.

Analyzing the Cost and Value

At around $44.14 per person, this tour offers a fair price for a packed day exploring four islands. Including hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, and lunch, the value is quite competitive. However, some reviews note that the experience might not match the price if larger crowds or organizational issues persist.

If you’re someone who values a hassle-free, all-in-one adventure with good scenery and marine activity, this tour offers solid bang for your buck. But if you’re after exclusive, small-group experiences or more in-depth snorkeling, you might want to explore other options or private tours.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This Snorkeling 4 Islands Tour is best suited for travelers seeking a quick, fun-filled day with a focus on scenic island stops and snorkeling. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or families wanting to see the highlights of Krabi’s islands without complex planning. The inclusion of hotel pickup, lunch, and snorkeling equipment makes it a practical choice for those on a budget.

However, if you prioritize personalized service, small-group intimacy, or longer snorkeling sessions, you may find this tour a bit crowded or rushed. It’s also worth noting that weather can impact the schedule, so flexible travelers will have a better experience.

Overall, for the price and the scenery, this trip offers a good snapshot of what Krabi’s islands have to offer—just keep your expectations in check regarding crowd sizes and pace.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup is available in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Klong Muang, and Tub Kaek, making logistics easier.

What is included in the price? The tour covers snorkeling masks, life jackets, a buffet lunch, drinking water, fruits, a tour guide, first aid kit, and accident insurance.

Are there extra fees? Yes, there’s a national park fee of 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child payable at the entrance. An additional round-trip transfer charge of 100 THB per person may also apply if your hotel is outside the pickup zones.

How long is the snorkeling? Expect around 30 minutes at Chicken Island, with some reviewers wishing for more time. The snorkeling gear is provided, so you can take full advantage if conditions are good.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. Cancellations due to poor weather are refunded or rescheduled, and delays can occur if sea conditions are rough.

Can I customize the stops? The itinerary is somewhat fixed, but the tour operator may adjust based on weather or sea conditions. Keep in mind that the schedule is tight, so flexibility is key.

Final Words

The Snorkeling 4 Islands Tour by Speedboat offers a lively and scenic way to explore Krabi’s most famous islands in one day. It’s a dependable choice for travelers who want to tick off multiple spots efficiently, enjoy snorkeling in coral-rich waters, and relax on pristine beaches—all with the convenience of hotel pickup.

While the larger group sizes and occasional organizational hiccups can be drawbacks, many travelers find the views, marine life, and overall experience worth the price. The knowledgeable guides, stunning limestone formations, and easy logistics make this a solid option for newcomers to Krabi or those short on time.

If you’re after a fun, well-priced day with loads of photo-worthy moments and friendly guides, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. Just remember to bring a patient attitude for the crowds and a spirit ready for a day in paradise.