4 Islands By Speed Boat from Krabi

Discovering Krabi’s 4 Islands by Speed Boat: A Practical Guide to an Adventurous Day

This well-rated tour offers a chance to explore some of Thailand’s most captivating islands just off Krabi’s coast. With visits to Poda Island, Chicken Island, Phra Nang Cave, and Tup Island, it’s designed for travelers craving scenic views, snorkeling fun, and a taste of tropical paradise—all packed into around six hours. The tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off, making it a fuss-free way to see these jewels without the hassle of arranging transport.

What we particularly like about this experience is the combination of island hopping with included amenities—a delicious Thai-style lunch, bottled water, and snorkeling gear. It makes for a smooth, enjoyable day where you don’t have to worry about extra costs or logistics. But, a potential snag is the group size, which is limited to 25 travelers, meaning it can feel a bit crowded at times, especially during peak season.

This tour suits those who seek an authentic, active day on the water, with plenty of chances to snap photos, swim, and relax. If you’re after a quick, value-packed overview of Krabi’s coastal beauty, it could be just right. However, if you prefer a more personalized or leisurely pace, you might want to look into private options or longer tours.

Key Points

• Includes round-trip transfers, which simplifies your planning
• Snorkeling equipment provided, so no need to bring your own gear
• A well-rounded itinerary featuring four iconic islands
• A balanced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing
• Affordable price point for a full day of island exploration
• Group size capped at 25, offering a friendly, communal vibe

An In-Depth Look at the Islands and What to Expect

Easy, Stress-Free Transportation

The day begins with hotel pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, a real plus if you’re staying in Krabi town or nearby. The air-conditioned vehicle makes the experience comfortable before jumping onto the speed boat. Being picked up means you won’t need to hunt for meeting points or shuffle through public transport, which is ideal for travelers on a tight schedule or those unfamiliar with the area.

Tup Island: A Photographer’s Dream

The first stop at Tup Island (Tale Wek) is celebrated for its famous sandbar that appears during low tide, creating a surreal connection between the islands. Tourists often relax, snap photos, or swim here. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way Tup Island’s sandbar made us feel like we were walking on water,” highlighting how iconic this spot is for photos. Expect to spend an hour here, soaking in the views and enjoying the shallow waters.

Chicken Island: Snorkeling and Photo Opportunities

Next, you’ll head to Chicken Island (Koh Gai), known for its rock formation resembling a chicken’s head. Besides its quirky shape, it’s a hotspot for snorkeling, with clear waters teaming with tropical fish. A reviewer noted, “Chicken Island is a popular location for photos and excellent snorkeling,” which indicates it’s a favorite for both camera lovers and water enthusiasts. The snorkeling gear provided ensures you can explore the underwater life without hassle, and you’ll have plenty of time for both snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.

Poda Island: White Sand and Sunbathing

Poda Island is the quintessential tropical paradise—white sandy beach, calm waters, and minimal crowds—ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. It’s a picture-perfect spot to unwind after the more active snorkeling at Chicken Island. We loved the way the soft sands invite lounging, but keep in mind that the beach can get busy, especially during peak times. The island’s shallow waters are safe for children and non-swimmers too, making it family-friendly.

Phra Nang Cave Beach: Scenic and Sacred

The tour then takes you to Railay’s Phra Nang Cave Beach, famous for its spectacular princess cave and stunning scenery. The cave is an interesting cultural site, and the beach offers a beautiful stretch of sand framed by towering limestone cliffs. Many travelers find this stop to be a peaceful retreat and an excellent spot for photos of the limestone formations. The beach has enough space for relaxing or exploring the cave, making it a great way to end your island-hopping adventure.

Return & Reflection

By around 2:10 PM, you’ll head back to the mainland via speed boat, returning to your hotel by 2:30 PM. The timing allows for a reasonable half-day adventure—long enough to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers the essentials: snorkeling gear, lunch, bottled water, and transport. The lunch is typically a Thai-style meal, providing energy for the day’s activities. Coffee and tea are also available, which can be a nice pick-me-up for the journey.

However, national park fees are not included and must be paid on the spot—400 Baht for adults and 200 Baht for children. One review pointed out that travelers should be aware of this additional cost upfront, as it’s a common fee in Thai national parks and natural reserves.

Group Sizes and Tour Dynamics

The maximum group size is 25 travelers, which strikes a good balance between social interaction and avoiding the overcrowding often seen in larger tours. From reviews, it seems that the tour is relatively well-organized, with clear communication from Phuketalltours, the service provider. However, some reviews allude to the importance of clear information about additional costs, like the national park fee, which isn’t included in the initial price.

Price and Value Analysis

At $92.26 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. You’re getting hotel pickup, boat transfers, snorkeling gear, and a wholesome lunch, which can add up if purchased separately. The tour’s convenience and inclusions make it a practical choice for travelers wanting a structured day without the hassle of organizing each element themselves.

While the price is reasonable, it’s good to keep in mind that additional fees like park entrance costs are extra. So, budget for that and possibly bring some small cash to cover these charges.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One reviewer remarked, “The tour operators live up to their name, Phuket ALL TOURS, with clear communication and prompt responses,” highlighting how straightforward booking and communication are. Conversely, there’s a note of caution about booking through certain companies that may not clarify all costs upfront—something to watch for.

Another reviewer praised the stunning views on Tup Island and the snorkeling at Chicken Island, emphasizing that these sights are truly worth seeing. The consistency in positive comments about the scenic spots suggests this tour does a good job showcasing Krabi’s natural beauty.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers eager to explore multiple islands in one day, especially those who enjoy snorkeling, beach lounging, and photo opportunities. It’s perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for a value-packed day in Krabi’s coastal landscapes.

However, if you prefer a more personalized experience or are concerned about crowds or additional fees, exploring private options or longer, more leisurely tours might suit you better.

Final Thoughts

The 4 Islands by Speed Boat from Krabi provides an exciting way to see some of the most picturesque spots along Thailand’s coast. Its balanced mix of activities—snorkeling, relaxing on beaches, and capturing stunning scenery—makes it a versatile choice for many travelers. The included amenities, like lunch and snorkeling gear, enhance the experience, making it convenient and enjoyable.

While the tour isn’t a private or ultra-exclusive experience, it offers a solid value for the price and a fun-filled day full of natural beauty. It’s especially suitable for those who want a well-organized, group-friendly adventure that covers multiple highlights efficiently.

If your goal is to tick off several must-see islands without fuss and you’re comfortable with a group setting, this tour could become one of your favorite memories from Krabi. Just remember to bring extra cash for park fees and be ready for a lively, scenic day on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
Pickup is scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30 AM from your hotel, and the tour returns around 2:30 PM.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel in Krabi are included in the tour price, making logistics easy.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can simply enjoy the underwater sights without extra packing.

How long do we spend at each island?
While the exact timing varies, you can expect approximately an hour at Tup Island, time for snorkeling and photos at Chicken Island, and a few hours to relax or explore at Poda Island and Phra Nang Cave.

Are there additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, the national park fee of 400 Baht for adults and 200 Baht for children is paid on the spot and not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the tour date, with a full refund.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group size is limited to a maximum of 25 travelers, fostering a friendly, less crowded environment.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the beaches and shallow waters are family-friendly, and snorkeling can be enjoyed by children comfortable in the water.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Don’t forget a waterproof camera or phone for photos.

Is the lunch included vegetarian or vegan?
The provided lunch is typically Thai cuisine, but specifics aren’t detailed. It’s advisable to check with the provider if you have dietary restrictions.

This tour offers an excellent snapshot of Krabi’s coastal treasures, perfect for travelers who want to maximize their island experience without sacrificing comfort or convenience.