4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat from Krabi with Walk on Tombolo

A Practical Look at Krabi’s 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat

This 6.5-hour adventure takes you to four stunning islands around Krabi, Thailand, with highlights like Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor, plus a visit to the famous Phra Nang Cave Beach. For about $34.16 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, a Thai buffet lunch, and a chance to walk on a dramatic sandbar connecting several islets. Led by friendly guides, this trip offers a taste of Krabi’s scenic coast and vibrant marine life.

What we love most about this experience is the opportunity to see some of the most iconic sights with a relatively affordable price, especially considering the included buffet lunch and hotel transfers. The scenic walk on the sandbar at Tup & Mor islets is a highlight that makes for unforgettable photos. We also appreciate the timing and group size, with a maximum of 30 travelers, which keeps the experience intimate enough for personal attention.

A potential drawback is the crowds—the islands can get quite busy, particularly Poda Island, which might limit your snorkeling options and quiet moments. Also, weather conditions can influence the experience, especially during the monsoon season, when jellyfish sightings may increase. If you’re seeking a more secluded or off-the-beaten-path adventure, this tour might feel a little crowded.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural sights, and snorkeling without breaking the bank. It’s great for first-timers, families, or anyone eager to see Krabi’s highlights in a single day.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience covering multiple islands and a famous cave beach.
• Affordable price with hotel transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear included.
• Popular with travelers—crowds can be sizable, especially at Poda Island.
• Walking on the sandbar offers a unique, photo-worthy moment.
• Weather impacts the experience; jellyfish may appear during monsoon season.
• Group size limited to 30 for a more personal touch.

An In-Depth Look at the 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour

When we plan a day trip around Krabi, the 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour by Longtail Boat offers an appealing mix of scenic views, cultural sites, and fun underwater exploration. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground in a single day, especially if you’re keen on snorkeling, beach lounging, and snapping photos of Thailand’s famous coastlines.

Arrival and Departure: From Your Hotel to Nopparat Thara Pier

The adventure begins early, with hotel pickup in Krabi, usually between 8:00 and 8:45 am. The convenience of being picked up from your accommodation is a big plus, saving you from navigating to the pier. Once at Nopparat Thara Pier, you’ll undergo a quick health check before boarding a traditional longtail boat. Expect a leisurely, scenic ride with crisp sea breezes and views of the horizon.

The Scenic Stop at Railay Beach

On the way to the islands, there’s a brief 10-minute stop at Railay Beach—a world-famous spot known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and lush jungle backdrop. This stop lets you stretch your legs and enjoy a snapshot of this iconic location. It’s a quick but worthwhile introduction to the region’s natural beauty.

Phra Nang Cave Beach: Culture and Natural Splendor

Your first real stop is at Phra Nang Cave Beach, known for its vertical limestone cliffs, tropical jungle, and the presence of monkeys in the trees. Here, you’ll spend about 45 minutes wandering the soft sands and exploring the Princess Cave, famed for its Penis Shrine where fishermen leave offerings. This site blends natural beauty with local spiritual traditions—a quiet reminder of the cultural richness of the area.

The scenery here is striking: lush green jungle meets turquoise waters and the towering cliffs. Expect a visual feast that’s as photogenic as it is peaceful. We loved the way the cliffs create a natural amphitheater, giving a sense of being in a secluded wilderness even during busy times.

Poda Island: The White-Sand Paradise

From there, the boat takes you to Koh Poda, a small island famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’ll get about an hour here, enough time to swim, snorkel, or simply lounge on the sand while the boat crew sets up a Thai buffet lunch. The large rock formation in front of the island is postcard-perfect, making it a favorite for photos.

While the snorkeling options are generally good, some travelers, like Wolfgang, mentioned that “the snorkeling possibilities were not particularly good,” and noted that the islands can be quite crowded. Still, the scenery and the chance to relax on such a stunning beach are well worth it. We think the buffet lunch—offering local flavors in a relaxed setting—is an excellent addition, especially after some swimming and sunbathing.

The Unique Walk on the Sandbar at Tup & Mor Islets

Next, you visit Koh Tub, where the highlight is the spectacular sandbar connecting it to Chicken Island and Koh Mor. This walk along the three-pronged sandbar is a rare experience—close to nature’s own engineering and a fantastic photo opportunity. You’ll spend about 1.5 hours here, with time to explore, take pictures, or enjoy the view.

The walk on the sandbar is truly a highlight. It’s a chance to stand on a narrow strip of sand stretching across the water, surrounded by vibrant marine life and panoramic vistas. This is the kind of moment you’ll cherish long after the tour ends.

Around Chicken Island: A Rocky, Photogenic Outcrop

The final cruise takes you around Chicken Island, named after the rocky outcrop resembling a hen. It’s a quick 15-minute photo stop before returning to Ao Nang. You might appreciate the photo opportunities here and the chance to see this iconic shape up close.

Returning and Reflection

The tour wraps up with a short transfer back to your hotel, arriving between 3:30 and 4:00 pm. It’s a full but relaxed day, giving you a good taste of Krabi’s coastal beauty without feeling rushed.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The tour is priced at just over $34, which is quite reasonable considering the inclusions—hotel transfer, snorkeling gear, lunch, and a guided experience. The group size is capped at 30, balancing camaraderie and personal attention. The main drawback? The crowds can sometimes make the islands feel busy, particularly at Poda Island, which may limit your snorkeling experience or quiet relaxation.

Weather conditions influence the day, especially during the monsoon season when jellyfish sightings are more common. The tour recommends wearing life jackets for safety and suggests being mindful of sea conditions. It’s a leisurely-paced trip, with mostly short stops designed for quick exploration, swimming, and photography rather than extended wilderness wandering.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Krabi who want a comprehensive snapshot of the coastline’s highlights. It’s suitable for families, social groups, or solo travelers eager to snorkel, relax on beautiful beaches, and capture memorable photos. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see the famous Phra Nang Cave and walk on a sandbar, this trip delivers.

However, if you prefer secluded, quiet beaches or advanced snorkeling sites, you might find this tour a little crowded or touristy. Still, its value for money and the variety of sites covered make it a popular choice for those wanting to maximize their time in Krabi.

FAQs about the 4 Islands Snorkeling Tour

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel round-trip transfer in Krabi, making it very convenient.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting around 9 am and returning by mid-afternoon.

What’s included in the price?
You get snorkeling equipment, life jackets, drinking water, seasonal fruits, a Thai buffet lunch, a professional guide, and basic accident insurance.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, there’s a national park entrance fee of 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child, payable on-site.

Can I snorkel at each island?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and you’re encouraged to snorkel at Poda Island and around the other islands if weather and sea conditions permit.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour’s relaxed pace makes it family-friendly, but note that some stops may involve walking over sandbars or climbing rocky areas.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera, and a towel. It’s also wise to have some cash for optional extras or park fees.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours are subject to weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How crowded does it get?
The islands are popular, so expect some crowds, especially at Poda Island. The sandbar walk tends to be less busy and offers a more personal experience.

Can I request a different departure time?
Most bookings follow the standard schedule, but check with the provider for flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a nice balance between culture, scenery, and snorkeling, making it a solid choice for those wanting to see Krabi’s highlights without fuss. The photos of the sandbar and the visit to Phra Nang Cave are definite highlights, especially considering the budget-friendly price.

If you’re after stunning views and a chance to relax on some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, this outing will serve you well. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re keen on walking along a natural sandbridge and catching some vibrant marine life. Be prepared for some crowds, but also embrace the lively, cheerful atmosphere that makes Krabi’s islands so appealing.

For travelers eager to tick multiple boxes—snorkeling, cultural sights, scenic landscapes—this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience.

Note: Always check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Confirm your pickup time and the park entrance fee when booking. Remember, flexibility is key—some parts of the day may change based on sea conditions or crowds.

Happy island hopping!