4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat - Who Is This Tour Best For?

4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat

An Excursion Through Krabi’s Best Islands in One Day

4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat - An Excursion Through Krabi’s Best Islands in One Day

If you’re after a quick taste of Krabi’s famed island scenery, the 4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat offers an efficient way to see some of the region’s most iconic spots. For around $32.42 per person, you’ll spend roughly five hours exploring four distinctive islands—Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach—with a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and a touch of local culture. The tour departs from Ao Nang, with pickup included, making it convenient, especially for travelers staying nearby.

Two things we particularly like are the variety of stops, which allow for both relaxing on pristine beaches and enjoying underwater snorkeling, and the accessible nature of the tour, with most activities suitable for most travelers. The tour’s focus on authentic, scenic experiences rather than overly commercialized attractions makes it appealing for those who want good value and a glimpse of Krabi’s natural beauty.

A possible drawback is the variable quality of transportation, as the tour originally promised a speed boat but was sometimes replaced with a longtail boat with a larger engine, which might affect comfort and speed during the trip. Also, the national park fee is not included in the listed price, adding an extra expense to keep in mind. Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, budget-friendly day trip with plenty of photo opportunities and some swimming.

If you’re someone who appreciates a balance between sightseeing and leisure, and you’re comfortable with a group environment, this tour could fit well into your Krabi itinerary. It’s particularly attractive for those on a tight schedule or travelers seeking an affordable way to explore multiple islands in one go.

Key Points

  • Affordable price point provides good value for a five-hour tour.
  • Diverse stops include beaches, snorkeling, and cultural sights, offering a well-rounded experience.
  • Flexible itinerary with stops at Poda, Chicken, Tup, and Phra Nang Cave Beach.
  • Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 35 travelers, maintaining a relatively intimate setting.
  • Additional costs such as the national park fee are not included, so budget extra.
  • Transport may vary between speed boat and longtail boat, which could influence comfort and timing.

Exploring the Islands: What to Expect and Why It Matters

4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat - Exploring the Islands: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Starting early at about 8:00-8:45 AM, the tour begins with a pickup from Ao Nang, setting a convenient tone for travelers. The first stop is Poda Island, known for its white sand beaches and clear waters that invite unwinding or a quick swim. The hour and a half spent here is perfect for relaxing, soaking up sun, and snapping photos of the striking rock formations. We loved the way the tour provides a scenic lunch backdrop, with views of the islands’ signature limestone formations.

Next, the tour moves to Chicken Island, famous for a limestone pillar resembling a chicken’s head, hence the name. Here, snorkeling is a highlight, giving you an up-close look at Vibrant marine life. The fact that you can jump right into the sea from the boat makes it accessible and fun. One reviewer mentioned, “Staff was very friendly,” and appreciated the relaxed snorkeling experience, even if the boat wasn’t a speed boat as initially promised.

The third stop is Tup Island, where a sandbar materializes at low tide, connecting it to neighboring islands. This is a photographer’s dream—walking across the sandbar and marveling at the shallow, turquoise waters. You’ll also have time for swimming or just taking in the views of the connecting islands.

Finally, the tour wraps up at Phra Nang Cave Beach, home to a famous limestone cave and a sacred shrine. While the time here is brief—around 15 minutes—it’s enough for some quick sightseeing and photos. The cave adds a cultural element to the day, providing a different perspective from the beach stops.

Throughout the trip, you’ll enjoy snack and fresh fruit, along with bottled water and a packed lunch, all included. The use of snorkeling equipment is also provided, making it easy to explore underwater wherever possible.

Transport and Group Size

The mention of possible boat substitutions means you might find yourself on a longer, perhaps less sleek boat if the speed boat isn’t available. While the experience is generally positive, this could slightly affect the speed of travel and comfort. The maximum group size of 35 helps keep the experience from feeling overly crowded, which is a plus for many travelers.

Cost and Additional Fees

While the listed price covers most activities, keep in mind that the national park entrance fee—200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children—is not included. This fee is paid on-site and is a common expense for Thai island visits, but it’s worth budgeting for upfront.

Authenticity and Experience

The tour’s reviews highlight its good value and friendly staff, which helps make a day trip enjoyable. While not luxurious, it’s a practical way to see a selection of Krabi’s islands without breaking the bank. The trip’s focused stops give a taste of both nature and local culture, especially at Phra Nang Cave.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat - Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a quick, scenic overview of Krabi’s islands. It suits those who enjoy beaches, snorkeling, and photography without a lot of hassle. It’s also good for families, groups, or solo travelers who prefer a small-group, organized adventure with familiar amenities like bottled water and snacks.

However, if you’re seeking a luxurious experience or more personalized, in-depth exploration, you might find the quick stops and shared boat layout limiting. The slight variation in boat quality and the extra park fee are minor considerations but worth noting.

Final Thoughts

4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat - Final Thoughts

The 4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat in Krabi offers a solid, value-packed experience for those eager to see some of the most photogenic spots in a single morning or early afternoon. Its straightforward itinerary, reasonable price, and friendly staff make it a practical choice for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation.

While it may not satisfy the adventurous thrill-seekers looking for speed and luxury, it delivers a reliable snapshot of Krabi’s natural beauty. The stops at Poda Island’s beaches, Chicken Island’s snorkeling, Tup Island’s sandbar, and Phra Nang Cave’s cultural site provide a balanced and memorable day out.

If you’re prepared for a group environment, extra fees, and possible boat substitutions, you’ll find this tour a cost-effective, enjoyable way to capture the essence of Krabi’s islands—and return with plenty of great photos and stories.

FAQ

4 Islands one day tour by Speed Boat - FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a lunch box, bottled water, snacks (fresh fruits), and snorkeling equipment. It also provides travel insurance.

How long does the tour last?
Expect approximately 5 hours from pickup to drop-off, starting around 9:00 AM.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Ao Nang GR TOUR, 459/11 and ends back at the same point.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered within the vicinity, typically between 8:00 and 8:45 AM.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, the national park entrance fee is not included; it costs 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children.

What kind of boat will I be on?
Most likely a speed boat, but in some cases, a longtail boat with a larger engine may be used, as noted in reviews.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for all ages, but the short stops and swimming activities should be considered based on your child’s comfort.

How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 35 travelers, which helps keep the experience manageable and less crowded.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour balances great value with a genuine taste of Krabi’s natural beauty, making it a fine choice for travelers eager to tick several islands off their bucket list without fuss.