Krabi: 4 Islands Longtail Boat Tour with Lunch

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some of Krabi’s most beautiful spots, the 4 Islands Longtail Boat Tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to see the highlights. For around $36 per person, this 6-hour trip takes you through stunning scenery, with stops at Poda Island, Kai Koh, the Separated Sea, and Railay Bay — complete with a tasty Thai lunch.

What we love about this tour are two key things: first, the relaxed pace that allows for plenty of time at each stop, and second, the clean, well-maintained boats that make cruising comfortable. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the crowd factor — reviews mention that some boats can be quite busy, which might diminish the sense of solitude you’re after.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, want an authentic feel away from the over-touristed spots, and appreciate well-organized tours with flexible pickup options. If you’re okay with moderate crowds and value a good mix of sightseeing and relaxing beach time, this tour could fit your plans nicely.

• Authentic island visits with fewer crowds.
• Comfortable longtail boats with clean vessels.
• Tasty Thai lunch included, served at Railay Bay.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off from key locations.
• Great for scenic views and snorkeling at Kai Koh.
• Limited for certain travelers: not suitable for pregnant women, those with heart conditions, or mobility issues.

Overview and What You Can Expect

This tour offers a balanced blend of adventure and relaxation, perfect for those who want a taste of Krabi’s natural beauty without spending an entire day on the water. Starting with a hotel pickup between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, you’ll hop onto a traditional longtail boat for a scenic 25-minute ride across the water. The ride itself sets the tone — a breezy, intimate way to start your day, away from the busier speedboats.

The main stops are carefully chosen for their scenic and cultural appeal. You’ll visit Poda Island, renowned for its white sands and clear waters, ideal for strolling or just soaking up the sun. Next, at Kai Koh, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling around a distinctive mountain shaped like a chicken — a fun sight and a great spot for underwater photos. The Separated Sea features a white sand beach that appears at low tide, perfect for collecting shells or just relaxing.

Later, the tour moves to Railay Bay, famous for Phra Nang Cave. Here, you’ll explore the limestone cliffs, sea caves, and the iconic cave shrine, before settling in for a delicious Thai lunch around 2:30 PM. The return to the pier wraps up your day around 3:30 or 4:00 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Poda Island – A Picture-Perfect Beach

This stop is often the highlight for many. The turquoise waters and soft white sand are postcard-perfect. We loved how the tour allows enough time to stroll along the beach, take photos, or just relax. It’s a good chance to escape the busier spots and enjoy nature in a tranquil setting.

Authentic experience tip: Bring your snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater life here. The waters are clear, and the reef nearby can be quite lively.

Kai Koh – Snorkeling and the Chicken Mountain

A favorite for many — the mountain shaped like a chicken makes this stop memorable. The water here is inviting for swimming and snorkeling. We appreciated that the tour emphasizes safe snorkeling and provides some guidance, making it accessible even for beginners.

Reviewer insight: Some travelers noted that the islands can be “very busy and touristy,” which is true — but the fact that the tour is designed to avoid the biggest crowds helps maintain a sense of intimacy.

The Separated Sea – A Hidden Gem

This quiet stretch of sand appears only during low tide, giving you a chance to enjoy a less crowded beach. The calm waters are perfect for relaxing or taking photos. We enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere here, a nice contrast to the busier stops.

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Railay Bay & Phra Nang Cave – Scenic and Cultural

The trip to Railay Bay is a well-loved part of the tour. The Phra Nang Cave, with its sea cave shrine and stunning limestone formations, is a must-see. The area has a relaxed vibe, and the surrounding cliffs are genuinely breathtaking.

Lunch details: Around 2:30 PM, you’ll sit down to a well-prepared Thai meal, a welcome break to refuel after some sun and sea. The included lunch is tasty, and it’s a great value for the price.

Practical Aspects and Group Dynamics

Group size varies, but some reviews mention larger boats with up to 32 travelers, which might seem crowded. The vessels are described as clean and well-maintained, which makes a difference in comfort and safety. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide and an audio guide, helping you understand the sights and keep everyone informed.

The tour’s duration of six hours strikes a balance — enough time to see all four islands without feeling rushed. The pickup and drop-off options from key locations like Ao Nang, Klong Muang, and Krabi town make logistics straightforward.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

The main concern noted in some reviews is the crowd level. Larger boats can carry many travelers, which might reduce the sense of privacy. Plus, the guide’s English proficiency was mentioned as not particularly strong in one review — so if you’re looking for a very detailed, narrative-guided experience, you might find it a bit basic.

This tour isn’t suited for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or those with mobility issues, as it involves boat rides and walking around some uneven terrain. Also, no explosive substances are allowed, which is standard safety practice.

Value for Money

At $36, this tour offers good value, especially considering lunch and transportation are included. For travelers seeking an authentic experience away from overly commercialized tours, the chance to visit less crowded islands makes this trip worthwhile.

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, appreciate authentic beaches, and want to explore less crowded spots. It’s perfect if you’re okay with some busy moments and prefer a relaxed pace. If you’re traveling on a budget but still want to see the highlights of Krabi’s islands, this trip offers a solid balance of value, comfort, and scenic beauty.

The Krabi 4 Islands Longtail Boat Tour provides an accessible, reasonably priced way to see a variety of beautiful spots without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. You’ll enjoy stunning views, relaxing beaches, and a delicious Thai lunch, all wrapped in a flexible, well-organized package. While larger boats can mean more company, the overall experience remains genuine and rewarding, especially if you love the water and natural beauty.

For those wanting a taste of island life with manageable crowds and good value, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your snorkel gear, a sense of adventure, and maybe a bit of patience for the busier moments.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 6 hours, with pickup between 8:30 and 9:00 AM and return in the early afternoon.

What islands will I visit?
You’ll explore Poda Island, Kai Koh, the Separated Sea, and Railay Bay, each offering different scenic and cultural sights.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a Thai lunch is served at Railay Bay around 2:30 PM, and it’s considered tasty and satisfying.

Are the boats comfortable?
Yes, the boats are described as clean and well-maintained, though some may find the larger boats crowded.

Can I snorkel at Kai Koh?
Absolutely, snorkeling is available, and the waters are clear enough to enjoy underwater sights.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for those who can handle boat rides and walking around the islands — not recommended for pregnant women or those with health issues.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sun protection, a towel, camera, and snorkeling gear if you have it.

Is there a guide?
Yes, an English-speaking guide is included, along with an audio guide.

What is the group size?
It varies, but some reviews mention large groups, which could affect the experience for those seeking solitude.

How do I book?
You can reserve in advance online, with flexible options to cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.

This tour balances scenic beauty and practical comfort, making it a good pick for those who want a straightforward, enjoyable day on the water, with a glimpse of Krabi’s best islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: