Krabi: 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Plankton Swim and BBQ

This tour takes you through some of Krabi’s most celebrated sights—visiting seven islands in about seven hours, with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, beach relaxation, and watching a spectacular sunset. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines natural beauty with authentic Thai hospitality, all for a reasonable $47 per person.

What we love about this tour is the chance to swim among glowing plankton, a rare spectacle that’s difficult to find elsewhere. We also appreciate the delicious beachside BBQ dinner with halal and vegetarian options, perfect for those looking for a relaxed, tasty meal with a view.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the crowd levels on some islands, which might affect your sense of tranquility. Also, the plankton display can vary in brightness, so it’s not guaranteed to be as vivid as some photos suggest.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy snorkeling, island-hopping, and sunset views, and who are comfortable with a moderate pace that includes some beach time and boat rides. Families, couples, and solo explorers alike find value in the flexible, guided experience.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, and nearby areas, simplifying logistics.
• Seven islands visited—with highlights including Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, and Tup Island’s sandbank.
• Snorkeling gear provided, allowing you to explore underwater life comfortably.
• Unforgettable glow of luminescent plankton during a night swim, a rare natural phenomenon.
• Beachside BBQ dinner with options for halal and vegetarians, served while watching the sunset.
• Guided by knowledgeable locals who share insights and take photos, enhancing your experience.
• Price offers good value when considering the included activities, food, and transport.
• Some islands can be crowded, but the tour’s structure helps you see the highlights efficiently.
• Duration of about 7 hours means you leave with plenty of memories but not feeling rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Tour

The Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Tour creates a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery. It’s a classic way to explore Krabi’s coastline, and with a mix of diverse stops, it caters well to travelers looking for a well-rounded day. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, which we find extremely convenient, especially if you’re based in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or nearby. Depending on your location, pickup times are generally around 13:00 or slightly later, with Railay beach guests being picked up from the floating pier between 13:30 and 14:00. This smooth start helps you avoid the hassle of organizing your own transport.

Transport options include a traditional long-tail boat or a speedboat. The choice is usually offered at booking, and the speedboat adds an extra thrill with faster rides and less time on the water. The boats are comfortable enough for a group, with life vests and snorkeling gear provided, making it easy to hop in and out of the water.

Island Hopping — Highlights and Visits

The core of the tour is visiting seven islands, with some well-known, like Phra Nang Cave, famous for its stunning limestone cliffs and sacred caves, and Chicken Island, recognized for its distinctive rock formation resembling a chicken’s head. Other stops include Railay, Poda Island, and Koh Tan Ming, each offering unique scenery.

A special highlight is Tup Island’s sandbank, which appears at low tide and allows you to walk from one island to another—an experience many travelers find magical. However, some reviews mention that the number of islands visited can vary—one reviewer noted they only visited six instead of seven—but still found the trip thoroughly enjoyable. This variability mainly depends on weather, tide conditions, and group timing.

Snorkeling Adventures

Two of the stops, Chicken Island and Koh Tan Ming, are designated snorkeling spots. Here, you’ll float above vibrant coral reefs, often seeing colorful fish and marine life. Snorkeling gear is provided, making it accessible even if you’re a beginner. One reviewer shared that they “saw so many fish under the boat,” and others appreciated the well-timed snorkeling sessions.

Some travelers, however, noted that water visibility can vary—cloudy water or low tide might limit the underwater sights. Still, the chance to see tropical fish and coral makes it worthwhile.

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Sunset and BBQ Dinner

As the afternoon turns into evening, the tour pauses at Phra Nang Cave, where you can relax on the beach and soak in the breathtaking sunset. The sky often turns shades of orange and pink, creating a stunning backdrop for photos. One traveler commented, “The sunset watching was breathtaking,” which accurately captures the moment’s magic.

While some reviews mention that cloud cover can obscure the sunset, most agree that it’s a highlight of the trip. During this time, a delicious BBQ dinner is served on the beach, with halal and vegetarian options available. The food, including chicken curry and fresh fruits, receives praise for its quality and flavor.

Glowing Plankton Swim

The pièce de résistance is the swim among luminescent plankton after sunset. This phenomenon, which only occurs in a few places worldwide, lights up the dark water with a surreal blue glow as you move through it. Several reviews describe this as “magical,” “otherworldly,” and “breathtaking.” One traveler noted feeling the “gentle tingling” as the plankton glowed around them, making it an unforgettable moment.

Keep in mind, the brightness of the plankton can vary. Some reviews mention it’s less vivid than photos suggest, but most agree that the experience still has a mystical quality that’s worth doing.

Who This Tour Will Suit

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy snorkeling, natural beauty, and sunset views. Families with older kids, couples, and solo travelers will find it a good match, especially since the tour includes guided commentary and photo opportunities. However, it’s not ideal for pregnant women, those with heart problems, or travelers over 70, due to the physical aspects involved.

Final Thoughts

The Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Tour with Plankton Swim and BBQ offers a solid value for the price, providing a mix of stunning scenery, marine adventure, and cultural charm. The inclusion of hotel pick-up makes logistics hassle-free, and the professional guides enhance the experience with friendly service and helpful information.

While you may encounter crowded islands or variable plankton brightness, the overall experience remains memorable. It’s a great choice if you’re seeking a full day of island-hopping combined with the unique thrill of glowing plankton at night.

If you’re after a relaxed yet adventurous day that highlights Krabi’s natural beauty, this tour hits the mark. Just be sure to bring your camera, sunscreen, and a sense of curiosity!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 7 hours, with pickup times generally around early afternoon depending on your location.

What islands are visited during the tour?
Stops include Phra Nang Cave, Railay, Chicken Island, Poda Island, Koh Tan Ming, Tup Island, and possibly others, depending on conditions.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and stops at Chicken Island and Koh Tan Ming allow you to explore underwater life.

Are vegetarian and halal food options available?
Yes, the BBQ dinner on the beach can be adapted for halal and vegetarian diets—just inform the tour operator beforehand.

Can I see luminescent plankton?
Yes, swimming among glowing plankton is a key highlight, though the brightness can vary based on conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen for a comfortable day.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While many reviews are positive, it’s better suited for children over 7 who can handle boat rides and snorkeling.

What’s the cost?
The tour is priced at $47 per person, which includes most activities, meals, and transport.

Are there any extra fees?
Yes, a national park fee of THB 200 per adult or THB 100 per child is payable on-site.

You can check availability for your dates here: