Krabi Islands by Big Boat and Speedboat from Phuket

Exploring Krabi’s Islands from Phuket: A Balanced Look at the Water-Based Adventure

If you’re staying in Phuket and craving a taste of Krabi’s stunning islands, this tour offers a popular option for a day trip. For about $155 per person, you’ll spend roughly 10 hours on the water, visiting three islands—Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Poda, and Koh Mor—via both speedboat and large boat. The itinerary is packed with snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on pristine beaches, making it appealing for travelers eager to see some of Thailand’s most famous tropical scenery.

We particularly appreciate the hassle-free hotel pickup, which means you won’t need to worry about logistics early in the morning. Plus, the lunch included on Chicken Island adds value, especially since many tours charge extra for meals. However, one notable consideration is the mixed reviews about the overall organization and the accuracy of the advertised islands, which we’ll explore in detail.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a full day of island-hopping with opportunities to snorkel and relax. Be aware, though, that it might not be ideal if you’re sensitive to crowded boats or are looking for a highly polished, perfectly organized experience.

Key Points

• Highlights include snorkeling at Koh Poda, relaxing on white-sand beaches, and walking the sandbank between Koh Mor and Koh Tub.
• Includes hotel pickup, lunch, snorkeling gear, and insurance—great for a simplified, all-in-one day trip.
• Potential drawbacks involve some reports of disorganization and fewer islands than advertised.
• Group size is limited to 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.
• Timing is quite structured, with early departure and a full day on the water.
• Authentic experiences like snorkeling and beach lounging are the main draw, rather than cultural or historical insights.

A Close Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Morning Pickup and Transfer

Starting around 7 a.m., the tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is a real plus. Many travelers have noted the convenience of being collected directly from their accommodations, saving the hassle of finding meeting points or navigating local transportation. The transfer to Rassada Harbor sets the tone for an organized start, although some reviews mention initial confusion about where to find the tour stand, likely due to language barriers or port signage.

Once at the harbor, you’ll board a larger vessel, then transfer to a speedboat around 10:30 a.m., marking the transition to the exciting water part of the trip. This multi-stage transfer is typical for this kind of tour, but it emphasizes the importance of timing and patience.

The Islands: Highlights and Realities

Stop 1: Tup Island
This tiny island is famous for its sandbar that appears at low tide, connecting it to Chicken Island. It’s a scenic spot for a quick walk and photos, especially if you visit during low tide. The inclusion of admission tickets suggests the area is protected, and it offers a brief chance to stretch your legs. As one reviewer noted, it’s a “relaxing” stop, though the actual experience varies with the tide.

Stop 2: Chicken Island
Perhaps the most iconic of the trip, Chicken Island’s name comes from the large rock formation resembling a chicken’s head. Here, you’ll find opportunities to snorkel among coral reefs and watch colorful fish darting through the water. The included lunch on this island is a definite highlight—an unexpected perk that adds convenience and value, especially since many similar tours don’t include a meal.

Stop 3: Koh Poda
The final island is a picture-perfect spot with white sandy beaches and calm, clear water. It’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing with a drink in hand. The beaches are often praised for their beauty, and being able to walk along the shoreline or snorkel makes this a favorite for many visitors.

Additional Sandbank Walk
During low tide, there’s also the chance to walk along the narrow sandbank connecting Koh Mor and Koh Tub, which many travelers find amusing and photogenic. Keep in mind, this natural feature depends on the tide schedule, so it might not always be available.

Afternoon Return and Final Notes

Leaving Koh Poda around 3:30 p.m., you’ll head back to Ao Nang Beach by a large boat, arriving around 5:45 p.m. The transfer back to Phuket includes a long ride, so be prepared for a full day; this is not a tour for those seeking a relaxed pace.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Insights

Snorkeling and Swimming
The tour provides mask, snorkel, and life jackets—all included—which is great for those new to snorkeling or travelers wanting to avoid renting gear separately. Many reviews praise the snorkeling spots, with one traveler describing the experience as “genial” and the team “at the top,” highlighting that the snorkeling is a highlight.

Beach Relaxation
The beaches on Koh Poda are well worth the time. The soft, white sand and clear water make for perfect sunbathing and swimming. However, some visitors note that the beaches can get crowded, especially in peak season, which may diminish the feeling of seclusion.

Crowd and Organization
While the tour limits group size to 15, some reviews mention unorganized elements, such as unclear schedules or slight confusion at ports. The lack of facilities, like showers or changing rooms, was a downside for at least one traveler, who commented there was no fresh water to rinse off after swimming. These issues highlight that this tour is more about the islands and water activities than luxury or comfort.

What You Might Miss
One review pointed out that the advertised “four islands” are actually just three, with the cave and Railay Beach missing from the itinerary. If your goal was to see those spots, you’d need a different tour. This underscores the importance of managing expectations and understanding that the actual experience might differ from promotional material.

Analyzing the Value: Price versus Experience

At $154.64 per person, this tour offers a lot—transportation, snorkeling gear, a substantial lunch, and access to three beautiful islands. For travelers seeking an easy, all-inclusive day of island-hopping and swimming, it’s quite reasonable.

However, the mixed reviews about organization and the actual number of islands visited suggest it’s better suited for casual travelers who prioritize convenience and scenic water views over a perfectly curated experience. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and some unpredictability, you’ll likely find this tour worth the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who want to see some of the most photogenic spots in Krabi without the hassle of arranging individual transportation or snorkeling gear. It suits travelers who enjoy beach days and water activities but aren’t overly concerned about having a perfectly structured or exclusive experience.

If you’re traveling with family or a group looking for a straightforward day of sunshine and snorkeling, this tour provides good value. Conversely, if you prefer a more relaxed, less crowded environment or detailed local cultural insights, you might want to explore more specialized or private options.

Final Thoughts

In the end, this tour offers a solid taste of Krabi’s islands with enough snorkeling, beach lounging, and scenic views to satisfy most water lovers. Its greatest strengths are the convenience of hotel pickup and included meals and the chance to walk between islands on a sandbar if the tides cooperate.

That said, it’s not without its flaws. The reports of disorganization and the discrepancy in the advertised islands mean you should approach it with realistic expectations. It’s best for travelers who want a fun, active day on the water without the fuss of planning every detail.

If your goal is to enjoy Krabi’s stunning beaches and clear waters in a straightforward way, this tour could be a good fit. But, if you’re after a more exclusive, well-organized experience or want to explore more than just the beaches, you might want to consider other options. Either way, you’ll come away with some beautiful memories and plenty of great photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 10 hours, from early pickup to return to Phuket hotel.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers round-trip transfer, snorkeling gear, life jackets, lunch, seasonal fruit and water, a tour guide, insurance, and national park fees.

Are there any additional costs?
Gratuities are not included but are optional. You might also want to bring extra snacks or a waterproof camera.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 15 travelers for land transport, with water vessels accommodating 12 to 50 people depending on the boat.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and possibly an extra shirt or cover-up for after swimming.

Are there facilities on the islands?
One review mentioned there are no showers or changing rooms, and no fresh water to rinse off after swimming.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour generally operates in most weather conditions, but poor weather could lead to cancellations or changes, so check the forecast and confirm policies.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
The tour involves boat transfers and walking on beaches, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

In summary, this Phuket to Krabi island tour provides a practical and scenic way to enjoy some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches and snorkel spots. While it’s not perfect, it offers a good balance of convenience, natural beauty, and fun. Just keep in mind the possible organizational quirks and adjust your expectations accordingly—you’re likely to leave with plenty of stunning photos and warm memories of your island day.