Lanta 4 Islands tour (Longtail boat)

Kick off your day with a scenic boat trip around Koh Lanta’s beautiful surrounding islands. For just $28.46 per person, you’ll spend roughly 8 hours exploring four secluded islands by longtail boat, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off included. This family-friendly adventure makes it easy to see the highlights without the hassle of planning logistics yourself, and it’s perfect whether you’re a first-time visitor or traveling with kids.

What we love about this tour is how it balances active snorkeling and sightseeing with relaxing beach time and a tasty Thai buffet. Plus, the hassle-free logistics — including transfers and included equipment — mean you can focus on enjoying the scenery. The only caveat might be the long boat rides, which can be a bit bumpy and tiring for sensitive travelers. Still, if you’re looking for a way to see some of the island’s best spots with minimal fuss, this tour likely hits the right note.

This experience suits travelers who want a straightforward, value-packed day of island-hopping. It’s especially good for families, first-timers, or those who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of adventure and relaxation. If you’re ready for a full day of sunshine, snorkelling, caves, and delicious food, this tour deserves a spot on your Koh Lanta itinerary.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: The tour offers lunch, snorkeling gear, insurance, and transfers, making it a convenient choice.
• Multiple Island Stops: You visit four islands, each with distinct features like caves, lagoons, and beaches.
• Family-Friendly: The tour is suitable for kids and first-time visitors, with plenty of free time to swim, snorkel, and relax.
• Authentic Experiences: Snorkelling over coral reefs, exploring the Emerald Cave, and enjoying Thai cuisine on the beach create memorable moments.
• Mixed Feedback: While many rave about the scenery and organization, some find the transport times long or wish for more snorkeling spots.
• Weather Dependence: Low season might limit access to certain sites like the Emerald Cave due to sea conditions.

In-Depth Look at the Lanta 4 Islands Tour

Overview and What to Expect

This 8-hour excursion is a practical way to explore Koh Lanta’s surrounding islands with minimal hassle. The tour kicks off early, with hotel pickup around 8:30 am, and departs from the Old Town pier at 9:00 am. For about 45 minutes, you’ll cruise on a longtail boat, feeling the breeze and marveling at the sea views before reaching your first stop. The total boat ride time to the first island, Ko Cheuek, is approximately an hour, setting the tone for a day filled with scenic vistas, snorkelling, and beach relaxation.

The tour is designed with convenience in mind. All equipment and transfers are included, so you won’t need to worry about the logistics of renting gear or finding meeting points. Instead, you can focus on the fun: swimming, snorkelling, exploring caves, and sampling Thai food on the island.

The Itinerary in Detail

First Stop: Ko Cheuek

Your adventure begins at Ko Cheuek, a quiet spot perfect for snorkelling. The reviews highlight how much fish and coral you might see here, as Edgar_B notes, “Snorkelling was great and I saw a lot of fish.” It’s a lively underwater scene, with fish swimming close enough to touch, offering a vivid glimpse into marine life. Be prepared for a boat ride of roughly an hour from the Old Town pier, which some find a bit long but generally tolerable with the right attitude.

Second Stop: Ko Mook and the Emerald Cave

Next up is Ko Mook, famous for its Emerald Cave — a highlight of the trip. Visitors describe it as “amazing,” and many consider it the real wow factor, with the cave leading into a lagoon that feels like stepping into a secret world. However, some reviews, like Lina_R’s, mention that inclement weather during low season can sometimes limit access to this site, which is worth considering.

The cave adventure involves swimming through a dark tunnel — an exhilarating experience for some, but possibly intimidating for others. Jenjira_n describes it as “a bit scary,” but adds that “it was good experience as it’s beautiful in the end.” Proper timing and calm nerves make this a memorable highlight, and the cave’s stunning interior is often the most talked-about part of the tour.

Third Stop: Ko Ngai and Beach Lunch

After the cave, you’ll head to Ko Ngai for a traditional Thai buffet lunch on the beach — a perfect chance to recharge. Many reviews rave about the quality and variety of the food, with some calling it “delicious,” and the setting idyllic, with soft sand and shade trees. Free time here allows for sunbathing, swimming, or just relaxing after a morning of activity.

Fourth Stop: Snorkelling & Sightseeing

The final part of the day involves snorkelling at another spot, often less crowded than the first. Louise_Z mentions, “The second spot was much less crowded with other boats and had a bigger area to snorkel,” giving you a chance to enjoy marine life in a more peaceful environment. The day wraps up with the boat ride back to Koh Lanta and hotel drop-off, typically around 4:00 pm.

What the Reviews Reveal About the Experience

Many travelers express satisfaction with the overall organization and scenery. Catia_S describes it as “Perfect,” praising the crew’s humor and the tour’s flow. The inclusion of fresh fruits, water, and Coke onboard is a small but appreciated touch, as Edgar_B highlights, “there were plenty of watermelon & pineapple offerings.”

However, not all reviews are glowing. Some mention the long boat rides and limited snorkelling time, with Lina_R feeling the day was “a waste of a whole day for 2 hours,” due to slow logistics and extensive transit. Others, like Maria_S, had disappointments if the water was murky or if jellyfish were abundant, which can happen in natural settings.

Weather can also be a wildcard. Andreas_H notes that poor weather might limit access to certain sites like Emerald Cave, which isn’t the tour operator’s fault but is worth keeping in mind, especially during the low season.

The Value for Money

At just under $30, this tour offers a lot. You get multiple island stops, snorkelling gear, a buffet lunch, insurance, and door-to-door transfers. Travelers like Pavel_J appreciate the “good value for the money,” and many mention how well-organized and enjoyable the entire experience is. It is ideal for those wanting a full, active day without the hassle of arranging everything independently.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring sun protection and waterproof bags for electronics.
• Prepare for the boat ride — a longtail boat can be fun but also a little bumpy.
• Snorkelling gear is included, but you might want to bring your own mask and fins if you have preferences.
• Weather conditions can affect the itinerary, especially the Emerald Cave, so consider traveling in high season for more certainty.
• Book in advance — this tour is popular, often booked a week ahead.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for families, first-time visitors, and anyone looking for an easy, well-organized way to see Koh Lanta’s highlights. If you enjoy snorkelling, caves, and beach picnics, you’ll find plenty of those here. It also appeals to travelers on a budget, thanks to its all-inclusive price and flexible cancellation policy. Keep in mind that if you’re sensitive to boat motion or prefer more time in the water, the long transit times and limited stops might be less ideal.

Final Thoughts

The Lanta 4 Islands tour by longtail boat offers a solid introduction to Koh Lanta’s surrounding islands, blending wildlife, adventure, and relaxing beach time into one package. The tour’s highlights — the emerald cave, snorkelling, and the beautiful beaches — consistently win praise from travelers, especially those who appreciate a good value. It’s a smooth, family-friendly option that keeps logistics simple and focuses on what matters: enjoying the natural beauty of these islands.

While it’s not perfect — some find the boat rides long or wish for more snorkelling time — the overall experience delivers authentic scenery, delicious food, and a chance to see a side of Thailand that’s often crowded by tour boats but still stunningly worth exploring.

For those looking for a straightforward, memorable day that mixes adventure with comfort, this tour checks many boxes. It’s not just about ticking boxes but about creating genuine holiday moments in a beautiful setting.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all snorkeling equipment, a Thai buffet lunch, passenger insurance, and transfers.

How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The first boat journey from Koh Lanta’s Old Town pier to Ko Cheuek takes about 45 minutes. The total boat time across all stops is roughly an hour to an hour and a half.

Are there opportunities for snorkeling?
Yes, there are at least two snorkelling spots: one near Ko Cheuek and another at the last snorkelling destination, with some reviews mentioning seeing plenty of fish and coral.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
The Emerald Cave at Ko Mook is a major highlight, along with swimming and snorkelling at different islands, and enjoying a beachside Thai buffet lunch.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, the tour is family-friendly, providing free time to relax and explore, plus equipment and activities suitable for kids and beginners.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, a waterproof bag, swimwear, towel, and possibly a light jacket for the boat ride if you’re sensitive to wind.

Are there any hidden costs?
The tour includes most expenses, but note that entrance fees for the national park are extra (100 THB per adult or child over 3 years).

What is the best time to book?
Booking about a week in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled or rescheduled due to poor weather. You’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund if it cannot proceed.

How balanced is the tour in terms of activity and relaxation?
It offers a good mix: active snorkelling and cave exploring, balanced with free beach time and a relaxed boat ride.

This longtail boat tour from Koh Lanta offers an engaging way to see some of Thailand’s quieter, less crowded islands. It’s well-suited for those craving a straightforward, scenic day with opportunities for snorkelling, exploring caves, and enjoying delicious local food. With genuine moments of awe at emerald caves and underwater life, you’ll leave with plenty of memories — and hopefully, a few new fishy stories to tell.