Explore everything that Krabi has to offer with these exciting Krabi Island tours. Including boat trips to Krabi’s best islands, and mind-blowing snorkeling locations
At a surprising 4,708 km², Krabi Province is undoubtedly large and contains some truly stunning destinations that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
This includes Chicken Island, Maya Bay, Krabi’s very own town, and Koh Phi Phi to name a few. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Krabi is the day trips in the form of touring nearby islands.
Island tours are the best way of seeing Krabi’s small islands and unique white sand beaches which would otherwise be difficult to access without a boat. I found that booking group trips allows you to enjoy picturesque islands without emptying your wallet.
My Current Top Krabi Island Tour Picks
In this Krabi island travel guide, I have made sure to include only the best tour trips to enjoy with family and friends. These range from Phi Phi Island tours, Hong Islands, and adventure tours including some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches.
Below I have made a quick list of my top 3 Krabi island tour choices.
Spend less time in transit & more time snorkeling among coral gardens and lazing on white sand beaches at the incredible Phi Phi Islands. Visits Maya Bay, Lohsamah, and Monkey Bay.
An incredible day trip to the Hong Islands by speedboat. Visiting areas that are only accessible by boat with the option of snorkeling in the emerald green waters.
3. 5 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise
A great option for those wanting to sail the afternoon away whilst watching the sunset from the deck. This tour also offers a bioluminescent night snorkel which can't be beat.
Best Tours from Krabi You Can Book Today
With so many tours in Thailand to choose from it can be a little overwhelming when trying to book a tour that suits you. Below I have compiled the top tours that have pick-up locations in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Railay, and Tonsai to make it easy and stress-free for you.
Whether you're looking for a private boat for a romantic day trip or a fun group sailing experience exploring a number of the islands around Krabi I have you covered.
1. Phi Phi Island Private Tour
Private tours in Krabi have so many benefits that they are more than worth the value. Not only can you book an entire boat out for just you and your friends, but you can choose exactly where you want to visit.
This is a great way of touring if you are a good planner, and this private tour of Phi Phi Islands will open you up to everything the islands have to offer.
If you do book this private Krabi Islands day trip and are looking for crystal clear water with an abundance of marine life Bamboo Island is a great choice. I would also recommend the impressive Maya Bay however be sure to visit early like I did this May as it is much less crowded.
Bamboo Island especially offers some magnificent coral reefs and spectacular white sand beaches.
When it comes to private tours of Phi Phi Islands, you really can't go wrong with this one.
In addition to the customizable aspect, this full-day trip also includes hotel pickup, free lunch, and refreshments throughout the day.
2. Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour
This classic Krabi Island tour includes visits by speedboat to the best spots around the different islands in Phi Phi. With trips to Monkey Bay, Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Hin Klang, and Koh Phi Phi Don all in one day, it is hard to go wrong!
You will start this tour in the morning at various locations, including Maya Bay and Viking Cave.
What I love the most about Maya Bay in particular is the history behind it. As a fan of Leonardo Di Caprio, I was stunned to find out that The Beach movie was filmed here in the year 2000.
After exploring the morning stops, you will then stop off for a Thai buffet lunch at a beach resort in Phi Phi Don. The fact it is a buffet means you can choose how much you want to eat which is always pleasant.
Once you have finished lunch, the remaining stops include Bamboo Island, Ton Sai, and Loh Dalum Bay.
These places provide epic snorkeling opportunities for spotting small reef sharks and tropical fish.
3. Phi Phi Sunrise & 4 Islands With Lunch
The first thing to know about this Krabi Islands day trip is it starts before sunrise. This is a great option for those morning people who like to wake up early!
An additional benefit of taking an early morning tour is the fact that you can avoid the tourist crowds. The morning is the quietest time of the day in Thailand in regards to tourists so it means getting around is much smoother and easier.
The first official stop of this tour is at Maya Bay with its turquoise-colored water and mesmerizing limestone cliffs that surround it. After enjoying your time here, you will continue to Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach before arriving at Phi Phi Don for a buffet lunch.
It is worth mentioning that you will see a lot of fun and interesting animals on this tour. This not only includes rare birds at Viking Cave, but Monkey Beach is a beach packed with monkeys!
After indulging in the tasty buffet lunch, you will journey to Chicken Island, Bamboo Island, and Poda Island (also known as Koh Poda).
4. Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat With Lunch
If you are interested in exploring Hong Islands, this tour is dedicated entirely to that purpose.
On this day trip, you will cover the Hong Islands in its entirety in terms of accessibility. It is worth mentioning that not all of the Hong Islands are accessible by tourists, but you will visit many islands where it is possible.
The Hong Islands are stunning, so it makes sense why they are an extremely popular tourist destination in Southern Thailand. There is pretty much everything you would want to see from a Thai island here, so it is well worth spending a day on them.
This tour includes a free lunch which will be eaten at Koh Hong.
After this, you will end the day with swimming, relaxing, and kayaking. I would advise buying the kayaking option before the tour starts if this is something you are interested in.
5. 5 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise
Watching the sunset from the ocean is a must when visiting Thailand, and you can experience this on the sunset snorkeling cruise.
On this Krabi Islands tour, you will visit five different islands which are all close to Ao Nang and Railay Beach. The most unique part about this tour is you'll be venturing around on a wooden junk sailing boat.
When you start the tour, you will visit spots such as Ko Lao Pe and Chicken Island which both feature great snorkeling spots to check out. Feel free to use the snorkeling equipment offered by the tour, and dive deep into the clear waters of these islands.
After seeing the amazing marine life on the islands, it is time to witness a magical sunset. This is a sunset tour of the islands after all, so you can expect to see a truly fabulous sunset at Poda Island.
The tour provides drinks whilst on board and a buffet Thai dinner with a vegetarian option.
Finally, this tour ends at Phra Nang Beach where you can swim with bioluminescent plankton.
6. Private Tour to Hong Islands & 4 Islands
If you think touring the Hong Islands is a fun idea, you might also want to try a private tour of the islands by boat.
This Krabi Islands day trip features everything you could want to see at Hong Islands, and the benefit is that you don't have to wake up early in the morning or share the boat with many other people.
As well as all of the Hong Islands which includes Rai, Pakbiar, and Lading Islands, you will also see Tup Island, Poda Island, and Chicken Island along the way. These all have gorgeous beaches to sunbathe on and tropical paradise surrounds your every turn.
I would say this tour is perfect for booking a trip with your partner. This will give you access to all of these Thai islands with minimum distractions and pure peace and quiet.
Small group tours are fun, but why not book a romantic and special Hong Islands tour for you and your partner?
7. Koh Phi Phi Day Tour With Snorkeling And Thai Lunch
Koh Phi Phi is not only a rewarding part of Thailand to explore, but it includes more than enough incredible sights.
During this tour, you will visit some of the most popular and fascinating places in Phi Phi to tick off your bucket list. Apart from the more obvious places like Maya Bay and Phi Phi Don, this tour also stops at Phi Leh Lagoon featuring limestone cliffs and dazzling waters like no other.
It is important to mention that the tour sets sail from the town of Ao Nang in Krabi. This is ideal if you are staying in Ao Nang or you can catch a taxi or tuk-tuk to the meeting spot.
When it comes to Krabi Island tours it is hard to go wrong as the surrounding landscapes and views are spectacular in every direction.
8. 7 Islands Sunset Tour With BBQ & Snorkeling
This seven-islands sunset tour is a unique option compared to the others on this list.
Firstly, it features a trip to Koh Yawasam which is by far one of the more rare islands in Krabi. There are dozens of island tours out there, but there are only one or two other tours I have seen to Koh Yawasam!
This island is known among locals for its special coral gardens. These are memorable as far as tours of the Krabi Islands go, so they are well worth your time and energy.
The second reason is the yummy BBQ dinner which is offered as part of the tour. You will not only enjoy some delicious food, but you can watch the sun setting at the same time which is pretty awesome.
All safety equipment is provided for snorkeling making this tour complete for all travelers.
9. 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat
Are you a budget-friendly traveler?
If so, this tour is right up your street considering its good value for the inexpensive price paid. Besides the fact it includes common destinations that most other tours do, there are some extremely interesting ones.
Princess Cave is a good example of this which is where local fishermen leave offerings to ensure safe voyages for each other. This gives an intimate taste of local life around the islands.
Lunch is also included in the price as well as snorkeling equipment during this six-and-a-half-hour tour.
One thing to note about the longtail boats is they're much smaller, louder, and considerably slower than the fancier large-engine speedboats. I noticed on my longtail boat trip to Poda Island that the speedboat tours went much quicker however if speed doesn't bother you then the longtail boat is a great experience.
10. Hong Island to James Bond Island Tour
Are you a James Bond fan?
If you are, this tour is for you to enjoy. It includes a free buffet lunch along with refreshments whenever you need them.
James Bond Island is of course named after James Bond. It became famous after The Man With The Golden Gun movie was filmed there in 1974.
During this tour, you will not only visit James Bond Island known traditionally as Khao Phing Kan, but you can also visit the famous rock (Ko Ta Pu) where the Bond movie was filmed.
Is a list of Krabi Islands day trips really complete without a James Bond Island tour?
Looking for a Place to Stay in Krabi?
If you're looking for a place to stay in Krabi I have listed my top 3 choices below which are conveniently located and boast great reviews. You might also like to check out my other articles for places to stay in Railay or the best resorts in Krabi.
1. Rayavadee Luxury
Amazing 5-star luxury accommodation adjacent to the Krabi Marine National Park in Railay. Boasts immaculately designed rooms, 6 restaurants, an outdoor pool, & incredible balcony views.
2. Anana Ecological Resort Mid-Range
An eco-friendly resort offering a large outdoor swimming pool, beautifully designed rooms & amazing garden with onsite cooking classes. The best part is the excellent price.
3. TAN Hostel Budget
The best backpacker hostel in Krabi just 700 m from Ao Nang Beach & near many restaurants, shops, & bars. Has a great vibe with a neat and tidy co-work area & an excellent onsite cafe.
Packing List - What to Bring on a Krabi Island Tour
Have you ever boarded your tour boat and realized that you had forgotten something?
I have and that's why I have compiled a list of the best things to pack for your Krabi island tours to ensure you have everything you need before your island hopping adventures.
Thailand Tours
Do you have more time to explore Thailand? Check out more Thailand tour guides below.
My Tour Selection Process
- Tour Criteria: Due to Krabi's vast landscape I focused on tours that explore the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Islands, and Railay as I believe these are some of the top places to see when visiting Krabi.
- My Experience: I have visited all the locations that are on this list and have been on over 15 different bookable tours and experiences in Krabi. The tours I am recommending below are the most comprehensive and bang-for-buck in terms of locations worth visiting, & the inclusions.
- Top Reviews: All tours on this list have earned a high customer rating of at least 4/5 on popular booking sites such as GetYourGuide, Viator & Tripadvisor. I have included the links to book each on the site with the best price.
- Local Insights: After spending 2 months in Krabi I was able to speak with local tour operators including the guys at Sea Eagle Tours who gave me recommendations on the best islands to visit, and which ones to avoid. I've also received many recommendations from other travelers around Thailand.
Read more about how I review & select tours & experiences.
I'm Olly, a full-time traveler since 2018. Each tour in this guide is handpicked by me. Read my travel review ethics statement.
FAQs About Krabi Island Tours
How do I choose the best Krabi Island tour?
Consider your interests, budget, and the type of experience you're seeking. For a more personalized less cramped experience, opt for a private tour. Group tours are more budget-friendly and offer a chance to meet other travelers.
What should I pack for a Krabi Island tour?
Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, comfortable footwear, a waterproof bag for your belongings, and a camera or smartphone for photos. Don't forget your snorkel gear if it's not provided.
Are Krabi Island tours suitable for children?
Absolutely, many tours are family-friendly and suitable for children. However, it's essential to check the tour details for any age restrictions or recommendations before booking.
Can I book Krabi Island tours in advance?
I recommended booking in advance, especially if you're visiting during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and often secure better rates.
Can I visit Maya Bay?
Maya Bay has reopened to tourists with new regulations to protect the environment. However, you are unable to swim in Maya Bay as it is protected and you are only allowed to stand in the water at knee level. Security is patrolling the beach daily.
Do I need to be a good swimmer to go on a Krabi Island snorkeling tour?
Basic swimming skills are recommended for snorkeling tours. However, life jackets are provided for safety, and guides are there to assist you. If you do not feel confident in going in the water without standing just observe from the boat until you reach a location that is suitable.
Did you enjoy this guide on the best tours to the Krabi Islands? If you did, you won't want to miss my other travel guides for the Thai islands.
Feel free to check them out below.
- Things to do in Railay - my ultimate guide to Thai backpacker mecca
- Best Phi Phi Day Trips - how to plan an epic day trip to Phi Phi Island
- Best Beaches in Krabi - find the top 15 beaches you need to visit on your trip.
Plan Your Krabi Accommodation
Still in the planning stages of your trip? Perhaps you're booking on the fly. The below accommodation guides will help you plan where to stay in Thailand.
