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Taking an island hopping trip in Krabi should be high up on your list of things to do in 2025. The coastal landscape around Krabi is some of the most beautiful we have seen. Steep, dramatic cliffs rise from turquoise waters, and small, off-shaped islands pop out of the sea. What’s more, the waters are teeming with plenty of colorful fish and beautiful reefs.
If you are like us, you probably have LOTS of questions about the trip. How much does it cost? How do you book? What do you need to bring? Which trip is best? We have written this guide to answer all of your questions and more (hopefully). All the information we share in this article is based on our own firsthand experience and research.
If you are planning to go island hopping in Krabi, this guide could save you a lot of time and money. We will share the best and cheapest way to book your island hopping trip. So please do read this article carefully.
JUST WANT TO SEE TONSAI AND RAILAY? – Take a shared taxi boat to Tonsai & Railay
ONLY HAVE 3 DAYS IN KRABI? – Epic 3 day Krabi Itinerary
BEST BEACHES IN KRABI – Don’t miss our guide to the BEST beaches in Krabi
What different island hopping trips are available in Krabi?
There are plenty of beautiful islands to visit in the Krabi area. As a consequence, there are many different types of island hopping tours available. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of tour.
| Island hopping tour | Summary | Typical Destinations | Price range |
| 4 Island Tour | Visits a small group of islands around 7km southwest of Krabi. Normally takes around 7 hours. Find out more about the 4 islands. | Railay East or Pranang Bay Tup Island & Mor Island (Koh Thap) Chicken Island (Koh Kai) Poda Island | 800baht – 1,500baht |
| 7 Island Tour | Visits a few of the quieter and smaller islands around 7km southwest of Krabi and includes sunset. BBQ & glowing plankton | Yawasom Island Tang Ming Island Chicken Island (Koh Kai) Tup Island & Mor Island (Koh Thap) Poda Island Koh Raeng | 1,200baht – 1,500baht |
| Hong Islands | Visits a group of islands around 20km northwest of Krabi | Deang Island Lading Island Hong’s lagoon Hong Beach | 2,000 baht – 3,000 baht |
In this article, we will focus on the 4-island tour, which is the cheapest and most popular island hopping trip in Krabi. Want to find out more? Don’t miss this amazing guide to the BEST boat tours in Krabi.
How do you book an island hopping trip in Krabi?
There are two main ways to book your island hopping trip in Krabi. You can either book with a local tour operator in Krabi or Ao Nang. Alternatively, you can book online in advance.
1 Book with a local tour operator
The cheapest way to book island hopping in Krabi is to book your trip with a local tour operator in Krabi or Ao Nang. There are plenty of small tour offices and tour desks situated around the town, especially in touristy areas. They will normally have plenty of tours and transport options available to book, and they are normally open from mid-morning until late in the evening. If you have never booked a tour with a local operator, it can seem a little bit strange and unnerving at first. The best thing to do is start chatting with them about the tours and options.
We recommend bargaining to get a good price. We asked around several different tour operators in Krabi and were given a range of different prices for the 4-island tour. The lowest price we found was 800 baht (£16 or $20), inclusive of pick-up, drop-off, and national park fees. The highest price we were quoted was 1,500 baht (£30 or $25), not including national park fees (an additional 200 baht). So if you do book your trip with a local tour operator, we strongly recommend shopping around.
TOP TIP: You may be offered different boat options; in general, longtail boat tours are the cheapest and also the most iconic. You can take speed boat tours, but these are more expensive.
Here are the details of a great tour operator in Ao Nang
We used this tour operator in Ao Nang to get the BEST price trip:
Vaveewa Travel and Carrent 123 Moo 3, T-Ao Nang A.Muang, Krabi, 81180
WhatsApp +66612544700 krabitourcar@gmail.com
When you book your trip, you will need to tell your tour operator which hotel you are staying in, and we also recommend giving your WhatsApp number. They will tell you a waiting time and give you a receipt for your trip; you need to pay the full amount to your tour operator. The process can feel unnerving; however, it does work smoothly. We do recommend booking your trip one or two days in advance, especially during busy periods.
TOP TIP: When you book your tour, check whether the National Park fees are included (200 baht).
2 Book online in advance
If you prefer to book things online in advance, you can also book island hopping trips on KLOOK. They are a little bit more expensive, but there is definitely more peace of mind when you book online. Another advantage of booking online is that you do not need to bargain; it is a fixed price, and all the inclusions are clearly listed when you make your booking. So there is no need to worry about ambiguity or miscommunication. The 4-island tour on KLOOK costs around 1,000 baht (just over £20 or $25). This is a very reasonable price; remember, some tour operators actually quote higher prices than this online price.
Can you take private island hopping tours in Krabi?
Yes, it is possible to book private boat tours in the area. There are a few advantages to booking a private trip. Firstly, you can visit some of the quieter and less-frequented islands. It is possible to visit islands in a different order so that you can escape the crowds. You can also personalize your itinerary, waiting times, and visit specific locations that you are interested in (deeper snorkeling areas or secret beaches).
Most boats are able to take a maximum of 5 – 10 people. If you are booking a private boat trip, it is important to agree on the number of people who will be taking the trip, the destinations that you hope to see, and your desired length of the trip. Private boat tours in this area generally range in price from 2,500 baht – 7,000 baht (£50 – £140 or $60 – $160). There are several ways to book a private boat trip in the area; you can speak to one of the tour operators located in Krabi or Ao Nang.
Alternatively, you can go directly to the pier in Ao Nang and book a private boat trip there. If possible, we recommend booking your trip one or two days in advance and remember to bargain for a good price. In general, they will not include national park fees if you’re booking a private boat tour, so make sure that you factor this into your budget. It is also worth checking on the price if you’d like them to include lunch with the trip; alternatively, you can bring your own food along with you.
What is the 4-island tour in Krabi?
The most popular island hopping in Krabi is the four-island tour; this is also the cheapest and most convenient island hopping tour around. You can find 4-island tours starting at 800 Baht, all inclusive. An inclusive tour should include water on the boat, lunch, national park fees, hotel pick-up and drop-off, and of course, a visit to 4 islands:
- Railay East or Pranang Bay
- Tup Island & Mor Island (Koh Thap)
- Chicken Island
- Poda Island
The name of this tour can be a little bit misleading. This tour really stops at 3 different islands; however, Tup Island (also known as “Tub island”) is connected to another small island by a sandbar. This second island is called Mor Island (or Koh Thap). So technically, you do visit four different islands, but there are three stops at the islands. There is also one stop, which is generally on Phra Nang Beach or Railay East Beach. You can walk from Railay East Beach to Phra Nang Beach in 5 minutes. On average, the stops are between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.
4-Island Tour – In-Depth Guide
It is a step-by-step guide to help you picture what you will do on a typical island hopping tour in Krabi. Every tour is going to be slightly different. For example, you may visit slightly different destinations, and the timings or order of destinations may also be different. Different tours also offer different food and drinks, so the information in the guide will just give you a feel for a typical tour.
1 Pick up and transfer to your boat (8 am – 9 am)
When you purchase your trip, you will be asked which hotel you are staying in, and then you will be given an approximate pick-up time. Pick-up times are generally quite reliable, so it is important to be ready with your bag and ticket. We recommend waiting at the reception area of your hotel 5 or 10 minutes before your pickup time. Depending on your tour, your pick-up time is likely to be between 8 am – 9 am. They generally use a shared taxi (songthaew for pickups) and visit several hotels and guest houses. You will then be transferred to a car park where you will need to show your ticket and pay national park fees (if they are not included in your ticket price). After a short wait, you will then be directed to a second bus and transferred to your boat.
2 Railay East Beach or Phra Nang Beach (10 am – 11 am)
The first stop is likely to be Railay East Beach or Phra Nang Beach. These two beaches are connected by a short footpath, which only takes around 5 minutes to walk. There are several things to do in the area. We highly recommend that you check out Princess Cave (pictured above), which is situated on the south side of Phra Nang Beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also trek up to the Railay East viewpoint.
We recommend allowing around one hour for this trek, so it is important to check with your tour guide whether you have time to do this. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you could trek to Princess Lagoon. This is likely to take one to two hours for the return trip, and it is a very challenging and potentially risky route. Make sure you have good footwear and never attempt this route during or after a rainstorm.
3 Tup Island & Mor Island (Koh Thap) (11.30 am – 12.30 pm)
This is a beautiful pair of small islands connected by a small sandbar. The islands themselves are very beautiful, but the snorkeling is pretty limited in this area. We visited at low tide, and the water around the island was generally around 1-2m deep. There are a few nice sections of coral reef around the south and west side of Mor Island (Koh Thap). However, officially you are not really allowed to swim here, so you may have a local lifeguard whistling at you.
It is also important to recognize that this area is pretty busy with boats, so if you are planning to swim or snorkel around these islands, we recommend being very cautious. These islands are very small, measuring around 50 meters in length, and there are no public toilets available at this location. There is a small shop selling a limited selection of drinks and snacks such as beer, ice cream, and crisps. Prices range between 150-180 baht (around £3 – £4 or $4 – $5).
4 Chicken Island (Koh Kai) (12.30 pm – 1 pm)
The next stop is called Chicken Island. This island is humorously named after the limestone protrusion, which looks rather like a chicken’s head and neck. Most boats stop at a section of reef on the east side of this island. This is actually a great spot for snorkeling; they have a swimming and snorkeling area marked by safety buoys.
The average depth in this area is around two to three meters, with a slightly deeper section reaching around five to six meters. In this area, you can see a lot of beautiful coral reef and a pretty good selection of tropical fish, including clownfish and parrot fish. Boats do not generally dock on this island, so this is purely a snorkeling stop.
5 Poda Island (1 pm – 2.30 pm)
After a bit of snorkeling at Chicken Island, you will be taken to Poda Island, which is the lunch stop. Most trips start with some lunch at this island. There are also facilities, including toilets, a changing room, and a small shop serving snacks, drinks, and hot food. There is also a relatively large section roped off for swimming and snorkeling on the west side of the beach.
This is a very nice area with some coral reef, plenty of fish, and a deeper section to explore at the back of the swimming area, which reaches depths of around 8 – 10m, depending on the tide. Most of the trips include a delicious buffet lunch, which generally consists of rice noodles and local Thai curries.
6 Return to Krabi and hotel drop-off (3.30 pm – 4.30 pm)
After lunch and snorkeling at Poda Island, the boat returns to Krabi, and your trip should include a hotel drop-off. This is generally pretty fast and efficient, and you are likely to return to your hotel by 4.30 pm at the latest.
What things do you need to bring on an island hopping trip in Krabi?
Here is an example of a packing list to help you work out some of the things you may want to bring on this island hopping trip:
- Your ticket for the trip
- A small day bag and a dry sack to keep valuables safe
- An underwater camera
- Phone and a little bit of cash
- Swimming kit and towel (including rash guard)
- Dry clothes
- A water bottle
- Good shoes, especially if you plan to do some trekking
- Factor 50 sun cream
- Sunglasses
What facilities are available on an island hopping trip?
If you’re planning to go island hopping in Krabi, it is important to be aware of the limited facilities. The boats are very basic and do not have toilets on board. There are toilets situated on Railay East Beach (the first stop) and on Poda Island (the final stop).
Island hopping in Krabi – What is the food like?
We found the food on the island hopping trip to be very fresh and tasty. There was a decent range of different options, including rice noodles and various curries. They had a vegetarian option. If you do have special dietary requirements, we recommend speaking to your tour operator when you book your trip.
We were very impressed by the availability of food; there was plenty to go around, and the buffet style enables you to take as much as you need. We do recommend having a decent breakfast before you start the island hopping trip because lunch can be served quite late, and swimming always works up a good appetite. Most island hopping boats have drinking water available and may also offer fresh fruit on your trip.
Safety tips if you go island hopping in Krabi:
Island hopping in Krabi is fun and relatively safe, BUT there are a few risks you need to be aware of:
Firstly, if you’re planning to walk to Princess Lagoon or the east Railay viewpoint, it is very important to wear trainers and take care. That is a very steep and challenging adventure, and a reasonable level of strength and fitness are required.
Secondly, if you’re planning to go swimming or snorkeling, remember never to touch any marine life and avoid touching the coral reef. Be aware of sea urchins (spiky sea creatures) and also stay alert for jellyfish. If you feel jellyfish barbs in the water, we recommend getting out as soon as possible.
Always swim in the dedicated swimming areas, which are marked by ropes and buoys. These areas should be protected from boats. If you are swimming outside of these areas, be aware there are lots of boats moving around these islands. If you are swimming, snorkeling, or free diving.
When you are swimming, be aware of strong water currents. The island hopping tours in this area can lend snorkels and masks, but they do not generally lend fins for swimming. If you are swimming in these waters without fins, you are much more vulnerable to water currents.
And finally, remember to protect yourself from the elements. It is very easy to get sunburn, especially when you are being cooled down by the water. We recommend wearing an SPF 50 rash guard and using a high factor sunscreen where possible. Remain in the shade and stay hydrated.
What is the best time of year for island hopping in Krabi?
It is possible to do island hopping trips in this area throughout the year; trips run every day. The best time of year to do island hopping in Krabi is during the dry months, which run from December to March. During the dry season, the weather is more reliable, and the water is calmer and clearer with better visibility. There is also less chance of jellyfish encounters during the hot dry months.
Find out more about the BEST time of year to visit Krabi.
Challenges / disadvantages of this trip
The island hopping tour in Krabi is genuinely very enjoyable and memorable; however, there are a few disadvantages or challenges, so it is important to keep your expectations in check.
- The visibility in the water can be quite limited: The visibility depends on the season and the conditions. During the wet season, the visibility may be around 2 – 5m. During the dry season, the visibility can range from 3m – 12m. This obviously depends on the exact location and the specific conditions at the time, but hopefully, this should give you a feel for the visibility on this trip.
- Some of the stops can be quite short: It is important to be aware that some of the stops on this trip can be quite short. For example, some destinations may be limited to 30 or 40 minutes.
- The facilities are limited: We have already mentioned that the facilities are pretty limited on this trip. There are toilets available on the first and last stop, and the boats do not generally have toilets on board.
- Some locations can get very crowded: Krabi is a very popular tourist destination, and some of the islands on this trip can actually get quite crowded. So if you’re expecting to have a tropical island all to yourself, this is not the trip for you.
- There is less biodiversity compared to other areas of Southeast Asia: You can see some very beautiful tropical fish on this trip; however, the biodiversity is lower than other regions of Southeast Asia.
- Swimming fins are not included: And finally, these snorkeling trips do not include fins for swimming. So if you are used to swimming with fins, you may find this a little bit frustrating.
