Krabi Islands by Big Boat and Speedboat from Phuket

Exploring Krabi’s Islands from Phuket: An Honest Review

If you’re planning a day trip from Phuket to the captivating waters of Krabi, you’ll find plenty of options. One popular choice is the Krabi Islands tour by big boat and speedboat, which promises visits to several iconic spots like Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Poda, and Tub Island. While the journey offers gorgeous scenery and snorkeling opportunities, it’s worth knowing what to expect before you book.

What we like about this tour is its convenient pickup service—no need to worry about logistics—and the chance to snorkel in clear waters surrounded by coral reefs. Also, the lunch included is a nice touch, allowing you to relax without worrying about food.

But, a potential drawback is the slightly disorganized feel noted by some travelers, along with limited amenities such as no fresh water showers or bathroom facilities after swimming.

This tour fits best for travelers who want a full-day outdoor adventure with lots of water-based activities but don’t mind a group setting or some minor logistical hiccups. If your goal is to tick off multiple islands comfortably and enjoy some snorkeling, this is a solid, budget-friendly option. Now, let’s dive into the details to see what makes it tick—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transportation: Round-trip transfers from Phuket make logistics simple.
• Beautiful Island Stops: Visit Koh Gai, Koh Poda, and Tub Island with plenty of opportunity for swimming and sunbathing.
• Snorkeling Fun: Expect coral reefs and colorful fish, along with masks and life jackets supplied.
• Meal Included: Enjoy a Thai-style lunch on Chicken Island, plus seasonal fruit and water.
• Timing and Duration: The tour runs around 10 hours, with most of the day spent on water and beaches.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, which helps avoid overcrowding but still keeps it lively.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Pickup and Transfer

Your day begins early, with a 7:00 am hotel pickup in Phuket. This is a big plus—no need to hunt down meeting points or drag your luggage through busy streets. The transfer to Rassada Harbor is smooth, though some reviews mention initial confusion finding the right stand. Once at the marina, you’ll transfer onto a larger boat—probably a big boat for the initial transfer—before switching to smaller vessels for island hopping.

Cruising to Krabi’s Islands

At around 8:30 am, you depart from Rassada Harbor heading to Nopparat Thara Pier. The boat ride offers views of Phuket’s coastline, setting a relaxed mood for the day ahead. It’s a good chance to enjoy the breeze and take some photos of the Andaman Sea.

Tup Island (Tub Island)

The first stop is Tup Island, which is particularly intriguing because of its unique sandbar. When the tide is low, you can walk across the narrow stretch connecting Tup Island to Chicken Island. This is one of the most photographed spots on the trip, and it’s easy to see why — the white sands and shallow waters make for a surreal photo backdrop.

One review notes, “The islands were nice, very tropical with beautiful beaches,” but also points out the limited facilities, with no showers or changing rooms available after swimming. Still, the chance to walk between islands at low tide makes this a memorable site.

Chicken Island and Snorkeling

Next, the boat stops at Chicken Island, famous for its rocky shape resembling a chicken’s beak. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the sand. The coral reefs are visible from the surface, and the tour provides masks, snorkels, and life jackets, which make exploring easy for beginners.

One reviewer describes the snorkeling as “genial,” and notes the fun of observing fish in their natural habitat. This is a highlight, especially if you enjoy underwater sights, but be prepared for some variability—sea conditions and crowd levels can influence the experience.

Lunch Break at Chicken Island

A key part of the tour is the included lunch on Chicken Island, which many see as good value, especially considering the long day. It’s a simple Thai meal, allowing you to refuel before the next stops. The experience of dining with views of the sea adds a relaxed vibe, although some travelers mention that the meal is basic.

Poda Island: Sun, Sand, and Relaxation

The third island is Poda Island, with its pristine beaches and clear waters. We loved the way this stop offers a chance to unwind—sunbathing, swimming, or just soaking in the scenery. The beach is lovely, and if you’re lucky with the tide, you might even walk across a sandbank to nearby smaller islands.

Some reviews remark that the beaches are “very tropical,” perfect for relaxing after the active snorkeling. It’s a worthwhile stop for those who want to avoid rushing and simply enjoy the sunshine.

Return Journey and Final Transfer

At around 3:30 pm, you leave Poda Island by a big boat back to Ao Nang. The return trip offers a different perspective of the coastline, and the total day wraps up with a transfer back to your Phuket hotel by 5:45 pm.

What the Tour Includes and What to Keep in Mind

Included

• Round Trip Transfer: From Phuket hotels to the harbor and back
• Snorkel Masks & Life Jackets: Basic gear provided for underwater fun
• Lunch, Snacks, Water: Thai-style meal plus seasonal fruit keeps hunger at bay
• Tour Guide and Insurance: Helpful guides and peace of mind
• National Park Fees: Already paid and included in the price

Not Included

• Gratuities: Optional but appreciated
• Additional Facilities: No showers or changing rooms after swimming, so plan accordingly

Timing and Group Size

The tour operates with a maximum of 15 travelers on land transport, though watercraft capacity varies. This smaller group size helps prevent overcrowding but still means some busy moments, especially during snorkeling or lunch.

Authentic Traveler Experiences

While some reviews highlight disorganization or the absence of certain attractions (like the cave or Railay Beach, which are no longer part of the itinerary), others praise the tour for its beautiful scenery and friendly guides. One traveler shares, “We loved the views, and the snorkeling was a lot of fun,” emphasizing the natural beauty that makes this trip worthwhile.

Conversely, a reviewer warns about false advertising—mentioning only three islands instead of four—which highlights the importance of managing expectations.

Is It Worth It?

The value here depends on what you’re after. If your goal is a full day of island-hopping, snorkeling, and relaxing in beautiful surroundings, this tour offers a lot for its price. The included lunch, snorkel gear, and transfers make it a reasonably priced way to experience several islands without the hassle of planning individual trips.

However, the lack of amenities like showers and changing facilities, along with some organization issues, might detract if you prefer more comfort or a perfectly smooth experience. For travelers who don’t mind a bit of adventure and are eager to see scenic spots without fuss, it’s a solid choice.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers looking for a budget-friendly way to explore multiple islands. It’s ideal for those who enjoy water activities like snorkeling and want to spend time on gorgeous beaches. If you’re traveling with kids or prefer a more relaxed or luxury experience, you might find this tour a bit too basic.

It also works well as a quick day escape from Phuket, especially if you’re eager to see a variety of sights in a single day. Just keep in mind the reviews about some disorganization and limited facilities, and plan accordingly.

FAQs

What time does the tour start? The tour begins at 7:00 am with hotel pickup.

How long is the entire day? Expect around 10 hours, from pickup to return.

Are meals included? Yes, there is a Thai-style lunch on Chicken Island, along with seasonal fruit and water.

What islands will I visit? The main stops are Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Poda, and Tub Island, connected at low tide.

Is snorkeling included? Yes, masks, snorkels, and life jackets are provided for snorkeling at Chicken Island.

What is the group size? The maximum on land is 15 travelers; watercraft capacity varies.

Are there bathroom facilities? No, there are no showers or bathrooms after swimming, so plan accordingly.

Is there a guide? Yes, a tour guide is included to help navigate the day.

Can I cancel? Yes, free cancellation is available if done at least 24 hours in advance.

Is this suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, but check with the provider if you have specific needs or very young children.

To sum it up, this Krabi Islands tour from Phuket offers a practical way to see some of the most photogenic spots in the area. It’s a good pick for travelers wanting a full day of sun, sea, and snorkeling without fuss, provided you’re prepared for some organizational quirks and basic amenities. If your priority is stunning views and water adventures, you’ll likely find it well worth the price. For those seeking more luxury or comfort, consider exploring alternative options.