Description
ITINERARY: For those who prefer a later start to their day, this budget trip to the 4 Islands area offers a similar itinerary to the morning departure, but with the added attraction of a sunset over the islands, and the chance of swimming with bioluminscent plankton.
The afternoon itinerary will cover all the best bits along this beautiful stretch of coast. Departing from the mainland around 1.30pm, and stopping to pick up guests at Railay, the first stop is Phra Nang Cave Beach. Then it’s time to head out to the islands, where you will swim and snorkel at Koh Tan Ming – the rock island in front of Poda – before heading around the island for a spot of cliff jumping (for those brave enough to try it – it’s strictly optional and just as entertaining to watch).
Next stop is Koh Si, a rocky outcrop with many underwater reefs and caves that offers a bit better snorkeling than the average. There’ll be a photo op around the head of Chicken Island before the next stop at Koh Tub for some beach time or (at low tide) a walk across the spectacular sandbank that connects it to Chicken and Mor Islands nearby.
Enjoy sunset on the beach at Poda Island (National Park fee / 400 THB per person, payable in cash on the day). There’s plenty of opportunity for photographs as you watch the sun go down over the islands. After dark, you will head back to the mainland for a sit-down buffet meal at East Railay Beach (no view). Beer is available for an additional cost.
After dinner, there will likely be a fire show. Then you will head to the shore off Phra Nang Cave. Here, if you are lucky, you can obtain a radioactive glow, or leave a trail of sparkles in the water by swimming with the harmless phosphorescent plankton (sea conditions permitting). Please be aware the sea in Krabi can get quite rough after dark, so this trip may not be suitable for those who are prone to seasickness.
Note: itinerary order subject to change due to tide variations throughout the month. The 7 “islands” include several rocks, in addition to what most people would call islands (with beaches, surrounded by water). 7 refers to the number of stops made (Phra Nang Cave – Koh Tan Ming – Koh Si – Koh Tub – Chicken Island – Poda Beach – plankton stop), and the name of the tour is to differentiate from the daytime trip to the same area that offers a bit more beach time and fewer stops.
NOTE: since 18 June 2015, customers on island-hopping tours that stop at beaches with ranger stations are subject to pay National Park entry fees. These must be paid in cash on the day of travel at the rate of 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, and are not included in your ticket price.
Expected group size: 10 – 35 pax, depending on the day and time of year.
Important: Due to tidal conditions, during certain times of the month, passengers will be required to transfer to / from the big boat to a longtail boat to reach the shore. The boat crew will usually assist, but anyone with serious mobility issues should not go on this tour.
Further reading:
– More info on the 4 Islands in Krabi.
– Detailed trip report – lots more photos!
Nevo Peles –
We had a great time on the 7 islands trip.
Fauzi –
We enjoyed the island hopping and snorkelling.
Marc Jaen –
The trip was awesome! the visit to the islands, snorkel… and people in he group was nice.
Christopher Delfino –
Bad start – we were picked up at 11.30 and basically waited outside a shop for almost 2 hours before we left. Admittedly this did not put us in a good mood for the rest of the trip. The female guide tried her best but the whole thing felt a bit ramshackle, and boat was in a poor condition. Barely got time to see the sunset and dinner was in a very dingy looking place. Islands were amazing but this is definitely a budget trip, don’t waste your money. We went on the junk cruise the next day and though more expensive worth every penny.
Lenny –
The local guides did there best but we had a few recomandations.
We were picked up very early and had to wait a few hours before we started the trip.
We were not informed at forehand that we had to pay for the bridge. It was only a few Bath but it felt not good, because during the whole trip we wonder what more unexpected manditory cost would come. I would be better to mention it at the booking site, so that there won’t be surprises.
Boat was old but we never felt unsafe, it’s not Europe.
Restaurant was also a little poor. There was not enough food. Everyone had one small plate, especially young European men were still hungry afterwards.
Tour itself was nice. Very beautiful nature.
Milo –
Do not do this! Pickup was half an hour late. On the pier we had to wait for another 45 minutes. The promised speed boat, was only a big long tail boat and the engine broke up after a mile. So we needed to change to a small long tail boat with very little place for everyone. The guide was shouting and unfriendly. Always rushing us to the next place. The BBQ is a small Thai buffet with 5 dishes.
Through the rush I forgot my jacket I. The restaurant and the guide was not very helpful to get even the number of the restaurant.
Don’t do this tour!!!