Private speed boat charter

Description

To visit the islands independently it is possible to charter a speedboat for the day; the itinerary and places visited will be the same as the organised tours, but in a private boat and at your own pace. You can also combine certain itineraries if you are short on time, which will allow you to see more in one day. Speed boat charters must be pre-booked.

TYPE OF BOAT & USAGE

The boats provided are basic tour speed boats, with cushioned seating. We work with several locally-based companies, all with a good safety record and reputation; we will book the best vessel available on your selected date.

Small groups of 10 people or less visiting the islands closest to the coast will be accommodated in a single engine boat; for trips further afield and groups of 11 or over, a twin engine boat will be provided (various sizes available). Groups of 45 or more will get a 3-4 engine vessel.

There are no toilets on board on any speed boat (though toilets are available on at least one of the islands you will visit) and it is not possible to carry any fishing, barbecue or kayaking equipment with you, which makes them suitable for daytime island hopping only. The itineraries listed are the only ones available, due to geographical / time restrictions.

Important: Speedboat travel is not recommended for pregnant women, infants under the age of 2, or anyone with back problems.
All trips can include 2 open water snorkeling stops of around 30 minutes. It is possible to stay on the boat during this time. Please wear a life jacket if not a confident swimmer.

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS

When counting passengers for booking purposes, every guest aged 4 and over counts as 1 person (= 1 seat). Children under 4 do not need to be counted, but they may need to sit on laps if they exceed the passenger numbers specified above. Please specify the exact number in your group, including the ages of any children travelling, in your booking notes at checkout. Finally, if booking a guide, please count him / her into your total number of passengers. National Park entry fees do not need to be paid for the guide.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Included in the basic charter price are boat crew and fuel, life jackets, masks and snorkels, and an ice box with drinking water and fruit, for the number of people booked.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Lunch is not provided, but can be bought at some point on all island routes: Phi Phi Don, Hong Island, Railay Beach and James Bond’s Koh Panyi, all have restaurants. The crew will time the trip so that you arrive at one of these places around lunchtime. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic. There is room in the ice box provided for additional food and beverage.

National Marine Park entry fees are not included and will be payable in cash at the island Ranger Stations. One fee covers the full group of islands visited within that park’s jurisdiction, i.e. you pay once for:
– all the Phi Phi Islands and 4 Islands (= Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park) – 400 THB / adult and 200 THB / child (4 – 11 years)
– all Hong Islands (= Tharnbok Khorani National Park) – 300 THB / adult and 100 THB / child (4 – 11 years)
– James Bond + Koh Panyi (= Ao Phang Nga National Park) – 300 THB / adult and 150 THB / child (4 – 11 years)

If you are visiting two National Parks (e.g. on the Hong + 4 Islands itinerary) the fee will be due once in each park. You have the option to pay these fees in advance at time of booking (incurs + 5% fee), if this will be more convenient.

A guide is not included, and is not usually necessary, as the boat crew speak basic English and know the routes well. But if you would feel more comfortable with a guide, it is possible to hire one to accompany you for the day.

HOTEL TRANSFERS

All trips depart from Ao Nang. Overland hotel transfers to the pier are included from any hotel in Ao Nang, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Haeng (Nopparat Thara), Krabi Town, Klong Muang and Tupkaek. Pick up / drop off directly on the beach is included from Railay and Pai Plong (Centara Grand) beaches only.

TIMING

Charter is for a full day (6 – 8 hours) – there is no reduction in cost for fewer hours taken. You can specify your pick up time, which can be as early as 8am. All trips must finish before 6pm, as no boat is equipped for nighttime travel.