Krabi 4 Islands Speedboat Tour: Honest Review (2024)

Okay, so you’re thinking about booking the Krabi 4 Islands Tour by speedboat? I mean, it sounds amazing, I get it. Crystal waters, sandy beaches, the whole postcard picture vibe, you know? I’m here to give you, like, the lowdown. A real, no-fluff talk about what it’s like, the good stuff, and maybe some stuff you, kind of, should be ready for. Let’s get right to it, shall we?

What’s the Deal With the 4 Islands Tour?

Basically, the 4 Islands Tour hits, like, the big spots around Krabi. We’re talking Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island. Each one is pretty unique, offering, in a way, a little something different. The idea is that you get, like, a taste of it all in just one day, and getting around by speedboat, like, makes it doable, very much.

Phra Nang Cave Beach is, well, very famous. It has, actually, these limestone cliffs that are, more or less, mind-blowing, not to mention this cave dedicated to a sea princess, so it is pretty cool, really. Chicken Island? Yes, it, actually, looks like a chicken – at least, that’s what everyone says. Tup Island is super neat because you get, very often, this sandbar connecting it to Chicken Island during low tide; It is an unique feature. And, last but not least, Poda Island gives you that perfect picture vibe with its white sands and clear waters, seriously!

Booking Your Tour: Things to Keep In Mind

Alright, so, how do you get in on this trip? Plenty of vendors run the tour, right? You can book online beforehand, actually, through sites, that would be something like GetYourGuide or Viator, or wait until you’re in Krabi and book through, say, your hotel or a local tour operator. Booking online, clearly, gives you a chance to, like, compare prices and read reviews, pretty convenient. Still, booking in person, like, might get you a slightly better deal if you are, say, good at bargaining, usually.

Consider these few things when you make arrangements. You want, surely, to check what’s included. Almost all tours, really, cover lunch, transportation, and snorkeling gear. What about National Park fees, eh? Sometimes, it is included, other times, not, so make sure you know ahead. Another thing, see how big the speedboat is. A smaller boat is going to be, frankly, a faster and bumpier experience, a bigger boat, such as catamaran may provide you with a more relaxed journey. Last, read the reviews. What are folks, frankly, saying about their experiences? Any consistent complaints, arguably?

A Day on the Speedboat: What to Expect

Right, picture this: Early start, the sun’s just coming up, alright? You get picked up from your hotel, and, well, whisked off to the pier. It gets, sometimes, rather chaotic, getting everyone sorted and onto their respective boats, right? Then, boom, you’re speeding across the Andaman Sea! The wind in your hair and, arguably, the spray of the sea on your face… cinematic.

The islands are, obviously, stunning. Phra Nang Cave Beach can get, sometimes, pretty crowded, especially during peak season, so don’t expect, you know, a completely deserted paradise. Chicken Island, yes, mostly a photo op from the boat, you can see the rock formation that looks, like, a chicken. Tup Island, actually, is where you’ll get that cool experience of walking on the sandbar, when the tide is low, naturally. Poda Island, yet, is good for chilling, swimming, and that quintessential beach photo, truly. Lunch is, pretty much, a basic Thai meal served on one of the beaches; It can be quite delightful. Oh, and snorkeling? The water’s clear and you are able to spot a few colourful fish, depending on the spot, yet do not expect the Great Barrier Reef.

Snorkeling, Swimming, and Sun: Getting the Most Out of It

So, let’s zoom in, somewhat, on snorkeling and swimming. The snorkeling gear, usually, provided is rather basic, so if you’re, say, serious about snorkeling, I’d almost recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel, you know, that fits comfortably. The water around the islands, definitely, is usually pretty clear, and you can see, surely, some nice marine life. Yet, just, you know, manage your expectations. It isn’t a world-class diving destination, still it’s quite enjoyable.

For swimming, actually, the water’s warm and inviting. Be aware of currents, right? Particularly around the sandbar at Tup Island. Sun protection, completely, is really essential, alright? Bring a high SPF sunscreen, reapply often, and maybe wear a rash guard, seriously. A hat and sunglasses are, also, essential.

Food, glorious food (and drinks)

Lunch is typically included in the tour, often served buffet-style on one of the islands, alright? Expect some Thai staples, you know? Rice, some curries, maybe fried chicken or fish. Usually, something for everyone, quite nice actually. Drinks are, more often than not, not included, aside from water, potentially, and you can purchase soft drinks and juices on the boat or at the islands.

If you have, like, dietary restrictions, it’s advisable to notify the tour operator beforehand. Bringing your own snacks is, always, a good idea too, surely. Keeps the hanger at bay when you need them!

The Crowds: Managing Expectations

Here’s, like, the tricky part. The 4 Islands Tour, I mean, super popular. That means, sometimes, crowded beaches. Especially during peak season (November to March), right? Phra Nang Cave Beach, actually, can feel almost like a theme park, with many people.

If you’re, actually, hoping for that deserted island experience, well, this might not be it, arguably. Going early in the morning can assist you avoid some of the crowds. Or consider a private longtail boat tour, right? It’s more expensive, yeah, but you can, maybe, customize your itinerary and escape some of the tourist throngs.

What to Bring With You

Packing list time! Alright, sunscreen (a lot of it). A hat. Sunglasses. A swimsuit, really obvious. A towel. A cover-up or rash guard to, clearly, protect yourself from the sun. Comfortable shoes for walking, really. A dry bag for your electronics, pretty essential. Some cash for drinks and snacks. And, that would be very wise, your camera!

Oh, and if you’re inclined to sea sickness, surely, take some motion sickness medication before you leave. That speedboat can get rather bumpy!

Is the Krabi 4 Islands Tour Worth It? My Take

So, is it worthwhile, I mean, all in all? Right, I’d have to say, really, yes. Even with the crowds, alright? The islands are remarkably beautiful, the speedboat ride, more or less, is thrilling, and it’s a good way to see a few different spots in a single day. Just go in, surely, with reasonable expectations, ready for the crowds, and lather on that sunscreen!

If you’re searching for a relaxing, private island escape, consider maybe, a different tour or hiring a private boat. Still, for a fun, fast-paced taste of the Krabi islands, this tour, actually, ticks a lot of boxes.

Key Considerations:

• Crowds: They can be, actually, intense, especially in peak season.
• Sun Protection: It’s very serious, use a lot!
• Snorkeling Gear: Basic gear is, sometimes, provided, but you may want to bring your own, frankly.
• Booking: Consider booking online beforehand to compare prices and read reviews, frankly.
• Expectations: The tour provides an high level overview. Manage your anticipations, you know.