Krabi 4 Islands Tour from Phuket: Early Bird, Stops, Longtail vs Speedboat (2026)

The Krabi 4 Islands tour from Phuket is an 8 to 9.5 hour day trip: hotel pickup, a boat to the waters off Ao Nang, then swimming and snorkelling around Poda, Chicken and Tup, plus Hong or Mo on some versions. The early bird version leaves by speedboat before the crowds; the standard version takes a ferry to Ao Nang first. The order of stops depends on the tide. Details read on operator listings on 29 October 2026.

The stops: what "4 islands" really means

The name changes between offers, but the route circles the same spots in Ao Nang bay:

Stop	What you do there
Poda	White-sand beach, swimming, snorkelling
Chicken Island (Koh Kai)	Rock shaped like a chicken; lunch on some versions
Tup and Mo	Islets joined by a sandbar that shows at low tide
Hong (early bird versions)	360-degree viewpoint and an emerald lagoon

Operators say themselves that the order can change with the tide. Each stop lasts about 30 minutes, and hops between beaches take 20 to 25 minutes, often less.

Early bird or standard tour

Early bird from Phuket or Khao Lak: minivan pickup, then a speedboat that leaves Royal Phuket Marina around 7:00 and is back around 15:00, about 8 hours. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkelling gear, park and cave fees, life vest and insurance are listed as included. This is the tour in our offer below, and it beats the busiest hours.
Standard tour: minivan from the hotel, a ferry to Nopparat Thara pier in Ao Nang, then a speedboat. Allow 9.5 hours in all; the national park fee is not included on some offers.
Private longtail: an early bird private longtail exists for 1 to 5 people (about 6 h 15 on site, around 154 USD per group on a resale site). Slower and calmer, handy for a family.

Longtail vs speedboat

The speedboat saves time, which matters when you start from Phuket (about 3 hours by road plus the sea leg). It is louder and bumpy in wind. The longtail is slower, but you can pick stops and dodge the peaks. For a first visit, the early bird speedboat is the best compromise.

Park fees and what you pay on the spot

Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park charges 200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child, paid on the spot on some offers (read 29 October 2026). Check whether your offer includes it. Towel, dry bag and tips are rarely included.

Sea conditions and season

From November to April the Andaman Sea is calmest. From May to October the monsoon can cancel or shorten the trip: the operator decides the evening before or that morning, and a refund or new date is normally offered. Read the cancellation terms before paying, and see our guide to Phuket weather and disruptions.

Who it suits, who it does not

Yes: a first look at Krabi without staying there, families comfortable on a boat, beginner snorkellers.
No: if you want Railay and Phra Nang beach in depth (sources differ on this, so confirm the itinerary with the operator), or if you get seasick.

To compare with a day based in Krabi, read Krabi from Phuket: tour or ferry and Phuket or Krabi.

FAQ

How long is the Krabi 4 Islands tour from Phuket?

About 8 hours for the early bird speedboat, 9.5 hours for the standard ferry tour, transfers included.

Can I do it from Khao Lak?

Yes, the early bird offer runs from Phuket and Khao Lak with minivan transfer.

Do I need to swim?

A life vest is provided, but snorkelling needs some comfort in water. Tell the guide if you are a beginner.

The Phuket Authority editorial team