Kayaking in Krabi: Mangrove forest, sea caves and lunch

Paddle into sea caves instead of watching them from a boat

Kayak through a protected mangrove forest in Krabi, then paddle into sea caves at Koh Talabeng, an island with 100-meter rock formations and freshwater caverns. The half-day and full-day options both include a professional English-speaking guide, hotel pickup from Lanta Island, life jacket and kayak equipment. The full-day adds lunch at Bu Bu Island and visits to smaller islands nearby.

Step-by-step itinerary

Mangrove cruise and sea cave kayaking

• Pickup from hotel on Lanta Island
• Meet guide at Thung Yee Pheng Pier
• Cruise through Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest
• Kayak around Koh Talabeng sea caves
• Break and lunch at Bu Bu Island
• Sightseeing at Koh Aung and Koh Kum

The experience

You start with hotel pickup anywhere on Lanta Island and meet your guide at Thung Yee Pheng Pier on the northeast coast, where the mangrove forest begins. The first part of the day travels by longtail boat through the officially protected Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest, a maze of streams and inlets lined with dark tube-like roots. Fiddler crabs work the muddy sediment, and cranes and sea eagles fish in the shallows or soar overhead. This is the break-in: you see what the forest holds before you paddle into it.

Then you kayak to Koh Talabeng, the centerpiece. Two massive rock formations tower more than 100 meters above the water: old pirate shelter with a series of caverns carved into them. You paddle into both small and big sea caves with fresh clear water, stalagmites and stalactites that catch the light. The island itself holds monkeys and monitor lizards. On the half-day option, this is where the day ends. On the full-day, you break for lunch and a swim at Bu Bu Island, then paddle around Koh Aung and Koh Kum before heading back.

The kayak equipment, life jacket, drinking water and fruits are included. National park entrance is covered. A professional guide speaks English and Thai, and the whole operation (pickup, route, timing) is arranged for you.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide.
• kayak equipment and life jacket.
• drinking water and fresh fruit.
• national park entrance fee.
• hotel round-trip transfer from anywhere on Lanta Island.
• lunch and beach time at Bu Bu Island on the full-day option only.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-Day KayakingGuide in English or Thai · 09:00 and 13:00Paddle through Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest by kayak and explore the sea caves at Koh Talabeng. Then head on by longtail boat to Koh Aung and Koh Kum for sightseeing and swimming. Pickup is included.

Full-Day KayakingGuide in English or Thai · 09:00Kayak through Thung Yee Pheng Mangrove Forest and sightsee at Koh Aung. Afterwards, travel by longtail boat to Koh Talabeng to explore its caves, then enjoy lunch on Bu Bu Island before unwinding on the beach. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and Thai

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trip Store Krabi

Is this one for you?Choose the half-day if you have a free afternoon and want to see the mangrove forest and sea caves without committing the whole day. Pick the full-day if you want the smaller islands and a proper meal break built in.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Thai.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the kayaking in Krabi take?

The half-day option runs 3 to 4 hours. The full-day runs 5 to 6 hours and includes lunch at Bu Bu Island.

What's actually inside the sea caves at Koh Talabeng?

Koh Talabeng's caverns hold fresh clear water, stalagmites and stalactites. The caves are big enough to paddle into by kayak, and the island itself is home to monkeys and monitor lizards.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Your guide is with you the whole time, and the mangrove section by longtail boat gives you time to settle in before you paddle.

What does the full-day option add beyond the half-day?

The full-day includes lunch at Bu Bu Island, a swim at the beach there, and a sightseeing paddle around Koh Aung and Koh Kum. Both options visit the mangrove forest and sea caves at Koh Talabeng.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from any hotel on Lanta Island, and you meet your guide at Thung Yee Pheng Pier on the northeast coast.