Krabi 4 Island Sunset Cruise & Bioluminescent Swim Tour

Summary

Snorkel Krabi’s islands, paddleboard at dusk, swim with glowing plankton

You’ll cruise Krabi’s Andaman Sea on a traditional boat with a small group, stopping to snorkel colorful reefs and paddleboard near limestone islands before sharing a Thai buffet dinner at sunset. After dark, swim among glowing bioluminescent plankton—a feeling that lingers long after you return to shore.

What’s the experience like?

"Try this one," our guide Ploy said, handing me a mask that actually fit my weirdly narrow face. We’d just left Ao Nang behind—sun still high but the air already softening—and I could smell sunscreen and engine oil mixing with the salty breeze. The old wooden junk boat felt sturdy under bare feet, all scuffed decks and faded cushions. There were maybe a dozen of us, swapping stories about where we’d come from as we passed Railay’s cliffs. Someone’s kid was already eating their second banana.

Koh Ya Wa Sam was our first stop. Didn’t expect to see so many fish right off the side—tiny blue ones darting around my ankles while I fumbled with my snorkel (Ploy laughed when I coughed up half the Andaman). Water was warm, almost silky. Some people tried paddleboarding; I mostly floated and watched light flicker on coral below. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the slap of water against the hull and someone humming a tune I didn’t recognize.

Chicken Island looked exactly like its name (I mean, you’ll see), and by then the sun had started to dip—sky going pink-orange behind those limestone towers. Dinner was a spread of Thai dishes served right on deck—rice sticky enough to eat with fingers if you wanted, spicy tofu that actually made me sweat a little. We drifted near Poda Island while everyone took turns jumping off the side or just lying back watching clouds change color. It got cooler after dark—someone handed out towels and joked about tropical “winter.”

The last bit is what sticks: swimming at Railay after sunset, when everything’s gone blue-black and you can barely see your own hands until you move—and then suddenly there’s this halo of tiny lights around every fingertip. Bioluminescent plankton—they really do glow when you splash. It felt like being inside some secret part of the world nobody tells you about until you’re right there in it. I still think about that night sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset cruise with snorkeling and swim

• Depart Krabi at 2 PM
• Snorkel and paddleboard at Koh Ya Wa Sam
• Snorkel and explore Chicken Island
• Enjoy sunset and Thai buffet on boat
• Swim with bioluminescent plankton at night

Top questions

What time does the Krabi 4 Island Sunset Cruise start?

The tour departs at 2 PM from Ao Nang or Railay meeting points.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this sunset cruise?

Yes, premium quality snorkeling masks, fins (including prescription masks), and life jackets are included.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

A Thai buffet dinner is served on board along with snacks, fruit, water, juice, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

Can children join the Krabi 4 Island Snorkeling Cruise?

Yes, children are welcome and there are snorkeling sizes for kids; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Krabi island tour?

Pickup is included from meeting points in Ao Nang & Railay; not direct hotel pickup.

What should I bring for the bioluminescent swim?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, camera, and maybe a warm top for after swimming as it can get cool in the evening.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available for dinner?

Yes, both vegetarian and vegan options are available at the Thai buffet dinner on board.

How many people are usually on this cruise?

The group size is kept small for an intimate experience; minimum 8 guests required to run the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Ao Nang or Railay meeting points before boarding a classic wooden junk boat with shaded seating and sunbathing spots. All national park fees are covered along with premium snorkeling gear (including prescription masks), life jackets for all sizes—even kids—and use of paddleboards and kayak. Enjoy free-flowing water, juice, soft drinks plus coffee or tea throughout the afternoon; snacks and fresh fruit appear between stops. After sunset you'll share a full Thai buffet dinner (with veggie/vegan options) before ending with an unforgettable night swim among glowing plankton—all guided by friendly English-, Spanish-, or Thai-speaking crew who’ll help with anything from finding fish names to fixing your mask strap.