Krabi 4 Islands Sunset Tour & Night Plankton Swim

Summary

Speedboat to Poda Tup & Phra Nang sunset then swim with glowing plankton

You’ll ride a speedboat from Ao Nang with just 12 guests, snorkel around Tup Island’s reefs and cross its sandbar at low tide, relax on Phra Nang Beach for sunset, then swim among glowing plankton after dark. With local guides and Thai lunch included, this Krabi 4 Islands sunset tour leaves you feeling both exhilarated and oddly peaceful at once.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to be laughing at myself before we even left Ao Nang — but there I was, fumbling with my snorkel mask while our guide, Niran, tried not to smirk. The speedboat ride out to Poda Island felt like skipping over glass; the sea was that clear and flat. There were only ten of us plus the crew, so nobody got lost in the shuffle. Poda’s sand is almost powdery, and I remember this faint coconut scent from someone’s sunscreen drifting by as we waded into the water. Niran pointed out a quieter stretch if you wanted space — which I did — and for a few minutes it was just me, the sound of little waves, and these limestone cliffs that look like they’ve been painted by someone who likes drama.

Tup Island came next, and that’s where things got weird in a good way: when the tide pulled back, this thin white sandbar appeared out of nowhere so you could walk right across to Chicken Island (it really does look like a chicken if you squint). We all kind of shuffled along together, laughing about how surreal it felt. Snorkeling here was wild — bright fish everywhere and that salty tang in your mouth no matter how careful you are. Someone found a spiky sea cucumber; Niran told us its name in Thai but I’m not going to pretend I remembered it. Lunch was on the beach — proper Thai food, spicy enough to make my nose run but in a good way. Sitting there with sticky fingers and sand on my ankles just felt right.

By late afternoon we reached Phra Nang Beach on Railay peninsula. It’s only reachable by boat so it feels tucked away somehow. The caves at one end are full of these strange offerings (Niran explained why but honestly I was distracted by the orange glow starting to spread across the cliffs). Lying back on the sand as the sun dipped behind those rocks — I still think about that view sometimes when things get too loud at home.

But the real surprise? After dark we jumped back in for night snorkeling with bioluminescent plankton. It’s hard to describe: every movement makes sparks in the water, like swimming through stars or maybe fireflies underwater if that makes sense. My heart was pounding but not from fear — more just awe or something close to it. Even now I keep thinking about how quiet everyone got after, just floating there under all that velvet sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon island tour and night snorkeling

• Depart in the afternoon
• Visit Poda Island and relax
• Explore Tup Island and swim
• Snorkel at Tup Island reefs
• Relax and watch sunset at Phranang Beach
• Night swim with bioluminescent plankton

Top questions

How many people are on this Krabi 4 Islands sunset tour?

The group is limited to 12 guests plus crew for a semi-private experience.

Is hotel pickup included for this Krabi sunset tour?

Yes, hotel transfers from Ao Nang (12:30 pm) and Railay (1:00 pm) are included.

What islands do we visit during the tour?

You’ll visit Poda Island, Tup Island (with access to Chicken Island via sandbar), and Phra Nang Beach.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch with traditional Thai food is served on the beach along with snacks and fresh fruit.

Do we get to swim with bioluminescent plankton?

Yes, after sunset you’ll have a night swim where you can see glowing plankton in the water.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets included?

All snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided as part of your booking.

How long does it take to reach Poda Island from Ao Nang?

Poda Island is about a 15-minute boat ride from Ao Nang Beach.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this tour?

The professional tourist guide may be multi-lingual including English; check at booking if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ao Nang or Railay in early afternoon, all boat transfers between islands, snorkeling equipment and life jacket use throughout the trip, insurance coverage for peace of mind, lunch featuring traditional Thai dishes served right on the beach plus snacks and fresh fruit along the way—before returning after your night swim among glowing plankton beneath Krabi’s sky.