Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Tour & Beach BBQ with Plankton Swim

Summary

Longtail boat rides, sunset BBQ, and swimming with glowing plankton in Krabi

You’ll ride a traditional longtail boat from Krabi, snorkel two vibrant spots with your local guide nearby, walk across a rare sandbar at low tide, and eat BBQ dinner right on the beach before ending your day swimming among glowing plankton under the stars.

What’s the experience like?

We squeezed onto the longtail boat at Ao Nam Mao Pier just as the sun started to get serious about burning off the morning haze. Our guide, Pim, handed out masks and joked about how she still can’t swim well — “but I know where all the fish hide,” she grinned. The engine sputtered us away from shore, salt spray already clinging to my arms. It was less crowded than I expected; everyone had space to stretch out or lean over the side. I kept trying to catch the scent of grilled chicken from somewhere up front but maybe that was wishful thinking.

The first stop was Phra Nang Beach. Those limestone cliffs look even taller when you’re bobbing just offshore — I tried to pronounce “Phra Nang” right but Li laughed (he’s from Bangkok) so I probably butchered it. We didn’t dock because of the tide, so we just floated close for photos while a few local kids waved from a kayak. After that: snorkeling off a tiny island whose name I forgot immediately. The water was clear enough to spot parrotfish darting around coral chunks, and Pim pointed out a sea cucumber (“don’t touch — it poops if you scare it”).

I lost track of which island was which after Poda — there was a secret beach with powdery sand that stuck between my toes for hours. We walked across this weird sandbar that only shows up at low tide; it felt like walking on a bridge made of sugar, with water swirling around our ankles. Dinner came next: grilled skewers right on the beach, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf, and watermelon slices that tasted cold even though they’d been sitting in a cooler all day. Everyone got quiet for a bit while we ate — just waves and someone’s Bluetooth speaker playing Thai pop songs.

The last thing: swimming at night with bioluminescent plankton. Pim said sometimes it’s brighter depending on the moon; ours glowed faintly blue when we splashed our hands underwater. It wasn’t like in those viral videos — more subtle, but real enough that I keep thinking about it days later when I close my eyes before bed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Krabi island tour with snorkeling and dinner

• Shuttle pick-up from hotels
• Travel to Ao Nam Mao Pier
• Check in and depart from pier
• Visit Phra Nang Beach or photo stop
• Snorkel at limestone island
• Snorkel at first snorkeling site
• Snorkel at Secret Beach on Poda Island
• Walk on sandbar at low tide
• Relax and have BBQ dinner on beach
• View bioluminescent plankton at night
• Return to pier
• Shuttle back to hotel

Top questions

What time does the Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Tour start and end?

The tour departs earlier than most and returns around 19:30–20:00.

Is hotel pickup included for this Krabi islands tour?

Yes, complimentary shuttle service is included for Ao Nang hotels.

Are snorkeling spots always the same on this tour?

No, snorkeling sites may change based on weather or sea conditions for safety.

Is BBQ dinner included during the tour?

Yes, a BBQ dinner is served on one of the beaches during the trip.

Can pregnant travelers join this Krabi sunset tour?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health issues.

Will we see bioluminescent plankton every time?

The brightness varies by moon phase but there is always an attempt to include plankton viewing if possible.

How crowded is the boat during this Krabi 7 Islands tour?

The boat operates at 85–90% capacity for extra space and comfort compared to most tours.

Are life vests and snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, life vests and snorkeling gear are provided as part of your inclusions.

What’s included

Your day includes shuttle pickup from Ao Nang hotels, use of snorkeling equipment and life vests (with insurance), seasonal fruit and bottled water throughout, plus a BBQ dinner served right on one of Krabi’s beaches before heading back in the evening.