Krabi to James Bond & Hong Islands: Speedboat Day Tour Avoiding Crowds

Summary

Speedboat from Krabi to James Bond Island with quiet beaches, local guides, Thai lunch and snorkeling

You’ll skip the usual crowds as you zip by speedboat from Krabi to Hong Islands’ turquoise lagoon, snorkel with help from your guide, eat Thai food on a peaceful beach at Koh Yao Noi, and circle James Bond Island for photos without the chaos. Expect small surprises — like real plates at lunch or hearing your guide joke about old movies — that make it feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was bracing for the usual chaos — you know, elbows and selfie sticks everywhere. But when our guide, Noi, grinned at us at the pier in Krabi and promised we’d “see the famous places but not the famous crowds,” I thought, well, let’s see if that’s possible. The speedboat skimmed over the water so fast my hair whipped all over my face (I gave up on looking cool after about two minutes). The air smelled like salt and sunscreen. I could hear someone behind me quietly humming a Thai pop song — maybe one of the crew? It felt less like a tour and more like a group of strangers thrown together for something oddly peaceful.

First stop: Hong Islands. The cliffs really do look unreal up close — all sharp edges and green streaks. We drifted into this blue-green lagoon where everything went quiet except for some birds echoing off the rocks. Noi handed out these laminated cards with fish pictures before we snorkeled (I still have mine somewhere in my backpack). The water was clear enough to see tiny yellow fish darting between shadows. I tried to name one out loud but just ended up laughing underwater because my mask filled up. Lunch was on Koh Yao Noi — real plates, not plastic trays, and spicy stir-fried veggies that made my nose run in a good way. There were only a handful of other people around; mostly local families picnicking under casuarina trees.

James Bond Island came last, which surprised me — apparently it’s less crowded later in the day. Instead of docking right at the rock with everyone else, we circled slowly by boat so we could get photos without fifty strangers in them. Someone asked Noi if he’d seen the movie (“The Man with the Golden Gun”), and he just laughed and said he liked Jackie Chan better anyway. The sun was lower by then; everything looked softer somehow. I kept thinking how different it felt from those big group tours where you’re herded around with whistles — here it was just…quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat tour to islands and snorkeling

• Travel by speedboat from Krabi
• Visit James Bond Island by boat
• Explore Koh Yao Noi beaches
• Enjoy Thai buffet lunch on quiet beach
• Snorkel around Krabi islands
• Visit beautiful lagoon at Hong Islands

Top questions

How long is the Krabi to James Bond & Hong Islands speedboat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for Ao Nang hotels; other areas have meeting points or private transfer options.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, a Thai buffet lunch is served on a quiet beach at Koh Yao Noi, with vegetarian options available if requested in advance.

How many people are on each speedboat tour?

The group size is limited to 17 travelers per boat.

What islands are visited during this day trip?

The tour visits Hong Islands (Mu Ko Hong), Koh Yao Noi, and passes by James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan).

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided for all guests.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 4 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Will we land on James Bond Island?

No, you’ll view James Bond Island from the boat to avoid crowds and take better photos.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point transfer from Krabi or Ao Nang (with private options for other areas), all national park fees covered, live commentary from your certified local guide throughout the journey, use of snorkeling equipment with a briefing on fish identification, fresh fruit and drinks onboard plus coffee available too. A proper Thai buffet lunch is served right on a quiet beach at Koh Yao Noi before you’re dropped back at your hotel in Ao Nang after exploring Hong Islands’ lagoon and circling James Bond Island by sea.