Phang Nga Bay: James Bond Island Cruise & Kayak with Sunset Dinner

Summary

Luxury boat cruise to James Bond Island with kayaking caves and sunset dinner

You’ll float through Phang Nga Bay on a luxury boat with day beds and music, kayak into Hong Island’s hidden caves with a local guide, and stand on James Bond Island itself. Lunch is served onboard before a slow sunset dinner as you watch the sky change colors over the bay.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water in Phang Nga Bay to be that green — almost milky jade, especially when the sun hit it sideways. The boat itself felt more like a floating lounge than anything else (day beds everywhere, music playing but not too loud). Our guide, Nok, kept laughing at my attempts to say “Ko Khao Phing Kan” — I still can’t get it right. The air smelled salty and sweet at once, like sunscreen mixed with mango from someone’s bag nearby.

Kayaking into Hong Island’s sea caves was… I mean, it’s hard to describe. You lie back so you don’t bump your head on these low rock arches — cool drips landing on your arms every few seconds. Inside, it got quiet except for our paddles tapping the water and Nok pointing out tiny crabs scuttling along the limestone walls. There was this moment when we drifted under a patch of open sky in the cave ceiling — just blue above all that green shadow. It felt weirdly peaceful.

James Bond Island looked exactly like the movie (which my dad made me watch before coming). The vertical rocks lean in a way that doesn’t seem real up close. People were taking photos but honestly I just stood there for a bit, trying to picture film crews running around here decades ago. Onboard again, the buffet lunch was better than I expected — spicy curry and some fruit I’d never tried before (still don’t know the name). Later, as the sun started dropping behind all those islands, everyone sort of drifted out onto the deck for dinner and just watched the sky go orange. That part sticks with me more than anything.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury cruise to James Bond Island

• Kayak sea caves at Hong Island
• Admire limestone walls and caverns
• Visit Phing Kan Island (James Bond Island)
• Enjoy sunset dinner onboard

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Phang Nga Bay tour?

Yes, pickup starts 1-2 hours before tour time and is included.

Can infants or small children join this James Bond Island cruise?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller onboard.

Does this day trip include lunch and dinner?

Yes, both buffet lunch and a light buffet dinner are included during the cruise.

Are kayaking activities suitable for beginners?

Yes, kayaking is suitable for all fitness levels and guided by staff.

Is swimming or paddle boarding available on this tour?

Yes, paddle boards and water toys are provided during stops.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Water, soda, juice, coffee and tea are included; there is also a full bar onboard.

How long does it take to reach James Bond Island from Phuket?

The cruise includes multiple stops; reaching James Bond Island is part of a full-day itinerary from Phuket.

Is this tour recommended for pregnant travelers?

No, pregnant travelers are not allowed on this tour for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Phuket or nearby areas, guided kayaking at Hong Island’s sea caves with all equipment provided (life jackets too), entry fees to islands, use of paddle boards and water toys onboard, travel insurance coverage throughout the trip, buffet lunch plus seasonal fruit after kayaking, free Wi-Fi while cruising between spots, DJ music on deck if you want to dance or just listen in the sun—then finally a light buffet dinner as you watch sunset over Phang Nga Bay before heading back.