Phang Nga Bay: James Bond Island Speedboat & Canoe Tour

Summary

Speedboat to James Bond Island canoeing caves lunch at Panyee

You’ll skim across Phang Nga Bay by speedboat, duck into secret caves by canoe near James Bond Island, share lunch on a floating village at Koh Panyee, then unwind on Naka Island’s white sands before heading back to Phuket with new stories in your pocket.

What’s the experience like?

Paddle dips into the water first — I’m still clutching the sides of the canoe, half laughing, half nervous. Our guide, Lek, grinned and told us not to worry about the monkeys (I didn’t even see any yet), then steered us straight into this cool shadowy cave on Talu Island. The air inside smelled like wet stone and seaweed, and for a second it went so quiet that all I heard was my own breath echoing back. It’s strange how you can feel both tiny and lucky at the same time in places like this.

The speedboat ride out from Royal Phuket Marina was a blur of wind and spray — honestly, I kept wiping salt off my sunglasses. We zipped past these wild limestone cliffs in Phang Nga Bay that looked almost fake, they’re so sharp against the sky. When we finally pulled up to James Bond Island (yeah, that one from the old movie), everyone sort of paused before taking photos. There’s something odd about seeing a place you’ve only known from posters — it feels smaller but also more real somehow? I tried to get a photo without someone’s sunhat in the frame but gave up. Worth it anyway.

Lunch was at Koh Panyee, this floating fishing village where everything creaks gently under your feet. The food came fast — spicy fish curry, rice, something sweet with coconut — and kids darted between tables selling little shells painted with cartoon faces. I bought one for 20 baht; probably overpaid but their smiles made it hard to say no. Afterward we wandered through narrow walkways over the water. The smell of frying garlic drifted out from somewhere I couldn’t find.

Last stop was Naka Island for swimming — soft sand underfoot, palms rustling overhead, sun just starting to dip lower (but still hot enough that I regretted not reapplying sunscreen). Some folks napped right there on towels; others floated in shallow water talking about where they were from. On the way back Lek pointed out a sea eagle circling above us and said something about luck again. Maybe he says that every day but for some reason it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour

• Hotel pick-up and transfer to marina
• Speedboat tour of Phang Nga Bay
• Explore Panak Island cave and mangroves
• Canoe sightseeing at Talu Island
• Lunch at Panyee Island floating village
• Visit James Bond Island and trek
• Relax and swim at Naka Island
• Return cruise to Royal Phuket Marina
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this James Bond Island tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Phuket province.

How long does the day trip to Phang Nga Bay take?

The tour lasts most of the day; you return to Royal Phuket Marina by late afternoon.

Is lunch provided during the speedboat tour?

Yes, lunch is served at a restaurant on Koh Panyee (Panyee Island).

Can children join this James Bond Island speedboat tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; not suitable for kids under 3 years old.

Are vegetarian meal options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

What activities are included besides visiting James Bond Island?

Canoeing through caves at Talu Island, sightseeing at Panak Island’s caves and mangroves, swimming at Naka Island.

Is sea cave canoeing guided or self-paddled?

A paddle staff member guides each canoe through the caves and mangroves.

What should I bring on this Phang Nga Bay tour?

Sunscreen, swimwear, towel, camera/phone (waterproof bag is useful), some cash for souvenirs or snacks.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup in Phuket by air-conditioned minivan, all boat transfers by speedboat across Phang Nga Bay with an English-speaking local guide leading each stop. Sea cave canoeing is guided at Talu Island. Lunch and refreshments are served at Koh Panyee’s floating restaurant before relaxing beach time on Naka Island—plus travel insurance is covered throughout.