Railay & 4 Islands: Sunset Speedboat Tour with Night Snorkel

Summary

Speedboat to Railay’s islands, sunset swims and glowing night snorkel

You’ll ride a speedboat from Railay to four islands, swim above coral during daylight and again at night with glowing plankton swirling around you. Enjoy lunch right on Poda’s sand and watch sunset colors from Phra Nang Beach before heading back under a darkening sky—leaving you with salt on your skin and maybe a new story or two.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the slap of salt air as we sped out from Railay Beach—my hair instantly a mess, but I didn’t care. Our guide, Somchai, grinned at us over the roar of the engine, pointing out limestone cliffs that looked almost fake in the afternoon light. There were maybe a dozen of us, all squinting into the sun and laughing every time the boat bounced. The sea was this impossible blue-green and honestly, I was just happy to be moving fast instead of chugging along in one of those wooden longtails.

We stopped at Tup Island first—tiny crabs scuttling sideways over white sandbars that only appear when the tide’s right. I tried snorkeling but got distracted by a family of kids chasing fish in the shallows. Lunch came next on Poda Island: rice, grilled chicken (vegetarian stuff too if you ask), sticky fruit that left my hands sweet and sandy. Somchai told us about Princess Cave at Phra Nang Beach—he joked about local fishermen leaving offerings for luck. I still think about that cave; it smelled faintly of incense and old wood.

Sunset came quick after that. We ate sandwiches on the beach at Railay while everything turned gold and pink—someone started playing music from their phone but then stopped when we all just sat quietly watching the sky. The last bit was my favorite: night snorkeling near Chicken Island. I’d never seen bioluminescent plankton before—when you move your hands underwater it’s like tiny stars following your fingers. It’s hard to describe without sounding cheesy but it really did feel a little magical. My mask kept fogging up though (should’ve listened to Somchai’s tip about spit), so yeah—not perfect, but kind of perfect anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Railay and 4 Islands by Speedboat

• Pass by famous Railay Beach bay
• Visit Phra Nang Beach and Princess Cave
• Enjoy lunch on the beach
• Snorkel at Poda Island
• Visit Tup Island connected by sandbanks
• Pass by limestone cliff island shaped like a chicken
• Snack dinner at Phranang Beach or nearby beach
• Night snorkel to see bioluminescent plankton

Top questions

How many people are on the Railay & 4 Islands speedboat tour?

This small group tour takes up to 17 adults and 2 kids per trip.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Railay?

Yes, buffet lunch is served on the beach with vegetarian options available if requested in advance.

What islands do we visit on this Railay speedboat cruise?

The tour visits Tup Island, Poda Island, Phra Nang Beach (with Princess Cave), Railay Beach, plus Chicken Island for night snorkeling.

Can kids join this sunset speedboat tour?

Children aged 4 and above can join if accompanied by an adult.

Is hotel pickup included for Ao Nang hotels?

Yes, there’s a meeting point for Ao Nang hotels with drop-off back at your hotel after the tour.

What time does this day trip start?

The main meeting point times are between 12:20 pm–1:30 pm depending on your location (Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Klong Muang, Tup Kaek or Railay).

Do we need to bring our own snorkeling gear?

No need—snorkeling equipment is provided along with life jackets and safety briefing.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to boat movement and activity level.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup or meeting point transfers from Ao Nang or nearby areas, all national park fees covered, buffet lunch on Poda Island (vegetarian or halal if requested), fresh fruit snacks and mineral water throughout, certified local guide commentary in English, use of snorkeling equipment with safety briefing—even insurance is sorted—and you’ll get both daytime coral snorkeling plus a guided night swim among bioluminescent plankton before returning to your hotel in Ao Nang.