Sunset Cruise Ao Nang: Dinner, Snorkel & Bioluminescent Plankton

Sail past limestone cliffs at sunset, then slip into the sea where plankton light up around you.

A seven-hour sunset cruise from Ao Nang aboard a traditional wooden junk boat includes hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, Thai buffet dinner with BBQ, and a night swim among bioluminescent plankton. The boat departs in late afternoon and returns after dark, so you'll need the full evening free. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them when booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise with dinner and swim

• Board traditional wooden junk boat
• Enjoy BBQ and Thai buffet dinner
• Watch breathtaking sunset at sea
• Swim among glowing bio-luminescent plankton

The experience

You're picked up from your Ao Nang hotel in the late afternoon and driven to the pier, where you board a traditional wooden junk boat. The boat heads out past Poda Island and Tup Island, limestone formations that rise from clear water and frame the western sky as the sun drops. The route passes Chicken Island and the white-sand beaches of Railay, where the cliffs glow orange in the last light. Snorkeling happens at one or two stops along the way. The water is shallow and clear, and the reef life is intact enough to make the mask time worthwhile.

Dinner is served on deck: a Thai buffet with grilled seafood and meat from the BBQ, fresh seasonal fruit, and as much coffee, tea and soft drinks as you want. The crew speaks English and can explain what you're eating and what you're seeing. If you've requested a vegetarian meal, it arrives alongside the standard spread. After dinner, the boat idles in a calm bay, and you slip into the water for the final swim. The bioluminescent plankton, tiny organisms that glow when disturbed, light up around your body and your hands as you move through the water. It's not a guarantee every night, but when it happens, it's the kind of thing people talk about for years.

The boat returns to Ao Nang after dark, and you're driven back to your hotel. Bring a towel, sunscreen, a camera and a hat. The sun on the water is intense even as it sets. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can swim at your own pace. There's no requirement to go in if you'd rather stay on deck.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Ao Nang.
• snorkeling equipment.
• Thai buffet dinner with grilled BBQ, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
• professional English-speaking guide.
• bioluminescent plankton swim.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDeparts at 13:30

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupUp to 20

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Krabi Sea Cruise, A Luxury Tours at Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or a ride to the pier. The boat collects you and returns you to your door, so the full evening fits even if you're staying without transport in Ao Nang.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

What islands does the boat visit on this cruise?

Poda Island and Tup Island are the main stops for snorkeling. The route also passes Chicken Island and Railay Beach, where you'll see the limestone cliffs and beaches but don't necessarily get off the boat.

Is hotel pickup included in the price?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Ao Nang hotel are included. The boat departs in late afternoon, so confirm your hotel location and pickup time when you book.

What's included in the dinner?

Thai buffet, grilled BBQ seafood and meat, fresh seasonal fruit, and unlimited coffee, tea, water and soft drinks are all served on board. Alcoholic drinks are available to purchase separately.

Will I definitely see the bioluminescent plankton?

The plankton swim happens every night the tour runs, but the visibility of the glow depends on water conditions and light levels. Some nights they're vivid, other nights they're subtle or absent.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the snorkeling?

Snorkeling happens in shallow, clear water with equipment provided. The tour suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.