About this tour
When Charlie from our team caught the Koh Yao Sun Smile Speed Boat from Ao Nang to Koh Yao Noi, it was a quick 30-minute hop across the Andaman. The boat zips you over from several Krabi pickup points — Ao Nang, town centre, and a few beach spots — and lands you on Koh Yao Noi, a quieter island that feels worlds away from the mainland buzz. It's a no-fuss transfer that runs year-round, though the schedule shifts depending on season. Hotel pickup is included; drop-off back isn't.
Highlights
- Hotel collection from five different Krabi locations keeps logistics simple
- Half-hour crossing gives you island views without the all-day ferry vibe
- Operates daily all year, three departures in high season, one in low
- Basic travel insurance bundled in, covers the basics
- Speed boat feels faster and less crowded than larger ferry options
- Infants lap-sit, so families don't need extra seat costs
- Weather-based cancellations come with full refund, no mucking about
What to expect
Charlie boarded at the Ao Nang pickup point and settled in for a proper speedboat ride — fairly snappy, not a leisurely cruise. The boat skips across blue water toward Koh Yao Noi, a smaller, less developed island sandwiched between Phuket and Krabi's mainland. You'll share the vessel with a mix of tourists and locals, but it's not a packed barge. The crossing itself is smooth if the sea's cooperative; when it's lumpy, it's noticeably bouncier. You arrive at Koh Yao Noi's pier ready to find your accommodation or beach spot. Return trips aren't covered, so you'll need to arrange or book that separately.
The whole affair is straightforward — no frills, no delays when we went. Staff are efficient, and the boat leaves on time. The 30 minutes feels about right: long enough to feel like you're properly leaving, short enough that you're not white-knuckling.
What travellers say
- Hotel pickup from five Krabi locations cuts transfer hassle in half
- Fast 30-minute crossing beats lengthy ferry tedium
- Consistent year-round schedule, multiple daily departures in peak season
- Small group feel, less crowded than larger tourist boats
- Basic insurance included, one fewer admin task
- Return transfer not included; you'll budget and book separately
- Rough seas make it genuinely uncomfortable, not ideal motion sickness
- Low season narrows to single late-morning departure only
- Not suitable for back problems, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is the sensible way to island-hop if you're staying in Ao Nang and fancy Koh Yao Noi. No negotiating taxis or working out sketchy minibus routes; the boat collects you and drops you at the island. It's quicker than a standard ferry, less crowded, and the included insurance takes a tick off your worry list. Works brilliantly for couples and families, including little ones who can lap-sit. Runs year-round, so you're not chasing a seasonal window.
The boat can get pretty rocky if the sea's rough — not ideal if you're prone to motion sickness or have back issues (not recommended for spinal injuries, per the fine print). Pregnant travellers and those with dodgy hearts should give it a miss. Drop-off back to your hotel isn't included, so budget for a return boat separately or arrange alternative transport. Bad weather or rough conditions can postpone or cancel the trip, though you do get your money back. In high season (Nov–Apr) you've got three daily departures; in low season it drops to one late-morning slot, so flexibility matters. Bring light layers — the wind can kick up on the crossing.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.