Private Boat Rental Krabi: How Much Does a Longtail Cost?
Private boat rental in Krabi starts at 2,500 baht for a half-day longtail (holds 8 people) or 8,500 baht for a half-day speedboat (holds 25 people). The price includes the driver, drinking water, and life jackets. It does not include food, park entry fees, or snorkel gear. This guide covers all boat rental prices in Krabi, how to pick the right size for your group, the number of islands you can visit, and what to pack before you rent.
How Many Types of Rental Boats Are There in Krabi?
Krabi has 2 main types of rental boats: traditional longtails and modern speedboats. Each one fits a different kind of group and budget.
A longtail is a traditional wooden boat used by southern Thai fishermen. It's 8 to 12 meters long. It uses a farm engine attached to a long shaft that sticks out the back. It holds 8 to 10 people. It moves slowly at 25 to 30 kilometers per hour, but the local feel is real.
A speedboat is a modern fiberglass boat. It's 12 to 15 meters long. It uses 2 to 4 outboard engines. It holds 15 to 30 people. It moves fast at 50 to 70 kilometers per hour. It has a roof and more comfortable seats. Best for big groups and families with older travelers.
For a detailed compare between the two, read our speedboat vs longtail guide for pros and cons in different activities.
Longtail Boat Private Rental Prices in Krabi
Longtail rental prices change based on how many hours, the route, and the season. High season (November to April) costs 20 to 30 percent more than rainy season.
Half-Day (4 hours)
Half-day longtail rental costs 2,500 to 3,500 baht per boat. The route covers 2 to 3 islands near Krabi like Poda, Chicken, or Tup. You leave Ao Nam Mao or Ao Nang Pier at 8 a.m. or 1 p.m., and return at noon or 5 p.m.
Full-Day (8 hours)
Full-day longtail rental costs 4,500 to 6,500 baht per boat. The route covers 4 to 6 islands including Hong Island or Railay. You leave at 8 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. You have time for snorkeling, lunch on a beach, and sun tanning.
Special Routes
Renting a longtail to Phi Phi costs 5,500 to 7,500 baht per boat. The distance is far (35 kilometers). The boat takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way, compared to 45 minutes for a speedboat. Good for travelers who love the local vibe and aren't in a rush.
Renting a private boat to Railay costs 1,800 to 2,500 baht per boat for round-trip only, with no island stops. The boat takes 30 to 40 minutes. Best for couples who don't want to share with other travelers.
Speedboat Private Rental Prices in Krabi
Renting a speedboat is best for big groups (10 to 25 people) or small groups who want a fast and comfortable trip.
Half-Day (4 hours)
Half-day speedboat rental costs 8,500 to 12,500 baht per boat. Holds 20 to 25 people. The route covers 4 to 5 islands including Hong, Poda, Chicken, Tup, and Railay. Uses 40 to 50 percent less time than a longtail. More time for snorkeling.
Full-Day (8 hours)
Full-day speedboat rental costs 15,000 to 22,000 baht per boat. The route covers every island near Krabi, including Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Maya Bay, and Hong Island. You can kayak, snorkel, and eat on the boat.
Luxury Speedboat
A premium speedboat holds 12 to 18 people. Half-day costs 18,000 to 28,000 baht. Full-day costs 32,000 to 48,000 baht. It has soft sofas, an onboard toilet, sound system, real wood floors, and GPS. Best for families who want privacy and comfort.
Our Luxury Speedboat at Railay Eco Tour includes a Krabi local guide who speaks English. No extra charge. Great for foreign travelers or anyone who wants cultural details.
Half-Day, Full-Day, or Overnight: Which Should I Pick?
Half-day (4 hours) is best for travelers who visit Krabi for one day and fly home at night. You can stop at 2 or 3 islands, snorkel, and take some photos. But you can't slow down at each spot.
Full-day (8 hours) is best for travelers who want to make every minute count. You can stop at 5 or 6 islands. Spend 30 to 45 minutes at each beach. Snorkel deep, kayak, and have lunch at Poda or Chicken Island.
Overnight (2 days on the boat) is best for groups of 8 to 15 people who want a new experience. The cost is 35,000 to 65,000 baht per trip. It includes sleeping on the boat, 5 meals, and a private guide. You sleep under the stars in the middle of the sea. Watch the sunrise from the boat. Deep snorkel. Visit islands that aren't on regular tours.
| Type | Time | Longtail Price | Speedboat Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half-day | 4 hours | 2,500-3,500 | 8,500-12,500 | One-day visitors |
| Full-day | 8 hours | 4,500-6,500 | 15,000-22,000 | Families, friend groups |
| Luxury half-day | 4 hours | — | 18,000-28,000 | Couples, special trips |
| Luxury full-day | 8 hours | — | 32,000-48,000 | VIP families |
| Overnight | 2 days | — | 35,000-65,000 | Adventure groups |
What's Included and Not Included in the Rental Price
The standard boat rental price includes a professional driver, fuel, 2 to 3 bottles of drinking water per person, life jackets for every seat, accident insurance up to 100,000 baht per person, and spare life rings.
The price does NOT include lunch, national park entry fees (200 to 400 baht per foreign tourist), snorkel gear (150 to 300 baht per person), and tips for the driver (100 to 200 baht per person).
If you want an all-inclusive package, pick a private island tour from Railay Eco Tour instead. Half-day tour prices are 1,200 to 1,800 baht per person. Full-day tours are 1,800 to 3,500 baht per person. Includes food, park fees, snorkel gear, and a guide.
Pick the Right Pier for Your Rental
Ao Nam Mao Pier is best for renting boats to Phi Phi, Railay, and nearby islands. It's close to the main routes. No detours. Big parking lot and high-quality boat docks.
Ao Nang Pier is best for renting boats to the 4 islands (Poda, Chicken, Tup, Mor) and snorkeling at Phra Nang Bay. It's close to where most travelers stay in Ao Nang. No need to travel far before boarding.
Other piers like Railay East or Klong Hin have fewer boats and prices are 10 to 20 percent higher. Use them only if your hotel is right in that area. For a full Ao Nam Mao schedule, read our Ao Nam Mao Pier boat schedule guide to compare routes.
Let Railay Eco Tour Design Your Private Boat Trip
A private boat trip with Railay Eco Tour is 100 percent customizable. You pick the departure pier, every stop, the timing, the food, and the guide. No forced schedule. No strangers on your boat.
Our team has 4 Luxury Speedboats and 6 premium longtails. Every boat passes Department of Marine safety checks and has full insurance. Prices start at 3,000 baht per half-day for a premium longtail, including an English-speaking guide.
For families with small kids or older travelers, contact our team to book the Luxury Speedboat. It has a non-slip floor, kid-size life jackets, and comfortable seats. The guide knows the spots that work for kids and the beach entries that aren't deep.
Krabi Private Boat Rental: Skip the Crowds
Renting a private boat in Krabi is the best choice for families and groups of 6 to 15 people who want a relaxed trip without other tourists. Prices start at 2,500 baht for a half-day longtail or 8,500 baht for a speedboat.
The best deals are on weekdays in rainy season (May to October). Prices drop 20 to 30 percent and you don't have to share beaches with other tour boats. Mornings (8 a.m. to noon) have the clearest water and smallest waves. Best for snorkeling and photos.
Book 1 to 2 weeks ahead on weekdays, or 2 to 4 weeks ahead on weekends. Quality boats sell out fast. For trip plans that combine private boats with land tours, read our full Krabi travel guide for 3 to 5-day plans covering both sea and town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is renting a boat in Krabi worth it for 4 people?
Yes, if you rent a half-day longtail for 2,500 to 3,500 baht per boat. That's 625 to 875 baht per person. Similar to a group tour at 800 to 1,200 baht per person. But you get more privacy and pick your own route.
How do I rent a boat in Krabi safely without getting scammed?
Pick an operator with a tourism license (TAT License) and a clear company address. Check Google and Tripadvisor reviews before you book. Pay a 30 percent deposit via bank transfer with a receipt. Pay the rest on the departure day.
How many islands can I visit in a half-day boat rental?
A longtail can visit 2 to 3 islands because it moves slowly. A speedboat can visit 4 to 5 islands in the same time because it's twice as fast. Pick based on how many islands you want and the speed you prefer.
Can I rent a boat in Krabi during the rainy season?
Yes, most days. The main Krabi routes stay inside sheltered bays that block the monsoon. On days with waves over 2 meters, some boats stop. A good operator refunds in full or reschedules. Check the weather the day before.
Can I drive the boat myself?
No. Every boat needs a licensed driver from the Department of Marine. Driver fee is included in the rental price. Tourists can't operate the boats themselves. This is for safety and follows Thai law.
References
There are 4 main ways to go from Bangkok to Krabi. A plane takes 1 hour 30 minutes and costs 1,500 to 4,500 baht. A bus takes 12 to 14 hours and costs 600 to 1,200 baht. A train to Surat Thani plus a bus takes 14 to 16 hours and costs 800 to 1,800 baht. Your own car takes 9 to 11 hours for a 850-kilometer drive. This guide compares every option on price, time, comfort, and who it suits best. Plus how to get from Krabi Airport to your hotel.
Private boat rental in Krabi starts at 2,500 baht for a half-day longtail (holds 8 people) or 8,500 baht for a half-day speedboat (holds 25 people). The price includes the driver, drinking water, and life jackets. It does not include food, park entry fees, or snorkel gear. This guide covers all boat rental prices in Krabi, how to pick the right size for your group, the number of islands you can visit, and what to pack before you rent.
Railay is a peninsula in Krabi province, 20 kilometers from town. You can only get there by boat. Tall limestone cliffs block all roads. It has 4 main beaches, beach bars that stay open until midnight, world-class rock climbing routes, and luxury hotels from 3,500 to 15,000 baht per night. This guide covers everything: the geography, each beach, things to do, where to stay, and the best months to visit.
The Railay shuttle boat is the fastest and cheapest way to get to Railay from Krabi town. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes from Ao Nam Mao Pier. A one-way ticket costs 150 baht, or 250 baht for round-trip. Boats leave every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day, even in the rainy season. This guide covers the full schedule, prices, where to board, what to pack, and how it compares to a longtail boat. So you can pick what works for you.
Ao Nang things to do go beyond the main beach. The area has classic beach views with mountain backdrops, a night market open every day, beachfront cafes that open at 6:30 a.m., the famous Tiger Cave Temple, and the best sunset viewpoint in the province. This guide covers 10 spots first-time visitors should see, with opening hours, prices, and how to get to each. You can fit them into 1 to 2 days without leaving the Ao Nang area.
Bamboo Island Krabi (Koh Mai Phai) is a tiny island in Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. It's only about 0.5 square kilometers. But it has the whitest, finest sand and the clearest water near Phi Phi. Families love it. The water stays shallow far from shore, so kids can play safe. And shallow coral rings the whole island, so snorkeling is easy and fun. This guide covers how to get there, entry fees, what to do, and why bamboo island phi phi keeps making "must-visit" lists.