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
Talay Waek Krabi is a sandbar that links three islands: Koh Kai, Koh Tup, and Koh Mor. The sandbar shows up when the tide goes out, so you can walk across the sea floor from one island to the next. It sits off Ao Nang in Krabi province. It looks best at the lowest tide, which usually lands near the full moon and the new moon.
Railay EcoThe boat from Krabi to each island takes a different amount of time. The closest spot, Railay, is just a 10 to 15 minute longtail boat ride. The farthest, Phi Phi, takes about 45 minutes by speedboat or 1 to 2 hours by big ferry. The time changes with distance, boat type, and the waves that day. This guide pulls every Krabi boat route into one place, near islands and far ones. It's all in easy tables. We also tell you which boat fits each route, and how to catch your round on time. So you can plan your island day before you even leave your hotel.
Railay EcoA good family tour in Krabi matches the activities to your kids' ages and keeps the day from getting too tiring. The secret is simple: start with calm inner bays, easy beaches, and short boat rides. Kids can swim safely, and parents get to relax instead of worrying all day. This guide covers which activities suit little kids and which suit teens, what makes a family trip tiring, and a safety checklist to pack before you go.
Railay EcoA private tour in Krabi means you book the whole boat just for your group. You don't share it with strangers. It costs more per person than a group tour, but you pick the islands, set the times, and never wait for a big crowd. The price depends on group size, boat type, half or full day, and the season. Here's how it differs from a group tour, what a private tour includes, who it's best for, what sets the price, and how to get a good rate.
Railay EcoKrabi's southwest monsoon runs from May to October. The Andaman sea gets bigger waves, it rains more often, and the water turns greener and less clear than the dry months. But that doesn't mean you can't go. Inner bays and land spots stay calm and fun. And many days the rain is just a short afternoon burst, then the sky clears again. Here's the upside most people miss: way fewer crowds, cheaper rooms and tours, lush green hills, and dramatic skies you won't see in the dry season. This guide covers what monsoon in Krabi is really like, where you can still go, what to skip on rough days, and how to make your trip worth it.
Railay EcoKrabi's golden season runs from January to April. This is the dry season, so the skies are clear, the sea is calm, and almost every island tour runs every day. It's the best time of year for clear water, both for snorkeling and diving. Boats reach Phi Phi and Maya Bay with no problem, and the sunsets are crisp every evening. This guide covers why these months are the golden window, how each month from January to April feels different, and how to book smart before rooms and tours fill up. It's for anyone who wants to enjoy Krabi's dry season to the fullest.
Railay Eco