Island hopping · ISLAND DAY TRIPS
A whole day on the water is eight hours of somebody else’s timetable, so the itinerary matters more than the boat. These 15 are compared on landings, swim time, lunch and what time you are back on the pier.
Spend about eight hours aboard the Regina Maris, visiting three Elaphiti Islands near Dubrovnik. Swim at Koločep, eat a fish, chicken, or vegetarian Dalmatian lunch, sample local wine, and reach sandy Šunj Beach on Lopud. Hotel pickup in Dubrovnik is available.
“Island hopping - great experience and very well-organised, with a friendly crew on a great day visiting 3 islands”
Spend about 10 hours aboard the Calypso, a motorized wooden sailing ship with a five-person crew, visiting Agistri and Aegina plus a swimming stop at Moni or Metopi. Sam, Mo, and Elizabeth help with island tips, while lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and Wi-Fi are included.
“Crew was very nice; ship was old and tired with sun mats that you had to crawl across lots of people to get in and out of. Had to keep removing shoes to go on/ off these. Back of the boat was the smoking section (on a boat? But entire crew smoked) so couldn’t go there. Bathroom ok. It was the end of the season so through no fault of the crew, the islands were completely dead and not worth going to; middle island is uninhabited and they just anchored off it for a swim. Food was very good for lunch and wine was OK. Mediocre experience overall.”
Visit Chicken Island, Koh Tup, Koh Poda, and Phra Nang Cave Beach on a six-hour longtail boat trip from Krabi. You’ll snorkel, walk a tidal sandbar, eat Thai food on the beach, and swim beneath Railay’s cliffs. Guides such as Toy and Luna are known for warm, lively care.
“This day tour was great, our guide Ida was fun and energetic, she added a lot of positivity to the experience. Each of the island stop are very beautiful and we enjoyed stopping at each one to swim and snorkel.”
Spend six hours touring Krabi’s Hong Islands by speedboat, with beach time, snorkeling, lunch, fruit, and a climb to Hong Island’s 360-degree viewpoint. Guides such as Fay, Gina, and Payu are praised for keeping the day clear and friendly. Kayaking is optional but weather-dependent.
“This was a brilliant experience! Great organisation. Unlike many of the other boat tours, this one gave a lot more time to explore and relax on the islands themselves. Also it’s not too long either. The 360 view point on Hong Island is amazing, but be prepared for the steps! One of my favourite days in Krabi :)”
Take a seven-hour Sea Eagle speedboat tour from Krabi to Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don, and Bamboo Island. You will snorkel, swim, eat a Thai buffet, and cruise past Viking Cave and Monkey Beach. Guides such as Sali, Payu, Poyu, and Eggy have led recent trips.
“The team members had the best humour ever. Waking up early was hard for me but you they will immediately switch up the vibe for you xD also everything was smooth and the time accorded to each spot we visited was fair. Had a lot of fun ( I am a solo traveler)”
Travel from Boston to Falmouth in a 24-seat air-conditioned minibus, then cross Vineyard Sound by ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Explore Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Aquinnah on your own, or add a three-hour narrated island tour. Guides such as Tom, Johnny Boston, Elaine, and Jonathan may lead the day.
“I had never been before loved the ferry. I wanted to go to jaws sight but this was not included in tour. My fault for not reading the brochure ell enough and shops were typical for touristy area. Food fair and decent prices, the arcade was great while waiting for return ferry,”
Spend seven hours aboard the Sea Star from Palau, stopping at Spargi and Santa Maria, photographing Budelli, and swimming near Caprera. Depending on the day, finish at Cala Coticcio or La Maddalena town. Expect multilingual commentary, onboard food for purchase, and crowded summer stops.
“If seated at the front of the boat, raincoats would be a good idea. Lunch was ok, but prepare your own snacks for the rest of the journey. Lovely places!”
Spend about 7.5 hours with Thai Adventure Club exploring Phang Nga Bay by speedboat, canoeing through caves, visiting James Bond Island and Panyee village, then swimming at ZCoco Beach. Guides such as Jimmy, Emma, and Toy are praised for friendly care, snacks, photos, and safety.
“Amazing day, Timmy and the team looked after us all day, water soft drinks and fruit was provided during the day, would highly recommend!”
Leave from Kallithea for a nine-hour Saronic Gulf cruise with swimming stops at Agistri and Metopi, free time in Aegina, a Greek buffet, soft drinks, coffee, water, wine, and a live DJ. The spacious boat has sunbeds, beanbags, two bars, showers, and inflatable water toys.
“It was fantastic!!! The atmosphere was incredible, thanks to the fantastic DJ. The food was delicious,, the staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Everything was perfectly organized, and I would definitely recommend this cruise to anyone looking for an unforgettable experience!❤️❤️❤️”
Take the Nikolaos X ferry from Rhodes to Symi, stopping first at Panormitis Monastery for about an hour, then spend 3.5 to 4 hours in Symi Town. You’ll have open-deck and indoor seating, a snack bar, bathrooms, hotel transfers on selected options, and a map for exploring independently.
“Absolutely beautiful island Plenty time to wander and do some exploring. The monastery visit was respectful despite there being so many of us. The town of Symi is stunning, time to swim, eat or climb into the town for spectacular views.”
Spend eight hours island hopping from Phuket with guides such as Bobby, JJ, Mossi, or Butter. Visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Phi Phi Don, and Khai Nok Island. Expect a fast shared speedboat, Thai buffet lunch, snorkeling, clear water, and busy beaches.
“Mossi and Chelly and the team were great! Made the experience fun and breathtaking! The whole trip was smooth! We will miss Phuket! Until next time!”
Leave Panama City before dawn for a full day in Guna Yala. Guide Naidi leads you between white-sand islands, a shipwreck snorkel site, a natural pool, and lunch on Isla Perro. Shared 4x4 and boat transfers are included, but expect a rough road, choppy water, and basic facilities.
“This was my second time doing this excursion to San Blas, a different driver but the same tour guide. The friendliness of all the drivers and the guide is out of this world! They accommodate you the best they can and always have, especially if the ride becomes bumpy, they always ask to make sure your doing okay. They will stop if you need a minute and will always make sure you feel safe. The experience at the Islands is something not found anywhere else in the world. The food is fresh, local, and delicious. I will always choose this tour company for this excursion. 100/10 RECCOMEND!!”
Sail from Galway City to Inis Mór, the largest Aran Island, with an English audio guide and 4.5 hours to explore. On the return, cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, past a sea stack, sea cave, and possible puffins, dolphins, or seals.
“the free time to explore the island onlf innos mor. was good to be able to pick and choose what we wanted to do.”
Board from Alexandra Resort at 9:00 a.m. for a four-hour cruise along Grace Bay, snorkeling, Half Moon Bay, and Iguana Island. Crew members such as Carlos, Adam, JJ, and Captain Nathan lead the trip, with sandwiches, fruit, snacks, beer, rum punch, sodas, and water included.
“The entire experience was great from start to finish. Captain Kwee and his crew were very friendly and informative. Loved the rum punch. Sandwich options could've been better but we weren't on the boat to eat. We saw JoJo the dolphin and even saw a nurse shark. i would recommend this to anyone visiting Turks and Caicos.”
Leave Marina Zeas at 9 a.m. for a full day in the Saronic Gulf. Cruise to Agistri and Aegina, stop to swim and snorkel near Metopi or another sheltered island, and enjoy Greek lunch, snacks, WiFi, and unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. Jason may be among the lively guides.
“Jason our guide was so friendly and fun. Lunch was good and they also provided coffee and breads for breakfast Pistachio island was so interesting. It was great on such a hot day to be able to cool off by swimming in the sea”
By hull, by landing, by how long you want to be out.
