James Bond Island & Yao Yai Island By Speed Boat – Diamond Sea Marine

The James Bond Island & Yao Yai Island tour by Diamond Sea Marine is a full-day luxury speedboat trip from Boat Lagoon Pier, Phuket (pickup 07:00, return about 17:30): morning beach time at Palm Beach Club on Yao Yai, then Panak Island caves, canoeing at Hong Island, buffet lunch on Koh Panyee, Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island) and a swim at Naka Island — arranged by Chang Thai Tour & Travel, TAT-licensed in Chalong.

What is the James Bond connection, really?

In 1974, the Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun used Khao Phing Kan as the hideout of the villain Scaramanga, with the 20-metre limestone pinnacle of Khao Tapu rising from the water just offshore. Fifty years later the nickname stuck so hard that even Thai boat captains say “James Bond Island”. The film crew chose it for the same reason you will: leaning limestone cliffs, a needle of rock in green water, and the drowned-mountain scenery of Ao Phang Nga National Park all around it.

Our honest advice from the shop: the island itself is a short stop — you come for the view and the photo. What makes the day is everything around it, and this Diamond Sea Marine program stacks the “around it” generously.

How is this route different from other James Bond tours?

Most tours put the beach at the end, when everyone is tired. Diamond Sea Marine starts with free time at Palm Beach Club, a private beach on Yao Yai Island — you swim while the morning is still fresh, then do the sightseeing. Guests who have done both orders tell us this one feels less rushed. The route also visits the bay’s caves at the quieter middle of the day rather than at peak congestion.

What does the day look like?

• 07:00 — Hotel pickup and transfer to Boat Lagoon Pier; light breakfast of coffee, tea, juice, toast and biscuits.
• 09:00 — Tour briefing.
• 09:30 — Depart for Yao Yai Island: free time on the private beach at Palm Beach Club.
• Discovery — Panak Island to explore the Ice Cream or Mangrove Cave, then Hong Island for canoeing through natural sea caves ringed by limestone mountains.
• Lunch — Buffet at Koh Panyee floating village, with Thai, Western and Halal options.
• The famous one — Khao Phing Kan and Khao Tapu, James Bond Island itself.
• Leisure — Swim and relax on the beach at Naka Island.
• 17:30 — Back at Boat Lagoon Pier and transfer to your hotel.

Is this tour right for you?

Pick this trip if you want a comfortable boat, two genuine beach stops, halal-friendly lunch options and all the Phang Nga icons in one day. Because the bay is sheltered, the ride stays smooth — seasickness is rarely a problem here, unlike open-sea routes. It is not the one for travellers who want to linger for hours at any single spot; a day this full moves on a schedule. If slow is your style, look at the James Bond tour by longtail boat or the sunset-timed Ombre yacht daytrip.

All routes are on our James Bond Island tours page. We are a family-run TAT-licensed shop — visit us near Chalong Circle or read why guests book with us instead of apps in our Klook vs local agency comparison.

What should you bring?

Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a dry bag for the canoe section. A cover-up for the Koh Panyee village is appreciated. Bring some cash for the national park fee, collected separately on the day — message us for the current amount.

Photos

Frequently asked questions

Was James Bond really filmed here?

Yes — Khao Phing Kan and the Khao Tapu pinnacle appeared in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) as the villain Scaramanga’s island hideout, which is how the nickname James Bond Island began.

How long is the Diamond Sea Marine tour?

It is a full day: hotel pickup from 07:00, departure from Boat Lagoon Pier at 09:30, and return to the pier around 17:30 before your hotel transfer.

Is the lunch halal-friendly?

Yes. The buffet lunch at Koh Panyee floating village includes Thai, Western and Halal dishes — Koh Panyee is itself a Muslim village.

Are there beach stops on this tour?

Two: morning free time at Palm Beach Club on Yao Yai Island and an afternoon swim stop at Naka Island.

How much does it cost?

Speedboat prices in Phuket change daily, so we quote live. Message our Chalong shop on WhatsApp and we will send today’s best price in minutes.