James Bond Island by Speed Boat – See Sea Blue

The James Bond Island by Speed Boat tour with See Sea Blue is a full-day trip from Phuket (hotel pickup 07:30, return around 17:30) through Phang Nga Bay: Khao Tapu and Khao Phing Kan first, buffet lunch at Koh Panyee floating village, canoeing at Koh Hong, the caves of Panak Island including Ice Cream Cave, and a beach stop at Naka Island — arranged by Chang Thai Tour & Travel, a TAT-licensed local agency in Chalong.

Why is this the tour that runs all year?

Here is something we explain to guests every green season: when the west-coast beaches of Phuket get red flags and the Phi Phi crossing gets bumpy, Phang Nga Bay barely notices. The bay sits on Phuket’s sheltered east side, walled in by hundreds of limestone towers that break up wind and swell. That is why we call this route monsoon-proof — See Sea Blue runs it comfortably in months when open-sea trips get cancelled, and seasickness is rarely an issue at any time of year.

Low-season bonus: fewer boats in the bay, greener cliffs, and moody skies that photograph beautifully.

What does the day look like?

• 07:30 — Hotel pickup by shared van to the pier.
• 08:30 — Check-in at the pier with snacks, bread, tea, coffee and fruit juice, plus a program briefing from the guides.
• 10:00 — Speedboat into Phang Nga Bay. First stop: Khao Tapu and Khao Phing Kan — James Bond Island, the filming location from the 007 movie and the highlight of the program.
• 11:45 — Koh Panyee for a buffet lunch and time to wander the stilt village, including its famous floating football pitch.
• 13:00 — Koh Hong for canoeing: paddle through cave passages into hidden lagoons ringed by steep cliffs and forest. Then Panak Island, riddled with caves — the Ice Cream Cave is the prettiest — surrounded by dense green mangroves.
• 15:30 — Naka Island: a proper beach stop for swimming and relaxing.
• 17:30 — Return to the pier and transfer back to your hotel.

What makes the mangroves worth your attention?

Most visitors come for the famous rock and leave amazed by the mangroves. Ao Phang Nga National Park protects one of Thailand’s largest mangrove forests — a nursery for the bay’s fish, crabs and birdlife, and the quiet engine that keeps this whole ecosystem alive. From a canoe at water level you drift under root arches and past cliffs where you may spot bats and other wildlife hiding in the shade. Ask your guide to point things out; the good ones love being asked.

Is this tour right for you?

Choose this trip if you want James Bond Island as the first major stop, a real canoe session at Koh Hong, and a beach finish at Naka Island — a well-balanced bay day. It is not ideal if you hate early starts or shared van pickups; in that case ask us about the SeaStar CANEO, which departs at 10:00, or the slower classic longtail James Bond tour.

See every option on our James Bond Island tours page, or visit our family-run shop near Chalong Circle and we will match you to the right boat in five minutes.

What should you bring?

Swimwear worn under clothes, towel, sunscreen, hat, and a waterproof pouch for your phone — the canoe cave passages drip. A light cover-up is respectful for the Koh Panyee village walk. Carry small cash for the national park entrance fee, which operators collect separately; message us on WhatsApp for the current amount.

Photos

Frequently asked questions

Does this tour run in the rainy season?

Yes. Phang Nga Bay is on Phuket’s sheltered east side and stays calm most of the year, so this route operates year-round — often with fewer crowds and greener scenery in the low season.

What time does the tour start and finish?

Hotel pickup is around 07:30, the boat departs about 10:00, and you are back at the pier around 17:30 before the transfer to your hotel.

Is canoeing included and do I need experience?

Yes, canoeing at Koh Hong is part of the program and no experience is needed — you share an inflatable canoe with a guide who does the paddling through the caves and lagoons.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. The last stop is Naka Island around 15:30, with a sandy beach for swimming and relaxing before the ride home.

How much does the tour cost?

Boat prices in Phuket change daily, so we quote live rather than publish numbers. Message our Chalong shop on WhatsApp and we will send today’s price straight away.