Of all the boat trips from Ao Nang, the 4 Islands is one of the kindest to young travellers. The islands sit close to the mainland, so no crossing is long, the beaches at Koh Poda and Phra Nang shelve gently into shallow water, and lunch happens on the sand rather than in a rocking cabin. Most families come back tired and happy. A little planning helps.
The shared longtail is the cheapest option and its shallow swimming stops suit families, but it is the last back, around 15:30 to 16:00, which is a long day for small children. The shared speedboat has guests at their hotels from about 14:00, in time for an afternoon nap, though the ride is bumpier when the sea is up. With a group of five or more, a private longtail lets you set the pace and stay longer where the children are happiest.
On the shared tours children aged 4 to 11 pay a child rate: THB 795 on the longtail and THB 950 on the speedboat. The national park fee for a child is THB 100, paid in cash on the day. Each tour page lists its own age rules for the youngest guests, so check the one you want and tell us every child's age when you book.
Life vests are provided and worn in the water; tell us the ages and sizes in advance so the crew brings ones that fit. Pack sun protection, a hat, a change of clothes, water shoes, snacks for the gap before lunch and a dry bag for the things that must stay dry. Children remain their parents' responsibility in and around the water, and the crew's instructions on where to swim apply to everyone.
If you have a question about a child's age, a nervous swimmer or a pushchair, ask us before booking. For everything else, the packing guide and the tour comparison are good next stops.