Best of · ISLAND DAY TRIPS

The 15 Best Island Day Trips Around the World

159 day trips  ·  from $23 a seat

An island you can do in a day is a particular pleasure: a crossing, a beach, a lunch and a boat back before dark. These 15 compare the sailing times, the landing fees and how long you actually get ashore.

Krabi: Premium 4-Island Day Trip by Longtail Boat with Lunch - Starting with a hotel pickup in Krabi
Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Boat Day Trips in Thailand, Day Trips, Day Trips from Thailand, Day Trips with Lunch, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Thailand, Tour Reviews

Krabi: Premium 4-Island Day Trip by Longtail Boat with Lunch

1.Premium 4-Island Day Trip by Longtail Boat with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 4,812 reviews · 6 hours · from $39Our pick

Spend six hours visiting Chicken Island, Koh Tup, Koh Poda, and Phra Nang Cave Beach by longtail boat. You’ll snorkel, walk a low-tide sandbar, eat Thai food on the beach, and receive fruit, water, equipment, and hotel transfers. Guides such as Toy and Luna are known for warm, attentive service. Choose shared, private, early, or sunset departures.

“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.”

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Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island - Agios Nikolaos, a useful first stop by the lake
Day Trips, Day Trips from Crete, Day Trips from Greece, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Greece, Tour Reviews

Crete: Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

2.Day Trip to Agios Nikolaos and Spinalonga Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,416 reviews · 8 - 11 hours · from $44

Spend 8 to 11 hours exploring northeastern Crete with hotel pickup, a live guide, and a comfortable coach. You’ll have free time in Agios Nikolaos and Elounda, cruise to Spinalonga, walk its former leper colony, and stop for a swim from the boat. Guides such as Manos, Helena, and Alexandra are praised for clear, friendly commentary.

“Brilliant activity. Great guides. Transport was really nice too. Highly recommend”

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Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip - Eilean Donan Castle: the day’s historic centerpiece
Castle and Palace Day Trips, Castle Day Trips in the UK, Day Trips, Day Trips from the UK, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in the UK, Tour Reviews

Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

3.Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,136 reviews · 12 hours · from $56

Travel from Inverness to the Isle of Skye by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking driver-guide. See Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Lealt Falls, and Loch Carron. Guides such as Alex, Fiona, Liall, and Stewart are known for clear stories, local tips, and good humor.

“We had a fantastic tour with our guide, Jack S, from Inverness. He was friendly, patient, and very professional throughout the entire journey. Jack explained everything clearly along the route and took the time to show us different villages, sharing interesting details along the way. He also gave great restaurant recommendations, which we really appreciated. The tour never felt rushed, and we were able to truly enjoy the beautiful scenery at a relaxed pace. Highly recommended—Jack made the experience both enjoyable and memorable.”

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Krabi: Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat with Lunch - The speedboat ride from Krabi
Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Boat Day Trips in Thailand, Day Trips, Day Trips from Thailand, Day Trips with Lunch, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Thailand, Tour Reviews

Krabi: Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat with Lunch

4.Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,952 reviews · 6 hours · from $43

Spend six hours touring Krabi’s Hong Islands by speedboat with guides such as Fay, Gina, or Bayu. Swim at white sand beaches, snorkel at Lao Lading, visit Pakbia’s sandbars, eat a simple lunch, and climb to Hong Island’s 360 degree viewpoint. Kayaking is an optional extra, but weather and park rules can affect whether it runs.

“Great day out Well run Some unreal spots Good value”

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Similan Islands Early-Bird Tour From Phuket and Khao Lak! - Sail Rock and the view over Donald Duck Bay
Day Trips, Day Trips from Phuket, Day Trips from Thailand, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Thailand, Tour Reviews, Tours

Similan Islands Early-Bird Tour From Phuket and Khao Lak!

5.Similan Islands Early-Bird Tour From Phuket and Khao Lak!

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,648 reviews · 10 - 13 hours · from $125

Start before dawn, ride from Phuket or Khao Lak to a private pier, then take a fast boat to the Similan Islands. Hike to Sail Rock above Donald Duck Bay, snorkel at three sites, and enjoy lunch on Ko Miang. Guides such as Don, Emma, Kiwi, and Panda are known for spotting turtles and helping first-time snorkelers.

“Fabulous tour of the Similan Islands, perfect for people who like snorkelling. We saw so many beautiful species of fish and corals, and even could swim with turtles. It’s a big operation but it all runs super smoothly and doesn’t feel like a tourist farm at all. Guides were super nice and fun. Would totally recommend this tour!!!”

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Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine - Royal Phuket Marina and the speedboat ride
Day Trips, Day Trips from Phuket, Day Trips from Thailand, Day Trips with Lunch, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Thailand, Tour Reviews

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine

6.Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,295 reviews · from $91Top rated

You’ll visit Bamboo Island, Phi Phi Don, Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Maya Bay, and Viking Cave by speedboat, with two snorkel stops, a Thai buffet lunch, hotel pickup, and helpful guides such as Ray and Sea. Expect a full nine-hour day, lively water conditions, and little time to waste.

“What a fun trip. I highly suggest doing this one!! Bring a go pro with you!! Lots of sunscreen and sunglasses!”

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Phuket: Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip with Lunch - Getting from Phuket to the Phi Phi islands
Day Trips, Day Trips from Phuket, Day Trips from Thailand, Day Trips with Lunch, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Thailand, Tour Reviews

Phuket: Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip with Lunch

7.Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,204 reviews · 6 - 10 hours · from $34Best value

Travel from Phuket to Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don by speedboat, with stops at Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, Nui Bay, and Zcoco Beach. Guides such as Pom, Jimmy, Joe, and their crews keep the day moving, with snorkeling, buffet lunch, drinks, fruit, and optional hotel transfers.

“Amazing, island hopped, had free time, had snacks and food, saw the monkeys and went under water! What more could you ask for ?!”

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Boston to Martha's Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour - Crossing the Cape Cod Canal and Nantucket Sound
Day Trips, Day Trips from Boston, Day Trips from the USA, Island Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours, Wine Tasting Day Trips

Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

8.Boston to Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip with Optional Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,162 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $129

Take an early minibus from Boston to Falmouth, then ride the Island Queen ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Explore independently or add a narrated island tour with stops in Edgartown and Aquinnah. Guides such as Johnny Boston, Elaine, Tom, and Jonathan are praised for making the long road journey lively and useful.

“This was a very fun, informative, and interesting trip. Our driver, Jonathan, was very knowledgeable about the history of Massachusetts and was very accommodating to everyone. Would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to go from Boston to Martha’s Vineyard and back.”

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Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat - The first stop: La Maddalena town and its Caruggi
Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Boat Day Trips in Italy, Day Trips, Day Trips from Italy, Full-Day, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Italy, Tour Reviews

Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat

9.Sardinia: La Maddalena Archipelago Full-Day Trip by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,710 reviews · 6 - 7 hours · from $59

Spend 6 to 7 hours aboard Elena Tour Navigazioni visiting Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and La Maddalena. Swim from the boat or at Cala Corsara, stroll La Maddalena’s Caruggi, and buy Sardinian food and drinks on board. Live commentary is available in English, French, and Italian, with a smartphone audio guide for quieter cruising.

“lots of free time, decent prices for beer etc. have payed more for less”

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Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar - The day starts with a long ride from Punta Cana
Day Trips, Day Trips from Punta Cana, Day Trips from the Dominican Republic, Day Trips with Lunch, Island Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar

10.Saona Island Day Trip From Punta Cana with Lunch and Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,709 reviews · from $82

Travel from Punta Cana to Bayahibe, then reach Saona Island by speedboat or catamaran. Stop at a shallow natural pool for starfish, enjoy three hours on the beach, eat a Dominican buffet, and return by party catamaran. Guides such as Alex and Christian are known for keeping the day lively.

“Our tour guide was incredible. What an amazing experience. Highly recommend it. Everything ran right on schedule and organized. Definitely one of the highlights of my trip to DR this past May.”

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From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat - Spargi and Cala Corsara: your first real swim
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From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

11.From Palau: La Maddalena Islands Full-Day Trip by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,414 reviews · 7 hours · from $59

Board the Navetta Sea Star in Palau for a seven-hour cruise through La Maddalena National Park. Swim at Spargi, Santa Maria, or Cala Coticcio, photograph Spiaggia Rosa from the boat, and hear commentary in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. Depending on the day, finish with Caprera’s natural aquarium or free time in La Maddalena town.

“This boat was very interesting. It was a bit crowded but on the whole the trip was nice, the islands beautiful and the food was also quite good. We had a caprese. It was basic but good”

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From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip - Snorkeling at the Tangalooma Shipwrecks
Day Trips, Day Trips from Australia, Day Trips from Brisbane, Full-Day, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Australia, Tour Reviews

From Brisbane: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

12.Moreton Island Full-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,108 reviews · 1 day · from $126

Take a 75-minute cruise from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Moreton Island, then follow guides such as Ryan, Will, Jacob, or Darcy for snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, transparent-kayak paddling, 4WD beach and bush travel, and fast sand tobogganing. Lunch wraps, equipment, safety gear, and commentary are included.

“Enjoy ed all activities for different reasons. Great day!!!”

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Phuket: James Bond Island Day Trip by Speed Boat with Lunch - Getting to AA Marina and settling into the boat
Boat and Cruise Day Trips, Boat Day Trips in Thailand, Day Trips, Day Trips from Thailand, Day Trips with Lunch, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Thailand, Tour Reviews

Phuket: James Bond Island Day Trip by Speed Boat with Lunch

13.James Bond Island Day Trip by Speed Boat with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,081 reviews · 7h 30m · from $65

Spend about 7.5 hours exploring Phang Nga Bay by speedboat, with cave kayaking at Hong and Panak Islands, James Bond Island, lunch in Panyee’s stilt village, and an hour at ZCoco Beach. English and Thai-speaking guides such as Jimmy, Emma, and Toy lead the day. Hotel pickup is optional.

“It was a really good day, great food, good weather, tour guide was very informative and the island tour was beautiful. Thank you”

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From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach - Topolia Gorge and the first coffee stop
Beach and Coastal Day Trips, Beach Day Trips in Greece, Day Trips, Day Trips from Crete, Day Trips from Greece, Island Day Trips, Island Day Trips in Greece, Tour Reviews

From Chania: Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach

14.Day Trip to Elafonisi Island Pink Sand Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,014 reviews · 450 minutes - 12 hours · from $38

Travel from Chania to Elafonisi with hotel pickup, an English, German, or Danish guide, and a comfortable air-conditioned coach. See Topolia Gorge, stop in Elos, then enjoy about four hours on the beach. Simona, Joanne, Mona, George, and Manolis have led recent departures, but guide assignments vary.

“The tour was really great. Our driver and guide were amazing.”

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From South Tenerife: La Gomera Island Day Trip with Lunch - Getting from south Tenerife to San Sebastián
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From South Tenerife: La Gomera Island Day Trip with Lunch

15.From South Tenerife: La Gomera Island Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,997 reviews · 9 hours · from $124

From south Tenerife, take the fast ferry to La Gomera, then tour Hermigua, El Cedro, Garajonay National Park, Chipude, El Cercado, and Roque de Agando by coach. You will eat a three-course local lunch, see a Silbo Gomero demonstration, and visit San Sebastián, with guides such as Arantxa, Yaiza, and Lisa leading in several languages.

“Yaiza was an excellent guide. She took charge of the whole thing. She was quite organised, and friendly. Transportation to and from the island was pretty well run. The air-conditioned buses and ferry made for a comfortable and relaxed transfer. The scenes were breathtaking. We were even given an hour of sightseeing in San Sebastian. 5 Stars.”

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New in Island Day Trips

★ 4.3From Naha: Tokashiki Island Day Trip by BoatFrom $58385 reviews
★ 4.1From Mykonos: Full-Day Trip to Tinos IslandFrom $11251 reviews
★ 4.5Stone Town: Stone Town and Prison Island Private Day TripFrom $90104 reviews
★ 4.0Saona Island from Punta Cana Day Trip with Open BarFrom $7522 reviews
★ 4.7Santa-Giulia: Half-day trip, Lavezzi Islands and Bonifacio cliffsFrom $10623 reviews
★ 4.8Santa-Giulia: Half-day trip to the Lavezzi IslandsFrom $7632 reviews
★ 4.8Sal island: Secrets of a Native Guide Day trip with LunchFrom $65139 reviews
★ 4.3Sal: Full-Day Trip Around the Island with LunchFrom $78117 reviews
★ 4.7Olhão: Ria Formosa 3 Islands Guided Day Trip by BoatFrom $58138 reviews
★ 4.6Rhodes: Day Trip to Symi Island by Fast BoatFrom $50292 reviews
★ 3.8Procida Island Day Trip with LunchFrom $90137 reviews
★ 4.6Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with BarbecueFrom $88572 reviews
★ 4.6Ponza Island: Day Trip from Anzio with 5 Hour Boat ExcursionFrom $18028 reviews
★ 4.8Poros Island: Full Day Trip From Athens with SwimmingFrom $5833 reviews
★ 4.7Ponza Island Day Trip with Boat ExcursionFrom $191278 reviews

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