“Experience the grandeur of a natural fortress and the heart of Andaman conservation at Mosquito Island. Enjoy the secluded scenery of a triangular limestone cliff rising gracefully above the deep blue sea.”
Mosquito Island is one of the natural landmarks that plays a significant role in the ecosystem of the Krabi Sea and the Phi Phi Islands. While other nearby islands may serve as lively destinations for beach relaxation and water activities, Mosquito Island functions as a “marine and coral sanctuary” under strict protection. The most memorable feature of this island is its tranquility and the striking image of a steep triangular limestone mountain standing prominently in the deep sea, casting its silhouette against the blue waters and white waves.
In the past, Mosquito Island was a world-famous snorkeling destination due to its dense and beautiful staghorn coral reefs surrounding the island, as well as a small sandy beach on its eastern side. However, following coral bleaching events, the national park permanently closed the island to all tourism activities on the island and beach. The closure has resulted in a remarkable phenomenon, with the waters around Mosquito Island becoming a haven for natural recovery. Fields of staghorn coral, massive corals, and brain corals have regenerated extensively, turning the area into a nursery ground for marine life, including clownfish, butterflyfish, and blacktip reef sharks that are frequently seen in the shallow waters.
The outstanding appeal of Mosquito Island today is therefore not about visiting it up close, but about “observing the beauty of a healthy ecosystem from an appropriate distance.” While passing by on a boat, visitors can see the crystal-clear water, clear enough to reveal the shadows of coral reefs beneath the surface. The atmosphere around the island is filled with purity and natural beauty, free from disturbances caused by human activities. Cruising around Mosquito Island is therefore an ecotourism experience that inspires awareness of nature conservation and highlights the remarkable ability of the Andaman Sea to restore itself, making it a destination worth seeing at least once in a lifetime.
How to Get There
- Private Car: If traveling to a departure pier on the Krabi mainland, drive from Krabi Town via Highway No. 4034 to Noppharat Thara Beach Pier or the Ao Nang tourist pier, where parking is available and boats to the Phi Phi Islands can be arranged.
- Public Transportation: Take a local songthaew from Krabi Town to Ao Nang, then continue by ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi Don Island.
- Boat: Mosquito Island is located approximately 5 kilometers north of Phi Phi Don Island. Visitors can charter a long-tail boat or take a speedboat from Phi Phi Don Island. It is also possible to travel directly from Chong Lard Pier (Ko Yao Yai) and Ko Yao Noi to view the scenery around Mosquito Island. It is commonly included in itineraries together with Bamboo Island. As Mosquito Island is closed to visitors, boats are only allowed to remain outside the national park buoy zone for sightseeing purposes.
Travel Tips
- The best time to visit is between November and April, when the sea is calm and the water is at its clearest. Morning visits are recommended so that sunlight illuminates the water surface, making the coral reefs below more visible.
- Recommended activities include cruising around the triangular limestone cliffs, taking panoramic photographs of the island landscape from a conservation perspective, and viewing coral reefs through the clear water from the boat.
- As the island is under strict rehabilitation protection, tour boats are prohibited from docking on the beach or dropping anchors on coral reefs. Visitors should comply with national park regulations, avoid littering in the sea, and bring a camera with a zoom lens for capturing distant natural scenery.
- Nearby attractions include Bamboo Island (open for beach access and swimming), Phi Phi Don Island, and Laem Tong Bay.
Entrance Fee:
- The entrance fee is included in the national park fee (visitors may only view the island from a boat and are not permitted to go ashore).
- Thai Visitors: Adults 40 THB / Children 20 THB.
- Foreign Visitors: Adults 400 THB / Children 200 THB.
Opening Hours:
- The waters surrounding the island are open for sightseeing cruises from 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM daily (the island and beach are permanently closed to visitors).