Meet our Owners – the people behind Krabi Sunset Cruises

We’re all about good vibes and unforgettable experiences on the water. And, while we already have lots of information about our ship and tour on The Boat page, we thought it was about time we give you a more detailed, behind-the-scenes look at Krabi Sunset Cruises.

We spend a lot of time chatting and getting to know our guests while we’re out on the water, and people are always keen to hear how we came to make Krabi our home (and how we got into the business of sunset tours.)

In this blog, we invite you to kick back and get to know the people who’ll be welcoming you aboard in an interview with our owners, brother/sister team Carolyn and Michael.

What inspired you to start Krabi Sunset Cruises, and what motivated you to enter the premium boat tour industry in Thailand?

Carolyn: The boat was previously owned by Rayavadee Resort, which had shifted its focus to speedboat tours. We saw potential, bought it at a great price, and renovated it. By 2013, we were ready to launch our first, albeit basic, high-season tour.

Michael: Before we started Krabi Sunset Cruises, my background was in rope access and climbing, which led me to Railay. I’d already been going on deep-water solo climbing tours, so the area and the set-up felt familiar.

Carolyn: I came to Thailand in 2008, and ended up staying. I met my future husband, Laan, that year (who was a Muay Thai trainer) and we started a bar/gym/cafe together on Railay.

My background was in finance and venture philanthropy, but this opportunity to buy the boat in 2012, was too good to pass up. Originally, we bought the boat (Pla Luang) with another partner, but just three months into the venture, we decided it was better to keep the business within the family. We bought out our partner and focused on restoring the boat and turning it into something special

Laan, who was the backbone of the company, a huge presence, and a friend to everyone, passed away suddenly in 2022. We could have packed it all in, but I decided to continue to do him proud, and to leave a legacy for our then 6 year old daughter Zoe.

What challenges did you face when establishing Krabi Sunset Cruises, and how did you overcome them?

Michael: We’ve faced quite a few challenges along the way. In the beginning, the boat was constantly breaking down. With limited funds, we often had to make quick fixes just to keep it operational. One of the most significant challenges came around 2016 or 2017 when a piston blew through the engine, forcing us to halt operations for two weeks to replace it.

Carolyn: The challenges haven’t just been mechanical. We’ve also had to navigate the complexities of running a premium service.

Michael: There was a time when we were hit by a massive swell that came from the south, hitting the peninsula on both sides. It was after hours, and our old Captain was alone on the boat with a longtail tied to the back. The waves were so big that I had to kayak out to help.

We ended up doing laps around the area, trying to keep the boat safe, and eventually had to move it to the river. On the way, we lost the longtail, which got washed up on the beach. At that point, I wasn’t even concerned about the longtail—I was just worried the boat might sink.

What sets Krabi Sunset Cruises apart from other boat tours in the Krabi and Ao nang region?

Carolyn: The key difference with Krabi Sunset Cruises is that we’re Australians who have designed a trip we’d genuinely want to experience ourselves. One of the things our guests love is that we keep the numbers down, ensuring a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.

Michael: Our boat is also quite unique—it’s a traditional junk boat, which you don’t see much of in this area. We’ve got a full cocktail bar onboard, something you won’t find on most other tours, which adds to the comfort and enjoyment of the experience. There’s also plenty of space on the boat, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery of Ao Nang without feeling cramped or like they’re on a typical boat tour all day.

What are some of the most memorable moments or feedback you’ve received from guests on your cruises?

Carolyn: One that really stands out was from a guest who was wheelchair-bound. He shared that he’d never been on a boat trip like ours before, and we were able to help him get into the water and snorkel for the first time. It meant the world to us to be able to provide that opportunity.

Michael: We’ve also hosted weddings, engagements, and countless first-time snorkelers.

One moment that sticks with me was last year when we had a family on board, and the dad couldn’t swim. Our team went above and beyond to make him feel safe. We provided him with a life ring and a life jacket, and I personally got in the water with him. We also positioned a paddleboard next to him in the water, so he felt completely secure. It was great to see him build enough trust with us to enjoy being in the sea.

How do you curate the premium elements on board to ensure a high-end experience?

Carolyn: A lot of people might not realise that most of the longtail boat drivers in this region are Muslim. Because of this, we have a special tradition where we get our boat blessed every year, not by monks, as one might expect in Thailand, but by local Imams.

This practice is deeply rooted in the local community, where Muslims typically handle the boats and Buddhists focus on blessing homes and other structures. It’s a unique blend of cultural traditions that we respect and incorporate into our operations.

What role does sustainability play in your operations, and how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices into your tours?

Carolyn: We’ve taken significant steps to minimise our environmental impact, starting with eliminating plastic bottles from the boat and ensuring that all sunscreen used is reef-friendly, which is now a legal requirement here. We’re committed to being as eco-friendly as possible, and I personally update a site every year that tracks our environmental impact to ensure we’re making progress.

Michael is also very proactive in educating our guests about the importance of protecting the marine environment. For example, he emphasises the importance of not standing on the coral.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about partnering with Coral Life to support coral regeneration projects. We’re planning to contribute to these efforts, further aligning our operations with our commitment to sustainability.

Can you share any upcoming plans or exciting developments for Krabi Sunset Cruises?

Michael: One of our major developments is the expansion of our Morning Cruises. We want to offer guests the chance to experience the beauty of the Andaman Sea in the morning as well, rather than just during the evening sunset tours. These trips provide a new perspective for guests on the landscapes and allow people the option to take the boat our privately at a reduced cost vs. our standard private rate.

For more information about our Krabi Morning, Private, and Sunset Tours, you might also find our FAQ page useful.