Similan Islands Premium Catamaran Tour on the Once Phuket (From Phuket or Khao Lak)
The Similan Islands aboard the Once Phuket, a wide, well-finished premium catamaran with a water slide off the stern and clear kayaks and paddleboards to use at the stops. The day is bracketed by the Once Lounge at Thap Lamu pier: breakfast there before you sail, dinner there when you come back. In between, Sailing Rock on island 8, snorkeling at Koh Ba Ngu and at Koh Payu – island 7, which most day trips skip – and a buffet on the soft sand of Koh Miang. The park season runs from October 15 to May 15.
Book with us
- English-speaking assistance and secure booking
- Fast reply and confirmation within 24 hours
- Officially TAT-licensed tour operator
Officially TAT-licensed tour operator
Similan Islands Premium Catamaran Tour: Comfort from the Lounge to the Reef
This is the most comfortable way to see Mu Ko Similan without staying out overnight. The Once Phuket is a large catamaran with room to sit, lie down or stand in the shade, and a twin hull that keeps the roll far lower than a conventional speedboat. The day starts and ends at the Once Lounge on Thap Lamu pier, with a proper breakfast before boarding and dinner waiting when you dock - three meals in all, which is unusual for a day trip.
The route takes in the islands people come for, plus one they usually miss. Island 8, Koh Similan, gives you the beach and the short climb to Sailing Rock. Island 9, Koh Ba Ngu, is the guided snorkeling stop over the densest coral in the park. Island 4, Koh Miang, is the long midday stop, with the boat's paddleboards and transparent kayaks out on the water and soft sand to lie on afterwards. The last stop is Koh Payu, island 7, ringed by huge granite boulders and rarely part of a standard itinerary. The park is open from October 15 to May 15; outside those dates no boat is allowed in.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFON02 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Khao Lak, Phuket |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Group |
| Boat | Catamaran |
| Guide Language | English |
| Interests | Sea & Islands |
| Available Period | From 15 October to 15 May |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel reception and a comfortable transfer to Thap Lamu pier in air-conditioned minivans.
You are welcomed at the exclusive Once Lounge, where breakfast is served while the guide runs through the plan for the day.
Boarding our premium catamaran and the start of a steady, quick crossing out to the archipelago.
Arrival at the main island. You can settle on the spotless beach or take the short climb to the Sailing Rock viewpoint for the photographs everyone comes back with.
Into the water for a long snorkeling session over bright coral and the dense marine life that fills these clear waters.
A midday break with a generous buffet in a setting that needs no description. Afterwards there is free time on the soft sand and the use of the paddleboards and transparent kayaks.
One last snorkeling session, surrounded by imposing granite boulders, with striking visibility over coral and tropical fish.
Arrival at the pier and a relaxed dinner served at the ONCE Lounge. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- Round-trip transfer from your hotel to the pier
- All meals on the program (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Seasonal fruit and snacks
- Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
- Fins (provided against a deposit)
- Towel
- Professional English-speaking guide and first-aid trained crew
- National park fee (400 THB/adult - 200 THB/child)
- Use of the paddleboards and transparent kayaks
- Use of the boat's water slide
- Government accident insurance
Not Included
- Pickup from Khao Lak (for the tour leaving from Phuket): arranged only by private van, at extra cost.
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any extra activities not listed above
Useful Tips
- Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Wear comfortable shoes or sandals for walking on the rocks
- Carry some cash (Thai Baht) for extras
- Not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems
- Do not touch or collect coral and shells: the archipelago is a protected area
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell whether an excursion is right for me?
Every tour and activity is described in detail in your personalized itinerary. For each excursion you will find precise information on:
- Difficulty level: easy, moderate or demanding.
- Duration: from half a day to a full day.
- Requirements: minimum level of fitness, recommended age and accessibility.
Please also bear in mind that sea excursions by speedboat are usually not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems. Travelers with disabilities should be accompanied by someone who can assist them when needed. If you have any doubts or specific requirements, your Travel Consultant is always at your disposal for personalized advice.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Safety is our priority. If weather conditions make an activity dangerous or inadvisable, the excursion will be:
- Rescheduled: we will try to move the activity to another day of your trip.
- Replaced: if rescheduling is not possible, we will offer an alternative activity of equal value.
- Refunded: if neither rescheduling nor replacement is possible, you will receive a full refund for the excursion you were unable to take.
Please remember that rain during the wet season rarely spoils an entire day. You will always be informed in advance of any changes.
What are the pick-up times?
All meeting and pick-up details are clearly stated in your final travel documents (which you receive about 3 weeks before departure).
- Time: we will let you know the exact pick-up time. Please be ready at the agreed place at least 15 minutes beforehand.
- Pick-up point: in most cases the pick-up takes place directly in the lobby of your accommodation (if it lies within the areas covered by the service). If it does not, we will tell you the nearest meeting point.
What should I bring with me on the excursions?
For every excursion we provide a list of recommended items. In general, we always suggest:
- Suitable clothing: for example, long pants and no low-cut tops when visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, light and breathable clothes for hot areas, a swimsuit, or comfortable shoes for light trekking.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Hydration: water, especially on hot days.
- Vouchers and documents: where required, a copy (digital or printed) of your booking voucher.
Are meals or drinks included during the tours?
It depends on the excursion. The description of each tour in your itinerary clearly states whether the following are included:
- Lunch, dinner or snacks.
- Water or other drinks.
If you have any food allergies or intolerances, please let us know when you book, so that we can inform our local partners in advance.
Can I cancel or change a single excursion?
Yes, but specific terms apply. Cancellation and amendment conditions vary from one activity to another.
You will find the exact details for each excursion in the Terms and Conditions attached to your quotation. If you need to make a change or a cancellation, please write to us at info@thailandfantastic.com as soon as possible.
Are young children and infants allowed?
It depends on the activity. Some excursions, especially those by boat or those requiring physical effort, may have age or height restrictions for safety reasons. Any such restriction is stated in the tour description.
Please always tell us the exact age of every participant, children in particular, when you request a quotation.
