Similan Islands Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling (From Phuket or Khao Lak)
Nine granite islands in the Andaman Sea, a protected marine park, and water clear enough to read the reef from the deck. This is the classic way to see the Similans: a speedboat straight out to the archipelago, two guided snorkeling sessions, the beach at Princess Bay and the walk up to Sailing Rock on island 8. Modern boats, three meals through the day, and everything from the park fee to the fins already taken care of. The park is open from October 15 to May 15.
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Similan Islands Speedboat Tour: Straight Out to the Best Snorkeling in Thailand
The Similans are regularly listed among the ten best snorkeling and diving areas in the world, and the reason becomes obvious the moment you put your face in the water: granite boulders dropping into white sand, visibility measured in tens of meters, and reef fish in numbers you rarely meet elsewhere in Thailand. The islands go by number rather than by name, and this trip works through the best of them.
A speedboat is the quickest way across, which leaves more of the day for the water and less of it for getting there. You snorkel first at islands 5 and 6, then again at Koh Ba Ngu, island 9, where the coral is at its thickest. Between the two you land on Koh Miang to eat under the trees and swim off Princess Bay, and stop at Koh Similan for Sailing Rock and the viewpoint above it. Drinks, snacks and meals are covered from check-in at the pier to the buffet waiting when you get back. Mu Ko Similan National Park closes to visitors from mid-May to mid-October, so the season runs from October 15 to May 15.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFSS11 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Khao Lak, Phuket |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Group |
| Boat | Speedboat |
| Guide Language | English |
| Interests | Sea & Islands, Snorkeling |
| Available Period | From 15 October to 15 May |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
You are collected at your hotel reception and driven by minivan to Tublamu pier (pickup from Khao Lak to be confirmed).
Check-in at Tublamu pier. The team meets you with snacks and hot drinks, runs through the day in a short briefing and hands out the snorkeling gear (fins and beach towel included).
Departure for the Similan Islands aboard a comfortable, fast speedboat.
You arrive in the archipelago for the first guided session in the water. Below you is a bright, undamaged underwater world, thick with tropical fish and colorful coral.
A stop on the pale sand of Princess Bay, a part of the day set aside for doing nothing at all in a postcard tropical setting.
A generous buffet meal served on island 4 itself, in the shade of the dense island vegetation.
A second, longer session at Koh Ba Ngu, at Christmas Point or Namchai Bay, the best known corner of the park for reef density and for the sheer range of marine life.
You visit the main island and Sailing Rock, the true symbol of the Similans. There is time to rest on the beach, swim in the turquoise water, or walk up to the viewpoint for a wide view over the archipelago.
You leave the archipelago and begin the calm speedboat run back to the mainland.
Expected arrival at Tublamu pier and a warm welcome with drinks, snacks, a fresh papaya salad, fried chicken and ice cream. 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
- National park fee (included)
- Buffet lunch, drinks, snacks and fruit (3 meals: light breakfast, lunch, snacks)
- Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel)
- Fins and towel
- Professional English-speaking guide and first-aid trained crew
- Government accident insurance
Not Included
- 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.
