Surin Islands Speedboat Day Trip (from Phuket or Khao Lak)
A fast crossing to the far north of the Andaman Sea, where the reef starts a few meters out from the sand. The speedboat cuts the time spent getting there and gives it back to the water: three snorkeling stops, sea turtles at Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay, and a stop at the Moken village in between.
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Surin Islands speedboat tour: the Moken village and snorkeling over untouched reef
The Surin archipelago lies in the far north of the Andaman Sea, close to the Myanmar border, and the speedboat is what turns it into a day trip rather than an expedition. Less of the day goes on the crossing, more of it goes on the reef. And the reef here begins in the shallows, a few meters out from the beach, so you do not need to be a confident swimmer to see it properly. The day is built around three stops: the channel at Chong Kad, where the current brings the fish in; the sheltered water of Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay; and Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay, known for sea turtles and for coral formations that are still intact. Between the morning sessions the boat calls at the Moken village. The Moken are a sea-going community who have lived across these islands for generations, and the stop is a short walk through the settlement with your guide, not a performance. One thing worth knowing before you plan: the national park is open from mid-October to mid-May and closes for the monsoon in between.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFSS18 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Khao Lak, Phuket |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Group |
| Boat | Speedboat |
| Guide Language | English |
| Interests | Sea & Islands |
| Available Period | From 15 October to 15 May |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel reception for the minivan transfer to Namkhem Marina (pickup from Khao Lak to be confirmed).
Check-in at Namkhem Marina. You are met with snacks and hot drinks, and your snorkeling gear for the day is handed out (beach towel and fins included). Your guide runs through the briefing for the day ahead.
You cast off by speedboat towards the Surin Islands, still one of the least developed corners of the Thai Andaman.
You reach the national park. The first stop is a snorkeling session in the channel, where the moving water keeps the reef busy. After that comes the visit to the Moken village, where you learn how this sea-going community lives and what has changed for them over the last few decades.
A buffet lunch served at the restaurant of the Surin Islands national park, with the forest coming down to the edge of the tables.
The afternoon goes to the reef at one of the best-known sites in the archipelago, either Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay. The last session is at Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay, where sea turtles are a regular sight and the coral formations are among the most photographed in the group.
The speedboat turns back towards the mainland.
Scheduled arrival at Namkhem Marina, where a closing buffet is waiting: drinks, snacks, som tum, fried chicken and ice cream. You are then driven back to your hotel.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- Round-trip transfer between your hotel and the pier
- National park entry fee (included)
- Buffet lunch, drinks, snacks and fruit (3 meals: light breakfast, lunch, snack)
- Snorkeling gear (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 activity not listed above
Useful Tips
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Wear comfortable shoes or sandals: you will be walking on rock and coral rubble
- Carry some cash in Thai baht for extras
- Not suitable for pregnant women or for people with heart or back problems
- Do not touch or collect coral or shells: the whole 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 personalised 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. Travellers 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 personalised 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?
Pickup is at around 06:00 from your hotel, check-in at Namkhem Marina at 08:00 and departure at 09:00. Pickup from Khao Lak is confirmed case by case, since the drive is shorter. The exact time is stated in your final travel documents; please be ready in the lobby at least 15 minutes beforehand.
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: a swimsuit under your clothes, something light to change into and comfortable shoes or sandals for walking on rock.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses and reef-safe 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?
Yes, three meals are included: a light breakfast at the pier, a buffet lunch at the national park restaurant and a closing buffet when the boat gets back to Namkhem, with som tum, fried chicken and ice cream. Water, soft drinks and fruit are available all day. Please tell us about any allergy or intolerance when you book.
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?
Children do this trip regularly, but the speedboat crossing is fast and can be bumpy, which suits some ages better than others. Tell us the exact age of everyone travelling when you ask for a quote and we will say honestly whether we would put them on this boat or on the catamaran instead.
