Surin Mai Ngam Beach and Snorkeling by Speedboat (from Phuket or Khao Lak)
Most day trips to the Surin Islands run the same loop of bays. This one is built around Mai Ngam, a 500-meter curve of sand with jungle behind it, reached by crossing the shallow channel between the two main islands, and around two long snorkeling sessions on the north and south sides of Suthep Bay. Three meals included.
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Surin Mai Ngam Beach snorkeling tour: 500 meters of sand with the jungle behind it
The Surin Islands sit at the top of the Thai Andaman, and they hold some of the last reef in the country that has never had a resort built next to it. This day is shaped differently from the usual island loop. The boat crosses the shallow channel at Mai Ngam and lands on a 500-meter beach with nothing on it but the park's own huts, the forest coming down almost to the tide line and reef close enough that you can swim out to it from where you left your towel. The afternoon then goes to Suthep Bay, north side and then south side, two long sessions on a stretch of reef that divers rate for the sheer number of species packed into a small area. The service is the premium end of what runs to Surin: a light breakfast at the pier, a buffet lunch inside the park and a full spread waiting on the dock when you get back, so nobody finishes the day hungry. Two things to plan around: the park is open from mid-October to mid-May and closes completely for the monsoon, and the reef here is shallow, so the tide decides how much of it you see.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFSS17 |
|---|---|
| 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 the pier at Namkhem Marina (pickup from Khao Lak to be confirmed).
Check-in at Namkhem Marina. The crew welcomes you with snacks and drinks and hands out your snorkeling gear for the day (beach towel and fins included), followed by the guide’s briefing.
Departure by speedboat towards the remote Surin Islands.
You arrive in the national park and cross the shallow Mai Ngam channel to land on 500 meters of untouched beach, set into thick tropical vegetation that comes almost down to the water.
A buffet lunch served at the restaurant of the Surin Islands national park, in surroundings you will not find anywhere else on this coast.
First afternoon snorkeling session, on the northern reef of the bay: intact coral in full colour, in water shallow enough to see everything from the surface.
Second underwater session on the southern side of the bay, an area divers know for the extraordinary range of marine species living on it.
The speedboat starts back towards the mainland.
Scheduled arrival at Namkhem Marina, where a generous welcome-back buffet is waiting with 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
- Reef shoes or sandals you can get wet: the landing at Mai Ngam is off the beach
- 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, departure at 09:00 and arrival back at the pier at about 16:30. Pickup from Khao Lak is agreed case by case. Your final travel documents give the exact time; please be ready in the lobby 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 and they are the reason this trip is sold as premium: a light breakfast at the pier, a buffet lunch at the national park restaurant, and a full buffet on the dock at Namkhem when you get back, with som tum, fried chicken and ice cream. Tell us about allergies or intolerances 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?
Yes, and this trip suits children better than most: the beach at Mai Ngam is sheltered and shallow, so a child who is not confident in deep water still has plenty to do while the adults snorkel. Please give us the exact age of every child when you ask for a quote.
