Similan Islands Early Bird Tour: First Boat of the Day (From Phuket or Khao Lak)
“Early Bird” is the name of this trip and it means exactly what it says: pickup at 04:00 and the first speedboat out of Namkhem pier at 07:00, which puts you on the sand of Koh Similan while the rest of the fleet is still loading. You climb to Sailing Rock without queuing for it, snorkel over coral and, with a little luck, sea turtles, walk the forest path between Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay on Koh Miang, and eat a picnic in the shade of the trees. Your guide works in English. The park is open from mid-October to mid-May.
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Similan Islands Early Bird Tour: Getting There Before the Crowds
A Similan Islands Early Bird tour: hotel pick-up between 04:00 and 05:00 (depending on where your hotel is, between 05:00 and 06:15 from Khao Lak), a private lounge at Namkhem pier and departure at 07:00, so you reach the marine park while it is still quiet. First stop island no. 8, Koh Similan, famous for Sailing Rock, the sail-shaped boulder: you can climb to the viewpoint or stay on the brilliant white sand beach. Then snorkeling straight off the boat, among colourful corals, tropical fish and, with a little luck, sea turtles. At island no. 4, Koh Miang, there are Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay, joined by a fifteen minute trail, and a picnic lunch served in the shade of the trees; in the afternoon a second snorkeling session. Back at 16:00. English-speaking guide, national park fee and transfers included. It is among the best excursions you can choose.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFSA06 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Khao Lak, Phuket |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Group |
| Boat | Speedboat |
| Guide Language | Italian, English |
| Interests | Sea & Islands |
| Hotel pick-up | See your hotel's pick-up time |
| Available Period | Available from 15 October to 15 May |
| Availability | Departures every day |
Sample Itinerary
Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the private lounge at Namkhem pier. (from Khao Lak the pick-up is between 05:00 and 06:15). The pick-up time depends on where your hotel is and is confirmed after booking.
Early departure toward the Similan Islands aboard a comfortable speedboat, ahead of the crowds.
First stop on the main island, famous for the well known “Sailing Rock”. You can climb up to the viewpoint for a breathtaking view over the Andaman Sea or explore the untouched beach.
Snorkeling stop straight from the boat to discover the crystal clear waters of the Similan, among colorful corals, tropical fish and, with a little luck, sea turtles.
Arrival on the largest island of the archipelago. Time to enjoy the beaches of Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay, linked to each other by a 15 minute nature trail.
A tasty picnic lunch served in the shade of the trees at Honeymoon Bay, surrounded by the quiet of nature.
After lunch, one more stop for snorkeling around Island No. 4 to continue exploring the beautiful coral reefs.
Return to Namkhem pier and final transfer to your hotel.
The itinerary may change due to weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances.
Inclusions
What the Tour Includes
- Transfer to/from the hotel (Khao Lak and Phuket)
- Light breakfast
- Lunch at the national park restaurant
- Soft drinks, water, snacks and fresh fruit
- Full snorkeling equipment
- Professional multilingual guide (TH / EN / IT / FR / DE / ES)
- National Park entrance fee
- Government accident insurance
Not Included
- Beach towel
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any extra activities not listed
Useful Tips
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Wear comfortable shoes or sandals for walking on the rocks
- Bring cash (Thai Baht) for extras
- Not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart or back problems
- Avoid touching or collecting corals and shells: the archipelago is a protected area
Notes
Minimum 15 participants for this excursion to run: if the minimum is not reached we find an alternative or refund the amount.
Maximum 20 guests on the 2-engine speedboat, 32 guests on the 3-engine speedboat.
The boat is chosen by the supplier according to the number of participants.
From 15 October to 15 May, daily. Departure from Nam Khem pier (Phang Nga).
From hotels in Phuket the transfer costs an extra THB 400 per person, already included in the "from Phuket" price.
Child rate from 4 to 11 years old. Children under 4 cannot board, for safety and insurance reasons.
Guests over 75 and pregnant women are not allowed.
No smoking on board. Alcohol cannot be brought into or consumed within the national park area.
Vegetarian or vegan lunch at no extra charge: it must be requested when booking, as must any food allergy.
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 receive a refund for the excursion you were unable to take. Bank and collection fees on online payments are not refundable.
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.
Does the tour start in Phuket or in Khao Lak, and is the price the same?
The boat leaves from Namkhem pier, in Phang Nga province, which is close to Khao Lak and far from Phuket. That is why there are two prices:
- from Khao Lak, the base price, with pickup between 05:00 and 06:15;
- from Phuket, with pickup between 04:00 and 05:00 and the longer transfer already included in the price (worth 400 ฿ per person).
There is nothing extra to pay at the pier: pick the right line and that is the price.
What time of year can the Similan Islands be visited?
From October 15 to May 15, every day. For the rest of the year the Similan Islands national park is closed for the monsoon and no boat is allowed in.
It is the strictest closure in the Andaman Sea: if you arrive in Thailand in June or September the Similans cannot be done at all, and Phi Phi or Krabi are the alternatives.
Will we see sea turtles?
Often, but nobody can promise it: these are wild animals in a marine park, not in a tank. Both snorkeling sessions are run at the spots where they are seen most often, over the reefs off island no. 8 and Koh Miang.
What is certain is everything else: Sailing Rock and its viewpoint, the white sand of Koh Similan, the forest path between Honeymoon Bay and Princess Bay, and a picnic lunch in the shade of the trees.
How old do children have to be?
The child rate applies from age 4 to 11. From age 12 the adult rate applies.
Children under 4 cannot board, for safety and insurance reasons. Passengers over 75 and pregnant women are not accepted either. Pickup from Phuket is between 04:00 and 05:00: with small children, starting from Khao Lak is far easier. The tour needs at least 15 people to run: below that we offer you another date or an equivalent excursion, or we refund the amount you paid.
