Similan Islands Fast Catamaran Day Trip (From Phuket or Khao Lak)
A day in the Similan Islands aboard a two-deck fast catamaran, for travelers who would rather not spend the crossing being thrown around in a speedboat. Two hulls ride over the swell instead of slamming into it, and there is room to stand up, move about and sit in the shade on the way out. Inside the park you get two guided snorkeling stops, the white sand of Princess Bay on Koh Miang and the climb to Sailing Rock on the main island, with three meals served across the day. The national park is open from mid-October to mid-May and closed for the rest of the year.
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Similan Islands Fast Catamaran Tour: A Steadier Way to Cross the Andaman Sea
The Similan Islands lie well out in the open Andaman Sea, off the Phang Nga coast, and the crossing is the part of the day most people underestimate. This trip uses a two-deck fast catamaran rather than the usual speedboat: the twin hull spreads the load, so the boat rides over the swell instead of banging through it, and there is enough deck to walk around, find shade or stay outside for the whole run.
The route covers the classic stops. You snorkel first at islands 5 and 6, then again at Koh Ba Ngu, island 9, at Christmas Point or Namchai Bay, where the coral cover is the densest in the park. In between there is time on Princess Bay, on Koh Miang, and a stop at Koh Similan for the short walk up to Sailing Rock, the granite block standing over Donald Duck Bay. Food is looked after from start to finish: a light breakfast at the pier, a buffet on the island and a full spread of snacks waiting when you dock. The park season runs from October 15 to May 15.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFSS12 |
|---|---|
| Starting from | Khao Lak, Phuket |
| Duration | Full Day |
| Tour Type | Excursions |
| Tour Format | Group |
| Boat | Catamaran |
| Guide Language | English |
| Interests | Sea & Islands, Snorkeling |
| Available Period | From 15 October to 15 May |
| Availability | Daily |
Sample Itinerary
Pickup at your hotel reception for the minivan transfer to Tublamu pier (pickup from Khao Lak to be confirmed).
Check-in at Tublamu pier. You are met with snacks and hot drinks and given a useful briefing by the guide, then handed the snorkeling gear for the day (fins and beach towel included).
Departure for the Similan Islands aboard our comfortable, steady two-deck fast catamaran.
You reach the archipelago for the first guided session in the water, swimming over bright coral and a remarkable range of tropical fish.
A stop on the brilliant white sand of Princess Bay, for a stretch of complete quiet in a picture-postcard tropical setting.
A good buffet meal served on island 4 itself, in the shade of the thick island vegetation.
A second, longer snorkeling session at Koh Ba Ngu, at Christmas Point or Namchai Bay, the best known area of the park for the density of its reef and the beauty of the seabed.
A stop at the main island and at Sailing Rock, the icon of the Similans. You have time to rest on the beach, swim, or walk up to the viewpoint and look out over the whole archipelago.
You leave the archipelago and begin the smooth catamaran crossing back to Tublamu pier.
Expected arrival at the pier, where a generous farewell buffet is waiting: drinks, snacks, 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.
