Surin Islands Fast Catamaran Day Trip (from Phuket or Khao Lak)
The same archipelago, reached on a wide fast catamaran instead of a speedboat: two hulls, a shaded deck and room to move around, which changes how an hour of open water feels. Coral gardens in exceptionally clear water, turtles at Turtle Bay, and a landing at the Moken village.
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Surin Islands fast catamaran tour: an easier crossing, coral gardens on arrival
Reaching the Surin Islands means a long run across open sea, and on a small hull that hour can decide how the rest of the day feels. A fast catamaran carries its speed on two hulls, so it sits flatter through a swell, and it has what a speedboat does not: shade, seats away from the bow and space to stand up. You step off it rested, which counts for something when the first thing you do is get in the water. What waits there is what the archipelago is known for. The hard coral grows right up into the shallows, the water is clear enough that you can pick out detail from the surface, and the fish school over the reef in numbers you will not find on the sites closer to Phuket. The morning session is in the Chong Kad channel, then the catamaran lands at the Moken village, the settlement of a sea-going community who have lived among these islands for generations. In the afternoon you snorkel at Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay and finish at Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay. The park opens on 15 October and closes on 15 May, when the southwest monsoon takes the sea back.
Destinations visited
General Information
| Tour Code | TFSS19 |
|---|---|
| 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 Namkhem Marina (pickup from Khao Lak to be confirmed).
Check-in at Namkhem Marina. The crew welcomes you with snacks and hot drinks and hands out the snorkeling gear for the day (beach towel and fins included), followed by the guide’s briefing.
You leave aboard a comfortable, stable fast catamaran bound for the remote Surin Islands.
First stop of the day: snorkeling in the channel, where the current keeps the water rich and the visibility high. Then the catamaran lands for the visit to the Moken village, to learn about the traditions and the way of life of this old sea-going community.
A buffet lunch at the restaurant of the Surin national park, in the middle of dense green forest.
Snorkeling at the most striking sites in the archipelago, Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay, among schooling reef fish and coral gardens in full colour. The last session is at Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay, both known for frequent turtle sightings and for outstanding underwater visibility.
The catamaran heads back to the mainland, an easy run with the deck to yourself.
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. Your final travel documents give the exact time; please be ready in the lobby 15 minutes early, because the catamaran leaves on schedule.
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 welcome-back buffet at Namkhem with som tum, fried chicken and ice cream. Drinking water, soft drinks and fruit are on board all day. Let us know 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 of the two Surin day trips this is the one we suggest for families: the catamaran is steadier than a speedboat and there is shade and room to sit. Please give us the exact age of every child when you request a quote, so we can confirm the trip suits them.
