1 Day Trip – Surin Islands by Speedboat – SeaStar

This is a full-day Surin Islands snorkelling trip by SeaStar speedboat, running from around 8:30am to 5:00pm. It departs from the SeaStar pier at Namkhem Marina with hotel transfer available from Phuket and Khao Lak, and visits three snorkelling sites in Surin Islands National Park plus the Moken sea-gypsy village. It is arranged by Chang Thai Tour & Travel, a licensed family-run agency at Chalong Circle in Phuket.

The honest picture: what this trip is, and what it is not

We would rather you know what you are booking than be surprised on the day, so here is the straight talk from our counter. The Surin Islands sit far out in the northern Andaman, and this is a long open-sea run by speedboat, not a gentle hop between sheltered bays. In return you get some of the clearest water and healthiest coral in Thailand — genuinely a snorkeller’s day out.

What the day includes, from the itinerary below, is a welcome with hot drinks and bakery at check-in, the speedboat crossing, three guided snorkelling stops, a buffet lunch in the national park, and snacks back at the pier. What it does not automatically include is anything not listed there — so before you book, ask us plainly whether the national park entry fee, equipment, and your hotel transfer are inside the price for your area or added on. We will spell it out so there are no surprises.

What does the day look like?

The published SeaStar itinerary runs like this (times may shift with weather and tide):

• 08:30 — Welcome on board at SeaStar’s private pier, Namkhem Marina. Check in, collect snorkelling equipment, hot drinks and bakery served.
• 09:00 — Depart for the Surin Islands by speedboat.
• 10:20 — Arrive at Surin Islands National Park. First snorkelling stop at Chong Kad Channel, then visit the Moken sea-gypsy village.
• 12:00 — Buffet lunch in the national park restaurant with drinks and seasonal Thai fruit.
• 13:30 — Second snorkelling stop at Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay.
• 14:30 — Third snorkelling stop at Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay, for coral and fish.
• 15:30 — Depart the Surin Islands.
• 17:00 — Arrive back at Namkhem Marina, welcomed with drinks, snacks, papaya salad, fried chicken and ice cream, then transfer to your hotel.

The programme is subject to change without notice according to weather and tide conditions.

Is this trip right for you?

It suits confident swimmers and keen snorkellers who want to reach a world-class reef and do not mind an early start and a long boat ride to get there. Families comfortable in the water enjoy it too.

It is a harder day for anyone badly prone to seasickness, and for very young children, because of the distance offshore. One more thing worth knowing: Surin Islands National Park normally closes during the monsoon season, roughly mid-May to mid-October, so the trip only runs in the open season — message us to confirm this season’s dates before you plan around it.

When should you go, and what should you bring?

The open season (roughly mid-October to mid-May) offers the calmest crossings and best visibility, and earlier in that window tends to be quietest. Take motion-sickness medication before boarding if you are at all sensitive — this is the trip where it matters most. Bring swimwear worn under your clothes, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, a dry bag for your phone, and a light layer for the fast, breezy crossing. If you have your own mask you trust, bring it.

How to book with a real local shop

We are Chang Thai Tour & Travel, a family-run agency near Chalong Circle you can walk into in person. There are no prices or online payment on this page on purpose — prices in Phuket change daily and depend on your transfer area. Message us on WhatsApp for today’s rate and a clear list of exactly what is and is not included, or come visit our shop.

Want more time out there? Compare the 2 days 1 night Surin trip and the 3 days 2 nights Surin trip, or browse all speedboat tours and every private charter.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the boat ride to the Surin Islands?

The Surin Islands are far offshore in the northern Andaman. Departure is around 9:00am and you arrive about 10:20am, so it is a long open-sea speedboat crossing rather than a short hop.

Is the national park fee included?

We list exactly what is and is not included when you enquire, because it can depend on your transfer area. Message us and we will confirm whether the park fee, equipment and transfer are inside the price.

When is the Surin Islands season?

Surin Islands National Park normally closes during the monsoon, roughly mid-May to mid-October, so trips run in the open season only. Contact us to confirm this season’s exact dates.

Is it suitable if I get seasick?

It is a long crossing, so take motion-sickness medication before boarding if you are sensitive. If seasickness is a serious concern, tell us and we will advise honestly.

How do I get the price and book?

Message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999 for today’s price. Prices in Phuket change daily and vary by transfer area, so we quote live and confirm what is included.

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