Similan Island by Speed Boat – Smile Tour

The Similan Island day trip by Smile Tour is a full-day speedboat tour with hotel pickup from Phuket around 06.00, departing Sarasin Pier at 08.45 for the Similan Islands National Park. You snorkel at Koh Ba Ngu (Island No.9) and Koh Payu, climb Sail Rock on Koh Similan (No.8), relax on Koh Miang (No.4), and return to your hotel by about 18.30 — arranged by our TAT-licensed family agency at Chalong Circle.

Let’s be honest about the early start

This tour picks you up at around 06.00 — earlier than anything else we sell — and we would rather tell you that now than have you find out from your alarm clock. Here is why the maths still works: the Similans sit far to the northwest, and Smile Tour departs from Sarasin Pier at Phuket’s northern tip, cutting the road transfer for the ride home. You reach the park before the midday boat cluster, and the entire day — four islands, two snorkel stops, a viewpoint climb — fits between breakfast and dinner. Guests tell us the 06.00 pain is forgotten by the first coral reef.

What does the day include?

• 06.00: Hotel pickup.
• 08.00: Light breakfast with the staff at Sarasin Pier.
• 08.45: Speedboat departure to the Similans.
• 11.00: First stop, Koh Ba Ngu (Island No.9) — swim and snorkel over colorful coral reefs.
• 11.45: Koh Similan (Island No.8) and Sailing Rock, the park’s iconic landmark — photos or the climb to the top, plus a box lunch.
• 12.45: Koh Payu — the stop where sea turtles are most often seen swimming close.
• 13.40: Koh Miang (Island No.4) — white-sand beach time, sunbathing and photos.
• 14.45: Depart the park.
• 16.20: Drinks and snacks back at the pier.
• 18.30: Return to your hotel.

Is this tour right for you?

Snorkelers first: two reef stops plus the turtle spot at Koh Payu make this a water-focused day, and the beach stops at No.8 and No.4 balance it for the loungers in your group. You should be fine with an early alarm and roughly two hours of open-water speedboat each way. If either of those is a deal-breaker, a closer island like Coral Island will make you happier — and there is no shame in that; we say it across the counter every week.

The Similan park is seasonal: open roughly mid-October to mid-May, closed for the monsoon. Comparing routes? See the SeaStar Similan trip from Thap Lamu or the classic Similan Islands tour with park fee bundled in.

What should you bring?

Swimwear worn from the hotel, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, motion-sickness tablets (take one at breakfast — the crossing is long), a dry bag, and cash for the national park fee and drinks. Sleep early the night before; this is not the tour to follow a Bangla Road evening.

Honest advice from our counter in Chalong

Book this trip for early in your stay. High-season Similan seats sell out days ahead, and if the navy or park authority closes boats for weather, you want spare dates to rebook. Turtle sightings at Koh Payu are real but never guaranteed — treat one as a bonus, not a promise. We are a family-run shop near Chalong Circle, TAT licence No. 34/03373 — visit us, or compare every departure on our Similan Islands tours page. Boat prices in Phuket change daily; message us for today’s price.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the hotel pickup so early?

The Similans are far northwest of Phuket, and departing Sarasin Pier at 08.45 gets you to the reefs before the busiest window. Pickup around 06.00 is the honest cost of the best snorkeling on a Phuket day trip.

Will we see sea turtles?

Koh Payu is the best turtle stop on this route and sightings are common, but they are wild animals — no operator can promise one.

Can I climb Sail Rock viewpoint?

Yes. At Koh Similan (Island No.8) you have time to climb to the Sailing Rock viewpoint for the classic bird’s-eye photo, or stay on the beach if the scramble is not for you.

When does this tour operate?

Only while the national park is open, roughly mid-October to mid-May. The park closes completely during the monsoon season.

How do I book and get today’s price?

Message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999. Boat prices change daily and Similan boats fill fast in high season, so we confirm rate, pickup time and availability in one chat.