Similan Islands by Speedboat – SeaStar

The Similan Islands day trip by SeaStar is a full-day speedboat tour departing SeaStar’s private pier at Thap Lamu (north of Phuket, near Khao Lak) at 09.00, visiting islands No.4, No.5–6, No.8 and No.9 of Mu Ko Similan National Park and returning about 16.50. Snorkeling gear, lunch on Koh Miang and pier snacks are included — arranged by our TAT-licensed family agency at Chalong Circle, Phuket.

Which islands do you actually visit?

The Similans are nine numbered islands, and knowing the numbers helps you compare tours honestly. This SeaStar route hits the classics:

• Islands No.5 and No.6 — first snorkel stop of the day, coral gardens and dense fish life while the water is at its morning-clearest.
• Island No.4 (Koh Miang) — Princess Bay for beach time and the included lunch box.
• Island No.9 (Koh Ba Ngu) — second snorkel at Christmas Point or Namchai Bay, the highlight reefs of the trip.
• Island No.8 (Koh Similan) — Donald Duck Bay and the climb to Sail Rock, the boulder viewpoint that is the postcard image of the Similans. If you take one photo all day, it is from up there.

How does the day run?

• 08.30: Check in at SeaStar’s private pier at Thap Lamu; hot drinks and bakery while you collect snorkel gear.
• 09.00: Speedboat departure — the crossing takes about 1 hour 50 minutes.
• 10.50: Snorkeling at Islands No.5–6.
• 11.40: Princess Bay, Island No.4; lunch at 12.00.
• 13.00: Snorkeling at Island No.9 — Christmas Point or Namchai Bay.
• 14.15: Island No.8: swim, relax or climb to the Sail Rock viewpoint.
• 15.30: Depart the park.
• 16.50: Back at Thap Lamu pier — drinks, papaya salad, fried chicken and ice cream before your transfer home.

Is this trip right for you — some honesty first

The Similans are the best snorkeling reachable on a Phuket day trip, but earning them means an early hotel pickup (Phuket hotels are about two hours by road from Thap Lamu) and a speedboat crossing of nearly two hours each way, which can be bouncy. Confident swimmers and snorkel enthusiasts say it is the best day of their holiday; guests who mainly want a lazy beach are usually happier on a short-crossing trip like Coral Island. The park also closes in monsoon season — open roughly mid-October to mid-May only.

Comparing operators? The same islands run with a Smile Tour departure from Sarasin Pier, or as a private boat with Blu Seasons Marine if you want your own schedule.

What should you bring?

Swimwear worn from the hotel, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses with a strap, dry bag, and seasickness tablets taken 30 minutes before boarding — we say this to every guest, even the confident ones. Carry some cash for the National Park entrance fee in case it is not bundled into your rate that day — we confirm this when you book. Fins and mask are provided; the program can change with weather and tide.

Honest advice from our counter in Chalong

We send our keenest snorkelers on this one because the pier service is genuinely good and the island order puts the best water first. Book early in your holiday, not the last day — if weather cancels, you still have dates to rebook. We are a family-run shop near Chalong Circle, TAT licence No. 34/03373; visit us or see all trips on our Similan Islands tours page. Boat prices in Phuket change daily — message us for today’s price.

Frequently asked questions

When are the Similan Islands open?

The national park opens roughly mid-October to mid-May and closes for the monsoon season. Inside the season, November to April offers the calmest crossings.

How long is the speedboat ride?

About 1 hour 50 minutes each way from Thap Lamu pier. It is open sea — take a seasickness tablet before boarding if you are at all sensitive.

Is the national park fee included?

It varies by operator and season, so we confirm whether the park fee is included in the day’s rate when you book — ask us on WhatsApp and we will give you the exact answer for your date.

Can beginners snorkel here?

Yes. Life jackets and gear are provided and the guides watch the group in the water, but you should be comfortable swimming off a boat rather than off a beach.

How do I book and get today’s price?

Message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999. Boat prices change daily and Similan seats sell out in high season, so we confirm rate and availability in one quick chat.

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