Similan Islands Snorkeling Excursion
World-Renowned Granite Boulders, Donald Duck Bay & Sea Turtle Snorkeling (Open Oct 15–May 15)
Duration
Full Day (10–12 Hours)
Tour Price
Meet-up Location
Thap Lamu Pier / Phuket Hotel Pickup (early morning departure)
Tour Overview & Description
World-Renowned Granite Boulders, Donald Duck Bay & Sea Turtle Snorkeling (Open Oct 15–May 15)
Venture into one of the world's top ten marine destinations with an exhilarating day tour to the Similan Islands Marine National Park (Mu Ko Similan). Located 85 kilometers northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, this pristine archipelago of nine granite islands is celebrated for its powder-soft white beaches, towering megalithic granite formations, and crystalline turquoise seas.
Strictly open to visitors only seven months a year (from October 15 to May 15) to preserve its delicate ecosystem, the Similans offer world-class snorkeling. Hike up to the iconic Sail Rock overlooking Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan (Island No. 8), swim alongside wild green sea turtles at Koh Ba Ngu (Island No. 9), and relax on the white sands of Princess Bay on Koh Miang (Island No. 4).
Places Covered & Highlights
Experience the highlights and sights included on this journey
Koh Similan (Island No. 8)
- Sail Rock & Donald Duck Bay: Hike up the natural granite staircase to the world-famous Sail Rock viewpoint overlooking the electric-blue bay below.
- Pristine Coral Beach: Sink your toes into sand so fine and white it feels like powdered flour, fringed by dramatic wind-sculpted granite boulders.
- Snorkeling at Hin Phousar: Explore underwater granite swim-throughs teeming with clownfish, blue-spotted rays, and moray eels.
Koh Miang & Koh Ba Ngu
- Koh Ba Ngu (Island No. 9) Snorkel: Prime snorkeling spot known as Christmas Point, famous for sightings of wild hawksbill and green sea turtles.
- Princess Bay (Koh Miang No. 4): Idyllic island hosting national park headquarters, offering lush rainforest walking trails and two breathtaking beaches.
- East of Eden Reef Gardens: Marvel at sprawling staghorn, brain, and table corals bathed in exceptional 30-meter water visibility.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Comprehensive breakdown of services included in this package
✅ Inclusions
- Round-trip transfers by comfortable air-conditioned van from Phuket hotels to Thap Lamu Pier
- Speedboat journey with certified boat captain and trained crew
- Professional English-speaking marine ecologist tour guide
- Sanitized premium snorkel mask, breathing tube, and life vest
- Light breakfast at departure pier, picnic buffet lunch, snacks, and fresh tropical fruit
- Official Similan National Park entrance fee and government insurance
❌ Exclusions
- Fins/flippers (available for rent at Thap Lamu Pier)
- Personal spending, specialized souvenirs, and guide gratuities
- Accommodation on the islands (overnight stays are no longer permitted by National Parks)
Tour Information & Practical Guidelines
Essential details for a smooth, comfortable and memorable experience
Tour Timing
Seasonal Operation: Open October 15 to May 15 only.
Pick-up from Phuket: 05:45 AM – 06:30 AM. Returns to hotel: approx. 07:00 PM.
Transport & Transfers
Round-trip transfers included from Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Bang Tao, and Phuket Town to Thap Lamu Pier.
What to Bring
Copy of passport ID (mandatory for national park registration), swimwear, beach towel, reef-friendly sun cream, and camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about this Phuket activity
The Thai Department of National Parks strictly closes the Similan Islands from May 16 to October 14 each year during the monsoon season. This mandatory closure ensures passenger safety during monsoon swells and allows marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and nesting sea turtles to regenerate without human disturbance.
Under Thai National Park regulations, all visitors to the Similan Islands must be registered in advance with their full name, nationality, and passport number. Please provide accurate details when booking and bring a digital or paper copy of your passport on the tour day.
To protect the fine coral sands, outdoor shoes and hard-soled footwear must be removed before stepping onto the islands. Only barefoot walking or soft neoprene aqua swimming socks are permitted on the beaches and trails.
The speedboat journey from Thap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga to the first Similan island takes approximately 75 to 90 minutes across open sea. Motion sickness tablets are provided complimentary at the pier before departure.
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