The Similan Islands are a national marine park 80 km northwest of Phuket and one of the best snorkelling and diving spots in all of Southeast Asia. The archipelago has 11 islands; the white quartz sand is often compared to the Maldives, and in the dry season the water is so clear that boats appear to float in the air. As of 2026 a limited set of islands is open — Island 4 (Miang), Island 8 (Similan) and snorkelling anchorages near 7 and 9.

Similan Islands
Dry-season hit (November–May). Maldives-grade white sand, turquoise water and the best snorkelling in the Andaman Sea.
- Duration
- 12–13 hours
- Season
- Oct 15 — May 15 (park closed in rainy season)
- Transport
- Speedboat from Thap Lamu pier
- Pickup
- Hotel transfer included, early departure
Shared group, fixed schedule, hotel pickup.
Your party only: leave when you like, your own pace, route built around your group, no shopping stops.
pickup at 5:30–6:30 because the drive to Thap Lamu pier in Phang Nga province takes about 1.5 hours on the mainland. From the pier a speedboat runs 1.5 hours across the open sea to the islands. The early start pays twice: you reach the islands before the peak load and you are home by around 18:00, in time to catch sunset on a Phuket beach.
First landing is Island 8 (Similan itself) with the legendary Sail Rock viewpoint. The climb up takes 15 minutes via wooden steps and boulders, and the view down onto the turquoise bay is the postcard image of the Similans. Below is Donald Duck Bay with white sand and dramatic granite boulders in the water.
coral gardens with dozens of fish species, sea turtles, moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, schools of barracuda. Dry-season visibility reaches 25–30 metres — comparable to the Red Sea and the Maldives. Masks, snorkels and life vests are provided on the boat with a snorkelling instructor on hand.
Lunch is served on Island 4 (Miang) at a large beach restaurant in Thai buffet style: seafood, rice, vegetables, fruit, drinks. Afterwards you have free time on Island 4: swim, walk to the Christmas Point viewpoint, relax in the shade or take photos by the granite boulders.
no feeding fish, no touching corals, no smoking outside marked areas, no plastic bottles or single-use plastic. The park fee (around 600 THB per person) is included — we handle it at the pier.
Active and physically demanding: 3 hours of speedboat across open sea in total, the climb to the viewpoint, long snorkelling sessions. Ideal for couples, divers, photographers and active guests 6–60. Not recommended for severe motion sickness, back issues, kids under 5 or pregnancy — in these cases pick Racha & Coral or a private Phi Phi boat.
The park is open only from 15 October to 15 May; in the rainy season it is officially closed for ecosystem recovery. Best time is December–April: maximum water clarity and minimal storms. In shoulder months (October, May) the open-sea crossing can be rough — we warn you in advance and offer alternatives if needed.
How the day goes
- 05:30–06:30Hotel pickup, transfer to Thap Lamu pier (1.5 h)
- 08:30Check-in, park fee, briefing
- 09:00Departure on speedboat
- 10:30Island 8 (Similan): Sail Rock climb, Donald Duck Bay
- 11:30Snorkelling near Island 7
- 12:30Lunch on Island 4 (Miang)
- 14:00Snorkelling near Island 9 — coral gardens
- 15:30Free time on Island 4 beach
- 16:00Return to Thap Lamu pier
- 17:30Arrival at pier, hotel transfer
- 19:00Hotel drop-off
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off across Phuket
- Licensed speedboat with captain
- Similan National Park entrance fee
- Lunch on Island 4 (buffet)
- Snorkelling kit (mask, snorkel, vest)
- Drinking water, fruit, tea/coffee on board
- Insurance
- English/Russian guide on request
Not included
- Alcohol
- Underwater camera or GoPro rental
- Personal expenses
- Private boat upgrade (optional)
What to bring
- Passport or a copy (mandatory)
- Swimwear, change of clothes, towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen banned in the park)
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable shoes for the Sail Rock climb
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Motion-sickness pills as a precaution
Frequent questions
Can I stay overnight on the Similans?
Since 2018 overnight stays on the islands are banned — all visitors return to the mainland. The closest hotels are in Khao Lak, from where 2-day liveaboard dive trips are available.
Will I get seasick on the way?
1.5 hours of open sea each way. In dry season usually calm, but in shoulder months (Oct, May) it can be rough. Take Dramamine 30 minutes before departure if you are prone to motion sickness.
Suitable for small children?
Not optimal for under-5s: early start, long crossing, intense program. Families with toddlers should choose Racha & Coral — short crossing and a gentle beach.
What about an underwater camera?
We can bring a GoPro on board for rent — ask at booking. Better to bring your own action camera if you have one.
Is the park closed right now?
The park is strictly closed from 16 May to 14 October — a Thai Ministry of Environment decision, no tours during this period. Rainy-season alternatives are Surin or Phi Phi.
Can I dive on this tour?
Yes, we organise a full-day dive trip to the Similans for certified divers or intro dives for beginners. Different format — ask separately.
How does the hotel transfer work?
Hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Phuket is included in every tour. The day before departure we message you on WhatsApp to confirm the weather and the exact pickup time. A licensed minivan or sedan picks the group up directly at the hotel or villa reception and drives you to the start point — pier, park gate or meeting point. Driving time depends on your area: Patong, Kamala, Surin 30–40 min, Karon and Kata 25–30 min, Rawai and Chalong 15–20 min, Bang Tao and Mai Khao 50–60 min. If your hotel sits outside the standard zone, we agree on the surcharge or an alternative meeting point in advance, no surprises on the day.
What if it rains or the sea is rough on the day?
In the rainy season (May–October) Phuket downpours are usually short and local: they pass within 30–60 minutes. Sea routes run on the leeward side, so even with strong wind the protected lagoons and bays remain safe for swimming and snorkelling. If the Thai marine authority officially closes departures, we warn you a day in advance and either reschedule the tour for a convenient date or refund 100% with no penalties. On land tours rain barely affects the program — we simply reorder stops so the peak of the shower happens in a cafe or under a temple roof.
Are the tours suitable for kids and senior guests?
Most of our tours work for families with children from 4 years and for senior guests. For sea trips we recommend private speedboats: they ride softer over waves, have a toilet and a sunshade, and the speed is adjustable. For land tours we use an air-conditioned minivan with child seats on request. If your group includes a toddler under 4, a pregnant guest, or someone with back issues, blood pressure or motion sickness — please mention it at booking: we arrange a private format, soften the timing and suggest less intense versions of the program without losing the highlights.
How do I pay and can I cancel?
Payment options: cash on the day (THB, USD, EUR at market rate), Thai bank transfer, PromptPay, Russian card via intermediary, or USDT TRC-20. We do not normally take prepayment — the tour is booked on trust and you pay on the day before departure. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Within 12 hours we keep 50% to cover the already-booked boat, guide and park fees. In case of bad weather, confirmed illness or genuine force majeure the refund is 100% with no deductions. All payment details are sent in WhatsApp the day before — no surprise charges.
Do I need a passport and what to bring?
All sea tours into Thai Marine National Park zones (Phi Phi, Similan, Surin, Phang Nga) require a passport or a high-quality colour copy — without an ID the park police will not let you onto the islands. Land tours do not require a passport. For air excursions outside Thailand (Singapore) the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of return. We recommend making a passport copy on day one and keeping it separate from the original. All other documents — insurance, hotel booking — are already in our system, you do not need to re-share anything.
What language is the tour in?
All our guides and drivers speak Russian as the default. English is available on request: we work with certified Thai guides who hold international licences when a guest in the group does not speak Russian. For mixed groups (Russian-speaking + foreigners) the commentary is delivered in both languages. All operational chats run on WhatsApp in your preferred language — no friction with the manager, driver or guide. Mandarin, Korean, German and French guides are available on request, the surcharge is confirmed at booking time.
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Let's discuss your Phuket stay
Send dates, guest count, hotel and wishes. We will pick a group tour or a private route, transfer, sea trip or show.