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Duration

Full Day

Tour Type

Day Trip

Group Size

32 people

Languages

Deutsche, English, Español, Français, Italiano, ไทย

About this tour

Similan Islands Snorkeling Day Trip from Khao Lak

Join us on an unforgettable Similan Islands snorkeling day trip to this picturesque nine-island archipelago located in the North Andaman Sea! The Similan Islands are covered with lush emerald-coloured forests and white sand beaches scattered amongst giant granite boulders, all surrounded by azure waters, where a vibrant seascape awaits you beneath the surface! Get your camera ready and come along to discover a world of natural wonders, where every moment is a picture-perfect postcard waiting to be captured and shared!

Ranging in size from the tiniest of gobies to the whale shark, the largest fish in existence, more than 700 fish species call the Andaman Sea home. Many species of colorful soft corals, large and small poly stony corals, and graceful gorgonian sea fans thrive in the gentle ocean currents. A multitude of other peculiar and interesting invertebrates can be found on and around the reefs within the Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park, including shrimp, octopus, squid, cuttlefish, and starfish.

The Similan Islands are an established breeding ground for sea turtles. Thus, there is a good chance that you may seen one these fan favorites cruising the reefs and foraging for food while you are snorkeling. Though the islands are well known for serendipitous encounters with sea turtles, they are not the only reptiles in the waters around the islands. A variety of timid sea snake species inhabit the region as well, some of which are strikingly beautiful!

Ashore, giant ironwood and gum trees tower above the dense jungle canopy, under which lush vegetation covers the forest floor, providing a habitat for birds, monkeys, and numerous other mysterious, elusive, and intriguing creatures. When the speedboat stops at Island No. 4 and Island No. 8, you will have time to explore the rainforest in search of rare flora and fauna. If you wish, you can use this island exploration time to take a refreshing swim or sit back, relax, and work on your tan on the beach.

Breathtaking vistas and viewpoints have become a highlight for many travellers venturing to Thailand and none are more iconic than those found at the Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park. While you are there, be sure to take a short hike up to the viewpoint at Similan Island No. 8 to capture a perfect image of the pristine white sand beach at Donald Duck bay!

The best way to avoid the crowds at the Similan Islands from Khao Lak is to depart at sunrise. We will pick you up before sunrise at your accommodation in Khao Lak or Phuket, then transfer you to our private pier where a light breakfast, coffee and tea, snacks and refreshments await you. Round-trip transfers from the Khao Lak area to our pier are free of charge. If you are staying in Phuket, the transfer is an additional 400฿ per person. During the excursion, we will provide you with water and soft drinks, fresh fruit and snacks, and a picnic style lunch on the beach at the islands.

At the end of the day trip, upon your return to the pier, more refreshments and snacks are available. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your accommodation in the Khao Lak area in time to catch the magnificent sunset over the Andaman Sea. Book your adventure-filled trip to the Similan Islands with Khao Lak Land Discovery today!

Please note that there are special requirements for all bookings to the Similan Islands. All bookings to the Similans must be made in advance and you must furnish us with a photo of your passport picture page of everyone in your group so that we are able to purchase your entry ticket to the park.

Itinerary

To best avoid the crowds that the Similan Islands are infamous for, your pick-up time will be between 5:00 am and 5:30 am, depending on the location of your hotel in Khao Lak.

You'll have the chance to enjoy a light breakfast and a cup of coffee or tea, followed by a safety and tour briefing at our private pier before departure. Then, you'll embark on a scenic 75 minute cruise to the Similan Islands on one of our speedboats.

<span><i class="las la-binoculars"></i></span> Explore Similan Island No.8

Your adventure-filled day begins on the stunning white sand beach at Donald Duck Bay on Similan Island No.8. Hike up the trail to Sail Rock for a breathtaking and iconic view of the bay, a sight that has captured the hearts of countless visitors. Stand at the top of Sail Rock and take in the spellbinding panoramic view, feeling the refreshing sea breeze and the warm sun on your skin. Moments like this can make time stand still, creating memories that will stay with you forever.

<span><i class="las la-umbrella-beach"></i></span> Enjoy Time on the Beach

If hiking to the viewpoint isn't your cup of tea, you can kick back and relax on the beach, gear up and test out your snorkelling equipment, or plunge into the soothing waters of the Andaman Sea. Today, the world is your oyster, and the choice is yours!

<span><i class="las la-swimmer"></i></span> First Snorkel Stop

At Khao Lak Land Discovery, we do our best to avoid the crowds and find as serene an area as sea conditions allow for your snorkelling experience. The superb underwater visibility that the Similan Islands are famous for allows for a clear view of the colourful coral reefs teaming with vibrantly coloured fishes and invertebrates. Please remember to look at, but not touch, the marine flora and fauna. While looking for Nemo and other members of the anemone fish family, look into open water, from time to time, to spot barracuda and trevally cruising through the blue in search of their next meal. The water temperature hovers around 30˚C, and the underwater visibility is usually above 20m when the park is open. However, weather, visibility, and sea conditions may vary occasionally.

<span><i class="las la-utensils"></i></span> Picnic Lunch on the Beach.

We stop on the largest of the Similan Islands, an idyllic setting for you to enjoy a Thai picnic-style lunch. We will arrive in time to avoid the overcrowding on the beach that Similan Islands No.4 is infamous for.

<span><i class="las la-umbrella-beach"></i></span> Free Time to Explore Island No.4

After lunch, you will have free time to explore the island, swim in the tranquil waters, or simply unwind and get a tan on the beach.

<span><i class="las la-swimmer"></i></span> Second Snorkel Stop

Different reef topography types and structures attract different fish species. Each location may have a different reefscape. Visiting a new location may bring forth fish and invertebrate species you may not have seen yet. Many fish and invertebrate species prefer to hide amongst and under the rocks, so look closely along the bottom to spot moray eels, dancing shrimp, starfish, sleeping blue-spotted stingrays, and much more.

<span><i class="las la-swimmer"></i></span> Third Snorkel Stop

One more time we have to chance to dive into the clear waters of the Andaman Sea to explore the amazing underwater world at another spot, if conditions allow

<span><i class="las la-anchor"></i></span> Return to the Pier

It is time to say goodbye to the Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park. After everyone is back onboard, the speedboat begins the journey back to the mainland, where refreshments await your arrival at the pier. Transit time back to the pier is around 75 minutes, depending on sea conditions.

Our minibus drivers will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in the Khao Lak area in time to watch the magnificent Andaman Sea sunset at the end of a perfect day in paradise.

What to Bring

• Reef-friendly sunscreen (Available for purchase at the pier)
• Mosquito repellent
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera (with waterproof case/bag)
• Flip Flops
• Pocket money
• Rash guard or an extra T-shirt for snorkelling

Price Includes

Round-trip transfer from your hotel in the Khao Lak area
National park fees
Mask, snorkel, fins, life vests (adult and child sizes)
Light breakfast and refreshments at the pier
Picnic lunch
Fresh fruit and snacks
Water and soft drinks
Professional tour guide
Accident insurance

Gratuities
Transfer from Phuket (400฿ per person)

Durations

Fullday (+7hours)

Language

Deutsche

English

Español

Français

Italiano

ไทย

General Information

The Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park is a protected conservation area. The Park was formed in 1982 to protect the flora and fauna within the park above and below the water. Originally consisting of 9 Islands, the park boundaries were later expanded to include Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.

From Khao Lak:
Khao Lak is the nearest and most convenient departure point for trips to the Similan Islands. It offers the shortest travel time by boat, making it an ideal choice for those who want to spend more time exploring the islands and less time in transit. The 60km speedboat ride from our pier typically takes approximately 75 minutes. Transit times are dependent on sea conditions.

From Phuket:
Phuket is another popular departure point for Similan Islands tours for those staying on the island. The journey from Phuket piers to the Similan Islands takes around 3 hours by speedboat. We advise those people staying in Phuket to join our Similan Islands Tour departing from Khao Lak. This will drastically shorten the transit time on the boat making it a more environmentally friendly and comfortable option. An additional taxi fee of 400 THB is required per person.

From Krabi and beyond:
Krabi is generally considered too far for a Similan Islands day trip. The distance and travel time make it unsuitable. If you will be staying in Krabi or beyond, we advise you to stay a night or two in the Khao Lak or Phuket areas, whichever is more convenient for your travel itinerary. We offer private car and minibus transfer services to help make your Similan Islands wishes become a reality. For locations further away, we suggest a flight to Phuket International Airport. HKT airport is just a one hour transfer away from Khao Lak. Public buses are available to Khao Lak and Phuket as well.

The simple answer is "no." As of 2023, staying overnight on the Similan Islands is no longer. This regulation is part of the conservation efforts to protect the ecological balance of the Mu Ko Similan Islands National Park. Visitors can visit the archipelago on day trips from Khao Lak or Phuket. For a more extended experience around the Similan Islands, liveaboard diving and snorkelling tours are an alternative. These multi-day trips operate when the national park is open from October 15th to May 15th each year. However, most operations cater more to the SCUBA divers. Passengers on these trips who wish to snorkel must do so at or near dive sites that are less suitable due to the depth where the reefs are located. Snorkeling is prohibited at some of the diving locations, such as Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock. While the divers are down at these sites, snorkelers must remain onboard.

The Similan Islands are a snorkeler's paradise boasting some of the clearest waters in Thailand, if not the world. Visibility is usually above 20 meters and can reach as high as 40 meters. The underwater landscape is dotted with massive granite boulders, and vibrant coral reefs, which provide a haven for a large diversity of reef fishes and invertebrates. Certain areas are visited by large pelagic fish species such as manta rays and whale sharks.

Foreigners: Adult 500THB Child 250THB
Thai Nationals: Adult 100THB Child 50THB
National Park Fees are included in our prices.

Similan Island National Park rules dictate that sunscreen must be reef-safe. This is to protect the coral reefs from harmful chemicals and heavy metals. If you do not have reef-safe sunscreen, we have reef-safe sunscreen available for purchase at the pier
Motion-sickness tablets are available at the pier before departure, free of charge.
Be aware that single-use plastics and foam boxes are not permitted within the park.
Smoking is not permitted on the speedboat at any time. Smoking on the Similan Islands is restricted to designated areas only.
Permits are required for flying drones. Please be sure to obtain the required permits before departure.

Please note. The Mu Ko Similan National Marine Park is officially closed between May 15th and October 15th every year. Unpredictable weather, tropical storms, and a significant increase in wave height pose risks to boat travel and water sports activities during this time. This period coincides with the sea turtle nesting season as well. Closing the park allows these endangered creatures to nest and hatch their eggs undisturbed, protecting future generations of these graceful reptiles.

Please be aware that cancellations made less than 72 hours before the tour date are non-refundable. If you must cancel due to medical reasons within the 72 hour window prior to departure, please obtain a medical certificate from a licensed physician and contact us as soon as possible.

Advance booking is mandatory due to the Mu Ko Similan National Park rules and regulations. We accept Similan Islands Tour bookings a minimum of 3 days before the tour date.
For us to purchase your tickets from the Similan Islands National Park requires a copy or photo of your passport’s photo page. Please send your passport copy or photo during the booking procedure or shortly after your online booking. Passport copies are required for all members of your group.
Bring a copy of your passport to the tour. Random checks by the National Park are common.