The Similan Islands – located 84 km northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea – are consistently ranked among the world’s top snorkeling and diving destinations. As part of a protected national park, their pristine coral reefs, dramatic granite boulders, and turquoise waters remain largely untouched. Our full-day speedboat tour from Phuket takes you to the most stunning spots across Islands 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 – from the colourful reefs of Christmas Point to the iconic Sail Rock – all in a single unforgettable day.
The underwater world of the Similan Islands is what draws visitors from across the globe. .
The islands sit within one of the most biodiverse marine environments in Southeast Asia, where visibility regularly exceeds 20 metres and water temperatures remain comfortably warm year-round. Vibrant coral reefs shelter an extraordinary cast of sea life: reef sharks patrolling the drop-offs, manta rays gliding through the blue, hawksbill turtles grazing on coral heads, and dense schools of glassfish shimmering in the light.
Whether you're an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeler, the Similan Islands deliver.
The tour visits multiple snorkeling stations across several islands, and our experienced guides are on hand throughout to ensure both safety and the very best sightings. All snorkeling equipment is provided – masks, fins and life vests – so you can focus entirely on what's beneath the surface.
For those interested in scuba diving in the Similan Islands, the sites range from shallow reef gardens perfect for open-water beginners to advanced walls and pinnacles explored by experienced divers
Dive packages can be arranged separately – please enquire at booking.
While the underwater world draws many visitors, the landscapes above water are equally captivating – and often come as a surprise. The Similan Islands offer a striking combination of soft white sand, ancient granite formations, and lush tropical forest that very few other destinations in Thailand can match.
White Sand Beaches: The beaches of the Similan Islands are among the finest in the Andaman Sea – powder-soft sand that contrasts beautifully with the clear turquoise water. Island 4 (Koh Miang) at Princess Bay is the main rest stop on the tour and offers one of the most picturesque shorelines in the entire national par k.
Granite Boulder Formations: Similan Island (Island 8, Koh Similan) is famous for its towering granite boulders that rise dramatically above the beach. The iconic Sail Rock – a massive free-standing boulder perched on the cliff edge – is one of the most photographed sights in southern Thailand. Visitors are welcome to climb the rocks and enjoy the panoramic view across the Andaman Sea.
Tropical Jungle Interior: The interior of the islands is covered with dense tropical forest, home to a rich variety of bird species. Early mornings on the islands often reward visitors with sightings of hornbills, kingfishers and sea eagles. The forest trails on Island 4 and Island 8 offer a quiet escape between snorkeling sessions.
The tour departs from the Seastar private pier at Tub-lamu, approximately 60 km north of Phuket Town. Hotel pickup from across Phuket is arranged to connect with your departure time. Below is the full day schedule:
07:30 – 08:30 AM | Hotel Pickup & Transfer to Tub-lamu Pier
Your minibus pickup departs from your hotel in Phuket. Travel time to the pier is approximately 60–75 minutes depending on your location.
08:30 AM | Check-in at Tub-lamu Pier
Collect your snorkeling equipment, enjoy hot beverages and pastries, and receive a briefing from the Seastar team. The private pier ensures a smooth, uncrowded departure.
09:00 AM | Depart by Speedboat to the Similan Islands
Your high-speed catamaran or speedboat heads northwest across the Andaman Sea. The crossing takes approximately 75–90 minutes and offers scenic views of the Thai coastline.
10:50 AM | Snorkeling at Islands 5 & 6
Your first snorkeling stop drops you into the clear waters around Islands No. 5 and No. 6. These shallow reefs are excellent for first-timers and offer outstanding coral diversity.
11:40 AM | Beach Break – Princess Bay, Island 4 (Koh Miang)
Unwind on the beautiful beach at Princess Bay on Koh Miang. Swim in the calm water, take a walk through the forest trail, or simply relax in the shade.
12:00 PM | Lunch on Island 4 (Koh Miang)
A high-quality, freshly prepared lunch is served on the island – included in your tour price. Vegetarian options available on request.
01:00 PM | Snorkeling at Christmas Point – Island 9 (Koh Ba Ngu)
Widely considered one of the finest snorkeling spots in Asia, Christmas Point is home to intricate soft coral formations and abundant marine life. Depending on conditions, the guide may opt for Namchai Bay as an alternative.
02:15 PM | Sail Rock & Koh Similan – Island 8
Visit the iconic Sail Rock on the main Similan Island (Koh Similan, Island 8). Swim, snorkel, photograph the dramatic boulders, or climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Andaman Sea.
03:30 PM | Depart the Similan Islands
Board the speedboat for the return crossing to Tub-lamu Pier.
04:50 PM | Arrival at Tub-lamu Pier
Return to the pier and enjoy a complimentary snack, ice cream and soft drinks before the transfer back to your hotel in Phuket.
06:00 – 06:30 PM (approx.) | Hotel Drop-off
Your minibus drops you back at your hotel in Phuket. Exact timing depends on your hotel location.
The Similan Islands National Park comprises nine main islands (numbered 1–9), though tourism is concentrated on Islands 4 through 9 to protect the more sensitive southern areas.
Christmas Point (Island 9 – Koh Ba Ngu): Consistently rated as the highlight of any Similan snorkeling tour. The site is named after its discovery on Christmas Day and features some of the most elaborate soft coral formations in the Andaman Sea. Expect strong fish activity, including parrotfish, angelfish, batfish, and occasional reef sharks.
Namchai Bay (Island 9): A calmer alternative to Christmas Point on days with stronger currents. The shallow reef here is excellent for beginners and offers outstanding visibility.
Donald Duck Bay / Princess Bay (Island 4 – Koh Miang): A sheltered bay with gentle conditions ideal for families and first-time snorkelers. The beach itself is one of the most scenic on the tour.
Islands 5 & 6 Reef: The first snorkeling stop of the day. Broad, shallow reef systems with excellent coral coverage and a high density of smaller reef fish species.
Sail Rock – Koh Similan (Island 8): Less a dedicated snorkeling station and more an experience – the granite formations continue below the waterline and attract diverse fish life. The rock itself is the defining image of the Similan Islands.
The Similan Islands National Park was established in 1982 and covers an area of 140 km² including both land and sea.
National Park Entry Fee: A national park entry fee applies to all visitors.
Season: The Similan Islands are open to visitors from approximately 15 October to 15 May.
Conservation: Visitors are asked to follow all national park guidelines.
Included in the tour price:
Not included:
The ideal window for a Similan Islands tour from Phuket is between November and April. During these months, the Andaman Sea is calm, visibility is at its best (often 20–30 metres), and conditions for snorkeling and diving are optimal. The peak months of December, January and February offer the clearest skies and smoothest seas but are also the busiest – early booking is recommended.
From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings heavy swells and reduced visibility, and the Similan Islands National Park closes to protect the ecosystem. If you’re visiting Phuket during the low season, consider the Racha Island snorkeling tour or the Coral Island day trip as weather-reliable alternatives.
The standard route departs from Tub-lamu Pier in Phang Nga Province – approximately 60 km north of Phuket Town. This is the closest departure point to the islands and is used by the main licensed Similan tour operators. The speedboat crossing takes 75–90 minutes.
It is also possible to reach the Similan Islands from Khao Lak, which is closer (about 30–40 km to the pier) and popular with resort guests staying in that area. If you’re staying in Phuket, the Tub-lamu route is the standard and most convenient option. Hotel pickup from Phuket is included in all TIP packages.
Yes – the Similan Islands tour is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. The snorkeling spots are selected for calm, clear conditions, and life vests are provided for all participants.
Younger children who are not yet confident swimmers can use a noodle float or stay close to the guide. The beach stop on Island 4 offers plenty of time for younger visitors to play in the shallows without snorkeling.
Note: The hike to the top of Sail Rock on Island 8 involves uneven rocky terrain and is not suitable for toddlers or visitors with limited mobility – but is entirely optional
The Similan Islands blend natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, making them a must-visit destination for travelers in southern Thailand.
With their stunning beaches, rich forests, and diverse marine ecosystems, these islands offer something special for everyone—whether you’re a diver, snorkeler, or simply a lover of nature. From the iconic rock formations on Island 8 to the colorful coral reefs of Christmas Point, every moment spent here will be unforgettable. And with easy access from both Phuket and Khao Lak, the Similan Islands are perfect for a day trip filled with adventure, tranquility, and breathtaking scenery.
A Similan Islands tour from Phuket is, for many visitors, the single greatest day of their entire Thailand trip. From the moment the speedboat clears the shelter of Tub-lamu Pier and accelerates across the open Andaman Sea, to the first glimpse of the islands' iconic granite silhouettes rising from turquoise water – the experience is unlike anything else in southern Thailand.
The islands deliver on every front: world-class snorkeling at Christmas Point and Shark Fin Reef, a genuine beach escape at Princess Bay on Island 4, the drama of Sail Rock on Island 8, and a marine ecosystem so rich that first-time snorkelers routinely describe it as the best thing they've ever seen underwater. The tour is managed by experienced guides, all equipment is provided, lunch is included, and hotel transfers from across Phuket are arranged door-to-door.
With the Similan Islands open only from mid-October to mid-May, the season is precious. If you're visiting Phuket within this window – and especially if you're travelling between November and March – this is the day trip you cannot afford to miss.
Combine your Phuket holiday with other unforgettable excursions in the Andaman Sea:
The dramatic limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay – made famous by the Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” – can be reached by longtail boat or speedboat. An absolute highlight for film fans and nature lovers.
Ideal for a shorter island excursion: the three Khai Islands offer stunning sandy beaches, calm waters and excellent snorkelling conditions – perfect as a half-day alternative.
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle: Racha Island (Raya Island) captivates with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds of tourists.