Similan Islands Snorkeling Tours

Discover the 'Jewel of the Andaman' with pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and world-class snorkeling adventures

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9 to 14 hours (Full Day)
1 Languages
Small groups & private charters available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Experience the Unspoiled Beauty of the Similan Islands

The Similan Islands, a group of nine granite islands in the Andaman Sea, offer some of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the world. Open only from mid-October to mid-May to preserve their delicate ecosystem, these islands are famous for their spectacular coral reefs, diverse marine life including sea turtles and clownfish, and the iconic Sail Rock viewpoint. A day trip from Phuket transports you to this tropical paradise where the sand is as white as powder and the water visibility often exceeds 30 meters.

4.8/5
Average Rating
30m+
Water Visibility
9
Islands in Archipelago
Oct-May
Season Only

Why Book Your Similan Adventure With Us

Verified Safety Standards

All our partner boats are inspected and carry full safety equipment, with experienced captains navigating the Andaman Sea

Curated Top-Rated Tours

We only feature operators with 4+ star ratings and proven track records for customer satisfaction and punctuality

Small Group Options

Avoid the crowds with our selection of premium early-bird and small-group catamaran tours

Best Price Guarantee

Compare options from budget speedboats to luxury catamarans to find the perfect fit for your budget

Hassle-Free Logistics

Includes convenient round-trip hotel transfers from Phuket to the pier, handling the long-distance travel for you

Eco-Conscious Partners

We prioritize operators who respect National Park rules and practice reef-safe tourism to protect this fragile ecosystem

Remote island exploration
Spectacular coral reefs
Diverse marine life
Crystal clear shallow waters
Seasonal access (Oct-May)

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Seasonal Closure
Closed mid-May to mid-Oct
Open Oct 15 - May 15 only
Travel Time
1.5-2 hours van to pier
1.5 hours speedboat to islands
Strict Rules
No single-use plastics
No drones
Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory
Physical Level
Moderate activity
Not suitable for pregnant women
Speedboat can be bumpy

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 1 week in advance as daily visitor numbers are capped
  • Choose an early bird tour to arrive before the crowds
  • Confirm if your hotel is in the free transfer zone

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen (Reef Safe)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Beach Towel
  • Camera
  • Small cash for tips/souvenirs
  • Copy of Passport (photo on phone is usually fine)

Best Seasons to Visit

Mid-October to Mid-May only (Closed for monsoon season)

What to Wear

Swimwear|Light t-shirt and shorts|Beach shoes or flip-flops|Hat and sunglasses|Light rain jacket (just in case)

Planning

Historical Context

Established as a National Park in 1982 to protect the unique marine environment and granite boulder formations.

Photography Tips

  • Bring a GoPro or waterproof camera case
  • Polarizing filter helps cut water glare
  • Mid-day sun is best for underwater visibility

Insider Tips

  • Sit at the back of the speedboat for a smoother ride
  • Bring a waterproof bag for your phone
  • Don't feed the fish - it's illegal and harmful

Our Partners

  • Tours operated by top providers like SeaStar, Wow Andaman, and Love Andaman.

Fun Facts

  • The boulders on the islands are millions of years old and smoothed by the sea.
  • There are actually 11 islands now, but the name still means 'Nine'.

Cancellation Policy

Most tours offer full refund if cancelled 24 hours before departure. Weather-related cancellations by the operator are fully refundable.

Social Media

Share your experience: #SimilanIslands #ThailandTravel #PhuketTours #Snorkeling #AndamanSea

Explore More

More Things to Do in Similan Islands

Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
UK • 2024-01-20

Worth the early start!

The pickup was at 6 AM, which was early, but totally worth it to beat the crowds. The water at Similan is unlike anything I've ever seen. Saw two turtles!

M
Marcus Weber
Germany • 2024-02-12

Stunning scenery, long ride

The islands are paradise. The only downside is the travel time - about 2 hours by van then 1.5 by boat. But once you are there, it is magic.

L
Li Wei
China • 2023-12-05

Excellent service

We booked the catamaran option. Very stable and the food was delicious Thai buffet. The guide spoke good English and Chinese.

J
Jessica & Tom
Australia • 2024-03-01

Highlight of our trip

The snorkeling was the best part. Visibility was 30 meters plus. The climb to Sail Rock is a must for the photo. Highly recommend booking the premium speedboat.

P
Priya Patel
India • 2024-01-15

Beautiful but busy

Donald Duck Bay was quite crowded, but our guide took us to a quieter snorkeling spot afterwards which was perfect. Vegetarian food options were good.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

Ready for Adventure?

Join thousands of happy travelers who have discovered this incredible experience

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4.9/5
Free Cancellation
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