Similan Islands Snorkeling & Diving Tours

Explore the Jewel of the Andaman Sea: Crystal Clear Waters, Pristine White Beaches, and Vibrant Marine Life

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8-12 Hours
1 Languages
Small to Medium Groups
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place

Experience

Discover the Underwater Paradise of Thailand

The Similan Islands (Mu Ko Similan National Park) are world-renowned as one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations on the planet. Located in the Andaman Sea, roughly 85km northwest of Phuket, this archipelago of nine granite islands offers underwater visibility of up to 30 meters. The marine park is strictly protected and only open from mid-October to mid-May, ensuring the coral reefs and marine life—including sea turtles, leopard sharks, and manta rays—remain abundant and undisturbed. Whether you choose a high-speed catamaran for comfort or a private charter for exclusivity, a day trip here promises aquarium-like swimming conditions and breathtaking scenery.

4.8/5
Average Rating
Oct-May
Season Only
30m
Visibility
9
Islands

Why Book Your Similan Adventure With Us

Certified National Park Operators

All our partners are licensed to enter Mu Ko Similan National Park and adhere to strict safety and environmental regulations.

Top-Rated Experiences

We curate tours with high guest satisfaction, prioritizing operators who offer premium speedboats and knowledgeable guides.

Crowd Management

Many of our listed tours offer 'early bird' departures to reach iconic spots like Sail Rock before the main crowds arrive.

Instant Confirmation

Secure your spot in this limited-capacity national park immediately, with flexible cancellation policies for peace of mind.

Optimized Itineraries

Tours are designed to maximize your time in the water and on the beach, minimizing transit time with high-speed vessels.

Eco-Conscious Tourism

Support operators committed to preserving the fragile marine ecosystem through responsible snorkeling practices.

Annual seasonal access only
Remote wildlife exploration
Crystal clear shallow waters
Unmatched marine biodiversity
Unique granite rock formations

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

National Park Rules
No overnight stays allowed
Drones strictly prohibited
Single-use plastics banned
What to Expect
Bumpy speedboat ride (60-90 mins)
Wet landing on beaches
Intense tropical sun
Best For
Snorkelers & swimmers
Nature photographers
Beach lovers
Couples & Families

Not Allowed

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

Booking Tips

  • Book at least 3-5 days in advance during high season (Dec-Feb)
  • Double-check if the National Park fee is included in your price
  • Choose a tour departing from Khao Lak for shorter boat travel time

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen (Reef Safe)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Beach Towel
  • Camera/GoPro
  • Waterproof Bag
  • Small Cash (for tips/souvenirs)

Best Seasons to Visit

Mid-October to Mid-May (Park Closed in Summer)|Peak Season: December to March|Best Visibility: February to April

What to Wear

Swimwear (wear under clothes)|Lightweight t-shirt & shorts|Beach shoes or flip-flops|Hat and sunglasses

Planning

Historical Context

Officially established as a National Park in 1982 to protect the unique granite formations and coral reefs from overfishing and tourism damage.

Photography Tips

  • Use a polarizing filter to cut glare on the water
  • Bring a GoPro or waterproof housing for underwater shots
  • Morning light is best for Sail Rock photos

Insider Tips

  • Sit at the back of the speedboat for a smoother ride
  • Apply sunscreen BEFORE getting on the boat to avoid burning in the wind
  • Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and wallet

Our Partners

  • Tours operated by trusted partners like SeaStar, Wow Andaman, and Love Andaman

Fun Facts

  • The boulders on the islands are 65 million years old
  • Similan means 'Nine' in a Malay dialect, though there are actually 11 islands in the park now
  • The water is so clear you can often see the bottom from the boat

Cancellation Policy

Most tours offer full refunds if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. Weather-related cancellations by the operator are fully refundable.

Social Media

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

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Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

S
Sarah Jenkins
UK • 2025-01-12

Absolutely stunning!

The water clarity is unbelievable. We saw three turtles and thousands of fish. The speedboat ride was fast but fun. Highly recommend booking the early tour to beat the crowds.

M
Marco Rossi
Italy • 2025-02-03

Beautiful but busy

The islands are paradise, exactly like the photos. The snorkeling at Island 9 was the highlight. Just be prepared that it gets crowded at the main beach. The lunch provided was delicious.

L
Li Wei
China • 2024-12-20

Perfect day trip

Everything was well organized. The guide spoke good English and Chinese. The pick-up from our Phuket hotel was on time. The Similan Islands are a must-visit if you come to Thailand.

E
Emily & Jake
USA • 2025-01-28

Highlight of our honeymoon

We booked the premium catamaran tour and it was worth every penny. Much smoother ride than the speedboats and better food. Sail Rock view is breathtaking.

H
Hans Muller
Germany • 2024-11-15

Great snorkeling

Visibility was 30 meters plus. Coral is recovering well. The guides were very professional and safety conscious. A long day but worth it.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your journey

Experience

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4.9/5
Free Cancellation
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