Phuket: Similan Day Trip by Speedboat

Imagine cruising through the calm waters of the Andaman Sea, the limestone cliffs towering in the background, as you prepare for a day packed with underwater adventures, scenic views, and tasty Thai food. That’s what this Similan Islands day trip from Phuket promises—and mostly delivers. This review aims to give you an honest, detailed look at what this experience really involves, so you can decide if it’s worth your time and money.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the convenience of hotel pickup, meaning you can start your day without the stress of logistics. The snorkeling stops at Koh Bangu and Koh Pousar are highlights—offering vibrant coral reefs and the chance to see turtles and reef sharks. The delicious meals throughout the day also add a lot of value, satisfying even the most hungry travelers. And of course, the stunning scenery—from limestone cliffs to white sandy beaches—makes every moment memorable.

However, a potential consideration is the duration of transportation, which can take over 2 hours each way, and the speedboat ride itself might be rough or uncomfortable if you’re sensitive to motion. This tour is best suited for those who don’t mind a full day of travel, love snorkeling, or want to explore one of Thailand’s top marine parks in a convenient, guided setup.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with meals, snacks, and equipment provided
• Expert guides and crew who are enthusiastic and helpful, making the day enjoyable
• Beautiful scenery both above and below the water, perfect for photography and relaxation
• Good value for money considering the transportation, food, and guided snorkeling included
• Suitable for beginners with shallow, warm waters ideal for first-time snorkelers
• Potential long travel times due to the 75-minute speedboat ride each way, which may be tiring for some

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Similan Islands Day Trip from Phuket

Getting There: Comfort and Convenience

The day begins with hotel pickup across Phuket, with timings starting as early as 5:00 AM from Siray Bay or as late as 7:30 AM from Naiyang Bay. The early start is necessary because the goal is to make the most of the day, but it means you’ll need to be ready and waiting in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes beforehand.

Once you’re picked up, you’ll travel by coach to Lamu Pier, where the adventure truly begins. Expect a roughly 75-minute speedboat ride to the islands, which can feel long—reviewers mention that the boat ride can be uncomfortable if you’re prone to motion sickness or if the weather turns windy. One review specifically notes that the ride can be quite scary if the weather isn’t calm, so it’s wise to check weather conditions before booking if you’re cautious.

The Journey: Scenic and Exciting

As you cruise out of the bay, you’ll see limestone cliffs rising dramatically from the sea, a scene that’s both dramatic and photogenic. On the way, passing Donald Duck Bay—this name comes from rocks resembling Disney’s famous character’s head—is a fun photo stop for many travelers.

Snorkeling at Koh Bangu and Koh Pousar

Once at the islands, the real highlight begins. You’ll jump into warm, clear waters ideal for beginners, with snorkeling gear provided. Reviewers tell us that the coral reefs are stunning and full of colorful fish, and some have been lucky enough to spot turtles and reef sharks.

The first stop at Koh Bangu is often praised for its vibrant coral gardens and the chance to see both macro and larger marine life. One traveler mentioned that they saw “cool fish and coral,” and even swam with a turtle—an experience many hope to repeat.

At Koh Pousar, the marine environment continues to impress. The crystal-clear waters reveal hard and soft corals, with enough underwater activity to keep even non-swimmers entertained. These snorkeling stops are carefully chosen to showcase the best underwater scenery of the park, and reviews confirm that they are worthwhile.

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Lunch and Relaxation

After the morning’s aquatic adventures, you’ll head to Koh Meang for a boxed Thai lunch with a view. The meal includes options without pork or beef, catering to vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions (advance notice is recommended for special requests). Reviewers have noted that the lunch is decent and filling, with some describing it as simple but tasty.

A short ride later, you arrive at Koh Pousar for the second snorkeling session, where the marine life and coral formations continue to impress. Many reviews highlight the friendly and enthusiastic guides, who help with equipment and encourage everyone to enjoy the underwater sights.

The Return: Quick Shower and Light Dinner

Back at the pier, there’s an opportunity for a quick shower before enjoying a light dinner—usually a mix of Thai snacks and simple dishes. Reviewers often mention that the food is okay, but not necessarily exceptional. Still, it’s a nice way to refuel after a busy day.

The return trip to Phuket takes about an hour, giving you time to relax or review photos from the day.

What’s Included and Practical Considerations

This tour offers excellent value for money given the comprehensive package of transfers, meals, and guided snorkeling. You’ll get all necessary snorkeling equipment, towels, and water for the day, so you don’t need to bring much besides your essentials.

Transportation logistics are well-organized, with guests grouped by color and boat to streamline check-in and pick-up. However, the lengthy journey both ways is a crucial factor to consider; some reviewers mention that they found the long transit time on the boat tiring, especially if you’re not used to boat trips.

The meals are included, and while the breakfast, lunch, and dinner are described as decent, they follow a Thai-style menu with no pork or beef, catering to vegetarians. The guides—notably Nancy, Monica, Siri, and others—are frequently praised for their energy, enthusiasm, and attentiveness, helping to make the experience memorable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for snorkelers of all levels, especially those eager to explore world-class coral reefs in warm, shallow waters. It’s also a good choice for anyone who appreciates organized, guided tours that take care of the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and marine life.

Travelers who don’t mind a long day of transport and are comfortable on a boat will find this to be a very worthwhile experience. It’s also ideal for those seeking a full-day adventure with good food, stunning views, and lots of underwater fun.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a fantastic way to see the famous Similan Islands without the hassle of arranging your own transport or food. The scenery both above and below the water is truly stunning, with coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and the iconic limestone formations.

The guides and crew are often highlighted for their friendly service and knowledge, which enhances the overall experience. The inclusion of meals, snorkeling gear, and hotel pickup makes it a convenient option, especially for first-timers or those looking for a stress-free day.

The main trade-off is the length of the journey, which can be tiring, especially if you’re sensitive to boat motion or prefer shorter travel times. But if you’re prepared for a full day and eager for excellent snorkeling, this trip offers a solid value and unforgettable sights.

In summary, this tour suits adventurous travelers, snorkeling lovers, or anyone wanting an easy, guided escape to Thailand’s stunning marine environment. It’s not perfect for those seeking a relaxed, short excursion, but otherwise, it’s a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience the Similan Islands.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup across Phuket, starting as early as 5:00 AM from Siray Bay and as late as 7:30 AM from Naiyang Bay, with guests advised to arrive 10 minutes early.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, waterproof camera, biodegradable sunscreen, waterproof bag, and your passport or ID. Luggage and large valuables are not allowed.

How long is the boat ride?
The speedboat ride from the pier to the islands takes about 75 minutes each way, which is a significant part of the day and can be uncomfortable if conditions are rough.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, the waters are warm and shallow, making it ideal for beginners. The guides are attentive and helpful, and snorkeling gear is provided.

What meals are included?
Guests are served breakfast before departure, a boxed lunch on the island, and a light dinner at the end of the day. The food is Thai-style, with vegetarian options available on request.

Can I expect to see marine animals like turtles?
Many travelers report seeing turtles and colorful fish; some even mention swimming alongside turtles in the clear waters of Koh Bangu and Koh Pousar.

Overall, this Similan Islands day trip by speedboat offers a carefully curated blend of scenic beauty, underwater marvels, and convenience. It’s a solid choice for snorkelers, lovers of nature, and those eager to tick off one of Thailand’s top national parks from their bucket list.

You can check availability for your dates here: