Phuket: Similan The Hidden Paradise Sea Tour

Planning a day trip from Phuket to the Similan Islands can seem daunting, especially with so many options vying for your attention. This particular tour by Seava Travel offers an adventurous, scenic, and photo-friendly way to experience one of Thailand’s most celebrated marine parks. While it’s not the highest-rated experience (with a 2.7 rating), it packs in a lot—crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, spectacular viewpoints, and memorable photo ops—making it worth considering if you’re after a full-day, immersive island escape.

What really catches our eye are the scenic sailing rock viewpoint, the opportunity to wear a mermaid dress for a themed photo shoot, and the three snorkeling stops. The proactivity of providing a beach bag and towel adds to the convenience, especially when you’re planning to relax or take photos in the sand. That said, the 10-hour journey includes a transfer time of up to nearly 3 hours each way, which might be a long day for some travelers. This tour appeals most to adventure seekers who love underwater exploration, scenic views, and capturing memorable moments amidst nature’s beauty.

Key Points

• Full-day experience with three snorkeling sessions and sightseeing
• Scenic viewpoints like Sailing Rock for stunning island vistas
• Photo opportunities with an iconic mermaid dress on the beach
• Comfortable speedboat ride across the Andaman Sea
• All-inclusive with meals, refreshments, and beach essentials
• Long transfer times, so it’s suited for those prepared for a full-day trip

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The journey begins early, with hotel pickups scheduled between 5:30 and 6:30 AM depending on your location—covering popular beaches like Patong, Kata, Karon, and even Phuket Airport. While this means a very early start, it ensures you maximize your time on the islands. The transfer to the pier takes approximately 2 to 3 hours since the Similan Islands are quite a distance away, located in the Andaman Sea.

Check-in, Safety Briefing, and Equipment

Once at the private pier, guests check in, register for insurance, and are provided with snorkeling gear—because nothing kills the mood faster than not having the right equipment for marine adventures. The provided light breakfast helps fuel everyone for the day ahead, while a short safety briefing from a professional local guide sets expectations and ensures everyone’s prepared for the speedboat ride and snorkeling activities.

The Speedboat Ride: A Thrilling Voyage

The ride across the sea is described as smooth and comfortable, thanks to the modern speedboats equipped with either three or four engines, accommodating 45 to 75 passengers. This is a significant ride, especially on a sunny day, so expect a bit of breeze and some spray. Having a good seat and a hat is advisable, and some reviewers note that the boat can get crowded, so arriving early and holding your spot might improve your experience.

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Arriving at Similan Island No. 8: The Viewpoint and Photo Session

The first stop is Similan Island No. 8, home to the famous Sailing Rock viewpoint, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters. Guests rave about the stunning vistas, describing it as “absolutely breathtaking,” and many seize the chance for photos. One reviewer mentioned, “The view from the top is worth every step,” highlighting how this spot is ideal for panoramic shots.

A unique aspect here is the mermaid dress photo session—a fun, themed experience that allows you to wear a shiny, iconic dress against the backdrop of lush greenery and clear waters. Many travelers appreciated this extra touch, noting it creates “memorable, fairytale-like photos.” The tour provides the dress, beach bag, and towel for this purpose.

Snorkeling Adventures: Exploring Underwater Life

Next, the tour moves to Similan Island No. 9 for the first snorkeling stop, where the clear waters reveal coral reefs and tropical fish. Guests mention the visibility is excellent, making it easy to spot vibrant marine life. One reviewer stressed that “the snorkeling was the highlight,” and appreciated the variety of fish and corals.

The second snorkeling session occurs at Similan Island No. 7, offering a different marine environment, with some saying it feels like discovering a new underwater world. The provided equipment and guided safety briefings help even beginners enjoy the experience.

Lunch and Beach Relaxation at Islands No. 4

After the snorkeling, the group heads to Similan Island No. 4 for a Thai lunch box set—typically served in a shaded area or on the beach. The meal is simple but satisfying, providing a much-needed energy boost. Post-lunch, you’re free to relax on the beach, swim, stroll, or take more photos. Many guests mention the beaches are pristine, with soft white sands and calm waters, perfect for unwinding.

Afternoon Return and Refreshments

In the afternoon, the return journey begins. The boat ride back is often accompanied by snacks, drinks, coffee, and tea, giving everyone a chance to relax and reflect on the day. Many reviews commend the friendly crew and the well-organized service, despite the long hours involved.

End of Day: Drop-off and Hotel Transfer

Back at the pier, guests are transferred to their hotels, with pickups available from multiple areas in Phuket. The entire experience, including travel time, can take nearly 10 hours—a full-day commitment but one packed with unforgettable sights and activities.

What’s the Experience Really Like?

The overall impression of this tour is that it’s a good mix of adventure, relaxation, and photo opportunities. While the boat ride is lengthy, it’s a small price to pay for the stunning views and underwater encounters. The viewpoints like Sailing Rock are a definite highlight, and many travelers appreciate the chance to wear a mermaid dress in such a picturesque setting—adding a fun, whimsical element to the day.

However, some reviews point out that the tour rating is modest (2.7 out of 5), which might suggest inconsistencies in some aspects, such as group size or organization. The long transfer times also mean you need to be prepared for an early start and a potentially tiring day, especially if you don’t love long boat rides or early mornings.

Who Will Benefit Most?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy snorkeling and scenic viewpoints. It’s also perfect if you want some unique photo memories, especially with the mermaid dress. If you prefer shorter day trips or are sensitive to long transfers, you might consider other options. It’s best suited for those who are comfortable spending a significant part of the day traveling and want a full experience of the Similan Islands’ natural beauty.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the stunning scenery and marine life of the Similan Islands, combined with fun photo sessions and beach relaxation. You’ll love the crystal waters for snorkeling, the views from Sailing Rock, and the photo opportunities with the mermaid dress—all valuable for creating lasting memories.

The value comes with the package’s all-inclusive nature—meals, snacks, equipment, and transport—especially given the remote location of the islands. That said, the long transfer times and the modest overall rating suggest it’s best for those seeking a full, adventure-packed day rather than a quick, relaxing trip.

If you’re a traveler eager to explore Thailand’s marine treasures, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and love capturing moments in beautiful settings, this tour could be a great choice—just be prepared for a full day out.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is available from most major beaches and Phuket Airport, scheduled between 5:30 and 6:30 AM depending on your location.

How long is the transfer to the islands?
Transfer time to the pier is generally around 2 to 3 hours, so expect a considerable part of your day to be spent traveling.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring a hat, change of clothes, camera, beachwear, and cash. Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the boat.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a Thai lunch box set is included after the snorkeling stops, along with snacks and drinks during the return journey.

Can I wear the mermaid dress everywhere?
The dress is provided for the dedicated photo session on the beach, offering a fun, themed opportunity. It’s not meant for swimming or snorkeling.

What marine life can I expect to see?
The snorkeling stops showcase coral reefs and tropical fish, with many guests noting excellent visibility and diverse marine environments.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, babies under 1 year, or those with respiratory issues, high blood pressure, or pre-existing medical conditions.

What is the weather like?
The tour operates October to May, with weather conditions potentially affecting the itinerary or safety.

How many people typically join?
Boat capacity ranges from 45 to 75 seats, so group sizes can vary but are generally sizable, creating a lively atmosphere.

To sum it up, the Similan Islands tour from Phuket offers a well-rounded day of scenic views, underwater adventures, and memorable photo moments. It’s best suited for travelers who value exploration and don’t mind a long, active day — with the reward of stunning views and marine life in exchange. If you’re ready for a full-day marine adventure with plenty of photo ops and scenic stops, this tour provides a compelling option.

You can check availability for your dates here: