Phuket/Khao Lak: Similan Islands by Speedboat

Venturing out to the Similan Islands on a speedboat from Phuket or Khao Lak is a popular way to experience Thailand’s famed marine life and pristine beaches. While many travelers enjoy the adventure, the trip offers a mix of incredible scenery and some notable challenges.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters among vibrant coral reefs, the breathtaking views from Sail Rock Viewpoint, and the chance to indulge in delicious Thai-style meals right on the islands. However, a potential drawback is the speedboat ride itself, which can be quite bumpy and uncomfortable—especially if the weather isn’t calm.

This tour is ideal for those who want a full day of exploring, snorkelling, and relaxing on some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. If you’re comfortable with boat journeys and seeking an authentic experience with guided insights, this could be a good fit. But if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calm water trips, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Incredible snorkeling in clear waters with a guide and diverse marine life
• Breathtaking viewpoints at Sail Rock for panoramic island views
• Tasty Thai meals and a local dinner on the islands provide excellent value
• Well-organized itinerary with multiple stops to maximize your island experience
• Speedboat rides offer fast transit but can be rough depending on weather
• Suitable for travelers who enjoy active days with plenty of sightseeing and water activities

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

This full-day tour from Phuket or Khao Lak is designed to maximize your time on the water and on land, giving you a well-rounded experience of the Similan Islands. Starting early, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred via van to the Thap Lamu Pier, where the adventure begins. The journey involves about 1.5 hours on land and 1.5 hours by speedboat to reach the islands.

Starting the Day: Early Morning Pickup and Breakfast

The tour kicks off with a Thai-style breakfast at the pier, usually consisting of coffee and tea, along with some light snacks. This is a good time to get briefed by your guide about the day ahead. A comprehensive safety briefing and welcome refreshments set the tone for the trip.

Koh Miang: First Stop and Sightseeing

Your first destination is Koh Miang, which takes roughly an hour of sightseeing. The island’s white sand beaches are luminous, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant blue of the sea. Here, you can meet some of the local fauna and enjoy a peaceful stroll before the snorkeling sessions begin.

Snorkeling at Honeymoon Reef

Next, you’ll head to Honeymoon Reef, a favorite spot for snorkelers. It offers an extensive coral landscape featuring staghorn, lettuce, and brain corals, along with sea anemones. Marine life like Nemo (clownfish) and Moray eels are common sightings. According to a review, snorkelers appreciated the guide’s assistance here, and many found the variety of marine creatures mesmerizing. However, one reviewer noted that if visibility isn’t great, the snorkeling might feel underwhelming, as they saw mostly sea grass.

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Ba Ngu Island: Scenic Views and Snorkeling

Your next stop is Ba Ngu Island, which is renowned for its panoramic scenery and vibrant underwater life. This location is praised for its brightly colored fish and coral formations, making it ideal for both sightseeing and snorkeling. Travelers have highlighted its dense lettuce coral and rich shallow waters, perfect for leisurely swimming.

Lunch on the Islands

Around midday, a lunch set is served on the island—an appreciated highlight for many. The meals are described as tasty, with some reviewers mentioning they received double boxes of food, adding to the good value. It’s a chance to rest, refuel, and soak in the island atmosphere.

Sail Rock Viewpoint: The Crown Jewel

Post-lunch, the tour’s most Instagram-worthy moment arrives with a visit to Sail Rock Viewpoint. The climb isn’t too strenuous, and the effort pays off with spectacular panoramic views of Donald Duck Bay and the surrounding islands. Reviewers consistently praise the viewpoint as a highlight, with stunning vistas that justify the early start and the boat ride.

Additional Snorkeling and Beach Time

After the viewpoint, there’s more snorkeling at Ba Ngu Island, which is appreciated for its abundance of colorful fish and coral. You also get free time to relax on the sandy beaches or swim in the clear waters, making this a balanced mix of activity and downtime.

Return Journey and Dinner

As the day winds down, you’ll depart from the islands back to the pier on a more comfortable and calm speedboat, if weather permits. Back on land, a special Southern Thai dinner is usually included—offering local dishes that many travelers find delicious. This meal caps off a day filled with sights, flavors, and aquatic adventures.

The Speedboat Experience: Pros and Cons

The transportation is a core part of this tour, and here’s where some mixed feelings come from. The guide staff are generally praised for their attentiveness, with many reviews emphasizing the professionalism of guides and crew. The boat ride, however, can be a double-edged sword.

Some travelers, like those who reviewed a negative experience, found the speedboat ride rough and grueling. If the sea is choppy, the 1.5-hour trip each way can feel exhausting, especially for those prone to seasickness. One reviewer vividly described being tossed around and feeling ill, advising others to opt for the catamaran option if available. Conversely, others appreciated the calm and smooth ride when conditions were favorable, making the trip more enjoyable.

Why the boat type matters

The choice between a speedboat and a catamaran significantly influences comfort. The current tour uses a speedboat, which is faster but sometimes less stable. This is worth considering if you’re sensitive to motion or have health issues like back problems or pregnancy concerns (not suitable for pregnant travelers, according to the info).

Marine Life and Snorkeling Quality

Multiple reviews mention the superb snorkeling opportunities, with some saying it’s the main highlight of the day. The reefs are filled with colorful fish, coral, and fascinating creatures like Moray eels. Be aware, though, that some visitors felt the snorkeling wasn’t as spectacular as they hoped, citing limited visibility or less marine diversity at certain spots.

The guides are noted for their knowledgeable assistance, helping snorkelers navigate the waters and spot marine life. One reviewer marveled at seeing a moray eel and colorful fish, calling it the “highlight of the trip.” On the flip side, a reviewer from Germany was disappointed, feeling that the snorkeling mostly consisted of “sea grass” and limited marine life, which somewhat dulled the experience.

Food and Refreshments: A Highlight

A standout aspect of this tour is the food offering. The Thai-style breakfast helps fuel your morning, and the lunch on the islands is often described as delicious and plentiful. Many travelers appreciated the double boxes of tasty food, and the local dinner served at the end of the day adds a cultural touch.

The onboard snacks and drinks, including ice-cream, are also highlighted as enjoyable touches, making the long day more comfortable. The guides keep everyone well-fed and hydrated, which is crucial given the sun exposure and physical activity.

The Views and Photo Opportunities

The Sail Rock Viewpoint is a real standout. The climb is manageable, and the sweeping views of the surrounding islands from the peak are breathtaking. Many reviews mention how photo opportunities here are abundant, with the scenery making it worth the effort.

Other stops, like Koh Miang, offer picture-perfect beaches and lush landscapes. The combination of underwater sights and scenic vistas provides plenty of opportunities to capture memories.

Practical Tips for Booking and Preparation

• Book early: Tours tend to fill up, especially in high season. Reserve your spot and consider the pay later option for flexibility.
• Bring essentials: Sunglasses, sunhat, swimwear, towel, waterproof camera, snacks, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), and a reusable water bottle.
• Dress appropriately: Comfortable clothes for water activities, and shoes suitable for walking and boat rides.
• Health considerations: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems. Be prepared for the boat ride, especially if seas are rough.
• Passport info: To book, you’ll need to send a copy of your passport ID page to the tour provider, as required by Thai authorities.

The Value of the Experience

While the overall rating of 3.6 suggests that this tour isn’t perfect, many travelers find the scenery, food, and guides make it worthwhile. The full-day format packs in a significant amount of activity, from snorkeling in vibrant reefs to enjoying panoramic views, making it a good value for those who want an active, scenic day.

The cost includes transfers, meals, park fees, and guided snorkeling, which if compared to the cost of independent trips, offers convenience and a structured experience. The quality of guides and staff also contributes positively, with many reviewers noting their attentiveness and helpfulness.

However, the speedboat ride’s discomfort is a real consideration. If you have concerns about rough seas, it’s worth exploring other options like catamaran tours, which tend to provide a smoother ride.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who want a full day of adventure, with plenty of snorkeling, scenic viewpoints, and cultural touches like Thai cuisine. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on boats and appreciate guided insights into marine life and island scenery.

Those seeking tranquil, calm waters may find the speedboat ride challenging, especially if seas aren’t calm. But if you enjoy energetic days full of activity, stunning views, and tasty local food, this tour offers a solid, authentic experience of the Similan Islands.

For travelers who prioritize comfort, consider asking about the boat type beforehand or choosing alternatives like a catamaran. For those eager to explore and photograph some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from designated locations in Khao Lak and Phuket, with an early morning transfer to the pier.

How long is the total tour?
The full experience lasts around 10 to 12 hours, including transfers, boat rides, sightseeing, and meals.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for water activities.

Are meals provided?
Yes, a Thai-style breakfast, a set lunch, and a local dinner on the island are included, plus onboard snacks and drinks.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Guides assist with snorkeling, and the reef offers diverse sights, but visibility and marine life can vary. Experience may depend on weather conditions.

Can I go if I don’t want to snorkel?
Yes, non-snorkelers can relax on the beaches or enjoy the scenic views, though some reviews mention limited land activities.

What’s the boat ride like?
The speedboat can be quick and exhilarating, but it can also be rough and bumpy if the sea isn’t calm. Consider the boat type if you’re sensitive.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Most travelers with children enjoyed it, but keep in mind the boat ride and the physical demands of some stops.

What about the environmental impact?
The tour emphasizes respecting marine life and the environment, with guidelines against touching marine creatures or littering. Bringing biodegradable sunscreen is recommended.

Final Words

A trip to the Similan Islands via speedboat offers a chance to see some of Thailand’s most spectacular marine landscapes, with vibrant coral reefs, panoramic viewpoints, and delicious food. While the boat ride can be a hit or miss depending on weather, the overall experience provides a balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural richness.

For those eager to explore underwater worlds and enjoy spectacular scenery, this tour delivers plenty of memorable moments. Just remember to weigh your comfort with the boat ride against the promise of stunning views and vibrant marine life. If you’re prepared for the bumps along the way, this could be one of your most rewarding days in Thailand.

You can check availability for your dates here: