✅ Updated on 05.11.2025
Similan Islands Tour Prices from Phuket
The most popular Similan Islands tour from Phuket is by speedboat. That’s the option I went with — it costs 2,300 THB for adults and 1,800 THB for children (ages 4–11).
Other options are also available:
- Double-deck catamaran – 3,100 THB per adult, 2,400 THB per child
- Yacht tours – starting from 5,650 THB for adults and 5,200 THB for kids (prices vary depending on the yacht type)
There’s also a multi-day option with Similan Islands diving and overnight stay — I’ll cover that at the end of the article. It’s less popular due to the higher price and niche appeal.
I personally asked for quotes at several tour agencies in Phuket Town, near my hotel in Kata, and also checked online. The prices were almost identical, with at most a 100–300 THB difference. Just know that the prices you see in printed brochures are often inflated. Agents will usually offer a lower deal right away — that’s what happened to me.
Best Time to Visit the Similan Islands
You can’t visit the Similan Islands year-round — the national park is closed from May 15 to October 15. There are two main reasons for this:
- Safety: Summer brings strong winds and high waves to the region, making boat travel, snorkeling, and diving potentially dangerous.
- Environmental protection: The off-season gives the marine ecosystem a break from tourism — especially the coral reefs and sea life.
The best time to visit the Similan Islands is from December to March. This is the dry season, with minimal rain, plenty of sunshine, and great underwater visibility — ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving.
I went on October 28. It was a bit cloudy, but the trip was still incredible and everything went smoothly.
✅ Recommended hotels in Phuket
If you’re planning a Similan Islands day trip, it’s convenient to stay somewhere on the west coast of Phuket. Here are my personal picks:
- Patong — ICheck Inn, Best Western
- Karon — Simplitel, May House, Rattana
- Kata — Kata Sun Beach, Kata Forte Resort, Dome Kata Resort, The Blue Pearl
- Bang Tao — Hill Myna Condotel, Chabana
Similan Islands Map and History
The Similan Islands have been open to tourism since 1982, when they were designated as part of Mu Ko Similan National Park, one of Thailand’s most stunning marine reserves.
The name “Similan” comes from the Malay word sembilan, meaning “nine.” Originally, the archipelago included just 9 islands. In 1998, two more were added: Koh Bon (Island #10) and Koh Tachai (Island #11).
Here’s a map of the Similan Islands showing all 11 islands in the group.
During a typical Similan Islands boat tour, you’ll stop at Island #4 and Island #8, and go snorkeling near Islands #6, #7, or #9 — depending on weather and sea conditions.
My Similan Islands Day Trip Experience
There are two types of Similan Islands tours available from Phuket:
- Standard tours — depart around 6:30 AM
- Early bird tours — depart at 4:30 AM
The early tour is perfect for those who want to explore the islands before the tourist crowds arrive. That’s the option I chose — and I’m glad I did.
🕓 4:30 AM – Hotel Pickup
A minivan picked me up from my hotel near Kata Beach. The driver was just five minutes late — not bad, considering they usually collect guests from multiple locations and delays are common.
There was no traffic that early, the ride was smooth, and I even managed to sleep for an hour on the way.
🕔 5:40 AM – Arrival at the Meeting Point
There are several Similan Islands tour companies, so pickup points vary. Ours was in the north of Phuket, where four vans of tourists gathered.
At the check-in point, we were:
- Registered
- Given color-coded wristbands (to match our boat group)
- Served a free breakfast: rice, veggies, porridge, coffee, tea, and cookies
The breakfast seemed basic at first, but a friend who had done this trip before told me I was lucky — most tours offer even less.
Next came a briefing by a guide who explained:
- Our full Similan Islands itinerary
- Where we’d be snorkeling
- What to do and what to avoid
🔹 Tip: Bring Coral Shoes
I highly recommend buying coral reef shoes in advance. They’re great for snorkeling, walking across beaches, and boarding the boat. You can find them for about 130 THB on local platforms like Shopee or Lazada, or in any tourist shop.
🕕 6:40 AM – Departure to Island #8
The distance from Phuket to the Similan Islands is about 100 km. By speedboat, the trip takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
😉 Pro tip: At first, sit near the front of the boat — the sun isn’t too strong yet, and the views are stunning. Once the boat speeds up, move toward the back near the engine for a smoother ride.
🕗 8:40 AM – Arrival at Island #8
We landed at Donald Duck Bay, named after a rock formation that looks like Scrooge McDuck’s head (yes, really).
Depending on wave conditions, you might have to wade waist-deep through the water to reach the beach — so it’s smart to wear your swim gear from the start. A waterproof backpack also comes in very handy here.
You’ll spend about an hour on the island. Here’s what you can do:
- Climb to the Sail Rock viewpoint – an easy hike with a panoramic view
- Swim in the crystal-clear sea
- Spot monitor lizards – I actually saw one up close
🕘 9:50 AM – Snorkeling Session
We went snorkeling near Island #6, #7, or #9 — the exact spot depends on the weather and water conditions.
If you’re new to snorkeling, you’re going to love it. There are dozens of colorful fish, the water is crystal clear, and I even got lucky and spotted a sea turtle!
Snorkeling Tips:
- Fins help you swim faster and conserve energy
- Bring your own mask and snorkel — it’s more comfortable and hygienic
I had a similar snorkeling experience in Koh Tao, where I did my open water diving course (more on that in a separate post).
🕚 11:20 AM – Arrival at Island #4
Island #4 is home to two beaches — Honeymoon Beach and Princess Beach — connected by a 350-meter trail that takes just 5 minutes to walk. We landed at Honeymoon Beach.
There, we were served a simple but tasty lunch: rice with chicken and salad. After snorkeling, it hit the spot.
Things to Do on Island #4:
- Walk over to Princess Beach — it’s larger and more scenic
- Climb a small rock for cliff jumping
- Explore some abandoned bungalows — looks like there was once a resort here. The views must’ve been unreal.
🕐 1:20 PM – Heading Back to Phuket
After a full morning of snorkeling and sun, everyone was exhausted — most people fell asleep almost immediately. The captain picked up the speed, and the return trip took just 1 hour and 40 minutes, faster than the ride out.
🕒 3:00 PM – Arrival at the Pier
Back at the pier, we had a chance to:
- Shower and change
- Grab a light meal — they offered us a free early dinner. It was simple, but a nice touch.
🕔 5:00 PM – Back at the Hotel
By 5:00 PM, I was back in my hotel — just in time to relax, head to the beach, enjoy dinner, and catch a beautiful Phuket sunset.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting the Similan Islands?
Absolutely. I didn’t regret this trip for a single second.
No exaggeration — these are the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The sand is powdery white, and the water is an unreal shade of blue — like something straight off a postcard.
Sure, the journey is long, and speedboats aren’t always the most comfortable. But honestly, those are minor inconveniences compared to the experience you’ll have once you arrive. And yes — the photos you’ll take there? Next level.
Similan Islands Liveaboard Diving Tour with Overnight Stay
Yes, you can stay overnight in the Similan Islands — but not on the islands themselves. Instead, you’ll sleep aboard a boat anchored nearby. This type of tour is perfect for those looking for a more immersive experience, especially divers.
💰 Prices:
- 9,500 THB per person for the standard overnight tour
- +5,000 THB if you want to add scuba diving, making it 14,500 THB total per person
⬇️ Overnight Tour Itinerary ⬇️
Day 1
- 06:30–07:30 – Hotel pickup
- 08:00 – Check-in at the pier
- 09:00 – Departure to the Similan Islands
- 10:20 – Snorkeling near Island #5 or #6 + stop at Island #4
- 12:00 – Lunch on the beach
- 13:30 – Check-in on the liveaboard boat
- 15:30 – Diving session near Island #7
- 18:30 – Second dive near Island #8 or #9
- 19:30 – Dinner on board and free time
Day 2
- 07:00 – Wake up
- 07:30 – Morning dive at Island #9
- 08:30 – Breakfast
- 11:00 – Final dive between Islands #4, #5, and #6
- 12:00 – Lunch on board
- 13:00 – Transfer to speedboat
- 14:00 – Free time on Island #8 + optional hike to Sail Rock viewpoint
- 15:30 – Return journey
- 17:00 – Arrival at the pier, light dinner, and transfer back to hotel
FAQs
From the northern piers of Phuket, the speedboat ride to the Similan Islands takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. But if you count the full journey — hotel pickup, transfer, check-in, breakfast, and boarding — it usually takes about 4 hours in total from hotel to island.
Technically, yes — you could charter a private boat and sail to the Similan Islands. But in practice, it’s much more expensive. You’d need to cover the cost of the boat rental, and each visitor must pay a 500 THB national park fee at the entrance to Mu Ko Similan National Park. This is why most travelers choose organized group tours — they’re cheaper, easier, and everything is taken care of.
Absolutely. This is one of the biggest advantages of visiting the Similans — you don’t just admire the beaches, you actually get to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the clear water. The sea is incredibly clean and perfect for swimming.
I’ve been to both, and personally, I preferred the Similan Islands. Phi Phi is beautiful, but on the famous Maya Bay, swimming is not allowed — you can only wade in up to your knees for a quick photo. On the Similans, there are no such restrictions — you can swim freely and enjoy the full experience.
