Similan Islands Snorkeling
Choose Your Experience: Speedboat • Catamaran • Early Bird
Discover the beauty of the Similan Islands on a snorkeling adventure designed your way. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, relax on white sandy beaches, and discover vibrant marine life in one of Thailand’s most breathtaking destinations. Choose the option that suits you best: the fast and personal Speedboat Trip, the spacious and stable Catamaran, or our Early Bird Departure that gets you there before the crowds. However you travel, our expert guides and small groups ensure an unforgettable day — so secure your spot now and make your Similan adventure truly your own.
Example Itinerary
• Pick up from your hotel in Khao Lak and head to Wow Andaman Pier.
• Check-in and collect your snorkeling gear before departing for the Similan Islands by speedboat.
• Arrive at Koh Miang (Isl. 4) and chill on the beautiful white sand beach.
• Snorkel in the crystal clear water around Payu (Isl. 7) and Ba Ngu (Isl.9) islands. The reefs surrounding these islands are home to many kinds of tropical fish, and are often visited by turtles.
• Spend the afternoon enjoying idyllic Doanld Duck Bay (Isl. 8). The amazing jungle covered rock formations form a stunning backdrop to the bright white sandy beach.
• Return to the pier where the transfer is waiting to take you back to your hotel in Khao Lak.
* Pregnant women, people with back/neck trouble, heart problems or any other serious medical conditions are not permitted to join these tours.
* These tours operate from the 15th October until the 15th May.
Tour Details
Pick Up Time: 06:30-07:15
Tour Duration: Average 9-10 hours
Tour Includes
• Round-Trip Transfers
• Light Breakfast
• Lunch
• Drinks & Refreshments
• Guide
• Snorkeling Equipment (200 Baht refundable deposit for fins not included)
• Insurance
• National Park Fees
Things to Bring
• Sunblock
• Sun Hats & Sunglasses
• Light weight, quick dry clothes
3 ways to visit the Similan Islands from Khao Lak
With Discovery Travel, you can now choose the way that best suits your style of travel. All options include the same highlights, snorkeling stops, and expert local guides — the only difference is how you get there.
Fast & Direct
2-3 engine Speedboat
The classic choice and still the quickest way to reach the Similans. With a journey time of just 1 hour 20 minutes from Khao Lak, you’ll have more time to spend on the beaches and in the water.
Speedboat Tour Prices
Adult – 3,900 THB
Child – 2,700 THB (4-11 years)
Group size: 15-40 people
High-Power Catamaran
Smoother and more stable, the catamaran offers a more relaxed journey. It’s a great choice if you prefer comfort and don’t mind sharing with more guests on board.
Catamaran Tour Prices
Adult – 4,200 THB
Child – 3,000 THB (4-11 years)
Group size: 45-66 people
COMING SOON!
Early Bird Speedboat
Early Bird Tour Prices
Adult – 4,200 THB
Child – 3,000 THB (4-11 years)
Group size: 25-30 people
Whichever option you choose, you’ll experience the same stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable snorkeling — with Discovery Travel’s signature small-group service.
a wonderful experience with Discovery
My wife and I had a wonderful experience with Discovery. They really took care of us and went above and beyond to make sure we were having a great time…We will definitely check out another one of their tours if we are ever in the area.
- Early Start, Get Ahead Of the Crowds
- Voted Best Snorkeling In The World
- Perfect For First Time Snorkelers
A Thailand holiday is not complete without a day trip to the Similan Islands Marine National Park. Famous for its beautiful coral reefs, soft white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, the Similan Islands are a must-visit destination from Khao Lak.
With Discovery Travel you can now choose how you would like to experience this unforgettable day. Our classic speedboat trip remains the fastest and most direct way to reach the islands, while our new catamaran option offers a smoother, more spacious ride with extra comfort on board. For those who want to enjoy the Similans at their most peaceful, the Early Bird departure leaves ahead of other tours so you arrive at the islands before the crowds. Whichever option you choose, the itinerary and highlights remain the same, with our experienced guides ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
The day begins when you arrive at Wow Andaman Pier. After check-in there is time to choose your snorkeling gear and enjoy a light breakfast before you meet your guide. Here your guide will give a short introduction to the Similan Islands and explain more about the plan for the day. Guests joining the Early Bird departure will check in a little earlier, giving you a head start on the day and the chance to enjoy quieter beaches and snorkeling before most other boats arrive.
Similan Islands Snorkeling tour from Khao Lak
Soon it is time to board your chosen boat. Travelling by speedboat, the journey from Khao Lak to the Similan Islands takes around one hour and twenty minutes. On the catamaran, the journey is more spacious and stable, making it easier to relax as you cruise towards the islands.
The first stop is the island of Koh Miang, home to the Mu Koh Similan National Park headquarters and two of the best beaches for swimming and relaxing. From here, it is only a short ride to your first snorkeling site, where you will discover a vibrant underwater world. Tropical reef fish are everywhere, wild turtles are often seen, and even the famous Nemo sometimes makes an appearance. Save some energy though, as another snorkel stop is still to come.
Once back on board, the next stop takes you to another beautiful bay. Each snorkeling site has its own character and marine life, giving you a new experience each time you enter the water.
The second beach stop of the day is at Donald Duck Bay on Ko Similan (Island 8), the largest and most iconic of the islands. Here the dramatic granite rock formations tumble into the sea and frame one of the most famous views in Thailand. Lunch is served in the shade of the jungle, just behind the beach. After lunch you can choose to relax on the sand, take a trek up to the Sail Rock viewpoint for breathtaking views, or snorkel directly from the beach.
At the end of the afternoon, your boat returns to the pier, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel in Khao Lak. Whether you travel by speedboat, catamaran, or join the Early Bird departure, this is a Similan Islands day trip you will never forget.
Simlan Islands National Park, Thailand
The Mu Koh Similan National Park is located about 65km (35 nautical miles) from Khao Lak. First established around 1982, the Similan Islands National Park covers and area of about 140km2 and include 11 different islands. To make navigation easier, the locals have numbered each island from South to North;
Isl. 1 – Koh Huyong
Isl. 2 – Koh Pa Yang
Isl. 3 – Koh Pa Yan
Isl. 4 – Koh Miang
Isl. 5 – Koh Ha
Isl. 6 – Koh Hok
Isl. 7 – Koh Payu
Isl. 8 – Koh Similan
Isl. 9 – Koh Ba Ngu
Isl. 10 – Koh Bon
Isl. 11 – Koh Tachai
The word ‘Similan’ comes from the Yawi dialect meaning 9. This refers to the main group of 9 islands which were first included in the national park. Koh Bon and Koh Tachai were included when the park was expanded in 1998.
Currently, only 7 of the islands are open to the public. Islands 1-3 have been set aside as a conservation area and permanently closed. Koh Tachai was briefly opened to the public, but was closed again in 2016 due to over popularity.
The rest of the park is open each year from the 15th of October until the 15th of May. There is now a cap of 3,850 visitor per day, so it is essential to book in advance. Especially at peak times.
The islands consist mainly of ancient granite rocks that were forced up by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Underwater the heavy white sand keeps the water crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling.
There is no ferry to the Similan Islands, so the only way to get to the Similan Islands is by speedboat or with a diving livaboard. There are also no hotels, shops or villages on the islands.
Some of South-East Asia’s most impressive marine life can be found around the Similan Islands. The quieter beaches on the islands make perfect nesting grounds, so snorkelers are often visited by both green turtles and hawksbill turtles. At certain times of the year it is also possible to see manta rays and whale sharks drifting past the islands. However, these gentle giants are mostly spotted when scuba diving.
FAQ’s
When are the Similan Islands Open?
The Similan Islands are open ever year between the 15th of October and 15th of May. The best time to visit is usually between January and April. At this time of year the weather is more predictable, however the islands can get busy.
How long does it take from Khao Lak to the Similan Islands?
The Similan Islands are located just over 30 miles from the Khao Lak coast. By speedboat it usually takes a little over an hour to get to the Similan Islands from Khao Lak.
Do you need to book in advance to visit Similan Islands?
The short answer is yes. There is now a cap on how many people can visit the park each day. In order to purchase a ticket, the boat operator will need to register your details with the national park office in advance.
Is Similan islands worth visiting?
It is no secret the Similan Islands can get crowded. That said, the islands are stunningly beautiful. The power white beaches are perfect for swimming and the water clarity has to be seen to be believed!
Ever since 2018 a limit has been set on the number of people who can visit each day. Although the islands are still far from deserted, this had made an improvment during the busy periods.
The Similan Islands are defiantly worth a visit!
Can you stay on Similan Island?
There are no hotels on the Similan Islands.
Prior to 2018, it was possible to stay in a tent or national park bungalow on 2 of the islands. Currently however this is no longer allowed due to the negative enviromental impacts it was having.
Can this trip be made private?
YES! This trip can be made private and personal for you. let us know when making your booking, and we will get back to you with a quote.
However be warned, a private speedboat trip is costly. The average speedboat uses around 500 liters of fuel on a day trip to Similan, so the average price usually works out to about 50,000-60,000 Baht.
How do I book?
Booking a tour in Khao Lak is easy. Just follow these simple steps;
1. Choose the tour you want to book from the list and fill in the booking form.
2. We will then check availability and get back to you ASAP. If the date you chose is not available, we will offer you some alternative dates. We will also confirm the total cost and send you information on how to pay.
3. Follow the link we send you to make your payment. We have found that Wise is the easiest, most reliable and cheapest method of making international payments into Thailand.
4. Once we have received your payment we will send you and e-ticket as confirmation of your booking. All the details you will need will be printed on the ticket, but if you have any questions feel free to ask.
How do I pay?
Making international payments can be tricky and expensive. This is why we recommend using Wise. Unlike PayPal, Wise offers international transfers using the current exchange rates, with no additional mark-ups or hidden fees. The whole process takes just a few minutes. Simply follow these easy steps;
1. Click Here or follow the link we send you to create an account, or log in if you already have one.
2. Select “Send Money”.
3. Select “International” and choose the relivent currencies. (Our tours are priced in THB). All the relivent fees and exchange rates are automatically shown for you. Then click “Continue”
4. On the “Who are you sending Money to?” page, select “Buisness/Charity” and type in our email address. Our information is then filled in for you automatically. If you have any difficulty or require extra information just let us know.
5. Next you will need to fill in your account information.
6. The final step is to approve the payment.
More help can be found HERE.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
It is improtant to say here that once a booking is confirmed, national park entrance fees are non-refundable.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for our full cancelation policy.*
*This trip is provided by one of our partners so certain conditions may differ.
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