by Sailing Phuket
Thailand's clearest water and best snorkelling - worth every minute of the journey.
The Similans are a national park of nine granite islands with the clearest water in the region, giant boulder formations and coral gardens. They sit further out, so trips are longer - and worth it.
Giant boulders above the waterline, coral gardens below. Sea turtles are common in season, and the Sail Rock viewpoint on island number 8 gives the classic panorama. The park closes for the monsoon - roughly mid-May to mid-October - which keeps the reefs in remarkable shape.
How it usually runs: a long private day of 10-12 hours on a fast boat, from ฿29,000 for the whole boat, or a multi-day liveaboard-style charter on a larger yacht for guests who want the islands at their quietest.
Group speedboats to the Similans pack 30-40 people onto one schedule: same snorkel stops, same beach, same hour. On a private charter your captain picks the bays with the best visibility that day, you snorkel sites the big boats skip, and you stay over the coral gardens as long as you like. On a multi-day charter you get the early mornings and evenings - the best water of the day - entirely to yourselves.
Every charter is private, so this is a starting point, not a fixed schedule - your captain adjusts it to the visibility, the sea state and your pace.
As a guide for a private charter to the Similan Islands:
Prices are for the whole boat, not per person, and include the crew, fuel for the standard route, soft drinks and snorkelling gear. National park fees (a few hundred baht per person) are paid on the day. Send us your date and group size on WhatsApp and we reply personally with the exact price for your trip, usually within a few hours.
Only in season: the national park opens roughly from 15 October to 15 May and closes for the monsoon. December to April gives the flattest crossings and the best visibility. Outside the season we will happily point you to Phang Nga Bay or the Racha Islands, which work all year.
How much does a private boat to the Similan Islands cost?
A private speedboat starts from ฿29,000 for the day, for your group only; larger yachts for multi-day charters cost more. Every quote is confirmed personally on WhatsApp.
When are the Similan Islands open?
Roughly 15 October to 15 May each year. The park closes for the monsoon the rest of the year.
How long is the trip?
A long day of 10 to 12 hours including transfers, or a multi-day charter on a larger yacht for the comfortable version.
Is the snorkelling really that good?
Yes - the clearest water in Thailand, coral gardens, and frequent sea turtles in season.
Is it suitable for young children?
The day is long and the crossing is open sea, so it suits older children better. For young families we recommend Racha or Coral Island instead.
Speedboats for the day trip; motor yachts and larger catamarans for multi-day.
Power Catamarans · Motor Yachts · Speedboats
Also see: Racha Islands by private boat · Phang Nga Bay by private yacht · Overnight charters
