Similan Islands: Dream Snorkeling (With Some Caveats)
If Phi Phi is a postcard, then the Similans are desktop wallpaper dreams. Nine islands with water so clear boats appear to float in mid-air. The Similan Islands rank in the world's top 10 diving and snorkeling destinations.
Important: Islands open only October 15 to May 15. Closed during monsoon season.
How to Get There from Phuket
Similans are 140km from Phuket. Route: minivan to Khao Lak, then speedboat from Thap Lamu Pier. Day trip: pickup 06:00, arrive at islands 10:15, back to hotel 18:00-19:00. About 4 hours total travel. From Khao Lak it's shorter — pickup 7:30.
Cost
Day trip from Phuket: from 2,200 baht including transfer, speedboat, snorkel gear, lunch, guide. Not included: park entrance 500 baht adults, 300 children. Premium tours: 3,500-4,500 baht.
When to Go
Feb–Apr — ideal, visibility up to 30m, chance to see mantas and whale sharks. Dec–Jan — good but peak season, crowded. Oct–Nov — risky, sea may be rough.
What You'll See
Island #4 — most developed, café, toilets, beach. Island #8 — famous Sail Rock, viewpoint worth the climb. Island #9 — excellent snorkeling. Underwater: soft and hard corals, angelfish, turtles, rays, visibility 20-30m.
Snorkeling or Diving?
Snorkeling — great for all levels, corals start at 1-2m depth. Diving — world-class sites. Best format: liveaboard (2-4 days on yacht), 15,000-40,000+ baht. Day dive: 6,000-8,000 baht for 2 dives.
Overnight?
No hotels — national park. Options: park tents on Island #4 (book at dnp.go.th), or liveaboard yacht.
What to Bring
Essential: Reef-safe sunscreen (required!), swimsuit, towel, cash for entrance, waterproof phone case, motion sickness pills. Optional: own mask, rash guard, light jacket.
Rules
No feeding fish, no touching corals, no collecting anything, no smoking on beaches, single-use plastic restricted. Daily visitors limited — book ahead.
Similans vs Phi Phi
Similans: best snorkeling, pristine nature, farther, pricier, no hotels. Phi Phi: beautiful views, can stay overnight, has infrastructure, closer. Ideally visit both.
