Famous for the beautiful corals, white sand beaches and clear tropical waters, Similan snorkeling is definitely something do while in Thailand.
Clear waters, healthy coral and plentiful fish, the Similan Islands are perfect for the beginner and experienced snorkeler
As the Similan Islands have beautiful beaches and lush soft and hard corals you will find treasures right in front of you. The corals begin at the low tide mark and the slope gently away until about 10 meters when the slope becomes steeper and they drop to the sandy bottom at 20-30 Meters. The mix of corals is incredible with lush soft corals swaying in the current, surrounded by the aptly named Staghorn, Brain, Table and Whip Corals.
Darting in and out of the corals you will find the vast variety of Reef fish that call this home. Everything from tiny shrimps to giant groupers and Napolean Wrasse. Each area of each reef is an ever-changing symphony of life. Be wary about losing yourself in the complex patterns of life – you might get sunburned! When visiting the Similan Islands that is THE most common injury
The coral reef isn’t all to see! Many larger marine species come in to feed, or have children and to hide from even bigger fish. While snorkeling the Similans Islands you have a great chance to see Turtles, Rays, Snappers and many other fish will come by. While we do see Manta Rays, they don’t often come in to the shallows.
How to Visit the Similan Islands for a snorkeling tour? There are several options if you wish to Snorkel the Similan Islands. All boats depart from Taplamu pier, so please check here for information on how to get there!
As the only places you are allowed to go on shore on the Similan Islands are Island #4 and Island #8, much of the snorkeling takes place near these areas. You may go on self-guided snorkeling if you are staying overnight at either of the camp sites. Then you are free to go along the beaches and shoreline as you wish and this is recommended!
If you go on a guided tour, you will be taken to 2 or three snorkeling sites with lunch taking place at one of the picnic areas – Donald Duck Bay, Honeymoon Bay or Princess Bay. These areas are also great for the beginner, or timid snorkeler. We also find this to be the best place for small children.
If you go by diving daytrip, most likely you will have a guide with you to help point out interesting fish or corals. You will also be at places that might not have a beach, so consider that when with children or inexperienced snorkelers!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have
Guided Similan Snorkeling Day trips from Khao Lak
We found this to be best for those that would like enjoy the comforts of the mainland resorts, have small children or are pressed for time or just not wanting to commit to an overnight stay.
These are almost all conducted from speedboats. The speedboats get you to the Similan Islands Quickly and give you the most time on the islands during your day. Please choose who you go with very carefully. Depending on which company you choose you’ll find yourself with one “guide” who doesn’t enter the water and does not speak English, or you may find yourself on a nicely maintained boat with small groups (generally 6-8 people per guide).
Please look for safety training, marine life knowledge and of course languages when seeking out your tour company. This is most often a case of getting what you pay for. Our favorite company for Similan snorkeling daytrips
Overnight stays on the Similan Islands
Staying in the Bungalows or Tents on Island #4, or the Tents on Island #8 allows lots of freedom to enjoy the Similans. There is a lot more to do than just Similan Snorkeling! There is limited transport between the various islands, so plan ahead.
These tours can be arranged from Khao Lak and Phuket. These tours often merely arrange the transportation and lodging. You will be supplying your own food and guides. The accommodation is limited (see here for more information)…
While there are several agents to choose from – we have found the service provided by Khao Lak Life to be of the highest quality and their assistance in booking, arranging and as siting on these trip sis top notch.
Overnight Similan Snorkel Tours on Boats
This is the best way (in our opinion) to see many of the more remote sites and really focus on the snorkeling. We did this tour in 2008 and had a great time! The staff were very knowledgeable and safe. There are now two companies offering these tours where you sleep on the boat and visit various sites around the region. One has been around for a lot longer, but you sleep in an open room, the newer Snorkel Tour company offers individual air-conditioned cabins.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have
There is a boat owned and operated by the Similan Islands Marine Park that departs most mornings at approx. 09.00. This costs around 1500 baht. Of course the schedule and price is subject to change. The park headquarters are about 1.5 kilometers before Taplamu pier on the south side. They can give you more detailed instructions about price and times. The boat is very slow and also carries supplies to the islands.
Our experience has been that the staff will almost always recommend you to take one of the trips offered by the local tour operators. Please be very cautious when picking you operator. Not only lifejackets, but how many people are on allowed on the boat, insurance and documentation of who you are in case anything happens.
When To visit the Similan Islands?
More on the weather can be found here. For Snorkeling on the Similans, the best time is from November to May. The very best weather and the best conditions are February to April. Visibility is usually 20-30 Meters and the water averages 28c these times of year. There are currents at a few sites, but generally speaking anywhere you can get to on these tours should be safe.
Staying on the Similan Islands
Please visit our Similan Islands accommodation pages for more information on how you can actually stay on the Similan Islands while snorkeling.
Getting around the Similan Islands
Once you are on the islands, transportation is limited. If you are on a tour this will all be taken care of for you. If you are traveling unsupervised there are still options for transit.
There are a few boats owned and operated by the Similan Island National Park that can provide tours/transport. There is a large flat-bottom style boat that moves between the islands There are also snorkeling tours operated by the islands, but as they are unguided, please be cautious about your times!
These are the prices and distance between the islands using the National Park supplied boats (as of 2009-2010 season). Please check if this is still operating.
1. Ko 4 to Ko 6 – distance 3 Km = 150 Baht/person
2. Ko 4 to Ko 8 – distance 11.5 Km = 200 Baht/person
3. Ko 4 to Ko 9 – distance 13.5 KM = 300 Baht/person
4. Around Ko 8 and Ko 9 = 300 Baht/person
There is also the option of chartering a longtail for the day. This should be done through a tour operator or through the Similan National Marine Park Headquarters near Taplamu pier.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have
