Planning the Similan Islands by Speedboat? Pickup in Phuket is between about 5:30 and 7:30 am, the speedboat leaves Thap Lamu pier in Khao Lak at about 9:00, the first snorkeling stop is at about 10:20, and the boat is back at the pier at about 4:30 pm; hotels in Phuket are reached at about 6-7 pm. Below is the sequence of the day, the packing list and what to send to confirm.
By SB Excursions · Published 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Tour on this route: Similan Islands by Speedboat — From $105 per person, full day, about 12-13 hours door to door from phuket.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, seasickness tablets if you need them and your passport details. Towels are not included.
At a glance
- Duration: Full day, about 12-13 hours door to door from Phuket
- Format: Shared speedboat tour
- Area: Similan Islands National Park, Phang Nga Province
- Pickup: Hotel pickup in Phuket about 5:30-7:30 am, or in Khao Lak
- Best for: snorkelers and nature lovers who want the clearest water in Thailand and do not mind an early start
- Price: From $105 per person
- Payment: Book on WhatsApp
The day in order
The standard sequence of the Similan Islands by Speedboat; timing shifts with your hotel area, traffic, weather and group size. What happens at each stage is described in the travel guide.
| Step | Stage |
|---|---|
| 1 | Early hotel pickup |
| 2 | Thap Lamu pier |
| 3 | Koh Bangu (Island 9) |
| 4 | Koh Similan (Island 8) |
| 5 | Koh Payu and Koh Miang |
| 6 | Return |
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, seasickness tablets if you need them, and your passport details sent the day before.
- The Similan Islands are open only from 15 October to 14 May; the park is closed the rest of the year.
- A passport copy for every guest must be sent by email no later than the day before the tour.
- Transfers from Ao Po, Cape Panwa, Nai Harn, Nai Thon and Rawai cost 200 baht per person extra, paid in cash.
- Not suitable for pregnant women, infants under 1 year or guests over 70.
- It is a long day on a fast boat in the open sea; take seasickness tablets if you need them.
- Bring a towel, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag; towels are not included.
- If the sea is unsafe, the park or the operator cancels and the trip is moved or refunded.
- We confirm the date, pickup time and total on WhatsApp before you pay; how and when to pay for this tour is agreed with your booking.
What shifts by season
The Similan Islands National Park is open only from 15 October to 14 May; it closes every year for the south-west monsoon and to let the reefs recover. Inside the season, December to April usually brings the calmest sea and the best visibility.
Booking and confirmation — what to send
To confirm the Similan Islands by Speedboat, send the date, your hotel name and area, and the group size on WhatsApp — that is what sets the pickup time, the vehicle and the slot. We confirm the date, pickup time and total on WhatsApp before you pay; how and when to pay for this tour is agreed with your booking.
What the price covers is in why book it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, seasickness tablets if you need them and your passport details. Towels are not included.
How long is the boat ride to the Similans?
About an hour and a quarter from Thap Lamu pier in Khao Lak to the first snorkeling stop, depending on the sea.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. Life jackets and fins are provided for snorkeling, and you can stay on the beach at Donald Duck Bay and Koh Miang.