The Similans are about the water: the visibility around Koh Payu and Koh Bangu is the best on this coast, and turtles are often seen on the snorkeling stops. The day starts very early from Phuket — if you can, stay a night in Khao Lak before the trip and the pickup is much later. This guide covers the Similan Islands by Speedboat from the pickup to the last stop — the mood, the route and the tips guides mention in passing.
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.
When can I visit the Similan Islands?
From 15 October to 14 May. The national park closes every year from 15 May to 14 October for the monsoon and to let the reefs recover.
This guide also answers:
- How early is the pickup from Phuket?
What makes the Similan Islands by Speedboat worth your time
A minibus collects you between about 5:30 and 7:30 am, depending on where you stay in Phuket (Khao Lak is closer), for the drive to Thap Lamu pier. The speedboat leaves at about 9:00 am. You snorkel from the boat at Koh Bangu (Island 9), land at Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan (Island 8) for a swim and the walk to Sail Rock, have lunch, snorkel at Koh Payu (Island 7), and walk or swim at Koh Miang (Island 4). The boat is back at about 4:30 pm; hotels in Phuket are reached at about 6-7 pm.
Route highlights at a glance
The standout moments of the Similan Islands by Speedboat.
- Donald Duck Bay — Granite boulders, white sand and turquoise water at Koh Similan, the island that gives the park its name.
- Sail Rock viewpoint — A short climb to the boulder above the bay for the classic view of the Similans.
- Turtles and clownfish — Snorkeling from the boat at Koh Payu and Koh Bangu, where sea turtles and clownfish are often seen.
- Park fee included — Breakfast, lunch, mask, snorkel and fins and the national park fee are all in the price.
How the day unfolds, step by step
The route in order; exact pickup times and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
- Early hotel pickup — Minibus from your hotel in Phuket, about 5:30-7:30 am; pickup in Khao Lak is also free.
- Thap Lamu pier — Light breakfast, then the speedboat leaves at about 9:00 am.
- Koh Bangu (Island 9) — Snorkeling from the boat.
- Koh Similan (Island 8) — Donald Duck Bay: swim, relax on the beach and climb to the Sail Rock viewpoint, then lunch.
- Koh Payu and Koh Miang — Snorkeling at Koh Payu (Island 7), then a walk or swim at Koh Miang (Island 4).
- Return — Back at the pier at about 4:30 pm; hotels in Phuket at about 6-7 pm.
Insider tips
The details a guide mentions on the day — worth knowing before it.
- Send a passport copy for every guest by email no later than the day before: the park requires it.
- The national park fee is included in the price.
- Transfers from Ao Po, Cape Panwa, Nai Harn, Nai Thon and Rawai cost 200 baht per person extra, in cash.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and do not touch the coral or the turtles.
- It is a long ride in the open sea: take seasickness tablets before you leave if you need them.
- The climb to the Sail Rock viewpoint is short but steep: wear sandals with grip.
Best time of year
The park is open from 15 October to 14 May; December to April usually has the calmest sea and the clearest water, and the first weeks after opening and the last before closing can be windier.
Whether it is worth the money and what the price covers is in why book it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I visit the Similan Islands?
From 15 October to 14 May. The national park closes every year from 15 May to 14 October for the monsoon and to let the reefs recover.
Why do you need my passport?
Regional rules require a passport copy for every passenger, sent by email no later than the day before the tour. Without it the park will not let you land.
How early is the pickup from Phuket?
Between about 5:30 and 7:30 am, depending on your hotel; Khao Lak hotels are picked up later. The boat leaves Thap Lamu pier at about 9:00 am.
Will I see turtles?
Sea turtles and clownfish are often seen at Koh Payu, but they are wild animals and nobody can guarantee them.