Phuket/Khao Lak: Similan Islands Luxury Catamaran Experience

The best thing about this Similan Islands tour is its large double-deck catamaran, which gives you room to move, fresh air, and wide sea views on the long ride from the mainland. You visit Island 8 before snorkeling, then make two water stops instead of rushing from one brief swim to the next.

I like the steady pace and the amount included: breakfast, lunch, fruit, drinks, afternoon treats, snorkeling gear, towels, and five edited photos. I also like the crew’s personal care. Guides such as Kim, Jasmine, Sarah, and Mukki have been singled out for helping families, solo passengers, and anyone feeling unwell.

The catch is the distance. From Phuket, hotel pickup can begin around 5:20 a.m., and the day may run close to 14 hours. The catamaran is steadier than a speedboat, but rough water is still possible, and the boat can feel less luxurious when close to its 50-person capacity.

Key points to know before you book

• A slower ride with more room: The catamaran takes about two hours each way from Thap Lamu Pier, but you can walk around, sit in the shade, and look toward the horizon.
• Three Similan Islands in one day: Island 8 brings beach and viewpoint time, while Islands 7 and 9 provide scenery and snorkeling stops.
• Two snorkeling sessions: Mask, snorkel, disposable mouthpiece, beach shoes, towel, and drinking water are supplied. Fins are not listed as included.
• Food is part of the value: Expect breakfast near the pier, lunch on the boat, fruit, drinks, afternoon snacks, and food after returning to land.
• Professional photos included: A photographer takes natural photos during the day and provides five edited images.
• Transport needs careful checking: Phuket pickup is optional, Khao Lak is closer to the pier, and the exact pickup time comes in your confirmation email.

Why the catamaran matters on a long Similan day

The Similan Islands are far from Phuket, so this is not a quick island hop. The road transfer from Phuket hotels to Thap Lamu Pier takes roughly two to three hours, followed by about two hours at sea. That makes the boat choice important.

A speedboat gets there faster, but it also means a harder ride, less room, and fewer places to escape the spray. This catamaran gives you broad decks, seating, toilets or onboard facilities as arranged by the operator, and a better chance to move around when the sea gets rough. You can sit outside and watch the horizon, or find a quieter place indoors.

I would not call the ride seasick-proof. Several people found the catamaran much easier than a speedboat, yet the sea can still be choppy. If you are prone to seasickness, this tour is officially unsuitable, so do not treat the larger boat as a guarantee of comfort.

The advertised maximum is 50 people. Some departures have had closer to 29 or 40 people, where the boat felt roomy. At fuller capacity, expectations should be modest. You are paying for a more comfortable boat style, not a private yacht.

The early pickup from Phuket and Khao Lak

A Phuket pickup can begin as early as 5:20 a.m., depending on your hotel. The transfer is a necessary part of reaching the Similans, not wasted sightseeing time, and many people simply sleep in the minivan.

Khao Lak is the easier base for this outing because it is much nearer Thap Lamu Pier. If you are staying close to the pier, making your own way there may save a substantial transfer fee. One family reported saving about 100 euros by arranging its own transport, though your actual saving depends on the package and hotel.

The advertised event time is not necessarily your pickup time. Check the confirmation email for the correct collection time, or contact the operator before the morning of departure. If pickup is at Phuket Deep Sea Port, an additional 200 THB per group applies, and the return vehicle can only stop at the port security gate. You will need to walk a few minutes from there to the boarding area.

If you go directly to Thap Lamu Pier, check-in is before 8:20 a.m. The pier stop includes a simple breakfast and about 40 minutes to stretch your legs before boarding.

Two hours at sea before the islands

The catamaran leaves the pier around 9:30 a.m. This is when the design earns its keep. Rather than sitting tightly packed in a speedboat, you can take in the ocean views from the upper or lower deck and settle into the day.

The journey takes about two hours. Drinks are available onboard, and the boat supplies water and soft drinks throughout the outing. Music and announcements are part of the atmosphere, though loud morning music and frequent commentary may bother you if you prefer a quiet crossing.

The crew speaks Chinese, English, and Thai. If you need instructions in English, let the guide know early. The team is used to looking after mixed groups, and guides including Kim, Jasmine, Sarah, and Mukki have been praised for staying attentive and helping people feel included.

Island 8: beach, viewpoint, and the first big photo stop

Island 8 is usually the first major stop, around 10:30 a.m. This is the classic Similan postcard moment: pale sand, clear water, granite formations, and a viewpoint reached by walking trails.

You have time for a guided visit, photos, swimming, and beach time. The professional photographer works here and at other stops, taking natural sunlit pictures rather than leaving you to manage every image yourself. Five edited photos are included, which is a useful extra if you want a proper record of the day without carrying a camera into the water.

The main limitation is time. About an hour on the beach can feel tight if you want to walk to the viewpoint, pause for photographs, swim, and return to the boat. You need to keep an eye on the meeting time. If the viewpoint matters most to you, go there first and save relaxed beach time for later.

The timing can also work in your favor. Departing later than some speedboats may mean arriving after an earlier wave of people has moved on. Conditions and other boats vary, but the schedule is designed to avoid making the island visit a frantic dash.

Lunch onboard, then the first snorkeling session

Lunch is served on the boat around noon, with a meal, fruit, and soft drinks. The food has received mixed reactions. Many people find there is plenty to eat, with some departures offering chicken, fish, noodles, fruit, ice cream, and later snacks. Others have found the meal plain or lukewarm, and one person described the food as disappointing.

Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you contact the operator after booking. Mention seafood allergies in advance as well. The crew has handled food concerns carefully, but advance notice gives them a better chance to prepare.

The first snorkeling session is scheduled around 1 p.m. This close timing can be awkward if you prefer a long pause after eating. On some departures, weather or sea conditions change the exact stop, and the boat may remain near the same island rather than follow the printed order.

The water around the Similans can be remarkably clear, with coral, tropical fish, and the possibility of seeing turtles. Turtles and dolphins have been spotted on some days, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Do not book this as a promise of a turtle encounter. Book it for the clear water and the chance to see marine life.

The supplied equipment includes a mask and snorkel with a one-time disposable mouthpiece, beach shoes, a towel, and snorkeling socks. Fins are not included in the stated package. This matters because currents and swells can make swimming harder, even for a strong swimmer. Ask the operator about fins before departure if you feel you need them.

Island 7 and Island 9: scenery between the swims

The stop at Island 7 is listed for about 2:30 p.m. It is mainly a scenery and photo pause, with time to look around and take pictures. The island stops break up the water time and give you a chance to dry off, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the shapes of the rocks and beaches.

The second snorkeling session follows around 3:30 p.m. Two sessions are valuable because visibility, fish, and currents differ from one site to the next. If one location is crowded or less clear, the next may be better. Weather can also reduce the number of snorkeling sites, so the two-session plan is an intended structure rather than an absolute guarantee.

Island 9 is scheduled around 4:30 p.m. This final stop is less about checking off another beach and more about having a quiet swim, relaxing, and taking a few last photos. By this point, you may be ready for dry clothes and a seat, especially after the early start.

Bring a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, and a camera. Drones, fishing, and littering are not allowed. A dry bag is useful for phones and valuables, though it is not listed as included.

Food, photos, and the small extras that add up

The price is about $128 per person. That is not a cheap boat outing, but the value is easier to judge once you count the long transfer, national park access if selected, food, drinks, equipment, guide service, insurance, and photography.

You receive more than a basic packed lunch. Depending on the departure, food may include breakfast at the pier, lunch onboard, seasonal fruit, ice cream, afternoon tea and dessert, and an evening meal or local snacks after returning to land. Some people appreciate being fed through a very long day. Others would rather leave the pier quickly after disembarking, so the final meal may feel like an unnecessary delay.

Five edited photographs are included. This is especially useful for solo visitors, couples, or parents who want pictures showing everyone together. It is not a private photo session, and you should not expect every moment to be individually staged, but the service adds real value compared with tours that leave you with only phone snapshots.

Group travel insurance is included. The operator needs every participant’s passport number and date of birth for insurance and national park registration. If your selected package excludes the park fee, you pay 500 THB per person at the pier.

What the day feels like for families and solo visitors

The catamaran format suits families better than a hard-riding speedboat. There is more space to move, the crew supplies food and drinks, and guides have been attentive when children or adults felt unwell. Babies under one year are not permitted, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant people or anyone with heart problems, high blood pressure, recent surgery, or a strong tendency toward seasickness. People over 70 are also excluded.

Families should prepare children for the early start and long return. The islands are beautiful, but the day includes roughly four hours of road travel and four hours on the catamaran, before counting stops and transfers. Bring a hat, sun protection, and a change of clothes.

Solo visitors can expect a social group setting rather than a private experience. The photography service helps, and the crew can make a lone passenger feel looked after. Still, you will spend much of the day around other people, with multilingual announcements and shared decks.

The return to Thap Lamu and the long ride home

After the second swim and the Island 9 stop, afternoon tea and dessert are served around 5:30 p.m. The catamaran reaches Thap Lamu Pier around 6:30 p.m., followed by a short break, local snacks, and the return transfer.

Phuket drop-off can be late because of the two to three-hour road journey. Plan nothing important that evening. This is a full-day commitment, not an outing that leaves you fresh for dinner and nightlife.

At the pier, move carefully near the waterline. The shore can be choppy, and arriving speedboats may be pushed up toward the beach. Follow crew instructions and do not linger in the launch area while collecting bags.

Luggage larger than 20 inches costs 300 THB per piece. Leave large suitcases at your hotel if possible. The boat is made for day-trip belongings, not a full holiday’s baggage.

Who should book this Similan catamaran?

I would choose this tour if you want the Similans but dislike the idea of bouncing in a speedboat. The wide decks, steady layout, food service, and two snorkeling sessions make the premium worthwhile for many people.

It also suits you if photographs matter, if you want Island 8 beach time as well as reef time, or if you prefer having most costs handled in advance. Khao Lak visitors get the easiest logistics, while Phuket visitors need to accept the very early pickup and late return.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, private yacht day, a long uninterrupted beach stay, or a short transfer. I would also avoid it if you are prone to seasickness, need flippers as standard equipment, or dislike group tours with loud announcements.

Final verdict: a comfortable way to reach a faraway park

The Similan Islands are worth the effort, and this catamaran makes that effort more manageable. I especially like the combination of Island 8 walking and beach time with two chances to snorkel, plus the practical extras that keep you fed and dry.

The experience is not flawless. The day is long, the food can vary, the boat may feel crowded, and the advertised luxury should be read as comfortable shared yacht travel rather than private-boat exclusivity. Yet at about $128, the package can make good sense if you value space, meals, photos, and a less punishing ride.

Book it from Khao Lak if you can. From Phuket, confirm the pickup time, port access charge, and return point before paying. If those details work for you, this is a strong choice for a full Similan day with a calmer pace and more care than the standard speedboat run.

FAQ

How long does the Similan Islands catamaran tour take?

It is a full-day experience. The catamaran takes about two hours each way from Thap Lamu Pier, while Phuket hotel pickup and return can add two to three hours each way by road.

Does the tour include Phuket hotel pickup?

Pickup is optional and depends on the package you choose. Check your confirmation email for the exact pickup time, since the event start time shown during booking is not necessarily the pickup time.

Where do I go if I do not choose hotel pickup?

You must arrive at Thap Lamu Pier for check-in before 8:20 a.m.

What islands does the tour visit?

The planned stops include Islands 7, 8, and 9. Island 8 is used for beach time, walking, and photographs, while Islands 7 and 9 include scenery stops and the snorkeling program.

How many snorkeling sessions are included?

Two snorkeling sessions are planned. Weather and sea conditions can affect the exact locations or timing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, snorkel with a disposable mouthpiece, snorkeling socks, beach shoes, and a beach towel are provided. Fins are not listed as included.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes drinking water, soft drinks, seasonal fruit, and lunch onboard. Breakfast, afternoon food, and snacks after returning to the pier may also be provided according to the day’s schedule.

What is the national park fee?

If your chosen package does not include the fee, you pay 500 THB per person at the pier. The foreign visitor fee can be included when selecting the appropriate package.

Who should not take this tour?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, people with heart problems, high blood pressure, recent surgery, a strong tendency toward seasickness, babies under one year, or people over 70.