Phuket Similan Islands Premium Catamaran Day Trip

The Similan Islands are the best-known snorkelling and beach destination of the Andaman coast of Thailand, and they can only be visited in the cool season. This listing offers a day trip on a premium catamaran, the Alita, which carries a maximum of 30 guests, with transfers from Phuket or Khao Lak. GetYourGuide shows it from about US$238 per person, which is 207 euros on the page, and rates it 4.6 from 38 reviews. The guides speak English and Chinese.

The day starts early. You are picked up at your hotel in Phuket in an air-conditioned minivan, between 5:30 and 6:00 in the morning, and the drive to the pier takes about three hours. At the pier you register and have a light breakfast before boarding. The sample itinerary has the boat leaving at 8:30, with breakfast served on board, though the page says that the order and the times can change with the weather and the sea.

The Alita is described as a modern yacht with two engines, designed for comfort, stability and generous personal space. On board you find large sun loungers, shaded lounges and a panoramic 360-degree deck, which suits a day of about twelve hours. The limit of 30 guests per trip is the main selling point of the listing, since many boats to the Similans carry far more people.

The first stop for snorkelling is near Island 9, which the listing calls known for excellent visibility, colourful coral reefs and good chances of seeing sea turtles. The boat then goes on to Island 8, where you can relax on the beach or climb to the famous Sail Rock viewpoint for a panoramic view of the island. After you return to the yacht, lunch is served on board while the boat sails to the next stop.

In the afternoon the boat visits Island 4, which has one of the whitest sand beaches in Thailand, a good place to swim, sunbathe and take photographs. A second snorkelling session follows in another reef area near Island 7, where you can see more marine life and other underwater scenery. Fresh fruit and soft drinks are served at the start of the smooth return journey, which begins at about 15:30.

The meals are generous for a day trip. The inclusions list a welcome drink on board, a breakfast, a premium lunch, an afternoon dessert, unlimited soft drinks, mineral water and fresh fruit, and a simple dinner on your return to the pier before the transfer to your hotel. Alcoholic drinks are not included. The crew also offers help with photographs on request, and the price covers complete snorkelling equipment, towels and beach towels.

The transfer is included for all areas of Phuket and Phang Nga and for parts of Khao Lak south of the Wow Andaman pier. Some hotels in Khao Lak, especially those north of that pier, are outside the zone and are 10 to 30 minutes from the pier, so guests staying there must arrange their own transport and meet the group at the pier. The exact meeting point and the phone number of the guide are sent the day before.

The islands can be visited only from 15 October to 15 May, according to the page, because the national park is closed in the monsoon season. That makes the dates of your trip decisive, and the first and last weeks of the season can be rougher. The listing asks for the full name, passport number and date of birth of every participant, which are used for the insurance and for the registration with the national park.

Some people should think twice. The excursion is not recommended for pregnant women or for adults over 70, and people with heart problems cannot take part. Children under one year of age and participants of 60 years and over must sign a liability waiver and be accompanied by a younger adult. Pets, alcohol and drugs are not allowed. A luggage fee of 200 baht applies to each bag of 50 centimetres or more.

The listing does not say whether the national park fee is included, and it is not among the items that the list names. On most Similan trips the fee is paid separately, so ask the operator exactly what the price covers, and keep some cash in baht for it. Tips for the crew are also not included.

Prepare for a long day. Take a swimsuit, a camera, sunscreen, a hat, a rash guard and a light jacket, since the deck is breezy on the return. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication before you leave, and sit in the centre of the boat. Snorkelling is easiest with a mask that fits, so tell the crew if you wear glasses.

Choose this trip if you want the Similan Islands in a smaller and more comfortable boat than the large speedboats and ferries. The price is higher than that of a standard day tour, but the limit of 30 guests, the food and the transfers make the day easier, and the rating of 4.6 from 38 reviews is a good sign.