Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour By Seastar Andaman From Phuket

Waking up early here is worth it. This Similan Islands snorkeling tour packs speedboat time, calm islands, and real underwater stops into one long day. I like that it’s built around practical flow: hotel pickup, then gear and snorkeling right away, instead of wasting time.

Two things I’d highlight: the tour includes snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket) and an English-speaking guide who keeps the schedule moving. You also get a proper Thai-style meal—fresh fruit and a buffet lunch—so you’re not snorkeling on an empty stomach.

One drawback to keep in mind: the description suggests several snorkeling locations, but some schedules may feel lighter on actual in-water time. If you’re counting snorkeling stops like checkboxes, I’d set expectations with weather and timing in mind.

Key points

• 6:00 am start from Phuket keeps you in the water sooner, before the day gets busy
• Included snorkel kit and life jacket means you can travel light
• National Park stops like Island No.5 and Koh 9 (Bangu Island) target colorful reefs
• Ko Miang lunch + island time is your built-in break from gear and saltwater
• Sailing Rock climb and viewpoint gives you a land-and-photo moment at Island No.8
• National park fees are separate (400 THB adults, 200 THB children)

Phuket to the Similans: The fast morning rhythm that sets the tone

This is the kind of day tour that starts like a mission: pickup in the early morning by minivan from all areas in Phuket, then you head to the port to meet the team. The tour starts at 6:00 am, and the listed total time of 11 to 12 hours includes pickup and drop-off, so the day feels long even if you’re only actively traveling for part of it.

The payoff is that speedboat service helps you see more than a slow ferry day. You’re not stuck in transit for hours. Instead, you spend more time on the places that matter: snorkeling sites and the Similan Islands shoreline breaks.

Also, you’re not hiking around in a random group. This tour caps at 45 travelers, so it tends to feel more like a coordinated day out than a giant cattle-car boat situation.

Seastar port meet-up and getting your gear sorted

Your day kicks off at the Seastar ท่าเรือทับละมุ meeting point. You should expect a quick, organized setup: you meet the friendly guide, you pick snorkeling gear, and you get something light to eat before the water.

That early step matters more than it sounds. When gear is fitted before the boat ride, you spend less time fussing with straps while everyone waits. You’ll be given a mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket, which is a big deal if you’ve ever tried to snorkel in an overconfident rental that doesn’t fit right.

Tip: bring what you can that makes the saltwater day easier—sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a towel. Your future self will thank you during the climbs and beach breaks.

Similan National Park snorkeling stops: Island No.5, Bangu (Koh 9), and Ko Jed

The heart of the day is the Mu Ko Similan National Park snorkeling sequence plus a few other island stops. The schedule includes multiple underwater opportunities—so you’re not banking everything on one single reef.

Here’s what to expect from the main snorkeling-focused parts:

Island No.5 (Mu Ko Similan National Park)

This is one of the first in-water visits. You’ll snorkel and appreciate colorful fish and corals, with a set time on the island/water area. If you’re new to snorkeling, this kind of early stop is helpful because your confidence is still rising—not collapsing from fatigue.

Practical note: water conditions and sea movement can change what you actually see, even if the site is good. So aim to go with a “find what you can” mindset, not a guaranteed checklist.

Koh 9 / Bangu Island

Later you’ll return to the water at Bangu Island (Koh 9) for snorkeling and swimming. This is another chance for reef life and open-water moments. If your first stop goes well, you’ll likely feel more comfortable here and may spend more time observing fish rather than adjusting gear.

Ko PA Yu / Ko Jed (spelled as Ko Jed in the plan)

Another snorkeling and swimming window rounds out the mid-to-late part of the tour. At this stage, many people start figuring out their rhythm—how long to stay, when to surface, and how to manage air.

If you’re a slower swimmer, tell yourself that the goal is to enjoy the underwater view, not win a stopwatch contest. The schedule moves, but your body needs breaks too.

West of Eden spot and Similan Island 7 (short snorkeling windows)

There are also shorter snorkeling periods at West of Eden and at Similan Island 7. These can be quick but are often where you pick up a final dose of reef color before the day turns toward the viewpoint climb and relaxed island time.

One possible snag: when snorkeling time feels fewer than expected

The tour description emphasizes multiple snorkeling locations, and the itinerary includes several. Still, you should know that the feeling of snorkeling can vary depending on the weather and the day’s pace. There’s at least one notable piece of feedback that points to fewer snorkeling spots than the description suggests—with some departures offering two standout underwater areas and island visiting rather than a packed count of many separate snorkel sessions.

So here’s the honest way to plan: if you want a day where you snorkel nonstop at many locations, this may not always match your mental image. If you want a well-rounded Similan day with good snorkeling plus real breaks, you’re in the right neighborhood.

Ko Miang lunch and island time: the break that keeps the day enjoyable

One of the best “sanity saves” on this itinerary is Ko Miang. You’ll have around 2 hours here, including a Thai buffet lunch and time to walk across the island or swim/snorkel depending on the flow.

Lunch isn’t just filler. It’s time on land, away from fins, and it helps you stay energized for the late-day highlights. You’ll also have fresh fruits included as part of the food package.

If you like photos, this is often where you can breathe between water sessions. If you’re the type who gets cold or tired easily in the water, a proper island break makes the day more comfortable.

Sailing Rock and the Koh Similan viewpoint climb: photos with a payoff

Later you’ll visit Ao Kuerk Bay at Island No.8 (Koh Similan) and check out a famous “Sailing rock” landmark area. Plan on relaxing, swimming, taking pictures, and—if you’re up for it—climbing up to a viewpoint at the top of Sailing Rock.

Then there’s a dedicated Sailboat rock viewpoint climb segment too. This is where you swap saltwater fatigue for a bit of effort with big visual reward. Even if you’re not a “climb person,” it’s worth considering because it changes the day from all-water to a land-and-sea perspective.

Bring water, take it slow on the steps, and don’t race the group.

Price and value: what you get for $128.24 plus the park fee reality

At $128.24 per person, you’re buying a bundle: speedboat transport, transfers, guide support, and the gear. That matters on these island days because the cost of doing the same experience yourself usually grows fast once you add boat + gear + organized stops.

Also included:

• Round-trip speed boat
• Hotel transfer from Phuket and back
• English-speaking guide
• Snorkeling equipment and life jacket
• Thai traditional food + fresh fruits
• Full travel accident insurance coverage

What’s not included:

• Similan Islands National Park fee: 400 THB per adult, 200 THB per child

One more important practical item: there’s a rule that you must send your passport to the operator after booking so they can buy the National Park ticket first. This isn’t a “maybe.” It’s part of the process, so plan for how quickly you can share your ID.

Bottom line: for many people, the included gear and transfers make this feel like strong value. Just budget the National Park fee on top, and be ready for the passport step.

Timing, group size, and how to make the most of a long day

This tour is scheduled for one full day, and since it includes pickup and drop-off, you should expect to be away from Phuket for most of your waking time. A long day isn’t automatically bad—it’s the cost of reaching the Similan Islands and getting multiple stops in.

The max 45 travelers matters because it usually keeps boarding and instruction times reasonable. You still might feel like it’s “always moving,” but it should be organized movement rather than chaos.

If you want the best day:

• arrive prepared for sun (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• keep your fins on quickly when it’s your turn
• hydrate early and often
• plan to rest on land when the schedule gives you that chance

And keep an eye on comfort. This is an active snorkeling-and-climbing itinerary, so it’s not a sit-on-a-deck all day tour.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This tour is a good fit if you:

• want one organized day that combines snorkeling with island breaks and viewpoint time
• prefer not to bring and manage snorkel gear yourself
• like the idea of seeing several spots rather than betting everything on one reef

It may not be ideal if you:

• are looking for a totally relaxed cruise with minimal steps
• get overwhelmed by long schedules and multiple transitions

There are also clear “don’t join” factors listed: it’s not recommended for guests who are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, or bone diseases. If any of those apply, it’s smart to choose a different, gentler outing.

Small but important tips before you go

From the practical list of what to bring, I’d treat these as must-dos for comfort:

• Passport/ID card (and expect the passport requirement for the National Park ticket process)
• Swim suit and towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Camera for Sailing Rock and island views

Also, start thinking about how you’ll protect your phone and bag. You’ll be on and off boats and spending time at the water.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, keep that in mind too—speedboat days can be rough for some people, even when the itinerary is smooth.

Should you book Similan Islands Snorkeling with Seastar Andaman?

I’d recommend booking if you want a well-structured, gear-included day that hits the Similan Islands’ major snorkeling vibe plus land-time highlights like Ko Miang and the Sailing Rock viewpoint.

I would hesitate only if your top goal is lots of long snorkeling sessions at many reefs with zero interruptions. In that case, set expectations for variable water conditions and how the day’s timing plays out. Some feedback suggests certain departures may feel like fewer snorkeling stops than the description implies.

If you’re okay with a full-day rhythm—boat, snorkel, break, snorkel, viewpoint—this tour is a strong way to spend your time in Phuket’s region.

FAQ

What time does the Similan Islands snorkeling tour start?

The start time is 6:00 am.

How long is the tour?

It runs about 11 to 12 hours, and that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Seastar ท่าเรือทับละมุ.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Transfer from/to hotel in Phuket is included.

Does the tour include snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You get mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes. The tour includes an English-speaking guide.

What food is included?

You’ll have Thai traditional food, plus fresh fruits. A light breakfast is also included before snorkeling.

Is the Similan Islands National Park fee included?

No. The National Park fee is 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child, and it’s not included.

Do I need to bring my passport?

Yes. The tour notes that you have to send your passport to buy the National Park ticket after booking.

Who shouldn’t join this tour?

It’s not recommended for guests who are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease, and bone diseases.