Similan Islands hit different when you travel in comfort. This day tour pairs a double-deck luxury catamaran with a relaxed island pace, plus real time on Similan’s big-photo spots. I especially like the long stop on Similan Island No. 8 and the fact that snorkeling conditions help shape where you go next. One thing to consider: the day is still long and the tour isn’t for everyone, especially if you have back/neck issues or serious medical conditions.

The onboard setup is built to keep you fed and moving without rushing. You get breakfast, buffet lunch, and a light dinner, plus soft drinks and snacks, and there’s an onboard photographer for the classic viewpoint moments. The snorkeling gear is included too, with disposable mouthpieces for hygiene, which I think is a smart detail on a long, hot day.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Double-deck catamaran comfort: More stability than typical speedboats, with extra space onboard
• Big beach time on Similan Island No. 8: White sand and the Sail Rock viewpoint without a sprint schedule
• Snorkeling picked for conditions: Stops near Islands No. 9 and No. 7 are selected based on sea conditions
• Three meals plus drinks: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, not just snacks
• Snorkeling kit is part of the package: Mask, snorkel, disposable mouthpiece, snorkeling socks, and towels
• Free photo set: A professional photographer provides up to five complimentary photos per guest after the trip

Luxury catamaran comfort from Phuket to the Similans

This tour uses a luxury double-deck catamaran, not a skinny speedboat. The practical payoff is stability on choppy water and more room to spread out when you’re waiting around between the fun bits.

I’d expect a smoother ride, and the kind of onboard comfort that makes a 14-hour day feel more manageable. If you’ve ever done an island hopping day where you spend half the time bracing for impact, the catamaran choice is a big deal.

The day schedule: 8:00 am start and a long, well-paced rhythm

Your day starts at Thap Lamu Pier around 8:00 am. From there, you’ll get breakfast and time to settle in before heading out, then you’ll build the day around island time, snorkeling, and meals.

The pacing is intentionally relaxed. Instead of doing the usual quick step-on, quick step-off routine, you’ll have time to explore and take it in—especially on Similan Island No. 8, which is the main show. Even with that calmer pace, you should still plan for a long day on the water and sun.

Group size is capped at 50 travelers, which matters. It’s not a tiny private boat, but it can feel less chaotic than the crowded day-trip scene you sometimes get in popular ports.

Similan Island No. 8 and Sail Rock: white sand plus the best viewpoint time

This is where the itinerary gives you something most day tours rush past. You’ll spend about 4 hours on Similan Island No. 8, with time to enjoy the beach and climb up to the Sail Rock viewpoint area for panorama-style photos.

What I like about this part is the flow. You’re not just dropped at a spot for 20 minutes and then told to hustle back. You can walk along the shoreline, pause for photos, and actually enjoy the island vibe rather than counting down to the next stop.

An onboard photographer also takes photos during this island segment. That matters because you’re less likely to miss the best shots when you’re busy climbing, changing positions, or trying to keep your phone from turning into a sea-salt science project.

Snorkeling near Islands No. 9 and No. 7, chosen by sea conditions

After your main island time, you’ll snorkel near Islands No. 9 and No. 7. The key detail is that the exact snorkeling spots are selected based on sea conditions, which is a comfort and safety factor. It also tends to mean you spend more time in water that feels worth it, instead of guessing where visibility will be best.

You’ll get snorkeling gear included: mask and snorkel, plus disposable mouthpieces. You also receive snorkeling socks and a beach towel. That kit list is practical because it covers the usual friction points—especially if you’re traveling light and don’t want to source snorkeling items in Phuket the day before.

Real talk: snorkeling times on day tours can vary with weather and currents. If the sea is rough, you might find yourself less focused on underwater viewing and more focused on staying comfortable. The good news here is that the operator plans for that by choosing between areas near those islands.

Meals that actually help on a hot-water day

A lot of island trips treat food like an afterthought. This one treats it like part of the plan. You’ll get three onboard meals: breakfast, a buffet lunch, and a light dinner.

On top of that, you’ll have bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks, plus fruit. The value is that you don’t have to budget time or money for meals in between waves and ferries. It also helps prevent the classic day-trip issue where people start snacking only after they’re already tired and grumpy.

I also like that the pace is relaxed enough that meals aren’t just fuel. You can actually pause between the beach and the water. That makes a huge difference on a long day when sun and motion stack up.

Onboard photographer: up to five complimentary photos

If you care about getting a few decent pictures without doing the constant hand-on-camera dance, this is a smart add-on. There’s a professional photographer onboard, and the tour includes up to five complimentary photos per guest provided after the trip.

Even if you’re a competent photographer, there’s a time-pressure problem with island days. You’re often juggling: water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, and wet hair in wind that seems designed by a villain. Having someone else capture viewpoint moments reduces that stress.

A small tip: wear what you’ll be comfortable snapping in at Sail Rock time, and keep your most important sunglasses/hat accessible so you’re not rummaging while the boat is moving or everyone’s getting positioned.

Price and value: what $171.98 buys you

At $171.98 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to reach the Similans. But the price starts to make sense when you itemize what’s included.

You’re getting round-trip hotel pickup across Phuket, the catamaran ride, national park entrance fees, all meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner), drinks and snacks, snorkeling gear (with disposable mouthpieces), towels and snorkeling socks, and an onboard photographer photo set.

Also, the catamaran itself is a value driver. If you’ve ever done speedboat-based island trips and then spent the rest of the day feeling wrecked, stability and space stop being a luxury and start being practical.

Now for balance: there have been complaints about the “luxury” label, overcrowding, and food quality in at least one negative report. That doesn’t automatically mean every trip is bad—but it does mean you should go in with realistic expectations. This is still a day tour with multiple people on board, and it’s still food at sea, not a fine-dining restaurant.

Who should book this Similan luxury catamaran day tour?

This tour is a strong fit if you want comfort-focused travel and an itinerary that gives you actual time on the islands. The long stop on Similan Island No. 8 plus a relaxed snorkel plan works especially well for couples and small groups who want a “do the highlights” day without turning it into a running contest.

It also makes sense if you like having gear ready and included, and you’d rather spend your energy snorkeling than tracking down equipment.

It’s not a match if you have health limits. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers, or anyone with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions. It’s also not suitable for people with back, neck, or joint problems, or if you’ve recently had surgery. The tour notes a moderate physical fitness level, so plan around climbing and moving on and off the boat.

If you fall in the “able and comfortable in warm sun and open water” category, you’ll probably appreciate the pacing.

Weather reality: good conditions matter here

This experience requires good weather. If the trip gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s exactly what you want for an islands-and-snorkeling day, because visibility and safety can change fast when the sea is angry.

Should you book this Similan Islands luxury catamaran day tour?

If you want Similan’s best-known moments—white sand time on Similan Island No. 8, Sail Rock views, plus snorkeling near Islands No. 9 and No. 7—this tour is built for that. I also think it’s a good value for people who want meals, pickup, park fees, and snorkeling gear handled in one package.

You should consider skipping or choosing something else if you’re extremely sensitive to long days, you want a quiet, near-private vibe (this boat maxes at 50), or you’re dealing with the health/fitness restrictions listed for the tour.

Bottom line: book this if comfort and a calmer island rhythm are your priorities. If your main goal is the absolute cheapest ticket, you’ll find alternatives. But if your goal is a smoother day on the water with the basics covered, this one checks a lot of boxes.

FAQ

What time does the Similan Islands luxury catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at 8:00 am at Thap Lamu Pier.

Does the tour include round-trip pickup from Phuket?

Yes. Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off across Phuket are included.

How long is the day tour?

The duration is approximately 14 hours.

What meals are included during the trip?

You’ll get breakfast, a buffet lunch, and a light dinner, plus fruit and soft drinks/snacks.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear is included, including a mask and snorkel with a disposable mouthpiece. You also receive snorkeling socks and a beach towel.

Is the tour suitable for everyone health-wise?

No. It’s not suitable for pregnant travelers, and it’s not recommended for people with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions. It’s also not suitable for travelers with back, neck, or joint problems or those who have recently undergone surgery.

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