A catamaran day on Similan feels like a reset button. This luxury, double-deck cruise gives you more space and a calmer ride than the usual speedboat style, and it builds in big island time on Similan Island No. 8 before snorkeling. One thing to keep in mind: it is not suitable if you are pregnant, have serious medical conditions (including heart issues), or if you have back/neck/joint problems or recently had surgery.

What I like about the setup is how it balances comfort with actual exploring. You get hotel pickup across Phuket, three meals onboard, and snorkel gear with disposable mouthpieces, plus a professional photographer who provides up to five complimentary photos per person after the trip. The potential drawback is that the day runs about 14 hours, so it is a long one if you prefer quick half-day trips.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Double-deck luxury catamaran for a steadier, comfier ride than typical speedboats
• Extended free time on Similan Island No. 8 with Sailing Rock views and beach time
• Snorkeling chosen for sea conditions near Island No. 9 and Island No. 7
• Three onboard meals plus snacks and soft drinks so you are not hunting food all day
• Up to five complimentary photos per guest from an onboard photographer
• Max group size of 50 for a more manageable day on the water

Luxury Catamaran Comfort on the Way to Similan

If you have ever taken a day trip where you feel like you are being bounced across the water, you will understand why this boat choice matters. This Similan Islands tour runs on a luxury double-deck catamaran, which usually means better stability and more room to spread out. You also have English-speaking crew support and onboard assistance, which helps when conditions shift.

Another practical win: the tour includes round-trip hotel pickup across Phuket, not just a hard-to-find pier meet-up. That reduces the stress of coordinating transport before a long day at sea.

Also, the tour limits the group to a maximum of 50 travelers. That does not mean it is empty-water calm, but it often makes the day feel less chaotic than the bigger, cattle-car style outings you can get on popular routes.

Getting Started at Thap Lamu Pier (and Why the Morning Matters)

Your day begins at Thap Lamu Pier around 8:00 am. You meet the guide there, take a breather, and get breakfast before you head out. The tour schedule gives you about 40 minutes at the pier for breakfast and resting.

This matters because Similan days start early and run long. A real breakfast on land is a nice buffer, especially if you tend to feel hungry or a bit seasick once you are out on the water. Also, having a guide meet you at the pier can make the whole day feel more organized, from gear to timing.

And yes, you end back at the same meeting point, so you avoid the end-of-day confusion of getting stranded somewhere far from your hotel.

Similan Island No. 8: White Sand + Sailing Rock Views

The main star early on is Similan Island No. 8. You get about 4 hours here, which is exactly the kind of timing that lets you enjoy the place instead of sprinting between photo stops.

This island is known for a white-sand beach and the Sail Rock viewpoint. The tour includes time to ascend Sailing Rock for panorama views, and the onboard photographer can take your photos while you are there. After the viewpoint, you walk along the beach and then return to the boat.

Here is the value in the longer island block: Similan is one of those destinations where the first hour can be the most memorable. You get time to relax on sand, take a slow walk, and then still have energy for snorkeling later. If you only get a quick stop, you usually spend your whole time trying to keep up.

One small consideration: if you do not love stairs or uneven surfaces, the Sailing Rock ascent might feel like work. The tour lists moderate physical fitness as a requirement, so plan accordingly.

Snorkeling Near Island No. 9 and Island No. 7 (Built Around Sea Conditions)

After your time on Island No. 8, the tour focuses on snorkeling. The exact spots are selected based on sea conditions for comfort and safety, which is a smart approach. With Similan, water conditions can change, and flexibility can make the difference between a pleasant swim and a miserable one.

You will snorkel near Island No. 9 and Island No. 7, with snorkeling sessions supported by the gear included in the tour:

• mask and snorkel
• disposable mouthpiece
• snorkeling socks
• towels

That disposable mouthpiece detail may sound small, but it is the kind of hygiene touch that makes shared-use gear feel more comfortable.

What I like about this structure is that it does not pretend every day is identical. Instead, the day adapts. If you prioritize snorkeling time and calm effort over rigid timing, this setup makes sense.

One more comfort point: this isn’t a “jump in and hope” experience. You have an English-speaking crew and assistance, which helps when you are setting up gear or adjusting to water.

The Food Setup: Breakfast, Lunch, and a Light Dinner

Here is where this tour often earns trust fast: the day is fed. You get three onboard meals—breakfast, buffet lunch, and a light dinner—plus bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks.

Realistically, food is part of your comfort plan on a 14-hour sea day. You do not want to start snorkeling on an empty stomach, and you do not want to spend the afternoon calculating what you can afford or find near the beach.

If you are a picky eater, the tour food is described as buffet style with multiple meals, not just one snack plate. But as with any group tour, quality can vary by day and logistics. Keep that in mind if you are expecting gourmet dining.

Onboard Photographer: Getting Photos Without Chasing Shots

One of the most practical perks here is that there is a professional onboard photographer. You can get photos taken during key moments like Sailing Rock and other stops.

The deal: up to five complimentary photos per guest are provided after the trip. That is enough to cover the big memories without you spending your whole day positioning for shots.

If you hate the awkwardness of asking people to take photos for you, this helps a lot. You can focus on the moment—views, beach time, and snorkeling—while someone else handles the camera work.

Guides and crew names you may encounter in the experience include Bee, Mike, Jasmine, and Yasmin, who are repeatedly praised for friendliness and service. That matters because good guiding makes snorkeling smoother and transitions less stressful.

The Thap Lamu Pier Break on the Way Back

On the return, you go back to Thap Lamu Pier for a short stop of about 30 minutes, with snacks and rest.

It is a small window, but it serves a purpose. After a day of sun, saltwater, and gear, you usually appreciate a moment to cool down, grab something light, and reset before the return ride.

Also, it keeps the day from feeling like a constant rush until the very end. That helps if you have a long drive back to where you are staying.

Price and Value: Why $171.98 Can Add Up (or Feel Expensive)

At $171.98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to do Similan. But it is also not a bare-bones tour.

For the price, you get:

• round-trip hotel pickup across Phuket
• luxury double-deck catamaran
• three meals onboard
• snacks, bottled water, and soft drinks
• snorkeling equipment including disposable mouthpieces plus towel and snorkeling socks
• national park entrance fee
• travel accident insurance
• English-speaking crew support
• a professional photographer with up to five free photos

When you compare that to tours that only include transport and basic snorkeling, the value story gets clearer. You are paying for fewer extras you would otherwise need to organize yourself—especially meals, park fees, and gear.

Still, if you already have snorkeling gear you love and you are comfortable managing without pickup, the cost may feel steeper. This tour is best when you want a complete, easier day.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip works best for people who want a comfortable day with real time on the islands and structured snorkeling. The tour lists moderate physical fitness as the standard.

It is not suitable for:

• pregnant travelers
• people with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions
• travelers with back, neck, or joint problems
• anyone who recently had surgery

If any of those apply, it is worth choosing a different tour style that matches your needs better.

If you are traveling with family and want a smoother ride than speedboats, the double-deck comfort is a major reason to consider it. And if you care about food and being looked after (not just left to fend for yourself), this itinerary has the right ingredients.

Weather Dependence: The Day Runs on Nature’s Schedule

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor and the tour is canceled due to weather, you will either get a different date or a full refund.

That is not unique to this operator, but it is important for planning. Similan trips are a bit like weather-proofing your entire itinerary: build flexibility into your Phuket or Khao Lak days.

Also, because snorkeling locations are chosen based on sea conditions, the tour aims to keep the experience safe and comfortable rather than forcing the same plan regardless of conditions.

Should You Book This Similan Islands Luxury Catamaran Day Tour?

I think you should book it if you want:

• a more comfortable boat ride
• longer island time on Similan Island No. 8
• snorkeling with gear included and crew support
• a day where food is handled and you are not thinking about logistics

You might skip it if:

• you have medical concerns that match the tour’s limitations
• you dislike long days (the trip is about 14 hours)
• you are chasing the absolute cheapest option and already have your own setup

Bottom line: this is a solid “do it in comfort” version of a Similan day. The big island time plus the luxury catamaran feel is the hook, and the meals and included snorkeling gear turn it into a smoother, more complete day out.

FAQ

Is pickup included for this Similan Islands tour from Phuket?

Yes. The tour includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off across Phuket.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Thap Lamu Pier and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 14 hours.

What meals are included onboard?

The tour includes breakfast, buffet lunch, and a light dinner, plus snacks.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. You get snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel, and disposable mouthpiece, along with snorkeling socks and a beach towel.

Is there a photographer during the trip?

Yes. A professional onboard photographer is part of the experience, and you receive up to five complimentary photos per guest after the trip.

What boat do you ride on?

You ride on a luxury double-deck catamaran, designed for a more stable and comfortable ride than standard speedboat options.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is not suitable for pregnant travelers, people with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions, and travelers with back, neck, or joint problems, or those who have recently undergone surgery.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, and the experience also depends on good weather.

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