Similan Guide: Yacht Charter to the Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are a chain of nine granite-and-coral islands protected as Mu Ko Similan National Park, lying 50–65 km northwest of Phuket. For yacht charter guests seeking turquoise waters, world-class diving, and pristine white beaches far from the crowds, the Similans are nothing short of paradise.

Arriving by private yacht transforms the Similan experience. While most visitors see the islands on rushed day trips from Phuket, charter guests arrive after the crowds have departed, anchor overnight in bays where the only sounds are waves and birdcalls, and enjoy multiple days to explore the archipelago’s nine islands at their own pace. This is the Similans as they were meant to be experienced – remote, pristine, and exclusively yours.

Why Visit the Similan Islands by Yacht

World-Class Diving and Snorkelling

Consistently ranked among the top dive destinations globally, the Similan Islands offer spectacular coral gardens, massive submerged boulders, swim-throughs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visibility can exceed 30 metres, revealing scenes of swaying sea fans, multi-coloured soft corals, and clouds of reef fish. Divers may encounter manta rays, leopard sharks, ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs. Legendary sites include East of Eden (off Island 7) and Elephant Head Rock, where huge granite boulders create an underwater maze.

Pristine Granite-Boulder Beaches

Above water, the islands are equally enchanting. Pure white beaches backed by dense tropical forest, with enormous smooth granite boulders creating photogenic landscapes reminiscent of the Seychelles. The lack of permanent resorts or hotels means you often have entire bays to yourself. These are some of the most pristine and uncrowded beaches in all of Thailand.

Remote Serenity

Because the Similans are a protected national park with limited visitor infrastructure, arriving by private yacht means experiencing a level of seclusion that’s increasingly rare in tropical destinations. After day-trip boats depart in the afternoon, the islands become a private paradise. Zero light pollution delivers spectacular stargazing, with the Milky Way often visible on clear nights and phosphorescent plankton trailing in the yacht’s wake.

Sail Rock Viewpoint

Island #8 (Ko Similan) features the famous Sail Rock (sometimes called “Donald Duck Bay” due to a boulder resembling a duck’s head). A short hiking trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint across the entire archipelago – emerald-green isles dotting an infinite blue sea. It’s an ideal spot for photography and simply absorbing the serenity.

Marine Life Highlights

• Reef Fish – Butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, clownfish in anemones, damselfish, wrasses, and massive schools of snappers and fusiliers.
• Large Species – Manta rays, leopard sharks, white-tip reef sharks, and occasional whale sharks during the season.
• Sea Turtles – Commonly spotted nibbling on sponges in the shallows – a highlight for snorkellers and divers alike.
• Macro Life – Ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and seahorses for keen-eyed divers.
• Night Reef – Octopus, lobsters, sleeping parrotfish in mucus cocoons, and possible bioluminescence after dark.
• Coral Diversity – Hard corals, sea fans, soft corals in vibrant purples and oranges, staghorn coral fields, and massive barrel sponges.

Practical Information

Season and Access

The Similan Islands are open approximately November to mid-May (typically closed from 15 May to 15 October for conservation during the monsoon). All charter itineraries should be planned within this window. The cruise from Phuket takes approximately 4–5 hours by motor yacht.

National Park Regulations

Designated mooring buoys protect the coral; anchoring on reefs is prohibited. Park entry fees apply and are handled by your crew. Camping is only permitted at designated areas. These protections ensure the islands remain pristine for future visitors.

Combined with Surin Islands

The Similans pair naturally with the nearby Surin Islands for extended charters. The legendary Richelieu Rock dive site sits between the two archipelagos, offering one of the world’s most celebrated dives – a submerged pinnacle famous for whale sharks, manta rays, and extraordinary soft corals.

Frequently Asked Questions: Similan Islands Yacht Charter

Can I do a day trip to the Similan Islands from Phuket by yacht?

The Similans are 50–65 km offshore, making a day trip by yacht very challenging – you would spend most of the day in transit. A minimum of 2 nights is recommended to properly enjoy the islands. Most yacht charter itineraries include the Similans as part of a 3–7 day charter from Phuket, allowing time for diving, snorkelling, and beach exploration.

When are the Similan Islands open?

The Similan Islands are open from approximately November to mid-May each year. The park closes during the southwest monsoon (typically mid-May to mid-October) for conservation and visitor safety. The best conditions for diving and snorkelling are from December to April, when visibility is at its peak.

Do I need to be a certified diver to enjoy the Similans?

No. While the Similans are world-famous for diving, the snorkelling is equally spectacular. Shallow reefs right off the beaches offer vibrant marine life easily visible from the surface – sea turtles, clownfish, parrotfish, and colourful corals. Many charter guests enjoy the Similans purely as snorkellers and beach-lovers.

How does a Similan Islands yacht charter work with national park rules?

Your crew handles all logistics. Yachts use designated park mooring buoys (no anchoring on reefs), and park entry fees are included in your charter’s APA. The crew will brief you on environmental guidelines – no touching coral, no collecting shells, and reef-safe sunscreen only. These rules help keep the Similans pristine.

Can I combine the Similan and Surin Islands in one charter?

Yes, and this is one of the most rewarding charter itineraries in Thailand. A 5–7 day charter from Phuket can cover both archipelagos, including the legendary Richelieu Rock dive site between them. This combined route is ideal for dive enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking Thailand’s most remote and pristine marine environments.

What is Richelieu Rock?

Richelieu Rock is a submerged pinnacle located between the Similan and Surin Islands, widely regarded as the best dive site in Thailand and one of the top dive sites in the world. Discovered by Jacques Cousteau, it attracts whale sharks, manta rays, barracuda, and an extraordinary density of marine life. It is accessible only by boat and is a highlight of any extended Similan–Surin charter.