Similan Itineraries: Day Trips and Multi-Day Routes
While the Similans are too far from Phuket for a comfortable day trip by yacht, they are perfect for multi-day charters that combine pristine reef diving, beach-hopping, and the chance to experience these remote islands after the day-trip crowds have departed.
2-Day Similan Islands Escape (from Phuket)
Day 1: Phuket to Similan Islands
Early-morning departure from Phuket, cruising northwest for 4–5 hours. Arrive at Koh Similan (Island 8) and anchor at Donald Duck Bay. Afternoon snorkelling on pristine reefs – expect sea turtles, damselfish, and vibrant coral. Hike to Sail Rock viewpoint for panoramic archipelago views. Evening beach barbecue or deck dinner under a spectacular star-filled sky.
Day 2: Similan Exploration and Return
Full morning of diving and snorkelling at different islands: Ba Ngu (Island 9) for coral gardens, or a SCUBA dive at West of Eden or Elephant Head Rock. Lunch on a deserted beach with only park rangers for company. Afternoon cruise back to Phuket, arriving by early evening.
5-Day Similan and Surin Combined Charter
Day 1: Phuket to Similan Islands
Depart Phuket and cruise to the Similans. First snorkel in crystal-clear waters, shore walk on white-sand beaches with granite boulders. Sail Rock viewpoint hike. Sunset cocktails and dinner at anchor.
Day 2: Full Day in the Similans
Immerse in the archipelago’s nine islands. Snorkel vibrant reefs at Honeymoon Bay on Koh Miang, dive at East of Eden, and beach-hop to Koh Payu’s gin-clear lagoons. Optional night snorkel to see the reef’s nocturnal life – octopus, lobsters, and bioluminescence.
Day 3: Similans to Surin Islands (via Richelieu Rock)
Dawn dive at the legendary Richelieu Rock – the submerged pinnacle famous for whale sharks, manta rays, barracuda, and vibrant soft corals. Continue to the Surin Islands for afternoon snorkelling in the healthiest coral reefs in Thailand. Visit the Moken sea-gypsy village for a cultural insight. BBQ dinner under the Milky Way.
Day 4: Surin Islands
Full day exploring Surin’s wonders. Drift-snorkel between the two main islands, spotting turtles and reef sharks. Beach excursion to a pristine jungle-backed shore. Paddleboarding over glassy bays and birdwatching for hornbills. Farewell dinner celebrating the journey.
Day 5: Surin to Phuket
Final sunrise in the Surins, then a relaxing cruise back to Phuket. Enjoy a cooking demonstration en route, with a possible last swim stop at Koh Khai or Koh Rang Yai before arriving at the marina.
3-Day Similan Diving Intensive
Day 1: Phuket to Similans – Southern Sites
Cruise to the Similans and dive at Koh Payu and Koh Miang reefs. Two-tank dive day focusing on shallow coral gardens and macro life. Beach walk and sunset from Sail Rock.
Day 2: Northern Similans and Richelieu Rock
Early dive at Elephant Head Rock’s underwater boulder maze. Surface for brunch, then cruise toward Richelieu Rock for an afternoon dive at Thailand’s most famous site. Whale-shark encounter possible. Overnight at Similan or en route to Surin.
Day 3: Final Dives and Return
Morning dive at a Surin reef or Ba Ngu Island. Lunch on deck, then cruise back to Phuket with a final swim stop en route.