Khao Lak: Wow Andaman Snorkeling Trip to Similan Islands

Family Snorkelling Trip to Similian Islands

We travelled with Pu and team to the Similian Islands on the catamaran. The boat was fast and well equipped, although it is just transport, there’s no space for moving around when the boat is travelling between stops. The team were really excellent, very organised and helpful. The food, drinks and snacks were also very good, impressive considering all of the logistics required at sea and on small islands. The islands themselves were beautiful, the sea warm and sand golden. Snorkelling with the sea life (including the turtles swimming alongside us) was amazing, our kids (11 and 14) loved it and will never forget the experience. As long as you don’t mind the 80 minute ride on the catamaran from the pier to the islands I’d highly recommend this trip.

via Tripadvisor

Dangerous boarding the boat.

Booked through Destination Asia .We was picked up from our hotel with a large Russian family and transferred to the pier.So the trip started off not to bad with a nice breakfast. The snorkeling was ok but the last island was dangerous getting off the boat and even worse getting back on the boat,me and my partner both cut our feet on the rocks due to low tide. Large waves was knocking people over trying to board the boat whilst trying not to stand on the sharp rocks.Was not a nice experience. Then we was due to have dinner at the pier but didnt have time because the Russian family was waiting in our transport becuse they went out on a different boat they came back earlier and had allready eaten there dinner, So we felt pressured into leaving early missing our dinner which was paid for. I highly recommend if you go take sea shoes for the last island and make sure they give you enough time to eat your dinner at the end .

Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the breakfast and some parts of the trip. However, we’re truly sorry to learn about your experience at the last island and the difficulties you faced while getting on and off the boat, especially due to the low tide and sea conditions. Your safety is very important to us, and we will share your comments with our team to improve this aspect. Regarding dinner, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. We understand how disappointing it must have been to miss a meal that was included in your program. We will review the coordination and timing with our team to ensure all guests have adequate time to enjoy their meals. Thank you again for your valuable feedback and recommendations. We truly appreciate it and hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future.

via Tripadvisor

Limited snorkeling time

We went from Khao lak. It is a long old trip even by fast catamaran. The snorkeling is good but you really only get about 45mins in the water. You end up spending about 2.30 hours on two islands with nothing to do. I don't know they do not let you stay on the boat so you could do more snorkeling.

via Tripadvisor

Worst tour experience in Thailand

We booked a Similan Islands trip from Phuket (8 AM departure, Boat #8 on 20th February 2026). Unfortunately, this was one of the most uncomfortable and unprofessional tour experiences we’ve had. We visit Thailand almost every year and we have done multiple other tours before but this was by far the worst experience. My husband and I were the last to board as we stopped briefly for coffee. When we arrived, all covered seats were already taken. We were instructed to sit at the very front of the boat — completely uncovered. The 1.5-hour ride to Similan was extremely choppy. Sitting at the front meant constant impact from the waves. It was physically uncomfortable and felt unsafe at times. As the day progressed, the sun became extremely harsh. Because we were repeatedly placed in the uncovered front section, we ended up severely sunburnt. This situation appeared to be a result of overbooking. There were clearly more passengers than covered seating available. The most concerning part of the experience occurred on the return journey. Before boarding, I calmly informed the guide (Tab) that I was badly sunburnt and could not sit at the front again. Instead of handling this professionally, he approached me in front of approximately 30–35 passengers and began yelling aggressively, saying, “Don’t show me this attitude,” and continued in a raised, hostile tone. Being publicly shouted at for raising a reasonable concern was shocking and completely unacceptable. Summary of issues: • Boat appeared oversold (insufficient covered seating) • Forced seating in exposed front area during rough sea conditions • Severe sun exposure resulting in sunburn • Aggressive and unprofessional behavior by the guide We paid for a premium island tour experience. What we received was discomfort, sunburn, and public humiliation. We strongly encourage the company to review its booking practices and staff training.

Response from the operator: We are deeply sorry for the disappointing experience you had on your Similan Islands trip. We also regret the physical discomfort and severe sunburn resulting from the lack of covered seating on Boat. We are currently investigating the conduct of the guide involved and reviewing our booking practices to prevent overcrowding and ensure guest safety and comfort. We appreciate your long-time support of Thai tourism and regret that we failed you on this occasion.

via Tripadvisor

slightly disappointing

The islands were fabulous, just beautiful. The boat trip was ok, but overall I felt quite rushed and almost herded by the guides. There wasn't long at the snorkelling spots and it all felt a bit like we were cramming too many stops into the day. Lunch was the only bad meal we had in a whole month in Khao Lak. It was tasteless and dull. Admittedly it has to come in a little sectioned tray but it just lacked care and flavour.

Response from the operator: We appreciate your feedback and are happy you enjoyed the spectacular island scenery. We are, however, very sorry to hear that the tour felt like "cramming too many stops" and that the food lacked flavor and care. We want our guests to feel relaxed, not rushed, and we will use your comments to help us improve our tour timing. We also apologize for the meal and will work with our caterers to ensure our food quality matches the beauty of the destinations. Thank you for joining us!

via Tripadvisor