The catamaran is fast, exciting and comfortable. It's a great way to take the Similan Islands tour along with all the must-see spots. Looking for the best place for snorkeling and diving in Thailand – and one of the best in the world? This is it! The Similan Islands! Immerse yourself in a national treasure of Thailand. The Similan Islands National Park is 85 kilometers northwest of Phuket. The park is home to nine islands with long coral sand beaches and crystal clear waters. This is some of the most beautiful scenery in the Land of Smiles. A myriad of marine life inhabits the waters of the Similans including rare and endangered species.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Pick-up from your hotel by air-conditioned mini-bus.
Check-in at the hospitality lounge at Thap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak for a complimentary light breakfast along with a brief introduction of your tour.
Departure to Similan Islands.
Snorkeling from the boat outside Koh Bangu (Island #9)
Arrive at Donald Duck Bay at Koh Similan (Island #8) for snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and trek to the famous "Sail Rock Viewpoint".
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Koh Similan (Island #8).
Arrive at Koh Miang (Island #4) for snorkeling.
Walking across the island, sunbathing and swimming.
Arrival at the pier and return to your hotel.
Arrival at your hotel.
No — this tour is closed from 10 May to 14 October every year due to the Similan Islands National Park's annual seasonal closure. The park reopens on 15 October, and the tour resumes from that date through to approximately 9 May. Always verify your travel dates fall within the open season before booking. The Similan Islands Speedboat tour operates on the same seasonal schedule.
Yes — due to regional government rules, a passport copy for each passenger must be sent by email no later than the day before your tour. This is a mandatory legal requirement and the tour cannot proceed without it. After booking, you will receive instructions on where to send the copies. Failure to provide passport copies in time may result in being unable to join the tour.
Adults: ฿3,200. Children (4-11 years): ฿2,600. Infants (6 months to 3 years): free. Children under 6 months old are not permitted. The national park fee is fully included in the tour price — unlike the Surin Islands speedboat tour where it is paid separately. Operated by Sawanu Travel.
Included: hotel transfer round-trip by air-conditioned minibus, Sawanu catamaran (max 65 passengers), complimentary light breakfast at Thap Lamu Pier hospitality lounge, lunch served at Koh Similan (Island #8), soft drinks and fresh fruit on board, all national park fees, mask/snorkel/life jacket, English-speaking guide, onboard wifi, injury insurance. Not included: towel. This is an all-inclusive premium tour — there are no mandatory extras beyond the tour price.
At 07:30, before boarding, guests check in at the hospitality lounge at Thap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak for a complimentary light breakfast and a brief tour introduction. This premium pier experience — with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and food before the 90-minute catamaran journey — is one of the key distinctions between this catamaran tour and the speedboat option.
The catamaran visits three islands: Koh Bangu (Island #9) — snorkeling from the boat over pristine coral at 09:30; Koh Similan (Island #8) — Donald Duck Bay for snorkeling, beach relaxation, optional trek to the famous Sail Rock Viewpoint, and lunch; Koh Miang (Island #4) — snorkeling, walking across the island, sunbathing and swimming. Three islands total with longer time at each location compared to the speedboat tour which visits four islands at a faster pace.
The catamaran (฿3,200 adult) offers a twin-hull design for significantly greater stability, making it far less prone to rocking than single-hull speedboats — ideal for families and guests susceptible to seasickness. It has a larger capacity (max 65 passengers vs 35 on the speedboat), a VIP hospitality lounge breakfast at the pier, onboard wifi, and visits 3 islands with more time at each. The speedboat (฿2,500 adult) is faster, visits 4 islands, and costs ฿700 less. Both include the national park fee, lunch, and snorkeling gear.
Yes — free pickup from Khao Lak is available. When booking, select any Phuket hotel area and mention in the comment box that your hotel is in Khao Lak. Since the tour departs from Thap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak, Khao Lak guests actually have a shorter transfer than Phuket guests.
Yes — the catamaran's stability makes it one of the best Similan Islands options for families with children. Children (4-11 years) are priced at ฿2,600; infants aged 6 months to 3 years travel free. Children under 6 months old are not permitted, and pregnant women cannot join the tour. The early 05:30-06:00 hotel pickup and long day (returning 18:00-19:00) should be considered for very young children.
Pregnant women and children under 6 months old are not allowed on this tour. Note: unlike most other Phuket tours, there is no stated upper age restriction (no 'over 70 not permitted' rule) — the page only excludes pregnant women and infants under 6 months. Guests of all other ages are welcome, including elderly passengers who may particularly benefit from the catamaran's superior stability.
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Bought two tours to the islands in September 2026. Both were very well organized and perfectly match description on the company website. Pickup and delivery back to the hotel were on time.
It is the cheapest travel agency which operates smoothly and at half price than others around Phuket. We went on 2 tours with them and there was no problem. They picked up us on time and the tours were absolutely fantastic.
You will not find cheaper tours in Phuket. Don’t waste your time hassling with leaflet merchants that you can easily knock down several hundred baht and still not be cheaper!
I booked Phi Phi Island tour, staff on board were so friendly, helpful and nice. Tour guide Sunny was very informative, great tour, highly recommend.
We had a great long boat tour to James Bond Island via the monkey caves, floating fishing village and canoes! Our guide, Kim, was fantastic. He was really informative, friendly and helpful! I highly recommend the James Bond Island tour and thanks Kim for a great day!
Organised a group of 8 friends and the communication before the tour was excellent. They answered every question quickly. The speedboat tour to Phi Phi and Khai Island was a highlight of our two weeks in Thailand.
Much better prices than a major competitor, I'd advise checking here and comparing prices. Be aware they have fewer tours available.
Read moreWe took different tours with this company. Everything was excellent. On time, professional staff, awesome places, Whatapp number for any enquiry . Also in their website you can pay in different currencies. Well done
Read moreThe itinerary was organised perfectly, the staff were kind and made you feel included. As a solo traveller, I went out to Phi Phi island and the English speaking tour guide (his name was Guang) and felt very looked after and welcomed.
Read moreJust a fantastic James Bond day tour, well organized. Lots of good activities but just the right amount of time at each location to enjoy. Easy to interact with too on WhatsApp or via email or phone. Just the best to arrange a trip in Phuket. Great value too!
Read moreWe want to thank Phuket Tours Direct for this unbelievable and beautiful experience to James Bond Island. Never we've seen so much astonishing nature. Thailand is the most beautiful country we've seen during our holidays! Everything was perfectly organised on board of the speedboat with drinks and snacks. We also received transportation with a small touringcar from our hotel in Patong which was included in the price. Perfect service!
Read moreUnforgetable adventure trip with super rafting, elephants and more with our very nice and lovely guide Adi who does everything to feel comfortable and a wonderful delicious lunch For vegetarians - thank you Adi
Read moreWe booked our trip to Phang Nga online at Phuket Torus Direct. The booking process was flawless and the driver showed up as promised. I can really recommend the company.
Read moreEverything was arranged perfectly. Hotel pickup was on time, the guide was knowledgeable, and Maya Bay was absolutely stunning. Booked the early bird tour and it was worth every baht — barely anyone else there when we arrived.
Read moreWe travelled with two young kids and a grandmother. The cruise boat was the right call — calm, spacious, and the staff were so helpful with the little ones. Will definitely book again on our next trip to Phuket.
Read moreBest tour we did in Thailand. The catamaran was comfortable and stable — no seasickness at all. Pileh Lagoon looked exactly like the photos. Booking was easy and the price was the lowest I found anywhere online.
Read moreIt was the best trip ever, could not recommend a day trip to the Similan Islands highly enough. Fee and his team were impeccable, always going over and above for you. We could not fault anything during the whole trip.
Honest, no-middleman pricing. I compared three other agencies and Phuket Tours Direct was consistently cheaper for the same tours. The James Bond + Phi Phi combo was a full day but incredible value — two iconic locations in one trip.
Read moreReally good experience overall. The guide was funny and spoke excellent English. Phi Phi Don at lunchtime was a bit crowded but that's the same for every tour. Would choose the early bird next time to beat the crowds at Maya Bay.
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