Phuket/Khao lak: Similan Islands Speed Catamaran Day Trip

Planning a trip to Thailand’s stunning waters and thinking about visiting the famous Similan Islands? This Speed Catamaran Day Trip from Phuket offers a different take on island-hopping — blending speed, comfort, and convenience. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the details and reviews paint a compelling picture of what you can expect.

What immediately catches the eye is the full lie-down luxury lounge beds, a feature that truly sets this tour apart. Add to that the fastest transit time—only an hour to reach the islands—and the all-inclusive package covering meals, snorkeling gear, and transfers. These points make it clear this experience is designed for travelers who want efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

A potential downside? Some reviewers mention limited time on each island, especially at the park entrance, which might leave you feeling a bit rushed. Still, if you’re eager to see the highlights with minimal hassle, this trip is a smart choice. It’s especially well-suited for couples, families, or anyone who appreciates a smooth, well-organized adventure.

Good To Know

• Luxury on the water: Full-stretch lie-down beds in the Prestige Lounge Bed Zone offer unmatched relaxation during the journey.
• Speed advantage: The catamaran’s twin 350CC engines get you to the Similan Islands in just 1 hour, saving hours of transit time.
• All-inclusive comfort: Three meals, snorkeling gear, park entrance fees, and Phuket hotel transfers are included, offering great value.
• Flexible departure: A lazy 30-minute later start means less early-morning stress—ideal for families and those not morning persons.
• Multiple stops: The route includes visits to 4 islands, with 2 landings and 2 premium snorkeling spots, providing variety.
• Modern vessel: The brand-new 2025 boat features Tiffany-blue interiors, panoramic sun decks, and Instagram-worthy lounges.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Departure – Starting with Ease

Unlike many tours that kick off at the crack of dawn, this trip departs at 10:30 AM, giving you a more relaxed morning. Pickups from Phuket are available, but keep in mind that for those staying in the Phuket Deep Sea Port area, an additional fee of THB 200 applies for the port entry. The departure point at the wharf is easy to find, with coordinates provided for convenience.

The Boat – A Modern Marvel

The vessel itself is quite the eye-catcher—new, Tiffany-blue interiors make it stand out. The large jump platform makes for fun water entries, and the open-air net lounge ensures you can relax while enjoying panoramic views. The dual-deck design offers shaded areas plus a sun deck, perfect for soaking up the tropical vibes and snapping photos.

The luxury lie-down beds are the highlight here—up to four guests can stretch out on full-length daybeds in the Prestige Lounge zone. This makes the journey remarkably comfortable, especially when you consider that most speedboats don’t offer such amenities. Alternatively, there’s a more social, shaded shared booth area accommodating six guests, which is perfect if you prefer a more lively vibe.

The Route – How the Day Unfolds

This trip’s route is carefully planned to maximize island time and avoid the crowds, which travelers particularly appreciate. It includes:

• Island No. 8: Known for its white sandy beach and Sail Rock viewpoint, perfect for photos and quick hikes.
• Island No. 9: The lunch stop, with fantastic snorkeling among coral gardens and tropical fish.
• Island No. 4: Offers a relaxed beach leisure stop with the chance for swimming and more snorkeling.
• Islands No. 5 & 6: These spots are ideal for beginners, with calm waters and abundant marine life.

Travelers will enjoy 2 landings and 2 snorkeling sessions, with plenty of free time for sunbathing, swimming, or exploring. The stops are strategically chosen to balance sightseeing, relaxation, and snorkeling.

More Great Tours Nearby

Food & Drinks

From breakfast to dinner, the onboard meals are quite comprehensive. Breakfast includes chicken porridge, fried eggs, banana cake, and fresh coffee or tea. Lunch features Thai favorites like basil chicken, shrimp, squid, and a hearty buffet. Dinner offers BBQ grilled chicken, fried noodles, shrimp crackers, and a delicious mango sticky rice. Throughout the day, soft drinks, fresh fruits, and water are available, making sure you stay refreshed.

Snorkeling & Water Activities

All snorkeling gear and socks are provided, along with floating mats and freshwater showers onboard. Reviewers mention that the snorkeling spots were excellent, with clear water and vibrant fish. The guided snorkeling tours are helpful for beginners, and the calm waters at Islands 5 and 6 make for a stress-free experience.

The All-Inclusive Advantage

This trip’s pricing covers just about everything—meals, gear, park fees, and transfers—offering good value for those seeking a hassle-free day. The inclusion of travel insurance is a nice touch. Extra costs are minimal, with optional fin rentals or luggage fees clearly outlined.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

One traveler from Italy notes, “The boat was the most comfortable and new among all options, with unlimited drinks and good food,” highlighting the strong value for money and comfort. Conversely, a review from Saudi Arabia mentions a lost watch and perceived lack of urgency from staff, reminding us that, like any adventure, it’s important to stay vigilant.

Several reviews praise the guides’ professionalism and friendliness, with many emphasizing the smooth, fast transit and spectacular views. A German traveler called the experience “super,” citing the overall service and the photo opportunities.

Some feedback highlights the short time at each island—especially at the park entrance—which might leave those looking for longer exploration feeling a little rushed. Still, the route’s thoughtful selection of snorkeling and leisure stops balances sightseeing with relaxation.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Arrive early at the departure point—aim for at least 30 minutes before—to ensure smooth boarding.
• Bring a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your valuables.
• Luggage larger than 20 inches incurs an extra fee of THB 300, so pack light if possible.
• Consider your seasickness tolerance—this tour is a high-speed trip, but the smooth motion and shorter transit help reduce seasickness risk.
• Book in advance especially during peak seasons, as spots can fill quickly.
• If you have dietary restrictions, contact the provider beforehand to arrange vegetarian options.
• Be aware that the park entrance fee of THB 500 per person may need to be paid at the pier if not included.
• Plan your return trip carefully, as drop-offs are only at the Phuket Deep Sea Port security gate.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This trip suits travelers who prioritize speed and comfort—those who want to maximize island time without long, tiring transfers. It’s perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors eager for a smooth, luxurious experience. The inclusion of lie-down beds and premium amenities makes it especially appealing for those seeking a bit of pampering during their day trip.

However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration or longer beach stays, this might feel a bit rushed. It’s also less suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or health issues, or those prone to seasickness, given the high-speed nature of the trip.

The Sum Up

This Speed Catamaran Day Trip to the Similan Islands offers a compelling mix of luxury, efficiency, and natural beauty. The standout feature—the full-length lie-down beds—sets it apart from more basic tours, making the journey as relaxing as the time spent on the islands. The carefully curated route ensures you see the highlights while avoiding crowds, and the all-inclusive package simplifies planning.

If you’re after a high-quality, hassle-free way to experience Thailand’s famed marine parks, this trip balances comfort with adventure, delivering value for money. It’s ideal for those who want to make the most of a single day without sacrificing the quality of their experience.

For travelers who love modern amenities, efficient transit, and well-organized excursions, this tour checks most boxes. Just remember, the best parts are the speed, comfort, and stunning scenery, so come prepared to relax and soak up the tropical vibes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the tour start?
The trip departs at 10:30 AM, with pickup times varying depending on your location.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the all-inclusive package covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring Thai dishes, fresh fruits, and soft drinks.

How long is the transfer from Phuket?
The transfer to the Similan Islands by speed catamaran takes only about 1 hour, which is much faster than traditional boats.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, waterproof bag, and your passport details for park entry.

Are the snorkeling gear and activities included?
Yes, snorkeling gear and socks are provided, along with guided snorkeling and floating mats.

Can I pay for the park fee separately?
If not included, the park entrance fee of THB 500 per person must be paid at the pier.

Is there a limit on luggage size?
Luggage larger than 20 inches incurs a fee of THB 300 per piece.

Who should avoid this trip?
Pregnant women, those with back or health issues, and travelers prone to seasickness might find this trip less suitable.

What is the main advantage of this tour?
The combination of luxury onboard amenities and fast transit makes it a top choice for those wanting a quick, comfortable escape to the Similan Islands.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby