Phuket: Wow Andaman Snorkeling Trip to Similan Islands

Phuket: Wow Andaman Snorkeling Trip to Similan Islands is a well-reviewed, full-day adventure that takes you far from the crowds of Phuket to explore Thailand’s famous marine-rich waters. For around $123 per person, you get a 10-hour journey packed with snorkeling, scenic views, and tasty Thai food. The tour departs from Khao Lak, with convenient hotel pickup included, making the logistics straightforward and stress-free.

What really makes this trip stand out are its well-organized itinerary—visiting several islands with different charms—and the quality of included meals and gear. We love how the tour combines comfortable transportation, guided snorkeling, and spectacular scenery, all in one package. The natural beauty of the white sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs is truly a highlight.

A potential consideration is the long transfer time from Phuket to Khao Lak, which adds about 2 hours 45 minutes each way. While this means a sizeable chunk of your day is on the road, the payoff is the chance to see some of Thailand’s most stunning underwater landscapes and unspoiled islands.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy marine life, scenery, and don’t mind a bit of a trip to reach the best spots. It’s especially ideal for those who want a full-day, all-inclusive experience that handles all the details—from transport to meals—so you can focus on relaxing and exploring.

Key Points

• Comfortable pickup and transfers make the journey to Khao Lak hassle-free.
• Multiple island stops offer varied scenery and snorkeling experiences.
• All meals and drinks are included, providing good value.
• A knowledgeable guide ensures safety and enhances the experience.
• Timing is well-managed, with ample opportunities to relax and explore.
• Weather-dependent changes might occur, so flexibility is key.

A Detailed Look at the Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour

If you’re considering a day out on the Similan Islands, you’ll want to understand what’s involved and what you can expect at each step. From start to finish, this tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, underwater exploration, and comfortable logistics—all designed to give you a memorable day.

The Transfer from Phuket to Khao Lak

The adventure begins early, with a pickup from your Phuket hotel around 5:45 am to 7:45 am, depending on your location. The air-conditioned minivan transport is smooth, and though the drive takes roughly 2 hours 45 minutes, it’s worth it for the chance to escape the more touristy parts of Phuket.

Reviews highlight that the transport is “comfortable” and “luggage storage, souvenir shop, and toilets are available at the pier,” which is a thoughtful touch. You’ll arrive at Wow Andaman Pier in Khao Lak around 8:30 am, where the real fun begins.

The Welcome and Preparation at Wow Andaman Pier

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by the friendly Wow Andaman team. Here, your tour guide—namely Puu in some reviews—will give you safety instructions and the lowdown on the day. While you enjoy a light breakfast with coffee and tea, you can also rent snorkeling gear with a small deposit, making sure everyone is ready for the underwater adventures.

This part of the trip is appreciated for its relaxed pace and the opportunity to settle in before heading out on the boat. It’s a good time to ask questions or double-check your gear.

Cruising to the Islands and First Stops

The boat cruise to the Similan Islands takes less than 90 minutes, during which you’ll enjoy the scenery of the Andaman Sea. Once at the islands, the tour makes several stops, each offering a different aspect of the natural beauty and snorkel opportunities.

Koh Miang (Island No. 4) — your first stop — offers panoramic views of white sand beaches and the chance to spot Nicobar flying foxes and Nicobar pigeons, if luck is on your side. The tranquility and untouched nature here make it a perfect photo op.

Koh Payu (Island No. 7) — is renowned for its coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. Snorkeling here is a highlight, with the reefs bursting with life, both hard and soft corals, and vibrant marine species. Several reviews praise the quality of snorkeling, with one reviewer describing it as “out of this world.”

Koh Bangu (Island No. 9) — the northernmost island, offers a reef called Breakfast Bend, loaded with sea fans, staghorns, and coral outcrops. This spot is particularly noted for its varied fish life and colorful coral landscape.

Lunch and Leisure at Koh Similan

The highlight for many is the lunch on Koh Similan (Island No. 8), which is delicious and plentiful, featuring Thai seafood in a picnic-style setting on a secluded white-sand beach. Many reviewers rave about the food quality—”they feed you very well, breakfast, lunch, and dinner”—making the entire day feel like a well-curated experience.

Post-lunch, you’re free to explore, walk over mountains, or relax on the beach. The view from Sailing Rock—a large rock formation that resembles a ship’s sail—is a popular stop, offering stunning vistas and a good chance to stretch your legs after snorkeling.

The Return Journey

In the late afternoon, around 3:30 pm, it’s time to head back to Khao Lak. The trip includes a light snack at the pier before the journey ends with a van ride back to Phuket, arriving between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Though the transfer feels long, reviewers agree that the trip is worth every minute for the spectacular scenery and marine life.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

This tour’s strength lies in its well-rounded approach—combining guided snorkeling, scenic stops, and meals—making it ideal for travelers who want a full-day escape with minimal hassle. The small group size (max 40) ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and the guide’s knowledge enhances the experience—many reviewers praise guides like Puu for their friendliness and expertise.

The oceans here are clear, and the reefs are vibrant, providing excellent opportunities for both novice and seasoned snorkelers. The inclusion of snorkel gear and safety instructions makes it accessible, even for those new to snorkeling.

The long transfer time can be a downside if you’re short on patience or prefer shorter trips, but it’s necessary to reach the pristine, less crowded islands. The all-inclusive meal service is a great value add, especially considering the quality and variety of food, including fresh seafood.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you appreciate marine landscapes, varied island scenery, and good value for money, this trip will suit you. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who are comfortable with a full day of travel but want a smooth, guided experience. Those who value authentic natural beauty over commercialized attractions will find plenty to love here.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling trip to the Similan Islands from Phuket offers an impressive mix of stunning scenery, rich marine life, and tasty meals in a well-organized package. The guides’ knowledge and ease of logistics help make it a memorable experience, even if the journey is somewhat lengthy.

While the long transfer might not appeal to everyone, the quality of snorkeling and natural beauty more than compensates. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting to see Thailand’s best underwater landscapes without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

For those who love adventure, scenery, and good food, this tour provides excellent value. It’s a chance to explore some of Thailand’s most famous islands in comfort, with everything handled for you.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your Phuket hotel, scheduled between 5:45 am and 7:45 am.

How long is the transfer to the islands?
The boat cruise takes less than 90 minutes from Khao Lak’s pier to the Similan Islands.

What meals are provided?
You will enjoy breakfast at the pier before departure, a Thai seafood lunch on Koh Similan, and light snacks and drinks during the day.

What equipment do I need to bring?
Snorkel gear is supplied, but you might want to bring a towel, sun protection, and a camera. Luggage storage is available at the pier.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While there’s no explicit age restriction, snorkeling and the boat trip are best suited for adults or older children comfortable in water.

Can the itinerary change due to weather?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent; if poor weather cancels the trip, you’ll be offered a referral date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this full-day snorkeling adventure to the Similan Islands offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty, well-organized logistics, and delicious food. Perfect for those who want to enjoy Thailand’s underwater treasures without the fuss of planning, it’s a trip that’s likely to leave you with unforgettable memories of vibrant coral reefs and pristine beaches.