Similan Islands One Day Trip 2026: Review, Boat Comparison, Prices

A Similan Islands One Day Trip is the easiest and best-value way to experience the world-class clear water of the Similan Islands in Phang Nga province without staying overnight — out and back in a single day. It is ideal if your time is limited but you don't want to miss one of the most beautiful dive spots in the Andaman Sea. The question everyone faces before booking, though, is which kind of boat to take, whether it is better to depart from Phuket or Khao Lak, and what the 2026 prices are.

In this article we will:

• Compare all 4 Similan Islands One Day Trip options, with real 2026 prices

• Explain the difference between a speedboat and a catamaran, and which one suits you

• Show which months to go, how to prepare, and how to book for the best value

What are the Similan Islands, and why go?

The Similan Islands are a marine national park in Phang Nga province, made up of a string of small islands in the middle of the Andaman Sea. They are famous for water so clear that you can see the coral reefs and shoals of fish from the surface, for fine white-sand beaches, and for the ultra-iconic photo spot known as "Sailing Rock" (Hin Rua Bai), which has become the image everyone associates with the Similans.

Because this is a national park, the nature of the Similans is strictly protected and the park is only open to visitors during part of the year, which makes your timing very important (more on this in the "Which months should you go?" section below).

All 4 Similan Islands One Day Trip options compared — 2026 prices

Brezoria offers 4 Similan day trips that leave in the morning and return in the evening. They differ in 2 main ways: the departure point (Phuket or Khao Lak) and the type of boat (speedboat or catamaran). Every package includes lunch, snorkelling equipment, a local guide and free cancellation.

Departing from Phuket

• Speedboat — ฿4,100 / child ฿3,000: Gets you there fast with less time on the boat — ideal if you are staying in Phuket and want as much time as possible on the islands. See the details and book the Similan speedboat tour from Phuket

• Catamaran — ฿4,500 / child ฿3,400: A bigger, steadier boat with a premium lunch — ideal for families or anyone who gets seasick easily. See the details and book the Similan catamaran tour from Phuket

Departing from Khao Lak

• Speedboat — ฿3,700 / child ฿2,600: The cheapest of all 4 options. Departs at 08:00 and is back at the pier by 16:00. Khao Lak is closer to the Similans than Phuket, so the journey takes less time. See the details and book the Similan speedboat tour from Khao Lak

• Catamaran — ฿4,100 / child ฿3,000: Departs at 08:30 and is back at the pier by 16:30. You get the comfort of a large boat, a premium lunch and a departure point close to the islands. See the details and book the Similan catamaran tour from Khao Lak

Quick summary: the cheapest is the speedboat from Khao Lak (฿3,700) — the most comfortable is the catamaran — and the departure point closest to the islands is Khao Lak.

Speedboat vs catamaran: which should you choose?

This is the decision people find hardest. Both take you to the Similan Islands, but the experience on board is clearly different.

Speedboat

• Pros: Reaches the islands quickly, so you get more swimming time there, and it is usually cheaper.

• Good to know: In rougher seas it slams and rolls a lot more, so anyone who gets seasick easily may feel uncomfortable.

• Best for: Travellers who want plenty of time on the islands, don't get seasick, and are watching their budget.

Catamaran

• Pros: The twin hulls sit far more steadily in the water, with lots of space, comfortable seating and a premium lunch.

• Good to know: The journey takes slightly longer than by speedboat, and the price is slightly higher.

• Best for: Families with children or older travellers, anyone who gets seasick easily, and anyone who values comfort along the way.

Before you go: season, preparation, costs

Which months should you go?

The Similan Islands are a national park that closes during the monsoon. It normally opens to visitors from around mid-October to mid-May each year, and the best weather with the clearest water is usually from November to April. That said, the opening and closing dates can change from year to year according to announcements from the Department of National Parks. We recommend confirming the 2026 opening and closing dates with Brezoria before you plan your trip.

How to prepare for the Similans

• Swimwear, a change of clothes and a towel

• Reef-safe sunscreen (kind to coral), a hat and sunglasses

• Sandals with a heel strap, or flip-flops you can walk on sand and rocks in

• A waterproof case for your phone, and seasickness tablets if you are prone to it (especially if you choose the speedboat)

Extra costs to budget for

The tour prices above already include lunch, snorkelling equipment and a guide, but as a rule the national park entrance fee is usually paid separately, and it is charged at different rates for Thai nationals and foreign visitors. We recommend asking Brezoria whether the option you choose includes the park fee, so you can budget accurately.

Verdict: which Similan day trip is the best value?

There is no single right answer for everyone, but you can choose based on what matters most to you:

• Tightest budget: Speedboat from Khao Lak, ฿3,700 — the cheapest, and closest to the islands.

• Families / prone to seasickness: Catamaran from Khao Lak, ฿4,100 — the best value among the large boats, both comfortable and close to the islands.

• Staying in Phuket and don't want to change hotels: Choose a Phuket departure — speedboat ฿4,100 or catamaran ฿4,500.

Ready to book?

Brezoria looks after all 4 Similan day trips, with free cancellation, local guides and fast replies. Just pick the one that is right for you: Book the Similan catamaran tour from Khao Lak (the best-value pick) or browse Brezoria's other island tours for more.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does a Similan Islands One Day Trip cost in 2026?
A: From ฿3,700 per adult (speedboat from Khao Lak) up to ฿4,500 (catamaran from Phuket). Children aged 4-11 pay ฿2,600–฿3,400 depending on the package.

Q: Should I choose the speedboat or the catamaran?
A: The speedboat gets there faster and costs less, which suits travellers who don't get seasick, while the catamaran is steadier and more comfortable, which suits families or anyone who gets seasick easily.

Q: Is it better to depart from Phuket or Khao Lak?
A: Khao Lak is closer to the Similans, so the journey is shorter and prices are usually lower. But if you are already staying in Phuket, departing from Phuket is more convenient because you don't have to change hotels.

Q: Which month should I visit the Similans?
A: The national park normally opens from around mid-October to mid-May, with November to April offering the best weather and the clearest water. Please check the 2026 opening and closing dates before you travel.

Q: Are meals and snorkelling equipment included?
A: Yes. Every package includes lunch, snorkelling equipment and a local guide (the national park entrance fee may be payable separately — please ask before booking).

Q: Can I cancel if the weather is bad or my plans change?
A: Every Brezoria package comes with free cancellation, and our team replies within 1 hour. If you have any questions about the weather, you are welcome to contact us before you travel.

This article was last updated in July 2026. Prices and itineraries may change — please confirm with Brezoria before booking.