The Similans sit about a hundred kilometres north of Phuket, far enough that a day trip there is a punishing amount of time on a boat for a short amount of time in the water. On an overnight charter it becomes something else entirely.
The attraction is what is underneath. Granite boulders instead of limestone, visibility that regularly runs past thirty metres, and reef that has been protected long enough to show it. It is the best snorkelling and diving water within reach of Phuket by a clear margin.
Waking up at anchor inside the national park, with the day boats still three hours away to the south, is the part guests describe afterwards. Only the yachts with cabins can run this route.
A typical day
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Day 1 morning
Depart north along the coast, arriving in the islands by mid-afternoon.
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Day 1 evening
Anchor inside the park. Sunset and dinner aboard with no other boats in sight.
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Day 2
A full day moving between dive and snorkel sites before the day boats arrive.
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Day 2 evening
A second anchorage, usually chosen on the day for the conditions.
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Day 3 onwards
Longer charters work further north, or south towards Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
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Final day
Back to Phuket, arriving in the afternoon.
Similan Islands
Yachts for this route
Similan Islands: common questions
When are the Similan Islands open?
The national park closes seasonally, typically from around mid-May to mid-October. Charters run in the open season only.
Which yachts can do this route?
The Song 139 and the Eye 102, because both have cabins and the range for it. The day boats in the fleet cannot.
Do we need to be divers?
No. The snorkelling is exceptional on its own. Diving can be arranged with a local operator if your group wants it.
Are park fees included?
No. National park entry fees are paid separately and depend on the length of your stay inside the park.
How far ahead should we book?
Several weeks in high season. These charters take longer to arrange because of provisioning, crew and park permits.
Charter to Similan Islands
Tell us your date and we will plan the route around your group.