Similan Islands: Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Snorkeling adventure to Similan Islands with lunch included

You’ll swim through crystal-clear waters around the Similan Islands, spot colorful fish while snorkeling at several islands, enjoy a real Thai lunch on the beach, and maybe even glimpse sea turtles or dolphins if you’re lucky. With hotel pickup and a local guide handling everything, you can just relax into island life — it’s one of those days you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mask before I’ve even finished my coffee. The pier at Khao Lak is already humming — guides shouting names, the smell of sunscreen everywhere. Our guide, Nok, grins and checks our names off her list (she somehow remembers everyone’s hotel). We pile onto the speed catamaran, feet bare against the deck, and I’m still half-awake when we hit open water. There’s this salty wind that wakes you up better than any espresso.

The first stop is Island No.5 — I can’t pronounce the Thai name right, but Nok laughs and tries to teach us anyway. The water here is so clear it almost looks fake; you can see every fish darting below. I fumble with my snorkel for a minute (classic me), but then I’m floating over these wild corals and bright fish that look like they belong in a cartoon. Someone shouts “turtle!” and suddenly everyone’s paddling over — I catch just a glimpse before it disappears into blue shadows.

Lunch is on the sand under some scraggly trees — proper Thai food, not just sandwiches. Rice, spicy curry, fruit that tastes way better than anything back home. There’s this moment where everyone goes quiet except for the sound of waves and someone’s phone playing Thai pop music softly in the background. After eating we head to Bangu Island for more snorkeling (I lose track of which island is which honestly), but each spot has its own vibe — sometimes there are more rocks, sometimes more fish.

The last bit is climbing up to Sailing Rock on Koh Similan. It’s not exactly easy in flip-flops but worth it for the view — all those islands scattered out like green marbles on blue glass. Nok points out where dolphins sometimes show up (not today though). On the way back I realize my shoulders are sunburned despite all the sunscreen and I’m tired in that good way you get after swimming all day. Still thinking about that turtle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Similan Islands Snorkeling Adventure

• Snorkel at Island No.5
• Walk, swim, and Thai buffet lunch
• Snorkel and swim at Bangu Island
• Snorkeling and swimming
• Snorkeling
• Snorkeling
• Swim, snorkel, relax on beach
• Visit Sailing Rock at Island No.8
• Climb viewpoint at Sailing Rock

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Similan Islands tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers from your hotel are included in the tour price.

What kind of lunch is provided on the snorkeling trip?

A traditional Thai buffet lunch with fresh fruit is served during the tour.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment including mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket are included.

Can children join this Similan Islands snorkeling tour?

Yes, children aged 4-11 can join with a child ticket; younger children are not recommended.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, pregnant travelers or those with heart or bone conditions should not join this tour.

When is Similan National Park open for tours?

The park is open from October to May each year; tours only run during this period.

Will we see turtles or dolphins on every trip?

Sightings are possible but not guaranteed; it depends on luck and conditions.

How long does the day trip last including transfers?

The activity duration includes time for hotel pick-up and drop-off; expect a full-day experience.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel transfers from Khao Lak, entry fees to Similan National Park arranged by your guide (just remember your passport), all snorkeling gear like masks and fins plus life jackets if you want them, an English-speaking local guide throughout the trip, full travel accident insurance coverage for peace of mind, as well as a proper Thai buffet lunch with fresh fruits served right on the beach before heading back in the afternoon.