Surin Islands: Snorkeling trip from Phuket with lunch

Summary

Snorkeling Surin Islands from Phuket with local guide & lunch

You’ll snorkel crystal-clear waters in Surin Islands, spot sea turtles and tropical fish with your local guide, visit the Moken community for a glimpse of their daily life, and enjoy a simple Thai lunch on Mai Ngam beach. With hotel pickup and all gear included, it’s an easy day trip from Phuket you’ll remember long after salt has left your skin.

What’s the experience like?

"You see that blue? That’s not Photoshop," our guide said as we pulled up to Chong Khat Bay. I’d seen photos of the Surin Islands before but, honestly, nothing really prepares you for how clear the water is — you can spot fish darting around before you even jump in. The boat ride out from Phuket was a bit longer than I expected (I think it was almost two hours?), but the crew kept us awake with strong coffee and a lot of jokes in both Thai and English. I remember the salty air mixing with sunscreen and that weird nervous excitement when you first put on a snorkel mask — always feels like you’re about to do something slightly ridiculous.

Our first snorkeling stop was just wild. There were these bright parrotfish nibbling at coral, and someone pointed out a sea turtle gliding by — I nearly swallowed half the Andaman Sea trying to follow it. The guide (I think his name was Somchai?) knew every fish by name and kept an eye on everyone, which made me feel better since I’m not exactly Jacques Cousteau. Afterward, we visited the Moken village. It’s strange — there’s this quiet respect in the way they move around their boats, like they’re part of the tide itself. A little girl waved at us shyly; her smile stuck with me more than any postcard view.

Lunch was served in this open-air canteen inside Mu Koh Surin National Park — nothing fancy but honestly some of the best fried rice I’ve had in Thailand (and fresh pineapple that tasted like sunshine). We had time to relax or wander Mai Ngam beach if we wanted; I just lay back under a tree listening to distant laughter and waves slapping against longtail boats. The afternoon meant more snorkeling at Bon Bay and Pineapple Bay — each spot had its own mood, different colors under the surface, even though my mask kept fogging up no matter what trick I tried.

By late afternoon, sunburned and salty, we sped back toward Phuket with everyone a little quieter than before. There’s something about floating above those reefs that makes regular life feel far away for a while. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Surin Islands from Phuket — well, just go. Some things are worth getting up early for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Surin Islands Snorkeling Adventure

• Hotel pickup in Phuket
• Check-in and meet boat crew, breakfast
• Snorkeling at Chong Khat Bay
• Visit Moken village (sea gypsies)
• Visit Moken village or relax on Mai Ngam beach
• Lunch and snorkeling at Bon Bay, Mae Yai Bay, Pineapple Bay, Tao Bay

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Phuket to Surin Islands?

The speedboat ride from Phuket to Surin Islands takes about two hours each way.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this tour?

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

Do we visit the Moken village during the tour?

Yes, there is a visit to the Moken village where you can learn about their sea-faring lifestyle.

Is lunch included on the Surin Islands snorkeling trip?

Yes, a traditional Thai lunch with fresh fruits is served at Mu Koh Surin National Park canteen.

Are hotel transfers included from Phuket?

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

Is this day trip suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for children aged 4-11 years old with child tickets available.

Can pregnant travelers join this snorkeling tour?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended to join due to safety reasons.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Phuket, round-trip speedboat transfers to Surin Islands, all snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket), guidance from an English-speaking local guide throughout the trip, visits to several bays for snorkeling plus time at Mai Ngam beach or Moken village as you choose, as well as a traditional Thai lunch with fresh fruit before heading back home salty but happy.