THAILAND: 7 Day Similan & Surin Expedition
South East Asia
Thailand
7 Day Similan & Surin Expedition
Thailand’s Andaman coast pairs the sheltered bays of southern Phuket with two of the country’s most protected marine parks, Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin. This 7 day, 6 night yacht charter departs from Nai Harn on Phuket’s south coast and finishes at Ao Po Grand Marina on the island’s northeast shore, tracing a route north through the Andaman Sea. Guests spend the early days snorkelling and diving around Ko Racha Yai’s clear lagoon before heading further offshore to the granite islands of the Similans, then continue north to Ko Bon and Koh Tachai for a chance to sight manta rays and reef sharks.
The route reaches its northern point at Ko Surin Nuea, home to a Moken sea gypsy community on the neighbouring island, before turning back south through Phuket to Ao Po. Both national parks operate on a fixed season, open from mid October to mid May, so timing is a key part of planning this route. Days on board mix long snorkel and dive sessions with quieter time at anchor, and the pace favours guests who want a genuine wilderness feel rather than a string of beach clubs and marinas.
- Where | Thailand, Andaman Sea
- When | October to May
- Duration | 7 Days - 6 Nights
- Departs | Nai Harn
- Concludes | Ao Po Grand Marina
Day 1: Nai Harn
EMBARKATION | SUNSET WALK | COASTAL CRUISING
Board the yacht at Nai Harn, a curved bay on Phuket's south coast known for its clear water and calm anchorage outside of the southwest monsoon. Settle in over lunch while the crew runs through the week's route, then take the short walk up to Laem Promthep viewpoint nearby for sunset before the first night at anchor.
Day 2: Ko Bon to Koh Tachai
MANTA RAY WATCHING | DRIFT DIVING | REEF SNORKELLING
Continue north to Ko Bon, where a rocky ridge running out from the island is one of the Andaman's most reliable manta ray cleaning stations, best from November to April. Push on to Koh Tachai, whose beach has been closed to landing since 2016 to protect the island's ecosystem, though the surrounding reef remains open for diving and snorkelling, with soft coral slopes and a resident population of reef sharks.
Day 3: Ko Racha Yai
SNORKELLING | DIVING | REEF EXPLORATION
Cruise south to Ko Racha Yai, an island fringed by white sand bays and some of the clearest water near Phuket, with visibility regularly reaching 15 to 30 metres. Anchor in Siam Bay or Ao Batok and spend the day snorkelling or diving over coral gardens that suit both beginners and experienced divers, with reef fish and the occasional turtle among the highlights.
Day 4: Similan Islands
SCUBA DIVING | REEF SNORKELLING | UNDERWATER EXPLORATION
Head further offshore to Mu Ko Similan National Park, a chain of nine granite islands numbered rather than named, protected for their coral reefs and boulder strewn dive sites. Spend the day diving or snorkelling at sites such as Elephant Head Rock, with huge granite formations above and below the waterline and some of the best visibility in the Andaman Sea.
Day 5: Ko Surin Nuea
SNORKELLING | WILDLIFE WATCHING | CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Reach the northern edge of the route at Ko Surin Nuea, the larger of the two main islands in Mu Ko Surin National Park. Anchor in Ao Mae Yai, a wide sheltered bay lined with shallow coral reef that is easily explored by snorkel straight from the boat. A Moken sea gypsy village sits on the neighbouring island of Ko Surin Tai and can be visited as an optional side trip to learn about one of the region's last seafaring communities.
Day 6: Phuket
OPEN-WATER CRUISING | SWIMMING | FREE TIME
Turn south for the return leg toward Phuket, with a longer cruising day back across open water. Use the time on board to relax, or stop along the way for a final swim, before spending the evening near Phuket for guests who want to go ashore for dinner or to explore the island's old town.
Day 7: Ao Po Grand Marina
MORNING CRUISING | DISEMBARKATION
Cruise the short distance to Ao Po Grand Marina on Phuket's northeast coast, the gateway to Phang Nga Bay and a full service marina with all tide access. Disembark in the morning in time to connect with onward transfers or flights.
Activities+Optional extras
Get off-board and discover even more
Diving
National park reef diving across the Similan and Surin Islands, including sites such as Elephant Head Rock and Richelieu Rock.
Snorkelling
Direct-from-the-boat snorkelling at Ko Racha Yai and Ko Surin Nuea's sheltered coral reef.
Manta Ray Spotting
A reliable cleaning station at Ko Bon, best seen from November to April.
Cultural Visit
An optional visit to the Moken sea gypsy village on Ko Surin Tai, near Ko Surin Nuea.
Thailand: 7 Day Similan & Surin Expedition Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to charter here?
+This itinerary only runs from mid October to mid May, when Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin National Parks are open. Both parks close completely from mid May to mid October each year during the southwest monsoon, so charter dates need to fall within the open season.
Where do charters depart from?
+The charter begins at Nai Harn on Phuket's south coast and ends at Ao Po Grand Marina on the island's northeast coast, tracing a loop north through the Similan and Surin Islands and back south again.
What can be experienced in this region?
+The route is built around diving and snorkelling, with national park reefs at the Similan and Surin Islands, a manta ray cleaning station at Ko Bon, and calmer sheltered water for beginners at Ko Racha Yai.
Who is this destination suited for?
+This route suits guests who want a genuine dive and snorkel focused charter, with longer open water passages between anchorages and less time in built up marina towns compared to a Phuket to Krabi route.
What is a typical itinerary like?
+Most days combine one longer cruising leg with extended time at anchor for diving, snorkelling or exploring by tender, with sunset usually spent at a quiet anchorage rather than back in a marina.
What should be considered before booking?
+Guests should plan around the seasonal operating period of the Similan and Surin national parks and allow for weather-related changes to the route. Koh Tachai's beach is closed to landing for conservation, while marine park regulations, permitted anchorages, park fees, and access to specific dive sites can change. Diving activities should also be matched to the experience level of everyone onboard.
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