What is the Best Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip from Phuket/Khao Lak?

The Similan Islands are archipelago of nine uninhabited islands in the Andaman Sea off the Western coast of Thailand. Located 85 km off the coast of Thailand, this area is one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in South East Asia. With its clear waters and abundance of hard corals and vibrant marine life, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Whether you love to dive or just admire the beauty of the sea from above, it is a perfect destination to explore and satisfy your adventurous side.

As its popularity grows, so does the number of tour companies offering day trips to experience the beauty of the Similans. But which tour is the best? Considering the time, distance and activities, which Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip is the best for you coming from either Phuket or Khao Lak?

Similan Islands Day Trip: An Overview

Day trips to the Similan Islands are incredibly popular and come with a variety of rewards. A typical day trip usually leaves early in the morning and returns late in the afternoon. The exact itinerary may vary slightly depending on the tour agency but usually follows a similar program.

In most day trips departing from Phuket or Khao Lak, travelers visit two or three islands. These small uninhabited islands are home to an impressive variety of coral reefs and marine life, so naturally you’ll find that snorkeling and diving are among the most popular activities for tourists. Depending on the size of the group, trips sometimes also include beach volleyball and other fun beach activities as well.

It is important to note that due to its relative distance from both Phuket and Khao Lak, you should plan a full day for your Similan Islands expedition. It takes approximately 2 – 3 hours by speedboat from either Location to reach your destination. Additionally, you’ll need to consider the time needed for snorkeling, lunch and extra activities.

Pros and Cons of Day Trips

Similan Islands day trips can be an enjoyable experience, however, it is important to keep in mind that there are some drawbacks that should be taken into consideration before you decide to book your tour.

Now let’s look at some pros:

• Affordable – Day trips typically cost between £30 – £70 per person.
• Schedule Flexibility – With a single day tour you’ll be able to visit several incredible sites with less pressure than if were to spend multiple days travelling.
• Meeting New People – Whether it be other travellers on the tour or locals, you will have an opportunity to meet lots of new people on a single day trip.

Let’s also take a look at some cons:

• Time Constraints – With only a day to explore, you must consider which islands will be most important for you to visit.
• Size of Group – With larger boats come larger groups, meaning more people out in the water competing for your share of space, versus on a private tour where you would have a greater freedom and flexibility.
• Price – Largely dependent on where and with whom you go on a day trip, prices can vary drastically.

Early Bird Day Trips: The Best-Value Option

When considering a budget-friendly tour option, one solution is to book an Early Bird Day Trip special, which tend to be a bit more cost effective than other packages. Early Bird Day Trips typically leaving from Phuket or Khao Lak offer an extensive program that includes visits to different islands as well as lunch and unlimited drinks. The price of these type of tours usually ranges between £30 – £40 per person and they usually depart at around 7:00 am in the morning (Usually earlier than other regularly scheduled departure times).

The advantage of booking an Early Bird Day Trip is that it will be one of the first vessels in the water once it reaches its destination, meaning less competition for snorkeling spots and lots of time to tour and explore without having to worry about large crowds occupying most of your time in each place.

For those who plan ahead and book early, this can be one of the greatest values when it comes to Similan Islands Day Tours from Phuket or Khao Lak. Both novice and experienced divers or snorkelers will benefit from booking an early bird package as it will offer a budget-friendly price tag as well as an early start meaning more time for your adventure!

The only catch when booking a very early tour from either Phuket or Khao Lak is that it takes approximately 2–3 hours by sea to reach your destination. That can mean waking up very early in order to arrive at the pier on time (usually around 5:00 – 5:30 am). Depending on who you book with – more well-known companies may provide pickups from your hotel whereas smaller companies may require you to meet them at the pier – this is something you’ll want keep an eye out for when booking an early bird package.

Considering that these tours depart very early in the morning, they are ideal for those who prefer to spend their evenings enjoying a good meal and/or going out with friends as they will have plenty of time to enjoy both before and after their day trip ends.

The Perfect Tour For You

When it comes down to deciding which Early Bird Day Trip is right for you, it mostly boils down to preference – do you prefer very large groups? Do need special facilities or equipment? Do you need pickup service from you hotel? Those are all things to consider when selecting a Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip from either Phuket or Khao Lak.

In conclusion, an early bird tour enables travelers to make the most out of their day without breaking their wallet. It offers unbelievable value combined with an incredibly rewarding day filled with breathtaking sights over some of South East Asia’s best dive sites!
If you’re looking for an affordable option for exploring Similans Islands coming from either Phuket or Khao Lak, then I highly recommend that you book an Early Bird Day Trip with GetYourGuide, which provides great flexibility and options for a single day of exploration. With tours departing from 6:00 am – 7:00 am (depending on availability) you won’t find a better value for your money when it comes down to exploring some of Thailand’s greatest maritime landscapes!