About this tour
When Ben from our team boarded the MV Koon for this 2-day liveaboard snorkel trip, he found himself anchored off the Similan Islands — a cluster of granite-backed atolls north of Khao Lak known for gin-clear water and thriving coral gardens. The itinerary hits Islands 5, 6, 4, and 7, plus Christmas Point and Sail Rock, with nights spent aboard and meals included. It's the kind of setup that appeals to families wanting to avoid daily commutes, couples after a bit of boat-time romance, and keen snorkellers wanting back-to-back reef time without the day-trip rush. Weather and sea state can shuffle the schedule, and the park closes May to mid-October for conservation.
Highlights
- Sleep on the water — no hotel shuffle, breakfast with ocean views
- Coral gardens at Island 7 genuinely colourful, not overhyped
- Sail Rock's duck-head profile is a quirky spot worth the camera moment
- Small-group feel aboard — guide knew names and pacing stayed relaxed
- Snorkel straight from the boat most stops, minimal faffing
- Sunset dinner on deck beats standard resort dining
What to expect
Day one starts with a hotel pickup from Khao Lak (extra charge if you're staying further out in Khok Kloi or Natai areas), then a speedboat transfer to the Similan Islands. You'll hit Islands 5 and 6 first — both reef-heavy, both crowded-ish because they're popular — then shift to Island 4 for a proper beach break and a wander on sand. The sunset dinner happens back on the MV Koon, which is a genuinely nice moment if the sea's calm. Day two is the reverse: sunrise breakfast, then morning snorkels at Island 7 and Christmas Point before the final stop at Sail Rock (the granite outcrop that does genuinely look like a certain cartoon duck if you squint). The boat handles 20–30 people, so it's neither intimate nor zoo-like. Reefs are healthy and fish life is varied; Ben spotted parrotfish, groupers, and anemones without needing to dive.
What travellers say
- Overnight liveaboard cuts out daily Khao Lak shuttle stress
- Meals and snorkel gear included — fewer hidden costs than expected
- Island 7 reefs genuinely vibrant, fish life rewards the time underwater
- Relaxed pacing — no rushing between spots, guide stays attentive
- Sunset and sunrise moments feel genuine, not manufactured
- Park closure May–October limits window; must check dates
- National park fees and extras can add 600+ baht per person
- Early morning departure may not suit slow risers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
You get two full days of snorkelling with zero hotel commuting — ideal if you're only in Khao Lak a night or two and want proper reef time. All meals are aboard, the guide speaks English and Thai, and insurance up to 1 million baht is baked in. Families with kids aged 4–11 get discounted tickets; under-4s are free. The boat's solid, not a sketchy speedboat conversion.
The national park shuts from mid-May to mid-October, so plan around that. Sea conditions can shuffle the schedule or force a reschedule — not ideal if you're on a tight itinerary. Early starts are standard (boat leaves before 8am from most hotels). The reefs at Islands 5 and 6 do get busy, especially if multiple boats show up. National park entry fees (400 baht adults, 200 baht kids) aren't included and will surprise you at checkout. Single cabins cost an extra 1,500 baht per night. No alcohol allowed, though soft drinks are free. Not suitable if you're pregnant, have spinal issues, or poor cardiovascular fitness. Anyone over 75 should check with the operator first.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.