Thailand’s most celebrated dive destination — 30m+ visibility, world-famous boulder sites and pristine reef that can only be reached overnight by private yacht.
The Similan Islands (“Nine Islands” in Malay — now officially 11 with Koh Bon and Koh Tachai in the wider park) sit 80 km off the northwest coast of the Thai mainland in the deep Andaman Sea. The water is among the clearest in Southeast Asia: 30–40m visibility is normal in peak season, and the reef system — both hard coral gardens and dramatic granite boulder formations — is in a condition that most of the region’s dive destinations can no longer claim.
The park closes every June and reopens in November, not to manage tourism but to let the ecosystem recover. That cycle works: Similan reef quality has remained consistently exceptional for decades. Day-trip boats from Khao Lak reach the islands by 10am, which means the one genuine advantage of a private yacht charter is the early morning — arrive the previous afternoon, have the anchorage to yourselves overnight, dive or snorkel at first light before any other boat arrives.
This is the benchmark trip for serious snorkellers and divers. It is also genuinely spectacular for non-diving guests who can explore the famous beaches, swim in crystal clear shallows, and experience an overnight anchorage far from shore that very few visitors ever see.
Season note: The Similan Islands National Park is closed June–October every year. Charters are available November–May only. We will advise if your dates fall outside the open season.
The Similans reward those who arrive by private yacht — early access, flexible timing, and the ability to anchor overnight at the best spots.
★ Iconic beach
The postcard image of the Similans — an enormous granite boulder balanced above a white sand beach, clear turquoise water. The main island (Ko Similan, Island No.8) has the park headquarters and the bay is a classic overnight anchorage. Snorkelling off the beach is excellent in the shallows.
World-class diving
One of the Andaman’s most famous dive sites — massive granite boulders forming swim-throughs, caverns and pinnacles draped in soft coral at 5–30m. Visibility regularly exceeds 30m. Leopard sharks rest on sandy patches between the boulders. A bucket-list site for experienced divers.
Snorkel paradise
A slope site that descends from 3m into deep water — accessible to confident snorkellers at the surface and rewarding for divers at every depth. Hard coral coverage here is exceptional and the fish life is dense: humphead parrotfish, giant trevally, hawksbill turtles on most dives.
Overnight anchorage
By 4pm the day-trip boats have gone. Your yacht swings at anchor in a protected bay. The reef glows in the afternoon light and the water is glassy. Dinner on deck as stars appear over an uninhabited island — this is the experience that cannot be replicated on a day trip from shore.
A flexible programme — your captain adjusts for sea conditions, tides and group pace.
Board at Ao Por Marina on Phuket’s north coast. Briefing, departure formalities, and cast off by 8am. The 80km crossing takes 4–5 hours under sail or motor — time for breakfast, reading, and watching the mainland coast disappear behind you.
Arrive at the southern islands. Anchor, swim, lunch on deck. The water colour alone — translucent turquoise above white sand in 15m of depth — is worth the crossing. The park check-in and entry fees (฿600/adult) are handled here.
First water time at one of the southern sites — East of Eden (Island 7) or Breakfast Bend (Island 9) depending on conditions. Snorkellers explore the reef flat from the surface; divers can go with a guide arranged in advance. Expect turtle sightings on most afternoon sessions.
The day-trip boats leave. Sail or motor to the overnight anchorage at Donald Duck Bay (Ko Similan) or a protected bay on one of the northern islands. Sundowners on deck. Dinner under stars. The anchor light is often the only light visible in any direction.
This is the unique advantage of the overnight charter. Dive or snorkel at Christmas Point or another top site before 8am — the water is glassy, visibility is at its best and the only other boats are the park patrol. Manta rays are occasionally sighted in the early morning during peak season.
A second snorkel or dive session at a remaining site on your list. Breakfast on deck. Depart the park by 11am for the 4–5 hour return crossing to Ao Por. Back at the marina by mid-afternoon with time to catch sunset in Phuket.
Both yachts have private cabins, full galleys and offshore range for the Similan crossing.
The best platform for a Similan expedition — stable in open water, wide deck for drying gear, three private cabins for sleeping, and shallow enough draft to anchor close to reef sites. The standard choice for diving groups.
The most luxurious way to reach the Similans. Faster crossing (3.5–4h at 28 knots), air-conditioned cabins, a full salon for dining, and a flybridge for panoramic views. Ideal for couples or small groups wanting a premium offshore experience.
Everything you need to know about the Similan Islands overnight charter
The Similan Islands National Park opens on 1 November and closes on 15 May each year. The six-month closure (June–October) is a conservation measure that has maintained reef quality for decades. Bookings are only possible within the open season — we will confirm your dates when you enquire.
About 80 km northwest of Phuket, in the open Andaman Sea. By sailing catamaran the crossing takes 4–5 hours from Ao Por Marina or Yacht Haven on Phuket’s north coast. The Azimut 62 motor yacht covers it in approximately 3.5 hours at 28 knots. Overnight charter is the practical way to visit — day trips by speedboat from Khao Lak are possible but you spend most of the day in transit.
Yes. The Similan Islands National Park charges ฿600 per adult and ฿300 per child under 14. Scuba divers pay an additional ฿200 dive site fee per person per day. These fees are paid on arrival at the park office and are not included in your charter price. Bring cash (Thai baht).
No. The Similan Islands have world-class snorkelling — shallow reef sections at 1–5m that non-divers and beginners can enjoy from the surface. The famous granite boulder sites like Christmas Point require scuba experience, but the beaches, reef flats and entry snorkel zones are accessible to all. If your group is mixed (divers and snorkellers), we can accommodate both on the same charter.
Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins, vest) is included for all guests. Scuba equipment and guiding must be arranged separately with a licensed dive operator — we work with trusted partners who specialise in Similan diving and can include this in your package if required. Mention it when you enquire.
Yes, though sightings are not guaranteed. Manta rays are most commonly seen at cleaning stations around Ko Bon (just north of the main park) from December to April. Whale sharks are occasionally sighted at the southern islands and at Richelieu Rock (a short additional sail north). Both are possible on a private charter with flexible timing — a rigid day-trip schedule makes these encounters much harder to plan for.
Other private charters from Phuket
Dramatic limestone karsts and mangrove channels — a completely different landscape to the open Andaman. Day trip from Phuket.
The best snorkelling within a half-day of Phuket — 15–20m clarity, healthy reef and far fewer crowds.
Thailand’s most iconic archipelago — spectacular limestone scenery and excellent snorkelling on a full-day charter.
Cap your Phuket visit with a private 3–4 hour sunset cruise along the west coast. From $290.