Can you charter a private boat from Phuket to the Similan Islands? The answer is yes — but the Similan Islands are not a standard day-trip destination, and understanding what the journey actually involves is essential before booking. Located approximately 70–80 kilometers north of Phuket, the Similans rank among the world’s most celebrated dive destinations. Through a private yacht charter from Phuket, you can reach them without relying on a group tour — but the distance, the seasonal access restrictions, and the planning required make this a trip in a different category from a standard island day trip.
Where Are the Similan Islands — and How Far from Phuket?
The Similan Islands are located in the Andaman Sea to the north of Phuket, within Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga Province. The distance from Phuket is approximately 70–80 kilometers, or 40–45 nautical miles.
- Speedboat: 2.5–3.5 hours (depending on sea conditions)
- Catamaran: 4–6 hours
- Motor Yacht: 3–4 hours
The round-trip travel time of 6–8 hours means that a Similan Islands trip requires serious planning. A full-day trip from Phuket leaves relatively limited time on the water — which is why an overnight charter is the format most experienced travelers recommend.
Private Charter vs. Group Tour: What’s the Difference?
Group Tours to the Similans
Most group tours depart from Thap Lamu Pier in Phang Nga — approximately 90 minutes north of Phuket — which reduces travel time. They run on fixed schedules, carry multiple groups simultaneously, and offer limited flexibility over dive sites and itinerary.
Private Charter from Phuket
Departure directly from Phuket — no need to travel to Phang Nga first. The vessel is exclusively yours. You choose which islands and dive sites to visit, and the schedule is built entirely around your group.
When Are the Similan Islands Open?
- Open: Approximately late October – early May (exact dates vary — always confirm with the national park authority before booking)
- Closed: May – October. No vessels permitted to enter, including private charters
- Best time to visit: December – April. Calmest seas, highest visibility, optimal diving conditions
What Makes the Similan Islands Worth the Journey?
- Elephant Head Rock (Island 8) — Massive submerged boulders, diverse fish life, and a signature drift through a narrow underwater channel
- Christmas Point (Island 7) — Brilliant soft coral and exceptional visibility; suitable for both snorkeling and scuba
- Richelieu Rock — Consistently ranked among the world’s top ten dive sites; whale shark sightings occur here during March–May
- Donald Duck Bay (Island 4) — Calm, shallow water ideal for snorkeling and beginners
Planning Your Private Similan Islands Charter
Option 1: Full Day Trip
Depart Phuket at 5:00–6:00 AM. Arrive at the Similans around 9:00–10:00 AM. Two or three dive and snorkeling stops. Lunch on the boat. Depart for return around 2:00–3:00 PM. Demanding but achievable for groups who want to experience the Similans without an overnight stay.
Option 2: One or Two Night Overnight Charter (Recommended)
The format that genuinely does justice to the Similans. Overnight on the boat at anchor allows morning dives before any group tour vessels arrive, access to multiple dive sites across two days, and the experience of the islands at dusk and dawn. The difference between a day trip and an overnight charter to the Similans is not incremental — it is transformational.
Costs to Plan For
- National park fees: Approximately 500–900 THB per adult (subject to change; confirm current rates before booking)
- Fuel: Significantly higher than standard day charters due to the distance
- Food and provisions: For multi-day trips, ensure catering is fully planned in advance
- Dive equipment and dive master: Scuba diving requires a qualified dive master onboard and a minimum of Open Water certification
What to Prepare Specifically for a Similan Trip
- Verify park open/closed status before booking — the seasonal closure is strictly enforced
- Seasickness medication — the open-sea crossing warrants preparation regardless of conditions
- Reef-safe sunscreen — the Similans’ coral ecosystem is world-class and worth protecting
- Dive certification — Open Water certification minimum for scuba diving
- Underwater camera or housing — nowhere in Thai waters produces better underwater photography
Final Thought: Yes, You Can — and It’s Worth Every Bit of the Planning
Chartering a private boat from Phuket to the Similan Islands is one of the most rewarding sea experiences available anywhere in Southeast Asia. The distance and the planning required are real — but so is the payoff. If you want to compare snorkeling visibility across all major Phuket-area destinations before deciding on your full itinerary, read our guide on Snorkeling Phuket: Which Spots Have the Clearest Water? to put the Similans in context.
