Similan or Krabi for Snorkelling from Phuket?
By the PhuketGO tour desk on Phuket — we book and run these trips every week · Updated 12 October 2026
For the reef itself, the Similans win: the clearest water we can reach from Phuket, two dedicated snorkel stops and turtles often seen on the early boat — but only from mid-October to mid-May, and it is a twelve-hour day. Krabi's islands give you one snorkel stop inside a slow beach day with a sunset, which suits families and first-timers better.
Tours and prices in Thai baht
| Tour | Duration | Adult | Child 4–9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Similan islands: the classic day trip | About twelve hours | 2,600 ฿ | 2,400 ฿ |
| Similan islands, early departure | One day, 04:00–17:00 | 2,800 ฿ | 2,500 ฿ |
| Krabi tropical paradise: four islands in one day | One day, 09:00–18:30 | 2,300 ฿ | 2,000 ฿ |
| Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai island by speedboat | One day | 2,000 ฿ | 1,800 ฿ |
Prices come straight from our booking system. Children under four join free on most trips — each tour page says so.
Where is the water clearer?
The Similans. Our cards call them the best snorkelling within reach of Phuket, and the classic day is built around it: reef at island 9 at nine in the morning, a second reef at island 7 at 13:30. The early boat drops you in open water where sea turtles are often seen, and hands out fins, not just masks.
On Krabi tropical paradise the snorkelling comes at 15:40, off Hong island, in turquoise water after the climb to the viewpoint. Good — but one stop in a day that is mostly about beaches. The rest of that day is on Krabi four islands tour from Phuket.
What about the season?
That is the Similans' big catch. The national park closes from mid-May to mid-October. In those months there is simply no Similan trip, and Krabi (or Racha Yai, closer still) is your snorkelling day. Which of our three Racha and Coral trips suits a snorkeller best is on Racha or Coral island for snorkelling. Torn between Phi Phi and the four Krabi islands for a single day? Phi Phi or Krabi islands from Phuket compares the start times, the swimming and the park fees.
Inside the season, a calm morning is what you want for the Similans. If the forecast for your date looks rough, ask in the chat — moving the day is easier than enduring it.
How long is each day?
The Similans: about twelve hours. Pickup 05:30–06:30 and an hour and a half to Tablamu pier on the classic day; 04:00–05:00 on the early boat. Krabi tropical paradise: a 09:00 pier call and back at 18:30, with four islands and a sunset on a sandbar.
So it is also a question of energy. Twelve hours for the best reef, or a gentle day with some snorkelling in it?
Which one for beginners?
Krabi, or even easier, the Phi Phi day with Khai island, where fish swim up to the sand in shallow water. The Similan reefs are in deeper, open water; a life jacket helps, but confidence in the water makes the day far better.
Strong swimmers who came for fish and coral: Similans, no question. See all options on snorkeling tours. And if a snorkel isn't enough, try a supervised dive on our beginner scuba diving day trip. Closer to Phuket, the beginner's choice is between Khai island and Racha Yai, set out on Khai island or Racha Yai for snorkelling. Out of Similan season, the closer choice for clear water is set out on Racha Yai or Phi Phi.
What does the rest of each day look like?
Similan, classic: after the first reef, the climb to Sail Rock on island 8 for the view over the archipelago, beach time on the same island, a Thai buffet on board at 12:30, the second reef, and the last beach on island 4. Similan, early: Miang island at eight with a short jungle walk where flying foxes live, the snorkel in open water, lunch on island 8 and Sail Rock. Is the early bird Similan tour worth the extra cost sets the two Similan boats against each other.
Krabi tropical paradise: Naka Yai for about ninety minutes of beach games and water toys, Pakbia where a sand spit appears at low tide, two hours on Hong island with the viewpoint and the snorkel, Lao Lading at 16:20, and the sunset from a sandbar at 17:50.
How big are the groups?
Up to thirty on the classic Similan big boat; 36 to 38 on the early speedboat, which its card says is kept small rather than packed to sixty. Krabi tropical paradise runs for 24 to 38 people. Both Similan trips collect from Khao Lak as well as Phuket.
Can I do both?
Yes, and they combine well: the Similans on a calm high-season day for the reef, Krabi on another day for the beaches and the sunset. Put the Similans earlier in your stay — it is the trip most at the mercy of the sea. That Krabi day needs no drive to Krabi town: the Krabi islands by speedboat from Phuket explains the route.
What is included for snorkelling?
Masks and snorkels on both, life jackets on both. The early Similan boat adds fins, beach towels and disposable mouthpieces. Krabi tropical paradise includes park fees, lunch, drinks, fruit and a cocktail served in a coconut. What a Similan day costs with children, and who travels free, is on Similan islands tour prices for a family. Thinking of diving rather than snorkelling? Beginner dive day or snorkelling tour. If the other option is Phang Nga Bay, see Similan Islands or James Bond island.
Facilities on the Similan islands are limited, so bring what you need; a warm layer too, for the cold morning boat. One dry stop is worth the effort: the climb up Sail Rock on island 8 for the view over the archipelago. If the snorkellers in your group are children, read the Similan islands with children first.
Every tour in our catalogue runs with an English-speaking guide. Beginners should also say so — the crew will point out where to get in and out of the water at each stop. Closer to Phuket, Racha Yai is the clear-water island our cards point to. Booking a Similan day is set out on how to book a Similan islands tour. Booking that Krabi day is covered on how to book the Krabi four islands tour. The Surin Islands, which we don't run, are compared on Similan or Surin Islands from Phuket. Staying in Khao Lak? The Similan boats collect there too; see Similan Islands from Phuket or Khao Lak. Nearer and gentler than both, if it's a very first snorkel: the Khai islands, the opening stop of a Phi Phi day.
The tours on this page
Questions people ask
Is snorkelling better in the Similans or Krabi?
The Similans, for water clarity and reef life. Krabi is gentler and suits beginners and families.
When can I snorkel at the Similans?
From mid-October to mid-May. The park is closed the rest of the year.
How many snorkel stops are there?
Two on the classic Similan day. On Krabi tropical paradise, one, off Hong island.
Are fins included?
On the early Similan boat, yes. Elsewhere masks and snorkels are included.
Can I see turtles?
On the early Similan boat the snorkel stop is where turtles are often seen. No one can promise them.
Which is shorter?
Krabi tropical paradise: pier at 09:00, back at 18:30. The Similans take about twelve hours.
Tell us your dates
Send the trip you like, your dates and your hotel. We confirm the pickup time and how the sea looks for that day. Payment is agreed in the chat after the booking is confirmed: by card, bank transfer or USDT.