Surin Islands Snorkel Tour by SeaStar Andaman from Phuket
Description
Explore the unspoiled, remote located Surin Islands on a truly island adventure trip from Phuket by SeaStar Andaman without the usual high amounts of visitors. Get the privilege to snorkel around the pristine reef sites off the Surin Islands following the guidelines of the Green Fins initiative to protect the coral reefs after the massive bleaching in 2010. Learn about the nomadic sea culture of the Moken and spot turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays and with a little bit of luck impressive whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins which often patrol the islands.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Get conveniently picked up in the early morning by minivan from your hotel on the entire Phuket Island and head over to Nam Khem Pier in Khao Lak. Meet the passionated boat crew of SeaStar Andaman and enjoy a light breakfast before cruising by speed boat in less than 90 minutes to the unspoiled Surin Islands. Mu Koh Surin National Park is situated in Phang Nga province, roughly 60 kilometres away from the shore. Make the first snorkel stop in Chong Khat Bay which is located between the two main Surin Islands. At low tides it is actually possible to walk across, as the water is extremely shallow. Our guides will explain you how to protect and conserve coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines of Green Fins for your snorkelling experience. Continue to Koh Surin Tai (the Southern Surin Island) to discover the natural way of life of the 150 Moken sea gypsies. The Chao Leh, which means 'The Sea People' in Thai, spend much of their lives on their boats, called 'kabang'. The Moken survive mainly through fish hunting and gathering of shellfish and other marine life from the reefs and mudflats. At Mai Ngam Beach you can enjoy the beach life or do some walking along the 2-kilometre hiking trail. Then indulge in a delectable buffet lunch in the canteen of the park ranger station to fuel your energy for the next snorkelling sessions. Make your way to Bon Bay or Pineapple Bay (depending on the sea conditions) where you can swim on vibrant coral reefs and spot colourful fish hovering around their natural habitats in calm waters. The last snorkel stop will be at Mae Yai Bay with a jump into the clean and clear turquoise waters brimming with magnificent underwater aqua life. After a lovely time, it is time to say goodbye to Surin Islands and to return to the pier in Khao Lak. Enjoy some sweets and coffee before returning to your accommodation in Phuket with happy smiles and an amazing story to tell your friends. Itinerary: • 05:30 - 07:20: Hotel pickup in Phuket • 07:20 - 08:30: Transfer to Nam Khem Pier in Khao Lak • 08:30 - 08:40: Meet the boat crew of SeaStar Andaman at the private pier • 08:40 - 09:00: Enjoy a light breakfast • 09:00 - 10:30: Cruise by speed boat to Surin Islands • 10:30 - 11:30: Sightseeing of the Moken Village • 11:30 - 12:30: Enjoy a buffet lunch at the canteen • 12:30 - 13:30: Relax on the beach at Chong Khad Channel • 13:30 - 14:30: Snorkel at Bon Bay or Pineapple Bay • 14:30 - 15:30: More snorkeling at Mae Yai Bay • 15:30 - 17:00: Head back to Nam Khem Pier • 17:00 - 19:00: Transfer back to the hotel
Get conveniently picked up in the early morning by minivan from your hotel on the entire Phuket Island and head over to Nam Khem Pier in Khao Lak. Meet the passionated boat crew of SeaStar Andaman and enjoy a light breakfast before cruising by speed boat in less than 90 minutes to the unspoiled Surin Islands. Mu Koh Surin National Park is situated in Phang Nga province, roughly 60 kilometres away from the shore.
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Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Get picked up from your hotel in Phuket located near the main road. If you are staying on the hill or at a private villa or airbnb, you have to come to a nearby hotel. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed by email after you have made the booking. Pickup times for each zone: • Ao Por: 06:20 - 06:40 • Bang Tao Beach: 06:30 - 06:50 • Cape Panwa: 05:40 - 06:00 • Chalong Bay: 05:30 - 05:50 • Kamala Beach: 06:20 - 06:40 • Karon Beach: 05:40 - 06:00 • Kata Beach: 05:40 - 06:00 • Laguna Zone: 05:30 - 05:50 • Layan Beach: 06:30 - 06:50 • Mai Khao Beach: 06:40 - 07:00 • Nai Harn Beach: 05:30 - 05:50 • Nai Thon Beach: 06:30 - 06:50 • Nai Yang Beach: 06:30 - 06:50 • Naka Lay: 06:20 - 06:40 • Patong Beach: 06:00 - 06:20 • Phuket Airport: 06:30 - 06:50 • Phuket Town: 05:40 - 06:00 • Rawai Beach: 05:30 - 05:50 • Siray Bay: 05:30 - 05:45 • Surin Beach: 06:30 - 06:50 • Tri Trang Beach: 06:00 - 06:20
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- To be able to confirm the booking, it is very important that you send us a copy of the passport ID page for all travelers. We have to send this information to the Thai Marine Department before the trip starts. It will be handled strictly private and confidential. Please also bring a digital photo of the passport on your phone or a copy of the passport to the trip.
- The tour program is subject to change due to weather & sea conditions
Reviews(10)
Horrible food, views were nice. We signed for an English speaking group? bur surprisingly we were assigned with a Chinese guide who spoke non-stop Chinese. We literally couldn't reset, either escape or go back. The food is very bad, felt so cheap. Other than views expect nothing. I would highly recommend explore different companies who treat there customers with dignity.
We sincerely apologize that your experience did not meet your expectations, and we are truly sorry for the disappointment you felt. We deeply regret the confusion regarding the English-speaking guide and understand how frustrating and uncomfortable this must have been for you. We are also very sorry that the food and overall experience did not reflect the standard we aim to provide. Please know that your feedback is greatly valued and will be carefully reviewed with our team so we can make the necessary improvements. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, and we genuinely hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again and provide you with a much better experience in the future.
I great day out and good value for money. We were picked up from our hotel and arrived at the pier. There were lots of people there but it was very well organised. Our guide, Patsy was very good and had an excellent sense of humour. It was 1 hour 20 mins on the speed boat to the islands which was fine as weather was good. We visited the sea gypsies village and then went snorkelling from the boat. We then stopped for lunch which again was very well organised with a good choice of Thai food. We then had some time to enjoy the beautiful beach. We had 2 more snorkelling stops before returning.
Very very professional Very good stuff Excellent organization but snorkeling dissapointing for someone who has seen other places. o
Thank you for your kind words about our team and organization. We’re sorry to hear that the snorkeling did not meet your expectations. Please note that we always operate within national park regulations and strive to offer the best possible experience while protecting the marine environment.
A fantastic day visiting the Surin Islands yesterday. A very well organised and very impressed with the company. They all work so hard making sure everyone is safe and having fun. A day I will never forget especially visiting the Moken village and buying their beautiful handcrafted jewellery 🙏🥰
A must do tour for those who love snorkelling! Agree it’s a long day , especially from Patong beach. However it’s easy to sleep in the air conditioned bus. The organisation was outstanding. Staff were excellent. Food and drinks provided all day. Even on our return. Take reef shoes and recommend hiring the Go Pro if you don’t have one. The coral was really big. Gorgeous fish. Well worth your time
Dear travelbuggill Thank you for taking the time to review your recent snorkeling tour with us! We're thrilled you enjoyed the experience, particularly the organization, friendly staff, and amazing underwater world. We understand Patong is a bit of a trek, but we're glad the comfortable bus helped you rest up for the adventure. We're also happy to hear the food and drinks throughout the day kept you fueled and refreshed. Your tip about reef shoes and renting a GoPro is spot-on! We always encourage guests to be prepared for the best snorkeling experience. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope you'll consider joining us for another adventure in the future!
The Surin island trip was nothing short of amazing. The transfer is by air conditioned mini bus, taking you to the Sea Star HQ where you are given a buffet of hot and cold breakfast with drinks. The boat was relatively small with a seat each so not overcrowded. A lovely buffet lunch with good selection of food available. Lovely calm snorkelling spots and you are given plenty of time at each stop so doesn’t feel rushed. When we arrived back at the Sea Star HQ there was another buffet selection offered of rice, noodles, fried chicken etc while having the opportunity to have a toilet break and change out of swimsuit before the transfer home. The organisation was good and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Be warned it is an early pick up and possibly a long transfer depending where you stay (we stayed in Ratsada so the transfer was around 2.5 hours there and back) so in total took around 14 hours but it was a jam packed day where no time was wasted and an amazing experience from start to finish. I would highly recommend Sea Star and the Surin Island tour.
Dear daniellerN9615AE Fantastic review! Thanks for choosing Sea Star and sharing your amazing Surin Island experience. ☀️ Friendly staff, delicious food, top-notch snorkelling - what more could you ask for? We're so glad you enjoyed it!
Just amazing !!!! Best snorkling places in Thailand <3 Nothing negative to say. The guide Pretty Patty, amazing lady :D
Dear Vilde C Thanks for joining our snorkel tour to Surin Island aboard the Sea Star.
Great day with Seastar. Bela and her crew were great, very friendly and attentive. We spent a very quiet and relaxed day from island to island and with the canoes. We'd go with them again.
Dear juliabN3846DP Thanks for your message and we are delighted that you enjoyed this special trip to Surin Islands.
Long day but completely worth it! Great snorkelling spots in the National marine park! Plenty of fish and coral! The sea star team was excellent !…lead by Ice cream!…that is her name!
Very good experience, the excursion is very well organized: clean boat, clear instructions, material provided (towel, mask and snorkel). As for meals: breakfast, meals, snacks, arrival meals, fruit, cakes, ice cream, water and pepsi at will, we lack nothing during this tour!! The organization is strict but very professional, you can go and let yourself be guided with your eyes closed! The Surin Islands are not the most paradisiacal on the other hand the snorkeling spot is not to be missed, exceptional! Even beginners can enjoy a wide variety of accessible marine fauna! Thank you for everything!
