Surin Islands Snorkeling Day Trip from Khao Lak
Moken Village & Pristine Coral Reefs

From Khao Lak:

• The Khao Lak area is the nearest and most convenient departure point for trips to the Surin Islands. It offers the shortest travel time by boat, making it an ideal choice for those who want to spend more time exploring the islands and less time in transit. The 55km speedboat ride from our pier typically takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Transit times are dependent on sea conditions. 

From Phuket:

• Phuket is considered too far for a Surin Islands day trip departure point by boat alone. The transit time by sea is too costly in both time and fuel. It is possible, but we advise those staying in Phuket to join our Surin Islands Tour departing from Khao Lak, drastically shortening the transit time on the boat for a more environmentally friendly and comfortable option. Please note there is an additional taxi fee of 400 THB per person. 

From Krabi and beyond:

• Krabi is generally considered too far for a Surin Islands day trip. The distance and travel time make it unsuitable. We advise you to stay a night or two in the Khao Lak or Phuket areas, whichever is more convenient for your travel itinerary. We offer private car and minibus.

Transfer: Phuket Airport to Khao Lak

transfer services to help make your Surin Islands wishes a reality. We suggest taking a flight to Phuket International Airport (HKT) if you will be staying further away. HKT airport is just a one-hour transfer away from Khao Lak. Our transfer department can assist you in booking your direct transfer to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport.

Yes, staying overnight on the Surin Islands is permitted within the national park in the national park accommodation. Accommodation ranges from tents to air-conditioned bungalows. If you wish to book accommodation on the island, you must do so directly through the Mu Koh Surin National Park. Visit their webpage for more details. Once you book your accommodation, you still need to get to the islands and back. The Surin National Park Authority does not offer transportation to and from the island. You will be required to organize transportation to and from the national park through one of the speedboat operators who visit the islands on that day.

The Surin Islands are an underwater explorer's paradise! The waters in the marine park boast some of the richest marine diversity in Thailand, if not the world. Visibility underwater is usually above 20 meters and can reach as high as 40 meters. The underwater landscapes near the islands include vibrant coral reef slopes and plateaus that provide a haven for a wide diversity of reef fishes and invertebrates. Sea-faring reptiles, such as sea turtles and sea snakes, are also found near the islands. Large pelagics, like manta rays and whale sharks, also visit the park waters.

• Foreigners: Adult 500THB Child 250THB
• Thai Nationals: Adult 100THB Child 50THB

We include the National Park Fees in our prices.

• Surin Island National Park rules dictate that sunscreen must be reef-safe to protect the coral reefs from harmful chemicals and heavy metals. If you do not have reef-safe sunscreen, we have reef-safe sunscreen available for purchase at the pier 
• We provide motion-sickness tablets at the pier before departure, free of charge, to those passengers who are susceptible to sea sickness. 
• Please be aware that it is against park regulations to bring single-use plastics and foam boxes within the park boundaries. 
• Smoking is not permitted on the speedboat at any time. Smoking on the Surin Islands is restricted to designated areas. 
• Permits are required for flying drones​. Please ensure you have obtained the proper permit before operating a drone within the park boundary.

Please be aware that cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour date are non- refundable. 

We accept Surin Islands tour bookings up to the eve of the tour departure date.  Advanced booking is strongly advised due to the limited availability of spaces on the speedboats. 

• The Surin Islands Archipelago is comprised of five islands that are world famous for their rich underwater environment, no doubt the best in Thailand. Richelieu Rock, the most famous diving site, is in the top ten sites in the world! The Surin Islands are about 55km from the mainland, north of the Similan Islands, and 18km from the oceanic border with Myanmar. The only buildings on the islands are those found at the national park public area and those at the Moken Village. About 100 species of birds reside within the park, including some of the rarest species in Thailand. Reptile species on the islands include king cobras, reticulated pythons, mangrove pit vipers, and clouded and water monitors. Sea turtle species within the park include the Green, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Loggerheads. Leopard, white-tip, black-tip reef sharks, and large pelagic species such as whale sharks and manta rays inhabit the coastal and open waters around the islands. Flying lemurs can be found at the national park grounds and around islands. Most of the land area is off-limits to visitors, except the Moken Village and the National Park public area. Visitors found within protected areas will be fined and removed from the park.

Yes — visiting the Moken village on Koh Surin Nua is one of the highlights that sets the Surin Islands apart from every other island day trip in Thailand. The Moken (also called Chao Leh, or sea gypsies) are one of Southeast Asia's last semi-nomadic sea-dwelling communities, and their stilted village on the north island is accessible during the tour.

On the visit you can walk through the village, see traditional longtail boats and fishing equipment, and observe daily life at a respectful distance. The Moken community is small and culturally distinct — please follow your guide's instructions at all times, and do not photograph community members without their explicit permission. This short cultural encounter is genuine and unhurried; it is not a staged tourist attraction.

Both island groups are national parks in the North Andaman Sea, departing from Khao Lak, and both offer world-class snorkelling and diving. The differences come down to distance, reef character, and experience:

• Surin Islands — approximately 55 km from Khao Lak (about 1 hour 40 minutes by speedboat). The reefs are shallower and ideal for snorkellers of all levels. Giant clams, sea turtles, and manta rays are regularly spotted. Surin is also home to the Moken sea-gypsy village — a cultural experience unique to this archipelago.
• Similan Islands — approximately 70 km from Khao Lak (about 2 hours). Renowned for dramatic granite boulders, deeper dives, and larger pelagic fish. Considered one of the world's top ten dive sites. Better suited to divers and underwater photographers.
• Which to choose? If this is your first snorkelling trip or you want a cultural angle, choose Surin. If you are a diver or want more dramatic scenery above and below the water, choose Similan. If you have two days spare, do both.

See our Similan Islands snorkelling tour for full details and availability.