Similan and Surin Islands Trips From Phuket: Season, Fees and How to Book

Season and fees

Reports say Mu Ko Similan National Park opened on 15 October 2026 and runs until 15 May 2027, then closes for the monsoon. One report gives a daily quota of 3,850 visitors, including 525 for divers. The park fee is 500 baht for a foreign adult and 250 baht for a child aged 3 to 14, usually included in tour prices. Surin follows a similar season at the same adult fee. Closures can start early in stormy weather.

Day trips and liveaboards

Day tours leave from Tap Lamu pier near Khao Lak and take 12 to 14 hours, with tours quoted from about 3,400 baht including park entry. A two-dive day trip from Khao Lak was quoted at about 6,300 baht including diver park fee and gear, and about 7,900 for three dives. Liveaboards reach the outer sites and are the way to dive Richelieu Rock. Reports say no accommodation is available on the islands for this season, so there are no overnight stays on land.

When to go and how to choose

December to March is described as the calmest with the best visibility, while the early season from mid-October has fewer visitors but rougher days can cancel sailings. Check what is included, the pier, transfer times, group size and cancellation terms, and the operator's marine-park permit. See the diving guide and the island hopping guide.

Be a good visitor

• Do not touch or stand on coral and do not feed fish.
• Follow ranger rules and take rubbish back.
• Check weather and sea warnings. See the beach safety guide and the heavy rain guide.
• Plan a rainy-day alternative. See the rainy day guide.