Unspoiled Surin Islands Snorkeling Escape from Khao Lak

Khao Lak , Thailand

Unspoiled Surin Islands Snorkeling Escape from Khao Lak

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Breathtakingly beautiful beaches, cerulean waters as clear as glass, swaying palm trees and some of the most extensive underwater coral gardens in Thailand: welcome to the Surin Islands. This archipelago of five unspoiled islands is located in the Andaman Sea, just 60 km from the Thai mainland. Inhabited only by the Moken, an ethnic group of sea-faring people, and protected under the status as a National Marine Park, the beauty and biodiversity of these islands remain pristine. The warm tropical waters with incredible visibility provide a haven, not just for the abundant aquatic life, but also for nature lovers, snorkellers and divers. This is the opportunity to experience the underwater life of an area untouched by mass tourism.

Available options

Unspoiled Surin Islands Snorkeling Escape from Khao Lak

Pickup included

What's included

Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver

A full day tour with a professional English-speaking assistance

All applicable taxes and service charges

Return speed boat transfer from and to the Surin Islands

Lunch at the National Park restaurant is included (food only)

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.

Use of life jacket, snorkelling equipment during the tour

Detailed itinerary

Early morning, join the speed boat for an exhilarating journey over to the Surin National Park. The ‘Robinson Crusoe’ feeling soon becomes reality as the jungle-clad hills of the islands appear on the horizon. Ao Mae Yai is one of the larger bays and the first stop of the day. Don a mask and flippers (provided by us) and jump into the luminous waters to discover extraordinary marine life, or just take a gentle stroll along the powder-soft sands.

A visit to a village inhabited by the Moken sea gypsies is an absolute must on this trip. Semi-nomadic by nature, the seafaring community used to spend a lot of their time travelling, however they have now permanently moored their wooden boats off Surin Tai Island where many live in stilted wooden houses with thatched roofs. Also known as Chao Leh, they have their own language and culture and are known for their exceptional underwater swimming and fishing skills. The chance to meet with the villagers and watch them as they go about their daily life gives an insight into a way of life dictated by the waves of the ocean.

There’s time for relaxing on Surin Beach, along with a leisurely Thai lunch in the fresh sea air at the National Park centre.

More swimming and snorkelling can be enjoyed at Chong Kad Bay and Suthep Bay. Both boast coral reefs teeming with sea creatures – some rare, others common – along with an impressive range of corals. Almost a thousand different species of fish are reported to live within the Surin Archipelago. Keep a look out for tiny seahorses, ghost pipefish, rays, clown fish, angel fish - maybe even small reef sharks and turtles.

Finally, return by speedboat to the mainland and transfer back to your hotel in Khao Lak.

What's not included

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees

Hotel accommodation in Khao Lak

Supplements for transfers outside the main Khao Lak region; this includes any cruise port, the Baan Naam Khem district as well as transfers from Khao Sok National Park.

Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Available languages

Guide guide

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

This tour is operated on joint / Seat-In-Coach basis only with English-speaking assistance on board.

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying along Khao Lak’s main beaches. Transfers outside these areas such as Phuket, Phang Nga, Ranong, Takua Pa Town including any harbour or airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.

A minimum number of guests are required for this excursion to operate; many of our tours do not have limitations on group size, depending on the availability of seats and other factors. We regret that we are not able to communicate in advance about this.

We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.

We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.

Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are still very powerful. We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.

In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

This excursion only runs from October until May. The expected boat trip from the mainland to the Surin Islands takes approximately 90 minutes one way.

Recommended to bring: change of clothing (2 sets), towel, swim wear and slippers / waterproof sandals. We strongly advise not to bring any valuables with you as there are no lockers available.

Important notes

Our office hours are from 08:30 hrs until 18:00 hrs from Monday to Friday.

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

About Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a picturesque coastal area in southern Thailand, known for its stunning beaches, lush national parks, and vibrant marine life. It offers a more relaxed and less commercialized alternative to nearby Phuket, making it perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

Top Attractions

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park

This national park is home to stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It's a great place for hiking, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Nature Half day to full day 100 THB (3 USD) entrance fee

Similan Islands

A group of nine islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. The Similan Islands are a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping tours.

Beach/Adventure Full day 1,500 - 3,000 THB (45 - 90 USD) for a day trip

Khao Lak Beach

A beautiful and relatively quiet beach stretching along the coast of Khao Lak. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset.

Beach Half day to full day Free

James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan)

A famous limestone island made popular by the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. It's a popular day trip destination for its unique rock formations and scenic boat rides.

Historical/Adventure Full day 1,200 - 2,500 THB (35 - 75 USD) for a day trip

Bang Niang Night Market

A lively night market offering a variety of street food, local crafts, and souvenirs. It's a great place to sample authentic Thai cuisine and experience the local culture.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free entry, food and shopping costs vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tom Yum Goong

A spicy and sour shrimp soup made with lemongrass, lime leaves, chili, and fish sauce. It's a popular and iconic Thai dish.

Soup Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Pad Thai

A popular Thai street food made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It's often served with peanuts and lime.

Stir-fried noodles Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Grilled Seafood

Freshly caught seafood grilled to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Khao Lak is known for its fresh and delicious seafood.

Main course Contains seafood, can be made gluten-free

Mango Sticky Rice

A popular Thai dessert made with ripe mango, sticky rice, and coconut milk. It's a sweet and refreshing treat, perfect for hot days.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Kayaking Hiking Caving Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga

Best Time to Visit

November to April

This is the best time to visit Khao Lak as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for beach activities and exploring the national parks. The sea is calm and ideal for snorkeling and diving.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Khao Lak is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxi services
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings

Getting there

By air

Phuket International Airport • 80 km (50 miles)

By bus

Phuket Bus Terminal, Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Songthaews are converted pick-up trucks that serve as shared taxis in Khao Lak. They follow specific routes and are a cheap way to get around, but they may not be as convenient as other forms of transport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Khao Lak Beach Bang Niang Taksin Village

Day trips

Phang Nga Bay

2 hours by speedboat • Full day

Phang Nga Bay is a stunning bay known for its limestone karst formations, emerald waters, and hidden lagoons. It's a popular destination for boat tours, kayaking, and exploring the unique landscape.

Similan Islands

1.5 to 2 hours by speedboat • Full day

Khao Sok National Park

2.5 hours by car • Full day or overnight

Khao Sok National Park is a stunning national park known for its lush rainforests, limestone karst formations, and diverse wildlife. It's a popular destination for hiking, wildlife spotting, and staying in floating bungalows.

Festivals

Loi Krathong • Full moon night in November Songkran • April 13-15 Vegetarian Festival • October (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder season (May to October) for fewer crowds and lower prices
Book tours and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season
Rent a car or scooter to explore the area at your own pace
Try local street food and seafood for an authentic Thai culinary experience
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your impact on the environment