Surin Islands Snorkelling Day Trip from Khao Lak

Mu Ko Surin National Park sits in the far north of the Andaman Sea, and this speedboat day from Khao Lak covers three snorkelling sites and the Moken sea-nomad village. Allow nine to ten hours, including hotel transfers.

After a light breakfast and gear fitting with the SeaStar Andaman crew at the pier, the first stop is Chong Khat Bay. Next is the Moken village, where Surin’s sea-nomad community lives; you can relax on Mai Ngam beach instead if you prefer. Lunch is a set Thai meal with fruit at the national park canteen. The afternoon is two more snorkelling stops, at Mae Yai Bay (also called Bon Bay) and Tao Bay (Pineapple Bay), where the reefs and fish are the main draw.

Snorkel gear, a life jacket, the guide, food, soft drinks, tea and coffee, accident insurance and hotel transfers anywhere in Khao Lak are included. The national park fee is not: the operator lists it at 400 THB per adult and 200 THB per child. Bring your passport or ID card for the park.

Insider Tip: Pack your passport or ID card and the park fee the night before. Pickups are early, and the operator treats anyone more than 10 minutes late as a no-show. For a second island day from Khao Lak, see the Similan catamaran trip.

Watch out: The park closes for the monsoon every year from 15 May to 15 October, so this trip only runs in the dry season.

Safety Tip: Wear a rash vest as well as reef-safe sunscreen. The snorkel stops are in open water with strong midday sun.

The boat takes up to 30. The operator doesn’t recommend the trip for pregnant travellers or anyone with heart, blood pressure or bone conditions.