Khao Lak: Wow Andaman Snorkelresa till Similan Islands

We travelled with Pu and team to the Similian Islands on the catamaran. The boat was fast and well equipped, although it is just transport, there’s no space for moving around when the boat is travelling between stops. The team were really excellent, very organised and helpful. The food, drinks and snacks were also very good, impressive considering all of the logistics required at sea and on small islands. The islands themselves were beautiful, the sea warm and sand golden. Snorkelling with the sea life (including the turtles swimming alongside us) was amazing, our kids (11 and 14) loved it and will never forget the experience. As long as you don’t mind the 80 minute ride on the catamaran from the pier to the islands I’d highly recommend this trip.

Booked through Destination Asia .We was picked up from our hotel with a large Russian family and transferred to the pier.So the trip started off not to bad with a nice breakfast. The snorkeling was ok but the last island was dangerous getting off the boat and even worse getting back on the boat,me and my partner both cut our feet on the rocks due to low tide. Large waves was knocking people over trying to board the boat whilst trying not to stand on the sharp rocks.Was not a nice experience. Then we was due to have dinner at the pier but didnt have time because the Russian family was waiting in our transport becuse they went out on a different boat they came back earlier and had allready eaten there dinner, So we felt pressured into leaving early missing our dinner which was paid for. I highly recommend if you go take sea shoes for the last island and make sure they give you enough time to eat your dinner at the end .

We went from Khao lak. It is a long old trip even by fast catamaran. The snorkeling is good but you really only get about 45mins in the water. You end up spending about 2.30 hours on two islands with nothing to do. I don't know they do not let you stay on the boat so you could do more snorkeling.

We booked a Similan Islands trip from Phuket (8 AM departure, Boat #8 on 20th February 2026). Unfortunately, this was one of the most uncomfortable and unprofessional tour experiences we’ve had. We visit Thailand almost every year and we have done multiple other tours before but this was by far the worst experience. My husband and I were the last to board as we stopped briefly for coffee. When we arrived, all covered seats were already taken. We were instructed to sit at the very front of the boat — completely uncovered. The 1.5-hour ride to Similan was extremely choppy. Sitting at the front meant constant impact from the waves. It was physically uncomfortable and felt unsafe at times. As the day progressed, the sun became extremely harsh. Because we were repeatedly placed in the uncovered front section, we ended up severely sunburnt. This situation appeared to be a result of overbooking. There were clearly more passengers than covered seating available. The most concerning part of the experience occurred on the return journey. Before boarding, I calmly informed the guide (Tab) that I was badly sunburnt and could not sit at the front again. Instead of handling this professionally, he approached me in front of approximately 30–35 passengers and began yelling aggressively, saying, “Don’t show me this attitude,” and continued in a raised, hostile tone. Being publicly shouted at for raising a reasonable concern was shocking and completely unacceptable. Summary of issues: • Boat appeared oversold (insufficient covered seating) • Forced seating in exposed front area during rough sea conditions • Severe sun exposure resulting in sunburn • Aggressive and unprofessional behavior by the guide We paid for a premium island tour experience. What we received was discomfort, sunburn, and public humiliation. We strongly encourage the company to review its booking practices and staff training.

The islands were fabulous, just beautiful. The boat trip was ok, but overall I felt quite rushed and almost herded by the guides. There wasn't long at the snorkelling spots and it all felt a bit like we were cramming too many stops into the day. Lunch was the only bad meal we had in a whole month in Khao Lak. It was tasteless and dull. Admittedly it has to come in a little sectioned tray but it just lacked care and flavour.

Fabulous day out on the catamaran to the Similian Islands with Puu and his Wow Andaman team! A little windy, so had to change itinerary slightly but still brilliant! Well looked after and some spectacular beaches and wildlife!!

Nice trip with both snorkeling and beach time. It was a super good trip team that took care of us and the food was handled very hygienically. We also got an ice vault with homemade ice cream after the first snorkeling. There was plenty of drinks so nothing was missing.

The trip was organised very well. I got to see beautiful sights, both above and below the water. It's unbelievable that visibility was crystal clear at such depths.

I dont like leaving a review like this,i get great pleasure from sharing amazing experiences we have had so as others feel confident in booking,I take nothing from the Similan islands they were stunning white soft sand& crystal clear waters,where this trip fell short for us was; The transfer pick up the lady driver decided to use her mobile while driving us ( and worse on the way back when the conditions quite bad with heavy rain!) She seemed to have no regard for speed limits that i could see,she seemed unhappy we were the last to return to the minibus despite us bieng told there was plenty of time to get off boat,find shoes,look at photo company took then eat my partner had to throw her unfinished meal away. Regarding the boat nice powerfull boat but with some 32+ passengers + crew it felt like a crampt rush hour bus journey hardly a pleasurable experience made more crammed with everyone wearing the obvious obligitory life jackets making anything more than a shuffle in your seat very difficult and uncomfortable,One of the guides was speaking on behalf of German tourists i found to be quite obnoxious i mearly answered his request for everyone to move closer together by stating i would be inbeteen two seats his reply... so everyone else at the back should stand up! Definatly a candidate for customer service skills. The captain& crew were fantastic helping people on & off the boat,serving food etc & the Thai guide who gave the english information was great,witty but professional. The trips; The first stop seemed over too quick as was the snorkel stops ( but that is just my opinion obviously a schedule has to be stuck too) most peopls seemed to have had enough as they were all either back on board or getting ready to get out of the water,at a couple of the stops there was free time but we had no shoes/ sandles as we had to remove them prior to boarding so climbing stony steps was not the best ( tho the views were amazing) The food laid on was very nice & there was an excellent supply of water,soft drinks& fresh fruit. On returning to the boat to head back to pier most of the lifejackets seemed to have been stored away which yes gave everyone bit more room but at what cost potentially? To sum up if i had been offered a full refund as soon as i saw how cramped it was i would have taken it.Great trip spoilt by too many passengers & a rather rude German!

It takes an hour and a half to reach the first island. The ride is hot and windows are too high to look out. BUT this was the only draw back of this tour. They offer snacks, drinks and even ice cream on the boat. The water at both beaches is warm and clear and the sand is soft. Make sure to wear water shoes because the second island is rocky. This was my first time snorkeling thanks to the wonderful guides! I was just going to float by the boat since I don’t know how to swim but a couple of the guides actually took the time to guide and pull me around so that I could see the fish and coral. IT WAS AMAZING! I couldn’t thank them enough for their patience and the experience!! The entire day was very well organized and all the guides were very attentive.