Surin Islands: Day Trips and Tours from Phuket

If you're seeking vibrant waters teeming with fascinating marine life and pristine beaches, you should take a Surin Islands day trip from Phuket.

More tranquil than other islands in Thailand, the archipelago is one of the best places to snorkel and dive in Southeast Asia. From manta rays to whale sharks, you can see a plethora of sea creatures against a backdrop of swaying green trees and white sands.

You will find below all you need to know about visiting the Surin Islands, a mesmerizing destination for day trips from Phuket.

How to get to the Surin Islands from Phuket?

The Surin Islands are located within the Mu Ko Surin National Park, just over 50 kilometers off the west coast of Thailand, close to the Burmese border. The distance between Phuket and the Surin Islands is over 180 kilometers.

Guided tour to the Surin Islands from Phuket

It is notoriously difficult to arrange your own transportation to the picturesque isles off the west coast. This is why it's advisable to make the jaunt to the Surin Islands on a guided tour.

You'll benefit from a hassle-free trip and all the details will be taken care of for you. On a day tour, you'll be picked up from your hotel between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM, and your excursion will likely last between 9 and 11 hours.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Mu Ko Surin National Park cost?

• Adults: THB500 (US$14)
• Children: THB300 (US$8)

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Surin Islands from Phuket?

To begin your tour, you'll travel across Phuket by comfortable minivan to reach Tablamu Pier. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by your tour guide with a light breakfast to fuel you ready for your trip.

Hopping onto a speedboat, you'll journey to the Surin Islands. Despite the sizable difference between the two destinations, your vessel will deliver you to the scenic shores of the isles within an hour.

Jumping onto the soft sands of Nemo Bay, you're sure to be impressed by the picturesque paradise surrounded by dense jungle. The bay is named for its abundance of clownfish, often referred to as "Nemo" fish for their appearance in the movie "Finding Nemo."

You'll have the opportunity to swim or enjoy a snorkeling experience among these curious beings as you immerse yourself in the mild waters of the Andaman Sea. You'll then pay a visit to the villagers of Moken, who are often referred to as sea gypsies for their nomadic lifestyle.

After a traditional Thai lunch, you'll head to a second snorkeling spot to take advantage of the transparent waters. Popular destinations for this include Ao Mae Yai and Turtle Bay.

After exploring much of the seas surrounding the isles, your Surin Islands day trip will draw to a close.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Surin Islands?

There is plenty to discover on a day trip to the Surin Islands. You can choose between snorkeling day tours and multi-day excursions.

Day trip to the Surin Islands from Phuket

This Surin Islands day tour journeys to Chong Khat Bay in search of perfect snorkeling conditions. You'll have the opportunity to meet the sea gypsies of Moken village, who spend their lives on the water.

Alternatively, you can take advantage of the perfect Thai weather and relax on Mai Ngan Beach. After a local lunch, you'll continue on to a second snorkeling spot to seek out several species of tropical fish.

2-Day tour to the Surin Islands from Phuket

Those who want to explore the tranquil Surin Islands further should consider a multi-day tour. On this 2-day trip from Phuket, you'll spend two hours snorkeling through the clear seas surrounding Chong Khat Bay.

You'll also discover the traditions of Moken Village, as well as Mai Ngan Beach. After a restful night on Ko Surin Nuea, you'll spend the following morning soaking in the turquoise shallows and spotting the island's resident sea life.

3-Day trip to the Surin Islands from Phuket

Alongside swimming and snorkeling, this Surin Islands 3-day tour from Phuket allows you to discover the wildlife that resides in the national park. Flying squirrels and pigtailed monkeys are commonly spotted throughout the Mu Ko Surin National Park.

You'll visit several magnificent snorkeling spots that are teeming with life, including Bon Bay, Hin Kong and Pineapple Bay.

How much does a tour to the Surin Islands from Phuket cost?

Surin Islands day trips cost between US$90 and US$120, and usually include lunch.

If you want to embark on a multi-day tour to the Surin Islands, you can expect to pay approximately US$220 for a 2-day adventure. Alternatively, you can participate in a 3-day excursion to the Surin Islands for US$270.

In most cases, you'll be expected to cover the national park entry fee on top of this cost.

What will you see and do on a Surin Islands day trip from Phuket?

The archipelago that forms the Surin Islands is known for its dazzling waters and pristine beaches. The chain is made up of five isles, the main two being Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai.

These islands are mostly uninhabited, except for the residents of Moken village. This small group of sea gypsies has created a permanent home on Ko Surin Tai, after centuries of nomadic living between Thailand and Burma. Seventy families form the village, totaling around 300 residents.

Aside from Moken village, the only infrastructure on the Surin Islands is a national park office, a singular restaurant and a scattering of huts to accommodate overnight tourists.

The most popular activities on the islands are snorkeling and scuba diving. In the seas surrounding the five islands, you'll find over 260 species of reef fish, as well as almost 70 species of coral, 48 types of nudibranchs and 31 species of fish.

Among the plethora of colorful marine life, larger creatures lurk under the gentle waves. These include blacktip reef sharks, leopard sharks, green sea turtles and giant morays.

Rarely spotted inhabitants of these waters include whale sharks, which are distinguishable by their wide faces and spotted backs, as well as eagle, and manta rays.

Temperature changes between 1998 and 2010 caused 90% of the national park's coral to die from natural bleaching. This happens when coral is exposed to too much sunlight and loses its pigmentation. However, since then, the marine species have almost fully recovered.

When are the Surin Islands open over the year?

The Mu Ko Surin National Park is open between Oct. 15 and May 15 every year. It is not accessible during the wet season of May to October. These dates can alter from year to year if the weather is particularly bad. You should check the official website before you travel to see if the park is open.

When is the best time to visit the Surin Islands?

The best time to plan a day trip to the Surin Islands is between November and March when the weather is dry, and the humidity is low. During this time, temperatures range up to around 34 degrees Celsius and the days are endlessly sunny.

Travel tips

• If you're taking a multi-day tour to the Surin Islands, bring everything you need with you. The facilities are basic and there are no shops.
• If you'll be spending lots of time snorkeling around the Surin Islands, consider wearing a t-shirt to protect your back from sunburn.
• As the coral has only just recovered from bleaching, you should do your part to preserve its health by wearing reef-safe sunscreen.