Thinking about a day trip to the stunning Similan Islands? This recent offering from Big Cat Travel Co.. Ltd. promises an 8-hour sea adventure aboard a brand-new double-decker catamaran. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that balances comfort, adventure, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or simply craving a relaxing beach day, this tour might just fit the bill.
What we love most about this experience is the cruising comfort provided by the modern catamaran, which promises a smooth ride over the waves. Coupled with the professional guides (who speak English, Chinese, and Thai) and the chance to snap beautiful photos of the islands, it offers a well-rounded day out. The inclusion of free one-way airport or hotel transfer adds real value, making logistics one less thing to worry about.
However, one thing to consider is that pregnant women are not advised to participate**, and weather conditions can affect the itinerary’s timing. Still, for travelers seeking a well-organized, scenic, and enjoyable day with plenty of snorkeling and beach time, this tour is a strong contender. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate authentic marine experiences combined with the comfort of modern boat travel.
Key Points

- Comfortable & modern vessel: Cruise on a brand-new double-decker catamaran known for a smooth ride.
- Diverse activities: Snorkeling, beach relaxation, and climbing the Sailing Rock for panoramic views.
- All-inclusive meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, adding convenience and value.
- Expert guides & photographer: Knowledgeable guides help you maximize your experience and capture memories.
- Convenient transfers: Free one-way airport or hotel pickup/drop-off simplifies your planning.
- Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with full refund options.
👉 Check out our guide to the 2 Best Tours In Similan Islands
Contents
- Key Points
- A Detailed Look at the Experience
- Convenient Pickup and Introduction
- The Catamaran: Comfort on the Water
- The Islands: Stunning and Varied
- Return and Reflection
- What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
- The Itinerary in Detail
- Morning Pickup and Breakfast
- Cruising to the Islands
- Island 8: Sailing Rock & Beaches
- Snorkeling at Island 9
- Lunch at Miang Island
- Second Snorkel Session at Island 7
- Return and Dinner
- Why This Tour Offers Real Value
- Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Top Picks in Similan Islands
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Similan Islands
- More Tours in Similan Islands
- More Tour Reviews in Similan Islands
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Similan Islands we have recnetly reviewed
A Detailed Look at the Experience

Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Similan Islands
Convenient Pickup and Introduction
The day begins with a hotel pickup in Phuket, a major plus for travelers who dislike complicated logistics. The tour includes a light breakfast at Thap Lamu Pier, where a professional guide introduces the day’s plan and safety instructions. This initial touch makes the journey feel organized and welcoming, especially if you’re new to the area or boat trips.
The Catamaran: Comfort on the Water
The highlight of this tour is undeniably the new double-decker catamaran. Travelers consistently praise its cleanliness and modern equipment, making for a comfortable cruise. One reviewer from France lauded the vessel, noting it was “very recent, very nice, and very clean”. The boat’s design ensures a smooth ride, which is especially appreciated when crossing open water, and provides ample space for relaxing, taking photos, or chatting with fellow travelers.
The Islands: Stunning and Varied
Island 8 (Koh Similan / Sailing Rock) is the first major stop. Here, visitors often relax on white sandy beaches and are encouraged to climb Sailing Rock for a breathtaking view of the archipelago. The views from the top are a major highlight, offering a sweeping perspective of the surrounding islands and turquoise waters.
Next, the tour takes you to Island 9 (Ba Ngu Island) for your first snorkeling session. The coral reefs and tropical fish flourish in the clear waters, and the gear is brand new, including a free replacement mouthpiece—a thoughtful touch appreciated by snorkelers.
Following this, a visit to Island 4 (Miang Island) provides a buffet lunch. The meal offers ample time for relaxation and soaking up the sun, with soft, sandy beaches perfect for a leisurely stroll or some unwinding on a beach towel.
The second snorkeling stop, at Island 7 (Pa Yu Island), features granite boulders and transparent waters. Here, snorkelers can expect to see a diverse marine life, making it a memorable experience for underwater photography and exploration.
More Great Tours NearbyReturn and Reflection
After a full day of activities, you’ll return to the pier for a buffet dinner in the lounge—a nice way to wrap up the day with a relaxed meal before heading back to Phuket. The return transfer is straightforward, completing what many describe as a well-organized and enjoyable experience overall.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic Marine Encounters: With multiple snorkeling sessions at different islands, you’ll encounter vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish in their natural habitat. Guides often assist with photos, ensuring you leave with plenty of memories.
Comfort and Safety: The new boat and attentive staff contribute to a safe and comfortable environment. Since safety instructions are emphasized at the start, even first-time snorkelers find confidence in the experience.
All-Inclusive Meals: The buffet meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are more than just convenient; they reflect the tour’s effort to provide a full-day, hassle-free experience. This is particularly valuable for travelers who want to avoid carrying snacks or worrying about meals.
Expert Guidance and Photography: The guides’ professionalism and energy enhance the trip, making it more engaging. The opportunity to capture photos of the islands and marine life adds a layer of enjoyment for hobby photographers.
Ease of Logistics: The free airport or hotel transfer is a noteworthy perk, especially for travelers arriving or departing from Phuket. Booking is flexible, with a cancellation policy allowing full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
The Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup and Breakfast
The tour kicks off early with hotel pickup in Phuket, ensuring you’re at the pier by mid-morning. The light breakfast sets the tone for a day focused on fun and exploration, and the guide’s briefing helps everyone feel prepared.
Cruising to the Islands
The double-decker catamaran glides smoothly across the water, offering spacious decks for sunbathing or shade. The modern vessel ensures a quiet, stable ride, making even those prone to seasickness more comfortable.
Island 8: Sailing Rock & Beaches
The first stop at Island 8 is a favorite among travelers. Most spend their time relaxing on the pristine beaches or climbing Sailing Rock for panoramic views. It’s a great photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs after the boat ride.
Snorkeling at Island 9
The initial snorkeling takes place in crystal-clear waters, home to an active marine ecosystem. Vibrant corals and bright tropical fish make for fantastic underwater scenery. Reviewers note that the snorkel gear is new, and the staff are helpful, making the experience both safe and fun.
Lunch at Miang Island
The buffet lunch is served on Miang Island, offering a variety of options to satisfy different tastes. The soft sandy beach provides a peaceful setting to relax, take photos, or paddle in the shallow waters.
Second Snorkel Session at Island 7
The second snorkeling takes place among granite boulders, providing different underwater scenery and marine life. It’s often highlighted as a highlight for underwater photography enthusiasts.
Return and Dinner
After a full day, the boat heads back to the pier, where a buffet dinner awaits. The smooth ride home helps travelers unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights.
Why This Tour Offers Real Value

Compared to other options, this tour strikes a balanced mix of comfort, adventure, and convenience. The modern boat is a significant upgrade and enhances the overall day, especially for those wary of older or crowded vessels. The multiple snorkeling stops ensure you get to experience diverse underwater environments, making the trip worthwhile.
The inclusive meals reduce the need to pack extra snacks or find local eateries, which might be less predictable or crowded. Meanwhile, the professional guides and photography assistance ensure you’re well-supported, especially if you want to document your trip.
From the reviews, it’s clear that organization and attention to detail shine through. One traveler from France praised the “perfect organization” and the “very recent, very nice” vessel, while a guest from the US appreciated the “super clean boat” and “brand-new snorkel gear.” These details matter when choosing a tour that promises both safety and enjoyment.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This experience is ideal for travelers who value comfort and professional service but still want an adventure in nature. It’s a good fit for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking a day of snorkeling and beach relaxation without the hassle of organizing transportation or meals. The inclusion of free airport transfer makes it especially attractive for short-stay visitors or those arriving/departing from Phuket.
However, pregnant women should note the tour’s recommendation against participation, and anyone with seasickness concerns might want to consider the weather forecast before booking.
Final Thoughts

This Similan Islands catamaran tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed day in one of Thailand’s most beautiful marine parks. The combination of modern comfort, authentic marine encounters, and convenience makes it stand out among other options. Expect stunning views, vibrant underwater life, and a carefully organized itinerary that caters to both relaxation and adventure.
If you’re looking for a reliable, enjoyable way to explore the Similans with professional guides and excellent facilities, this trip is worth considering. It’s particularly suited for those who want a hassle-free experience that balances scenic beauty with marine activity—and who appreciate the value of good organization and modern amenities.
Similan Islands New Catamaran Tour+Free One-Way Airport Ride
“Organisation parfaite ! Catamaran neuf, matériel très récent. L’équipe qui nous a accompagnés tout au long de la journée était très agré…”
Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, the tour includes free one-way airport or hotel transfer in Phuket, making logistics seamless for travelers.
What meals are provided?
The experience offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all served as buffets. This helps keep you energized without the need to carry snacks.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the snorkeling gear is brand new, and additional touches like free replacement mouthpieces are included for comfort.
Are there any restrictions for participants?
Pregnant women are not advised to participate in this tour, and drones are strictly prohibited on the islands.
What is the boat like?
The boat is a brand-new double-decker catamaran, praised for its cleanliness, comfort, and smooth ride.
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 8 hours, from pickup in the morning to return in the evening.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towel, camera, snacks, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and beachwear. Shoes are not allowed on the islands.
Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for those who enjoy marine activities and relaxed beach time. However, pregnant women should avoid participation.
This comprehensive review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect, helping you decide if this Similan Islands catamaran tour fits your travel style. With its combination of modern comfort, authentic scenery, and thoughtful organization, it promises a memorable day out in Thailand’s captivating marine park.
You can check availability for your dates here:






