Clear waters, healthy coral and plentiful fish, the Surin
Islands are perfect for the beginner and experienced snorkeler
As the Surin Islands have beautiful beaches and lush
soft and hard corals you will find treasures right in front of you. The
corals begin at the low tide mark and the slope gently away until about
10 meters when the slope becomes steeper and they drop to the
sandy bottom at 20-30 Meters. The mix of corals is incredible with lush
soft corals swaying in the current, surrounded by the aptly named
Staghorn, Brain, Table and Whip Corals.
Darting in and out of the corals you will
find the vast variety of Reef fish that call this home. Everything from tiny
shrimps to giant groupers and Turtles. Each area of each reef is an
ever-changing symphony of life. Be wary about losing yourself in the
complex patterns of life - you might get sunburned! When visiting the
Surin Islands that is THE most common injury
The coral reef isn't all to see! Many
larger marine species come in to feed, or have children and to hide
from even bigger fish. While snorkeling the Surin Islands you have a
great chance to see Turtles, Rays, Snappers and many other fish will
come by. While we do see Manta Rays, they don't often come in to the
shallows.
How to Snorkel the Surin Islands?
There are several options if you wish to
Snorkel the Surin Islands. All boats depart form Kuraburi pier,
so please check here for
information on how to get there!
As the only places you area allowed to eat and stay on the Surin Islands is Koh Surin Nua ,
much of the snorkeling takes place near these areas. You may go on
self-guided snorkeling if you are staying overnight at either of the
camp sites. Then you are free to go along the beaches and shoreline as
you wish.
If you go on a guided tour, you will be taken to 2 or three snorkeling
sites with lunch taking place on Koh Surin Nua. These areas are also great for the
beginner, or timid snorkeler. We also find this to be the best place
for small children.
If you go by diving daytrip, most likely
you will have a guide with you to help point out interesting fish or
corals. You will also be at places that might not have a beach, so
consider that when with children or inexperienced snorkelers!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have
Guided Snorkeling Day trips from Khao Lak
We found this to be
best for those that would like enjoy the comforts of the mainland
resorts, have small children or are pressed for time or just not
wanting to commit to an overnight stay on the Surin Islands
These are almost all conducted from
speedboats. The speedboats get you to the Surin Islands Quickly and
give you the most time on the islands during your day. Please choose
who you go with very carefully. Depending on which company you choose
you’ll find yourself with one “guide” who doesn’t enter the water and
does not speak English, or you may find yourself on a nicely maintained
boat with small groups (generally 6-8 people per guide).
Please look for safety training, marine
life knowledge and of course languages when seeking out your tour
company. This is most often a case of getting what you pay for. Our favorite company for Similan snorkeling daytrips
Overnight stays on the Similans
Staying in the Bungalows or Tents on the Surin Islands allows lots of freedom to enjoy
the Surins in a whole new way! There is a lot more than just Snorkeling! There is
limited transport between the various islands, so plan ahead.
These tours can be arranged from Khao Lak
and Phuket. These tours often merely arrange the transportation and
lodging. You will be supplying your own food and guides. The
accommodation is limited (see here for more information).
As of the 2009-2010 season this company is
offering guided overnight Surin Island Snorkeling tours with great
staff. They seem to have a great offer, and have been doing something
similar for the past few years.
Overnight Snorkel Tours on Boats
This is the best way (in our opinion) to see many of the more remote
sites and really focus on the snorkeling. We did this tour in 2008 and
had a great time! The staff were very knowledgeable and safe. There are
now two companies offering these tours where you sleep on the boat and
visit various sites around the region. One has been around for a lot
longer, but you sleep in an open room, the newer Snorkel Tour company offers
individual air-conditioned cabins.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have
There is a boat owned and operated by the
Surin Islands Marine Park that departs most mornings at approx.
09.00. This costs around 2500 baht. Of course the schedule and price is
subject to change. They can give you more detailed
instructions about price and times. The boat is very slow and also
carries supplies to the islands.
Our experience has been that the staff
will almost always recommend you to take one of the trips offered by
the local tour operators. Please be very cautious when picking you
operator. Not only lifejackets, but how many people are on allowed on
the boat, insurance and documentation of who you are in case anything
happens.
