Seastar Rainbow Catamaran – Chase the Blue: Similan Islands Day Trip

Chase the blue aboard Seastar Rainbow

Some days are best measured in shades of blue. Join the Seastar Rainbow Catamaran for a day of clear-water snorkeling, soft white beaches and sea views across the Similan Islands. The rainbow-striped power catamaran adds its own splash of color, with inviting places to sit, unwind and take photographs between island stops.

For travelers staying in Phuket, the journey includes a road transfer to Seastar’s private Tub Lamu pier in Phang Nga before the sea crossing. This is a full-day island excursion, so allow for the road journey as well as your time on the water.

A colorful boat with room for different moods

Settle into the cabin’s rainbow-colored seats, enjoy the outlook from the bow sofa, or head to the open upper deck for fresh air and sea views when the crew permits. The netted lounging area and bright deck seating offer memorable settings for holiday photographs.

The appeal is in the variety: sheltered seating for a quieter moment, open-air spaces for the sea breeze and a different view as the boat moves between islands. Access to outdoor areas follows the crew’s instructions and sea conditions; particular seats are not reserved or guaranteed.

Island 8: beach time beneath Sailing Rock

Koh Similan, also known as Island 8, brings together a pale-sand beach, clear blue water and the distinctive boulders of Sailing Rock. Spend your stop swimming in designated areas, taking photographs or simply enjoying the shore.

If you would like a higher perspective and the route is open, walk up to the Sailing Rock viewpoint for a view across the bay. The climb is optional; you can enjoy the beach instead.

Island 4: slow down by the shore

Koh Miang, or Island 4, offers another side of the day: white sand, turquoise shallows and time to pause at Princess Bay. Enjoy the beach, look out over the water and take a break between snorkeling sessions.

Lunch is served on Island 4. Its place in the day changes with your chosen program: the Early Bird route visits Island 4 before Island 8, while Lazy Similan reaches Island 8 first.

Two snorkeling stops, two underwater perspectives

Explore the waters around Islands 5 and 6, then the area around Koh Ba Ngu, Island 9—or visit them in the reverse order on the Lazy program. Around Island 9, the planned snorkeling location is Christmas Point or Namchai Bay, depending on conditions.

Look beneath the surface for coral formations and reef fish while following your guide’s instructions. Snorkeling equipment, fins and life jackets are provided. Marine life and underwater visibility vary naturally, and individual sightings cannot be guaranteed.

From a warm welcome to a final bite

Begin at Seastar’s private pier with hot drinks and light bites before your island adventure. The day also includes lunch on Island 4, with drinks and refreshments supporting the journey.

After returning to the pier, enjoy refreshments such as papaya salad, fried chicken and ice cream before the hotel transfer. Exact food selections may vary. Towels and guiding are part of the service, helping you concentrate on the sea, the beaches and the day ahead.

Choose the rhythm that suits your holiday

Early Bird — default program: an earlier pier check-in and earlier return, with snorkeling and Island 4 before the Island 8 beach stop.

Lazy Similan — request when booking: later pier check-in, Island 8 first and an evening return to the pier. Hotel pickup is still earlier than check-in, so “Lazy” does not mean a late-morning hotel departure.

Both programs combine two beach stops with two snorkeling sessions. They suit active travelers, couples and friends who enjoy a full day out with photography, swimming and time on the boat. Guests should be comfortable with a road transfer and sea crossing.

If no Lazy Similan request is made, the booking follows the Early Bird program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Early Bird or Lazy Similan the standard booking?
Early Bird is the default. Request Lazy Similan when you book if you want the later program.

Do both options visit the same highlights?
Both include Island 4, Island 8 and two snorkeling sessions around Islands 5/6 and Island 9. The order and timings differ, and locations remain subject to conditions.

Does Lazy Similan mean I can leave my Phuket hotel late?
No. The listed time is pier check-in. Hotel pickup is earlier because the boat departs from Tub Lamu in Phang Nga. Your pickup time depends on the hotel and booking confirmation.

Can I stay on the beach instead of climbing Sailing Rock?
Yes. The viewpoint walk is optional and depends on access being open. Follow the guide’s meeting time if you remain on the beach.

Are towels and national park fees included?
Yes. A towel, snorkeling equipment, fins, a life jacket and national park admission are included.

Will we return to the hotel at 16:50 or 18:20?
Those are the planned pier return times for Early Bird and Lazy Similan respectively. The hotel transfer follows afterward.

Are babies free, and who can participate?
The baby price is set to THB 0, but eligibility must be confirmed in advance. Infants aged 0–3 and elderly travelers are not recommended for this trip. See the booking attention and tell us about any relevant health or mobility conditions before booking.

Booking Attention

• Infants aged 0–3 and elderly travelers are not recommended to participate. Travelers over 60 must contact us before booking; participation requires confirmation, is not covered by the tour insurance and requires a waiver.
• Pregnant travelers and people with disabilities, asthma, hypertension, heart disease, serious illness, acute illness or other conditions affecting participation are not recommended to join. Disclose relevant conditions before booking.
• If you have had orthopedic surgery within the last six months, contact us before booking; an accompanying person is required.
• The standard age range for any separately arranged introductory scuba experience is 12–55. This tour advertises snorkeling; no scuba session is offered in this preview.
• Keep a clear photo of your complete passport information on your phone for emergencies. The original passport is not required for this purpose.
• If local authorities deem conditions unsafe for sailing, the trip will be canceled and you may reschedule or receive a full refund. A customer’s own weather-related cancellation is not refundable.
• Bring sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a camera, a waterproof bag and some cash.
• Follow crew instructions on deck, at snorkeling stops and on the islands.