The wildest archipelago in the Andaman Sea
In the far north of the Andaman Sea, a stone's throw from the Burmese border, the Surin Islands have remained what the other archipelagos were thirty years ago: an intact hard coral reef, clear water, bays without hotels or beach clubs. It is also the only place in Thailand where you can meet the Moken, the “sea nomads”, in their village on stilts.
The journey is worth it, that’s precisely what keeps the Surin preserved. Our day is spent in a catamaran speedboat, more stable and more comfortable for the crossing.
The program
- Ao Mae Yai: snorkeling above hard coral gardens in 2 to 6 meters of water, a natural aquarium.
- Moken Village: respectful meeting with the community, crafts purchased directly from families.
- Torinla: second snorkeling spot, known for its turtles.
Know before you book
- Season: from October 15 to May 15 only.
- Very long day: ~2h30 drive + 1h15 sea each way. Departure 5:30 a.m., return around 6:30 p.m.
- Park fee: THB 500 per adult, cash on arrival (not included).
Direct booking: deposit of THB 300 per person, balance on site, and our team can be reached on WhatsApp at any time.
Detailed programme
5h30
Hotel pickup (Phuket)
Early departure: allow around 2h30 drive to the Kuraburi pontoon, north of Phuket.
8h00
Kuraburi pontoon · breakfast + briefing
Check-in, breakfast and presentation of the day.
8h45
Catamaran crossing
Around 1h15 of navigation towards the Surin archipelago, on the Burmese border.
10h00
Snorkeling · Ao Mae Yai
The great Surin Bay: intact hard corals and schools of fish in 2 to 6 meters of clear water.
12h00
Lunch on the island
Lunch break in the shade, on one of the beaches of the national park.
13h00
Moken Village
Meeting with the Moken community, the “sea nomads”, who have lived in the archipelago for generations. Respectful visit, local crafts.
14h00
Snorkeling · Torinla
Second snorkeling spot, renowned for its coral gardens and turtles.
15h15
Return to Kuraburi then Phuket
Return crossing then road transfer to your hotel.
18h30
Drop off at the hotel
Return in the early evening.
Included / Not included
Included
- Roundtrip Phuket hotel transfers ↔ Kuraburi pontoon
- Catamaran speedboat (more stable navigation than a classic speedboat)
- English-speaking guide
- Breakfast at the pontoon + lunch
- Water, sodas and fresh fruit
- Snorkeling equipment + life jacket
- Accident insurance (compulsory in Thailand)
Not included
- Mu Ko Surin National Park Fee (THB 500, cash on site)
- Crew gratuities
- Personal expenses
Before you go
Good to know
Prone to seasickness?
Take a tablet ~30 min before departure, sit mid-boat, keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid heading out on an empty stomach.
Beat the crowds
Iconic spots like Maya Bay are far calmer early in the day. Our morning departures get you there before the midday ferry rush.
National park fees
Some sites sit inside a national park, so an entrance fee may apply. Check the “Not included” list above so there are no surprises.
Sun & reef care
The tropical sun is strong, bring a hat, sunglasses and plenty of water. Reef-safe sunscreen is required in Thai marine parks.
What to pack
Swimwear under your clothes, a towel, a dry bag for your phone, and a change of clothes for the trip back.