I plan on being in Phuket for a few days in mid October and was hoping to do a day trip to the Similan islands. No diving, just snorkeling and not to stay overnight. I've read conflicting/questionable info on whether access to the islands is available at this time.

Do tour boats run to the islands at that time? Is it still daily, weather permitting? Should I expect the weather to be permitting, or is it still too close to the rainy season to know?

Hoping some locals can help me out...

http://www.thaiforestbooking.com/default-eng.htm

Mu Koh Surin, Mu Koh Similan, Mu Koh Lanta and Tarutao

Closed from May 16, 2006 till November 15, 2006 due to the rainy season.

There are some daytrips from Phuket scheduled from mid October. For example departure from Kata beach is at 6:00am daily and is followed by a 2 hour drive (break neck speed) up north to Tap Lamu - thereafter transferred onto a speedboat which then transfers you to the Liveaboard boat where the divers are already diving from. Return to Phuket is at about 7:00pm. It is really a long day out and this trip is geared more for the divers so you might not even be guaranteed sites that would be ideal for snorkelling. If you could get to Khao Luk for a day or so and arrange a daytrip from there it might be better for you.

Also there are other daytrips from Phuket to closer sites such as Koh Racha Yai which are not so lengthy and you would have a chance to snorkel whilst the others on the boat dive.

I've already been to most of the other islands in the area so really just interested in the similans.

Bambina, that site says the park is closed (I know the park is the whole islands), but I have read other places that this is just a government guidline and private tours can still go to the islands...

Any idea if this is true?

I've already been to most of the other islands in the area so really just interested in the similans.

Bambina, that site says the park is closed (I know the park is the whole islands), but I have read other places that this is just a government guidline and private tours can still go to the islands...

Any idea if this is true?

im not sure if it true,

anyway , in monsoon and rainy ..even you can go there ..but i dont think its good idea for snorkeling ..water is not clear

"There is no regular boat service for visitors to the island, and during the low season months of May-October boats may stop running altogether depending on the weather conditions. Thap Lamu Pier, in the Thai Muang district of Phang Nga province, is the nearest launching point to the Similans, with boat trips taking about 3 hours"

phuket.com

Yes, there are cruises operating from mid October. Obviously weather depending. Some boats have trips scheduled from early October. In fact some boats (not that I can recommend going there during this period) actually go to The Similans during the low season months.

There are boats and companies that schedule trips to the Similans at this time, but whether they can deliver what they promise ....

Last year in October for example we had some great cruises to The Similans - but then the weather was relatively good. Unlike December when it is supposed to be better weather then and the heavens opened up with strong winds for days at a time. This was most unusual. If you are planning on going in October then I recommend that you do not book in advance as this time is not particularly busy and if the weather is good you could easily arrange a trip upon arrival on Phuket.

There are many boats scheduled from early October such as MV Le Mahe, from mid October the South Siam Liveaboard boats are due to go there (they also do the 1 day cruises from Phuket).

And yes, Nguumuu the Parks are officially , unofficially closed from May - November if you know what I mean. For example if you go in October you still pay the Similan Park fees.

Thanks for the advice Chantal. Whatever happens, I'm definitely gonna make my best attempt to get out there in October. I especially like this little (unsurprising) tidbit:

And yes, Nguumuu the Parks are officially , unofficially closed from May - November if you know what I mean. For example if you go in October you still pay the Similan Park fees.