Surin Islands Snorkel Tour Review 2025: SeaStar from Phuket

An Early Start for a Truly Remarkable Day

So, you should know that the day really does begin quite early. I mean, our pickup from the hotel in Phuket was, like, well before the sun came up, which is pretty typical for these kinds of trips. It’s actually a long way from Phuket to the pier, so you just have to be ready for that part of the day, you know? Anyway, we were on a really comfortable, air-conditioned minibus, which honestly made the drive a lot better. As a matter of fact, some people in our van actually managed to get a little more sleep on the way, which is a pretty good idea. You basically travel north for about an hour and a half, sort of watching the sky get lighter, and it’s almost a nice, quiet start before all the excitement.

When you get to the SeaStar Andaman pier at Thap Lamu, it’s a bit of a hub of activity, right? So, lots of other people are there, all kind of excited for the day. You check in pretty quickly, and they give you a colored wristband, which basically helps the staff keep everyone sorted for the different tours. They have a really nice light breakfast waiting for you, like, with pastries, coffee, and some juice, so that was honestly a welcome sight. It’s almost a private pier area, so it doesn’t feel too chaotic, just a little busy. In the meantime, the guides give a briefing, and they are seriously funny and clear. They sort of go over the plan for the day, give you some safety tips, and introduce the crew, which makes everything feel very professional and friendly, to be honest. You also get your snorkel gear here—mask, snorkel, and fins—and they take the time to make sure everything fits you properly, which is, at the end of the day, really important.

The Speedboat Voyage and That First Stunning Glimpse

Alright, so after the briefing, we all walked down to the boat. The SeaStar speedboats are pretty big and look really modern, you know? There’s seating inside and a small area outside at the front and back if you want to feel the wind, which I definitely recommend. As I was saying, the crew helps everyone get on board and find a spot, and they hand out water and soft drinks pretty much right away. Honestly, the mood is really upbeat as everyone settles in for the ride out to the islands. The trip across the Andaman Sea is actually a big part of the experience itself. I mean, it takes about 90 minutes, and once you get clear of the coast, it’s just this vast expanse of incredible blue water. The boat moves fast, so it’s pretty exhilarating, you know? You can just sit back and watch the world go by, or, like, chat with the other people on the tour.

That moment when the Surin Islands first appear on the horizon is just, well, something else. They start as these faint, green-topped shapes in the distance, and then they just get bigger and more detailed as you get closer. The water’s color literally changes right before your eyes, shifting from a deep ocean blue to this almost impossibly clear turquoise. Seriously, it’s the kind of color you usually only see on postcards, and here it is, right in front of you. The islands are covered in thick, green jungle that goes right down to the bright white-sand beaches. The boat then slows down as you enter the protected national park waters, and everything gets really calm and quiet. You can actually hear the sounds of the jungle from the boat. This first impression is so powerful, and it definitely sets the tone for the amazing snorkeling that is still to come, you know?

Exploring Underwater Worlds: The Snorkel Sanctuaries

So, the first snorkel stop of the day was, like, totally amazing. The boat moored in a sheltered bay, and the water was so clear you could practically see the coral from the deck. The guides, who are really knowledgeable, sort of gave another quick talk on what to look for and where the best spots were. Getting into the water is super easy, as they have ladders at the back of the boat. And that feeling when you first put your face in the water… wow. It’s like you’ve just been let in on a secret. The underwater scene is just so alive. There are fish everywhere, literally hundreds of them, in all kinds of crazy colors and sizes. You see schools of yellow-striped snapper, parrotfish chewing on the coral, and even some cute little clownfish hiding in their anemones, pretty much just like in the movies.

We actually made two different snorkeling stops before lunch, and each one was slightly different. One spot, I think it was called Ao Mae Yai, had these incredible sloping reefs covered in hard and soft corals. The variety was pretty staggering. The other spot was a bit shallower, which, in a way, let you get a really close look at the smaller details of the reef. We were incredibly lucky and got to swim alongside a sea turtle for a few minutes. It was so graceful and calm, and honestly, that was a highlight for pretty much everyone on the boat. The guides are in the water with you, pointing things out and making sure everyone is safe, which is really reassuring. The equipment they provided was in great shape, so there were no leaky masks or anything like that to spoil the view. Basically, you just spend your time floating effortlessly, completely absorbed in this vibrant underwater world. It’s almost like meditation, just a little more colorful.

A Humble Encounter with the Moken Community

Now, a really unique part of this tour is the visit to the Moken village. So, the Moken people, sometimes called “sea gypsies,” are a local community who have traditionally lived a nomadic life on the sea for generations. This village is one of the few permanent settlements they have, and being able to visit is a pretty special opportunity. Our guide gave us a really respectful briefing beforehand, sort of explaining a bit about their culture and reminding us to be considerate visitors. The village is built on stilts right over the water in a protected bay, and as we approached, we could see the kids playing and people going about their daily lives. It’s a very simple and different way of life, and you feel that immediately.

As a matter of fact, walking through the village is a very humbling experience. The walkways are wooden planks connecting the homes, and you can see inside some of the open-air structures. You’ll see fishing nets being repaired, people cooking, and handcrafted souvenirs for sale, like small, carved wooden boats. The Moken people are generally shy but welcoming, and they have these incredibly expressive faces. Obviously, it’s not a tourist trap or a show; it’s their actual home, so you need to be mindful of that. It gives you, like, a brief but really profound look into a culture that is so deeply connected to the ocean. You only spend about 30 or 40 minutes here, but it’s more than enough time to get a sense of their community. To be honest, it adds a whole other layer to the day trip, beyond just the beautiful beaches and fish.

Beachside Feast and Winding Down

Okay, so after all that swimming and exploring, everyone was pretty hungry. SeaStar sets up a fantastic lunch on one of the main national park islands. You pull up to this perfect beach—I’m talking super fine white sand and gently swaying palm trees. The crew is incredibly efficient; they unload everything and set up a full Thai buffet right there on the sand. The spread was really good, with several dishes to choose from. For example, there was Massaman chicken curry, a spicy vegetable stir-fry, fried chicken, rice, and fresh fruit. I mean, there was definitely something for everyone, and it was all surprisingly tasty for a meal served on a remote island. Finding a spot in the shade of a tree to eat your lunch while looking out at the turquoise water is, frankly, an experience in itself.

You get a good amount of time here, so it’s not rushed at all. Once you’re done eating, you have more or less an hour of free time. You can, you know, go for a swim in the calm, shallow water right off the beach, which is incredibly warm. Or, you could just find a nice patch of sand, lay down your towel, and take a little nap, which is what several people did. Some people just walked along the beach, taking pictures of the scenery. It’s a really relaxed and enjoyable part of the day. It’s a bit of a perfect pause that lets you just soak in the beauty of the Surin Islands at your own pace. Then, finally, it’s time to pack up, get back on the speedboat, and start the scenic ride back to the mainland pier, feeling very content and maybe just a little sleepy.

At the end of the day, the thing that sticks with you is the color of that water. You think you’ve seen blue before, but the Surin Islands show you a whole new spectrum. It’s just genuinely breathtaking.

This trip with SeaStar Andaman really gives you a full day of incredible sights. You get to see some of the best underwater life in Thailand, which is pretty much guaranteed to impress you. The visit to the Moken village offers a moment of cultural connection that you don’t find on every island tour. Plus, the service from the crew is top-notch from start to finish; they are friendly, organized, and genuinely seem to love what they do. It’s a long day, especially from Phuket, but the experience is so rewarding that you kind of forget about the early start as soon as you hit the water.

Key Takeaways from the Day:

• The travel time is significant; be prepared for an early start and a late return to Phuket.
• The snorkeling is truly world-class, with extremely clear water and a huge amount of fish and healthy coral.
• SeaStar Andaman’s team is professional and makes the day run very smoothly.
• The Thai buffet lunch served on the beach is both delicious and plentiful.
• The visit to the Moken village provides a unique and respectful cultural insight that really enriches the trip.
• You spend most of the time in the water or on the boat, so it’s a day for ocean lovers.

Read our full review: 2025 Surin Islands Snorkel Tour Full Review and Details

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