SURIN ISLAND
Best for Snorkeling Site of Andaman
Surin Islands The Surin Islands are part of Mu Koh Surin National Park, located some 60 km off the west coast of Phang Nga Province and 100 km north of the Similans. It's an archipelago of 5 islands: Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Khai, and Koh Klang. Excellent diving, snorkelling, hiking and game fishing are why most travellers come to the Surin Islands. Those hoping to find a quiet refuge from tourist traps and urban centres will be delighted with the islands' relatively untouched settings.
The main island of Surin Nuea has several bays, the largest being Ao Mae Yai on the southwest. Located on the southeast side is Ao Luek, which has shallow corals and an abundance of marine life. The national park's office and a 2-km walking path are in Ao Mai Ngam. There are good snorkelling and swimming opportunities off its long beach. Ao Chak in the north of Surin Nuea is a beautiful bay of pristine coral reefs.
SURIN ISLANDS 1 Day Trip
Tour Code: srjsfullday
by Speedboat from Phuket
Duration: 8 Hours
Adult: 4,300 THB
Child: 3,100 THB
( Child 4-11 years old )
Price per person
( 16 May - 14 October 2024 Surin Islands are closed for tours )
Koh Surin Nuea is home to an indigenous community of around 150 Moken (sea gypsies), who have settled on the island for several decades. The Moken people spend much of their lives on boats, called kabang. Instead of fishing, they survive mainly by gathering shellfish and other marine life from the reefs and mudflats.
Koh Surin Tai draws snorkellers to its main bay, Ao Tao, located on the east side. Koh Ri, Koh Klang and Koh Khai (also called Koh Torilla) have areas of unspoilt reefs, with healthy live coral being particularly abundant off Koh Khai.
The major drawcard for divers to the area is Richelieu Rock, a coral-covered pinnacle. For reasons still unknown, it attracts a fair number of whale sharks, which makes for exciting diving excursions.