In short
- Infants and toddlers should skip this trip due to rough sea conditions.
- The boat ride takes 70 to 90 minutes each way from Khao Lak.
- Choose a catamaran tour for a slightly smoother ride with kids.
In this article
The Similan Islands offer clear water and white sand. However, reaching them is not easy for young travelers. The trip involves early mornings, long van rides, and fast boats. You must weigh these factors before booking a family ticket.
Is the Similan Islands boat ride suitable for babies and toddlers?
No, infants and toddlers should not take this speedboat trip.
The crossing from Thap Lamu Pier to the islands is fast. It is often bumpy. The boat hits waves hard, which is uncomfortable and unsafe for babies. Tour operators advise against bringing children under four years old. Older children who dislike boats may also struggle.
How long is the travel time?
You will spend at least three hours in transit if starting from Khao Lak, and over six hours from Phuket.
The speedboat takes 70 to 90 minutes each way. If you stay in Phuket, you must add 1.5 to 2 hours of driving each way just to reach the pier. Pickups in Phuket start around 5:30 AM. This makes for an extremely long day for a child.
Will my child get seasick?
Seasickness is highly likely, even on calm days.
The Andaman Sea has swells. Give your child motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding. If you want a smoother ride, book a power catamaran instead of a standard speedboat. Catamarans offer better stability on the water.
What should I pack for children?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and a quick-dry towel.
Standard chemical sunscreens are banned in the marine park. You must use reef-safe sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Pack light moisture-wicking layers for the early morning van ride. Keep spare clothes in a 10-20 liter dry bag. This protects them from ocean spray on the boat.
What are the rules for families on the islands?
You cannot bring single-use plastics onto the islands, and feeding marine life is forbidden.
National park rangers enforce these rules strictly. Leave plastic bottles and bags on the mainland. Children cannot touch, stand on, or collect corals and shells. Watch them closely on the beaches and during snorkeling stops.
How much is the national park fee for kids?
The entry fee is 250 THB for foreign children aged 3 to 14.
Foreign adults pay 500 THB. Thai children pay 50 THB. Many group tours include this fee in the final price. You should verify this before booking. Bring your passports or clear digital copies, as rangers check them at the pier.
Questions travellers ask
Can I bring a stroller to the Similan Islands?
No. The speedboats do not have space for strollers. The island paths are soft sand or rugged dirt trails. You will need a baby carrier, though bringing infants is not recommended.
Are there sharks in the water?
Yes, harmless reef sharks live in the deeper areas around the islands. Keep children close during snorkeling sessions.
Do the boats have toilets?
Speedboats generally have one very small marine toilet. It is difficult to use while moving. Encourage children to use the restroom at the pier before boarding.
