Your Similan Speedboat Day Packing Checklist

Pack a Dry Bag for the Speedboat

A waterproof bag is essential for keeping belongings safe during the 13-hour journey. The speedboat's motion and spray mean that ordinary backpacks will get soaked, potentially damaging electronics, documents, and clothing. Pack a compact dry bag that fits comfortably between your feet or under the seat. Inside, organize items by category: documents in a waterproof pouch, electronics with their chargers in another sealed section, and a change of dry clothes separate from wet items. Leave larger luggage at your hotel or in secure storage at the tour operator's office, taking only what you'll need on the water and at the beach.

Choose a bag size between 10 and 20 liters for a day tour. This is large enough for sunscreen, medications, a light jacket, and personal items, yet small enough to carry comfortably when moving between the boat and snorkel sites. Roll rather than fold clothing to save space. Keep your phone in a waterproof case inside the dry bag, and store your camera in a protective case as well. A small towel can go in the bottom of the bag, though the tour typically provides one.

Know the Sunscreen and Plastic Rules

The Similan Islands National Park restricts certain sunscreen chemicals to protect coral reefs. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate damage marine ecosystems, so these are not permitted in the park waters. Before your tour, check the ingredients on your sunscreen bottle. Look for reef-safe formulas that use mineral blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. The tour operator can recommend approved brands, or you can purchase reef-safe sunscreen in Phuket or Khao Lak before departure.

Single-use plastics are also banned throughout the national park. This means no plastic bags, plastic straws, or disposable bottles. The tour includes fresh fruit and snacks on the beach, so bring a reusable container or eating utensils if you prefer. Carry a refillable water bottle, which the tour crew will fill with fresh water. Pack any personal items in reusable bags. This policy keeps the islands pristine and protects wildlife from plastic ingestion and entanglement.

Reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, and snorkel gear laid out and ready

Prevent Seasickness on a Fast Boat

A speedboat's rapid motion and spray can trigger seasickness, especially on longer passages between islands. Start your prevention plan the night before by getting adequate sleep and eating light meals on the morning of your tour. The light breakfast served during check-in at the meeting point is designed to settle your stomach without overloading it. Ginger supplements taken before boarding can help, as can acupressure wristbands worn on each wrist.

Once on the boat, sit in the middle cabin where movement is least noticeable, and avoid reading or looking at your phone. Focus on the horizon or distant landmarks instead. Keep hydrated by sipping water throughout the journey. If you feel queasy, inform a crew member immediately. Sea-sickness medication taken before boarding can be effective, but consult a pharmacist in your home country about options and timing. Most passengers find that once snorkeling begins, the focus and excitement override any lingering discomfort.

Dress for a 5am Pickup and Wet Landings

An early-morning departure from your Phuket or Khao Lak hotel means a 5am pickup in darkness. Wear comfortable, warm layers that you can remove as the sun rises and the day warms. A lightweight long-sleeve shirt or rash guard protects your skin during the boat ride and provides an extra layer of sun protection. Bring a thin sweater or windbreaker to ward off the chill of early-morning air and the boat's sea spray. Change into your swimsuit at the hotel before pickup, then cover it with your layers.

For wet landings on beaches and at snorkel sites, water shoes or reef shoes are ideal. These protect your feet from sharp rocks and coral while providing grip on wet sand and boat decks. Avoid flip-flops, which slip off easily in water. You can remove water shoes when snorkeling and secure them in your dry bag. After your final snorkel and beach lunch, you'll have time to rinse off and change into dry clothes for the boat ride home. Pack that fresh outfit in your dry bag along with a second pair of socks.

Electronics and Valuables: What to Bring and Leave Behind

Bring your phone in a waterproof case if you want to capture memories, but leave other valuables and excess electronics at your hotel. A dedicated camera with underwater housing is safer than trying to photograph through a phone case. Keep your phone powered off during snorkeling to conserve battery. The tour operator does not provide lockers, so large luggage and jewelry should remain in your hotel room. Take only a photocopy of your identification or passport for park entry, leaving the original document secure at your accommodation.

Final Packing Checklist

Review this list the night before: reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof bag, change of dry clothes, water shoes, medications, a light jacket or sweater, reusable water bottle, and personal hygiene items in a waterproof pouch. Pack toiletries like deodorant and a toothbrush if you plan to freshen up before evening plans. Include any prescribed seasickness medication or ginger supplements. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes at pickup time. Most importantly, confirm pickup times and locations with the tour operator the day before, and set an alarm for 4am to avoid rushing.

Before you book