Simba Sea Trips

Simba Sea Trips is a Phuket-based boat-tour company founded in 2005 and licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It runs premium small-group tours and private charters across the Andaman Sea from its base at Boat Lagoon Marina on the east coast of the island. Join-in tours are capped at 18 adults, which keeps groups small for a speedboat day trip.

The flagship trip is the Phi Phi Sunrise tour, designed to reach Maya Bay before the crowds. It starts with a light breakfast and coffee before departure, then a speedboat crossing of about an hour and ten minutes each way, with seven stops over around eight hours and a buffet lunch. Maya Bay closes each year in August and September, when Bamboo Island takes its place in the itinerary. A Phi Phi Sunset Shark tour runs from November to April only, as afternoon storms make return crossings unsafe during the rest of the year. Closer to home, the eight-hour Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island trip includes kayaking through the mangroves and lunch on board.

Prices are all-inclusive, covering transfers, lunch, equipment and fees, and snacks, fresh fruit, water and soft drinks are provided on board, with alcohol available to buy. Bookings can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. For families and groups, private charters cover routes such as Phi Phi Sunrise, Phang Nga Bay and Beyond, and a sunset cruise around Phang Nga, with the whole boat reserved for two to 20 adults.

The tours suit couples, families and friends who want to see the famous islands with fewer people around. Speedboat crossings can be bumpy, especially in the monsoon season, so anyone prone to seasickness should take precautions, and those with back problems or who are pregnant should check with the company before booking. Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a dry bag.

Boat Lagoon is on Phuket's east coast, and transfers from hotels around the island are included. Book ahead in the high season, and if you have a choice of dates, check the forecast and sea conditions with the company, as trips may be changed or cancelled in bad weather for safety.