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Simba Sea Trips now departing from the SOHO Pool Club Great news guys! Simba Sea Trips has exciting news to share. We have recently relocated our offices to the vibrant Soho Pool Club at the Boat Lagoon Marina, adding an extra element of luxury and relaxation to our highly-rated services. Get ready to embark on unforgettable small boat tours to Phi Phi Island, Phang Nga Bay, and beyond. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting update! The Perfect Departure Point Boat Lagoon Marina, with its picturesque waterfront setting, is now home to Simba Sea Trips. This prime location sets the stage for an unforgettable journey, right from the moment you arrive. As you step into the Soho Pool Club, the vibrant atmosphere welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to embrace the ultimate vacation experience. Coffee and Snacks, a Prelude to Adventure To enhance your pre-departure experience, Simba Sea Trips extends a warm invitation to all guests to arrive early and indulge in a delightful assortment of coffee and snacks. Imagine sipping your favorite brew while relishing delectable treats, preparing your senses for the adventure that lies ahead. This thoughtful gesture ensures that you start your tour on a high note, energized and excited for the wonders awaiting you. Soho Pool Club: The Epitome of Luxury While the Boat Lagoon Marina is an exceptional location in itself, the Soho Pool Club takes the experience to new heights. Undergoing an extensive renovation, this pool club promises to be a haven of luxury and relaxation. The transformation will leave you awestruck, with upgraded facilities, fun activity rooms, and stunning aesthetics that will add a touch of sophistication to your time spent here. Customized Private Charter Tours: Simba Sea Trips is not just about group tours; they also specialize in crafting customized private charter boat tours of Phuket. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or an excursion with friends, the expert team at Simba Sea Trips will tailor a unique experience that caters to your desires. With the majestic Phuket region as your playground, the possibilities are endless. Unforgettable Destinations: Simba Sea Trips has gained a reputation for their remarkable boat tours to Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay. These iconic destinations showcase Thailand's natural beauty at its finest, with stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and hidden coves waiting to be discovered. With Simba Sea Trips as your guide, you'll have the opportunity to explore these marvels while creating lasting memories. Stop in to SoHo and Say G’day Australian owned, Simba Sea Trips has taken their already exceptional boat tour services to a whole new level with their recent relocation to the Boat Lagoon Marina and their partnership with the Soho Pool Club. From enjoying coffee and snacks before departure to embarking on unforgettable journeys to Phi Phi Island, Phang Nga Bay, and beyond, every aspect of the Simba Sea Trips experience has been designed to delight and enchant. Stop in and check out the venue and get ready to be captivated by the wonders of Phuket while indulging in the luxurious offerings of the Soho Pool Club.  

A Comprehensive Guide to James Bond Island Embarking on a journey to James Bond Island from the vibrant island of Phuket is a captivating experience that unveils the natural wonders of Phang Nga Bay. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the logistics of this enchanting expedition, with a focus on the exceptional speedboat adventures provided by Simba Sea Trips. Launching Pad: Phuket as Your Gateway Your journey to James Bond Island commences in the bustling hub of Phuket. As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket offers a vibrant atmosphere and serves as the ideal starting point for venturing into the mesmerizing landscapes of Phang Nga Bay. Speedboat Adventures: Elevating the Experience While various transportation modes can lead you to James Bond Island, opting for a speedboat with Simba Sea Trips adds an extra layer of sophistication and efficiency to your journey. The swift and nimble nature of speedboats not only reduces travel time but also provides an immersive and stylish approach to exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Andaman Sea. Simba Sea Trips: A Premier Provider of Boat Tours in Phuket At the forefront of boat tours in Phuket, Simba Sea Trips stands out as a distinguished provider of exceptional experiences. With an unwavering commitment to safety, environmental preservation, and delivering unparalleled adventures, Simba Sea Trips has become synonymous with quality and reliability in the boat tour industry.  Booking Your Journey with Simba Sea Trips To set the wheels in motion for your James Bond Island experience, start the booking process with Simba Sea Trips. Our user-friendly website and responsive customer service channels streamline the reservation process. Select a date that aligns with your itinerary, secure your booking, and prepare for a seamless and memorable adventure. Departure Logistics: Commencing the Voyage The Simba Sea Trips on-demand tour to James Bond Island begins with a departure from Phuket. We ensure a smooth and secure transition to the starting location, allowing you to focus on the impending natural wonders. The Majestic Phang Nga Bay: A Pictorial Prelude As the speedboat gracefully traverses the Andaman Sea, the majesty of Phang Nga Bay unfolds. Limestone karsts rise dramatically from the emerald waters, providing a stunning backdrop for the main event – James Bond Island. Simba Sea Trips’ knowledgeable guides enrich the journey with insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the unique geological formations and rich marine life along the way. James Bond Island: A Close Encounter with Cinematic Fame Arriving at James Bond Island is a moment of sheer awe. The iconic limestone rock, Ko Tapu, stands prominently against the skyline, immediately recognizable from its feature in the James Bond movie. Simba Sea Trips ensures that you have ample time to explore the island, capture breathtaking photographs, and immerse yourself in the cinematic atmosphere that envelops this natural marvel. Supplementary Activities: Beyond the Iconic Rock Simba Sea Trips enriches your James Bond Island experience by offering a range of supplementary activities. Whether it’s sea kayaking through hidden caves, exploring neighboring islands, or indulging in a leisurely swim in the crystalline waters, the tour is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse preferences and interests. A Commitment to Responsible Tourism Simba Sea Trips places a strong emphasis on responsible tourism and environmental conservation. Their tours are meticulously crafted to minimize ecological impact, ensuring the sustainability and preservation of the natural beauty surrounding James Bond Island for future generations. Crafting Lasting Memories Venturing to James Bond Island with Simba Sea Trips from Phuket promises an extraordinary journey filled with natural wonders, cultural richness, and unparalleled experiences. From the exhilarating speedboat ride through Phang Nga Bay to the close encounter with the iconic James Bond Island, Simba Sea Trips orchestrates a seamless and memorable experience that has to be seen to be believed  

Ever heard of Fantasea Phuket? What is it all about? Well, if you have never been, the show is all about telling the legend of Kamala. In this narrative, Kamala is a jungle with a mythical palace – not like the Kamala that people know about. The Fantasia show Phuket is a huge stage act which happens at the grounds of a vast theme park found on the Kamala Beach. Its been almost 20 years and going since the first show took place. Each year, millions of travellers and tourists alike come to Phuket from all the world over to enjoy this magically stunning performance. What to enjoy at Fanta Sea The Fantasea park Within Fantasea is the park. One thing you need to know about the park is its immense nature and that it was made with the intention to provide entertainment to its visitors for hours on end. So, as you wait for the Phuket Fantasea show to begin, there is lots of stuff to do. There are shops for you to feast your eyes on the stuff they have as well as shop till you drop as well as coffee shops where you can chill. The place is also kid friendly as they can keep busy in the couple of funfairs here. They get a chance to play and win some stuffed animals if they are lucky. Is there a fee the kids are expected to pay to play? Yes. Besides the normal Fantasea Phuket price, in order to enjoy the funfairs, there is an extra fee. While there, don’t expect the winning prize to be more expensive than the game the kids will play. However, the bragging rights they will gain after winning should count for something, right? According to Phuket Fantasea review, the theme of this stunning park is designed based on Thai mythology and legends. There are lots of great photo opportunities. What is really impressive is the restaurant and the building where the show takes place. Golden Kinaree Restaurant As per Phuket Fantasea TripAdvisor, the Golden Kinaree restaurant is a sight to behold as it resembles a large golden temple. Before you get here, what welcomes you is dozen brightly coloured Thai traditional boats. While visiting the Fantasy show Phuket dinner at this Golden Kinaree restaurant is optional. We tried it out so that we can give a wholesome Phuket Fantasea review, restaurant, park and all. My, oh my! I have never seen such a humongous dining room with such large doors. It can take up to 4,000 seats. It’s basically as large as an entire soccer field! Imagine the shock we got. Besides the largeness of the room, the decor is stunning. Much as the buffet was satisfactory, the dinner at Kamala beach is better. So, you can grab some there before coming to the Fantasea Phuket show. The setting of the show As soon as they announce the show, the first thing that happens is the crowd rushing. The irony about this rushing is that all these people have already paid for the tickets in advance. It’s like they just can’t wait to enjoy the experience of the show. The unfortunate bit that I found out on Phuket Fantasea TripAdvisor is that people are not allowed to take pictures inside the theater. So, before you get in, one is expected to leave their cameras at designated spaces. This is one of the strictest things about the Fantasia show Phuket. The main show The theater accommodates thousands of people. It begins with caravan of huge elephants walking in between the spectators followed by the performers in Thai regalia. This is usually the most interesting part of the show… very remarkable and surreal. May be this is the reason why people rush to be the first on the queue so that they don’t miss out this first bit of the Fantasea show Phuket. They begin once the performers and the elephants get to the stage so that they can show off their lovely displays of light and sound effects. It’s good to make an early booking in order to get the good seats and enjoy the Phuket Fantasea show better. Back seats can make the elephants appear as tiny as frogs while on stage. After they narrate the history of Kamala, the actors, dancers and acrobats give the viewers well-choreographed performance. The Thai performers fly and spin above the audiences. To add some bit of magic to the show are some scary clowns. Much as they probably have nothing to do with the Thai legend, their time on stage gives the other performers some time to change their costumes behind the curtains. Fantasea Phuket price The Fantasea show Phuket will set you back  1,800 baht for the show only. If you want to add the optional dinner to it, adults will pay 2,200 baht and Children 2,000 baht. Gold seats will cost you an extra 350 baht.

Update: Moving out of Covid it is important to book the best tour possible to experience life again as was intended before the events of 2020 struck. Keep reading as we explain why higher price tours does not necessarily spell bad news. This is one of the most common questions we are asked! For the holidaying tourist, boat trips can be one of the most financially driven decisions made when visiting some of the best Islands in Thailand. In an increasingly competitive marketplace there have been an growing number of tours marketed as a ‘Sunset Boat Tour’ at different price points and understandable this can cause confusion amongst holiday makers. Here we try give you an unbiased view of the tour boat adventure market in Phuket, and explain what to look out for in helping you make up your mind which company is right for you. Of course we understand Simba’s pricing won’t be suitable for every budget but we do think it is important to shed a little light on what drives the cost of providing a tour and in turn how these factors can and will impact upon the price of a tour. There is a reason why people ask the question “why are yachts so expensive to hire” when they go to book a tour in some cases. Think of the following as a bit of a checklist to help guide your choice and please remember that the old adage ‘you get what you paid for’ has no more suitable application that the Phuket Motor Yachts market! Broadly speaking there are 3 quality tiers in Phuket Budget (under 2,000 baht per adult): 40 – 45 passengers per boat; limited program; very limited on-board catering; potential for hidden costs; heavy reliance on supplement income sources. Mid-Market (2,500 to 3,500 baht per adult): 30 to 35 passengers; deeper tour program; improved on-board catering; limited hidden costs; reliance on supplement income sources. Premium / Private Boat (4,000 per adult plus); 15 – 19 passengers per boat; detailed and carefully managed tour program; strong on-board catering; no hidden costs; significant emphasis on boat quality and safety standards It will probably come as little surprise to most readers that the single biggest determinant of the price of boat trips is the passenger load per boat. Put simply, costs per passenger can fall dramatically when a boat regularly carries 40+ passengers versus a solid commitment to carry under 18. Compounding this issue is the fact many core running costs (fuel, boat replacement cost, parts replacement, crew) are very similar between a 16 person 2-engine boat, such as a Sealine sc35, and a 45 person 3-engine boat. As a result, the decision to adhere to maintaining a high quality of experience through guaranteed limits on passenger loads must come at a cost and accordingly the tour price is somewhat higher to ensure operations do not run at a loss. Notwithstanding the higher cost small group bring some significant advantages for those looking to maximise experience with a private charter boat tour: Much improved ability for the crew to monitor passengers whilst in the water Ample space in the boat to relax whilst transiting Most importantly, however, is the vastly reduced boarding time required when managing boat trips with a small group versus a large group. This factor is often over-looked but in critical in 2 circumstances – (1) maximising snorkelling time (i.e. waiting for 40 people of have snorkel masks and fins fitted can be a LONG time) and (2) the speed in which you can get people off the boat should an emergency arise. Seems obvious right? Pursuing the safety theme further it would be remiss to not touch on the commitment to maintain a quality boat safety and maintenance program. In recent times safety has emerged as the number one driver behind reputation (should it ever not be??) and the operators at the upper end of the market understand this well. However implementing boat safety and maintenance programs are not cheap and there needs to be sufficient profit margin to ensure money can be allocated. Without a doubt a high quality maintenance program can run into millions of baht per year and our experience at Simba has necessitated an expense reserve per passenger of over 300 baht! We are still trying to figure out how a 2000 baht per adult Phi Phi operator can ever hope to fund a similar commitment to boat quality and safety. Another less obvious impact on the ‘before’ and ‘after is of course the standard of transfers employed. Lower cost boat trips usually necessitate the use of a crowded van with 5 or 6 stops and this may require a journey of 75 minutes + each way versus 35 minutes with only 2 or 3 stops. For some people this will be important. The use of supplemental income sources is very common across the entire market and indeed we are only aware of 2 operators that don’t rely on such techniques. These income sources will often take the form of picture / DVD packages, additional beverage spend, sun chair hire and water sports (usually jet skis). In aggregate these additional revenues can be very attractive to a tour operator and indeed may help subsidise the cost of the tour. Yes – a good thing and of course it is very easy for the individual to simply choose to not ‘upsize’ the tour cost. But….it can be become a problem if the tour program is compromised or reduced in depth to allow the operator to dump customers in a ‘shopping’ location in order to earn undisclosed commissions. Koh Khai (halfway to Phi Phi) and Naka Noi (Phang Nga Bay) are great examples of ‘honey pots’ for the unsuspecting tourist! Finally – a few words on hidden costs. When comparing tour programs and costs make sure it is clear what costs are included in the published rate. Some pointers: National Park fees: will range between 300 and 400

Which Phuket Speedboat tour for me? It’s the old age debate. You’ve come to Phuket and decided to do a speed boat tour. Which one to do? Phi Phi Island tour or Phang Nga Bay tour? Well if you ask us we’d say both, but let us give you the difference between the two so that you  can make a decision. In our opinion Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Island are both very different experiences so it depends on what sort of an experience you are after. Phi Phi Island Speedboat Tour Phi Phi Island  is best know for it’s starring role in the film The Beach. Tourists have been flocking to Maya Bay every since the movie put it on the map.  Phi Phi is made up of 6 islands but commonly people only know of Phi Phi Lay and Phi Phi Don. It is surrounded by stunning waters and blessed with white sandy beaches. If your idea of a good day out is snorkelling and swimming in these clear blue waters followed by soaking up some rays on a beautiful beach, then a Phi Phi tour may just be the one for you. At Simba we offer several opportunities for snorkelling and also hanging out on the beach. Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour Phang Nga Bay is best known for the iconic rock that featured in the James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun.  The island has since been named, and is affectionately known as, James Bond Island.  This is not the only thing to see or do in the bay though. There are stunning karsts jutting from the sea, hidden lagoons, caves and much more to explore. A Phang Nga Bay tour suits adventurous types. Whilst we do manage to fit a bit of lazing around on a beautiful beach, the tour is predominantly activities based. The scenery in Phang Nga Bay is stunning and is often compared to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. There is a good reason as to why the topography looks similar and this is because the two areas both form part of an area the was effected by a big shift in the Earth’s plates. If you’d like a day on the water taking in some stunning scenery, kayaking through lagoons and caves then a Phang Nga Tour is the one for you. Beat the crowds and book an experience of a lifetime as we head out of the Covid area and back towards a sense of normality!    

A Sunset Cruise with a difference Join us on the Sunset Cruise of Phang Nga Bay….  A fun, relaxed, late afternoon, social outing to the idyllic Phang Nga Bay region with a view to saviour! Unlike other tours of Phang Nga Bay, guests will be given a completely unique experience that provides a quieter (yet Robust) experience across the calm waters of Phuket. This is a great value tour, that departs from Boat Lagoon Marina at 1.30 pm and returns following sunset at approximately 7 pm.   This is a great way to get out on the water for a relaxing afternoon cruise. Although, we’ll still stop for a paddle to allow you to cool off with a backdrop that defies belief! Guests are then encouraged to venture into the SoHo Pool Club to reminisce over their experience and to carry on their social experience long into the night.   Take in some of the classic limestone Karst scenery that Phang Nga bay is famous for without all the expense of travelling all the way to the Phi Phi islands.  The route of this sunset cruise stays closer to the Royal Phuket Marina to allow more time for fun activities and relaxing on our luxurious new boat. Light snacks, fruit platters and an assortment of beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included. Transport to and from your hotel on Phuket island is also complimentary, and of course your Captain and Seaman are included also. Please note, unlike the rest of Simba’s tours which are more activities focused,  this one is more about relaxing and enjoying your afternoon’s activities out on the water! Book your Social Club cruise with Simba Sea Trips today!        

Monsoon Season expectations So, we find ourselves in the monsoon season once again. Our familiar friend that brings life-giving rain, yet larger sea-swells, cloudy skies yet cheap hotel beds! At Simba, this annual event can be the hardest to explain, especially predicting trips to distant islands. With this in mind, the following is a brief introduction to the monsoon more generally, and then how this affects us. What is the Monsoon? The word monsoon literally means ‘season’ in Arabic. Traders traveling the waters off the Arabian and Indian coast noted for centuries that dry, cool, northeast winds blew for 6 months and then suddenly changed to warm, moist air from the southeast. So in a nutshell, the monsoon weather is a change in the type and direction of winds (and therefore swell) that brings moist air. When and how does it work? Between April to September, the wind blows from the southeast as the land mass of India, the Himalayas and beyond heats up relative to the ocean. This causes moist warm air from the Indian ocean to rush into the gap as the warmer air rises. This is the moist ‘maritime’ air that brings the monsoonal rains. Between October and March, this phenomenon is reversed, as the temperature of the Indian Ocean is warmer relative to the land. This pulls dry, cool ‘continental’ winds. This is often called the ‘dry’ or ‘high’ season. What Does this mean for Phuket? Phuket is a very small island in a big neighbourhood! To our west sits the Andaman Sea, the bay of Bengal and the India Ocean. To the north and north west of us sits the giant landmass of India, the Himalayas and beyond. These are the major players in this titanic tug of war, and we are simply a spectator sitting a little too close! We very much experience the Monsoon phenomenon and our seasons reflect that of India (as above). What does this mean for Simba Sea Trips? We essentially travel to two different regions. Phang Nga and Phi Phi, both east of Phuket itself. Phang Nga luckily sits in a protected bay north east of Phuket. It is protected not only by Phuket itself, but the mainland of Thailand. Although there are still some relatively open passages of water, we’ve found average sea swells to be 1-2 meters less than Phi Phi. We also travel perpendicular to the mainland, and being on a boat, the closer to the protection of land the better! Phi Phi unfortunately sits 50km south west of Phuket. It normally takes us between about an hour 15 to get there by boat in relatively open waters. Although Phuket Island does offer some protection initially, the second half of the journey is in open water, where swells average 1.5 meters and can get as high 3 meters. Despite the predictability of the monsoon as a phenomenon, the severity of the winds can intensify and relax as low pressures form and dissipate (hence the variation in swell). This is what we monitor on a daily basis and forms the backbone of our decision making (whether to go/cancel/change destination). Its not all doom and glom however! An enjoyable trip to Phi Phi is still very much possible, there is just a relatively increased chance cancelation/change destination). What can I expect on a Monsoonal day on the water? Well… moist air obviously! Often described as overcast, it’s more like a washing machine of clouds competing for space. Low, mid and high band clouds fall, gather pace and dissipate, if you are into weather it can be a magical and awe-inspiring sight. The very unpredictable nature of these clouds does mean they often give way to rays of sharp sunshine, but they also form storm clouds that dump 10-20 minutes of heavy, warm, tropical rain! So expect a little rain, expect a little wind but with this comes of the best visibility, wildlife, vegetation and natural vitality. What the monsoon does bring is life and it’s magical to see it up close! Check our tips on what to do on a rainy day in Phuket. Learn more about Phuket weather.      

The Similan Islands: A Guide to Getting There The Similan Islands, a glorious set of islands nestled in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand, beckon travelers with their crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. Accessible from coastal towns like Phuket and Khao Lak, these islands offer an unparalleled experience for divers and nature enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of how to get to Similan Islands, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a memorable adventure. Selecting Your Gateway: Phuket or Khao Lak To figure out how to get to Similan Islands you need to be choosing your entry point. The two major airports serving this region are in Phuket and Phang Nga, the latter catering to the town of Khao Lak. Phuket is a bustling island with a vibrant nightlife, while Khao Lak offers a more tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal departure point for those seeking a quick getaway. Arriving in Phuket or Khao Lak Upon landing at your chosen airport, you’ll need to arrange transportation to your selected departure point. From Phuket, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Khao Lak or better yet you can take advantage of Simba’s on demand Similan Island tour. Alternatively, if you’ve flown directly to Khao Lak, you can proceed to the next step. Making Your Way to Tab Lamu Pier Tab Lamu Pier, situated in Khao Lak, serves as a primary departure point for boats heading to the Similan Islands. If you’re on a liveaboard trip, your vessel may depart directly from this pier. For day tours, transportation from Khao Lak to Tab Lamu Pier is typically arranged by the tour operator. Selecting a Reputable Tour Operator With numerous tour operators offering trips to the Similan Islands, it’s crucial to choose a reputable one to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Simba has decades of experience navigating the waters and provide a tour that is both luxurious and memorable. Checking Seasonal Availability The Similan Islands National Park operates on a seasonal schedule, typically closing during the monsoon season from May to October. Before planning your visit, ensure you choose a time when the park is open to the public. Checking weather forecasts for the best conditions is also recommended to make the most of your island adventure. Securing Permits for Island Entry Access to the Similan Islands National Park requires a permit, and these are often included in tour packages. Ensure you have the necessary permits arranged through your chosen tour operator to avoid any complications during your visit. When traveling with Simba this is something that we make sure to take care of for you, so that you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the day trouble-free. This step is essential for preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the islands. Conclusion Now that we’ve explained how to get to Similan Islands, all that’s left is to hop aboard! Embarking on a journey to the Similan Islands promises an extraordinary encounter with nature’s wonders. As you set sail from Boat Lagoon, the turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs of the Similan Islands await, promising a memorable adventure for those seeking the beauty that lies beneath the Andaman Sea.

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands with Simba Sea Trips Embarking on a journey from Phuket to Phi Phi by speedboat reveals a world of unrivaled beauty and relaxation.  With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, Phi Phi has become a must-visit destination for travelers jet setting to Thailand. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various options for traveling from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands. We will focus on the exhilarating speedboat experience, particularly highlighting Simba Sea Trips’ intimate boat tours. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Phi Phi Islands, embark on a journey of exploration, and create unforgettable memories with Simba Sea Trips’ unique offering. Speedboat Excursions: The Ultimate Phi Phi Adventure Embarking on a speedboat adventure from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands offers an experience like no other. It is unquestionably the most exhilarating way to explore this stunning region. Travelers can take advantage of the convenience of shorter travel times, allowing for more time to indulge in the island’s wonders. Simba Sea Trips sets itself apart from the competition by offering intimate boat tours that depart before the crowds, ensuring a more exclusive and personalized experience. With smaller group sizes, guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Phi Phi Islands, away from the standard tourist crush expected from an exploration of this idyllic region. The Simba Sea Trips Difference  Simba Sea Trips provides a truly exceptional experience when exploring the Phi Phi Islands. Our expert guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience and ensuring guests have an unforgettable day. By traveling to the Phi Phi islands with Simba Sea Trips, visitors can enjoy a more intimate and immersive adventure. The smaller boat loads offered by Simba Sea Trips allow for a more relaxed and comfortable experience. Travelers have ample room to enjoy the stunning scenery, soak up the sun, and capture picture-perfect moments. Moreover, the smaller group size enables more personalized attention from the guides, who are eager to share their insights and answer any questions that our guests may have. Discovering Phi Phi Islands: Highlights and Experiences Simba Sea Trips’ Phi Phi Islands tour takes you on a captivating exploration of the region’s most iconic sites. As you speed across the turquoise waters, be prepared to witness a panorama of breathtaking beauty. Maya Bay Begin your adventure by visiting the famous Maya Bay, known for its stunning natural scenery and as the filming location for the movie “The Beach.” Step ashore to walk on the powdery white sands and marvel at the rehabilitated bay while savouring the iconic surrounds . Viking Cave Get up close and personal with the Viking Cave – a fascinating limestone cave adorned with ancient rock paintings. Learn about the cave’s historical significance and the traditional harvesting of bird’s nests that takes place at this location. Monkey Beach Witness the playful inhabitants of Monkey Beach. Watch as these cheeky macaques cause havoc along the shoreline and interact with visitors, creating unforgettable memories. Snorkeling in Phi Phi’s Pristine Waters  Swim with the fishes as you immerse yourself in the underwater world of the Phi Phi Islands. Fitted out with snorkeling gear, guests can see first-hand the colorful coral reefs and the tropical fish that call it their home. Simba Sea Trips takes you to prime snorkeling spots, ensuring a memorable underwater experience. Simba Sea Trips’ Commitment to Excellence  Simba Sea Trips’ dedication to customer satisfaction ensures that each guest receives a memorable and rewarding experience.  The knowledgeable guides, small group sizes, and attention to detail set our tours apart. By choosing Simba Sea Trips for your Phi Phi Islands adventure, you can rest assured that you’ll be embarking on an extraordinary journey filled with beauty, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Embarking on a speedboat adventure from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands with Simba Sea Trips opens the door to a world of natural wonders and unparalleled beauty.  Discover the highlights of Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and the vibrant underwater world through exhilarating snorkeling experiences. Simba Sea Trips’ commitment to a more intimate and personalized journey, provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the Phi Phi Island experience.   

Is Maya Bay open? Yes! Maya Bay, which is the most recognizable landmark within the Phi Phi Islands, is one of the most popular and gorgeous beaches in the world. It acquired its fame after the movie by Danny Boyle, “The Beach”, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed there in the year 2000. After the movie was launched, the beach could bring over 5000 tourists every day.  May 2023 Update Great news to all tourists looking to visit Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands. As of May 1st, 2023, Maya Bay is once again reopened to tourists. While it is likely that each year Maya Bay will close for a few months to ensure it is maintained, it is currently catering to the large number of tourists keen to explore the incredible scenery that is on offer. With that said, if  you’re thinking about visiting Maya Bay in the rainy season then it is best to contact the Simba team to ensure that the Bay is open to visitors as we are fully aware of the closure announcements and able to inform you of the current status. Why did Maya Bay close? The movie “The Beach” elevated the status and popularity of Maya Bay as well as the Thai tourism industry as a whole, increasing Maya Bay tours. That said though, such popularity also came with its disadvantages. With lots of tourists visiting the bay for like 19 years, the beach eventually became damaged as it could not sustain the massive tourism. It was unfortunate when Maya Bay closed temporarily because that severe damage to the bay’s environment. A lot of the coral as well as plants died because of that drastic rise in visitors. So, the Thai authorities were forced to close it to allow for the recovery of the ecology.  Delays in reopening  The initial plan was that the bay be closed from 2018 to October 2018. Those few months wouldn’t have been enough for complete rejuvenation of the bay and the park. The marine required more time to recover from the pollution and littering that had been done for years by tourists and boats. The coral on the other hand grows about a centimetre in a year so for the bay to become fully restored, it will take a number of years. Luckily that temporary closure has brought about some positive results. People have started sighting blacktip reef sharks swimming at the bay.  Cause for Optimism  Is Maya Bay open or opening anytime soon? The thing is, since its closure Maya Bay has recovered tremendously. Conservationists’ efforts have really paid off. The coral nurseries that they planted really thrived in the undisturbed waters during the closure. The fish population has also increased by like 200% in comparison to 2018 and seabirds like egrets and herons have come back to the bay. Much as the beach still remains closed to visitors and boats forbidden from entering the protected turquoise waters of the bay, it’s the hope of both the locals and the Thai authorities that they will open soon and Maya Bay tours resume.