Similan Islands (8 hrs)

Ever wonder why Thai speedboat captains get genuinely excited about November through February? The water's glassy, the sky cooperates, and you're not fighting the elements—you're actually enjoying them. That's when the Apollo, our nimble 47-footer, really earns its keep in these waters.

The Similan Islands sit about 60km off Phuket's coast, which sounds far until you're cruising at speed and realize you've got eight full hours to actually do stuff instead of burning daylight on transfers. Our Private Speedboat 47ft setup works well for this because it's not some bloated mega-yacht—it threads into coves and hidden lagoons that bigger boats just can't access. You'll find that Thailand's waters offer some seriously decent snorkeling around Koh Ta Chai (Similan #11), where the coral's healthier than people expect and the fish haven't all swum off to appear in tourist brochures.

Also worth noting about Thailand: those monsoon showers from May onward? Warm, brief, and honestly kind of refreshing when you're already wet. Locals don't flee—they go about their day. It's a super chill way to see the real version of things, minus the peak-season Instagram crowds.

Bring a waterproof bag for cameras because splashing happens, and honestly, half the fun is getting photos of genuine moments instead of posed ones. Best for day trips where you're island-hopping, snorkeling, and actually living rather than just being transported. As relaxing as a hammock, but with actual current beneath you and way better stories afterward.