Question 1

How many people do you take on your tour?

Accepted Answer

Simba has long prided itself on committing to the lowest passenger numbers per boat of any speedboat operator, not only in Phuket but across Thailand.

We believe that low passenger numbers are an important factor in making the Simba tour experience superior to any other speedboat tour in Phuket.

Over the course of a typical 12-month season we average just under 14 people per boat. This includes adults and children and we are very confident no other operator in Phuket will ever match such low numbers. Indeed, it is unlikely they could even determine what their average load is! Incidentally we average 1 child per tour.

Simba 7: 16 – 18 adults (licensed to 26)

Simba 8: 16 – 18 adults (licensed to 26)

Simba 9: 16 – 18 adults (licensed to 26)

Please be aware that tour operators are increasingly using the ‘small group’ descriptor for tours that take 25 – 30 passengers, nearly a 100% increase on Simba’s policy!

Question 2

What is the weather like in monsoon season?

Accepted Answer

The monsoon season in Phuket does bring about stronger winds, bigger swells and a higher chance of rain, but it also means less tourists! Before we undertake any of our trips, whether in the dry or monsoon season, we check the tides, swell chart, satellite images, local weather radar and weather reports. If we feel there is any danger to you, our boat or us we will cancel the trip as early as possible. Simba will cancel a trip if we feel anyone’s safety is compromised.

Because of the exposure to the Indian Ocean sea swells, we assess our Phi Phi tours on a daily basis, and these can be subject to cancellation between May and November.  If this is the case, you have the choice of a full refund, or a switch to a Phang Nga bay tour where the water conditions are generally better.

During May to September our Phang Nga Bay tours are more protected from the elements and generally has smaller waves and wind effect.

The concept of ‘safety first’ is extremely important to us.

Question 3

Does Simba have insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Simba has limited accident insurance for all registered guests aged between 3 months and 75 years old. Guests over 75 years old guests need to arrange their own insurance cover. For any cover to be valid we MUST have your correct name and age and passport #, for all booked guests in your group.

All of our boats are also commercially insured as per applicable Government regulations.

We hold a valid TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand) license and our tour guides are licensed (Simba has a very strict policy of only employing Thai tour guides as per national labour laws).

We are not insured for pregnant women, pre-existing back injuries or other pre-existing medical conditions. Please advise us prior to booking if any member of your group is pregnant.

The insurance cover provided by Simba is limited in nature and may not extend beyond a reasonable level of base treatment and hospital care. For most foreseeable injuries that might occur on tour the coverage is adequate.

No personal belongings such as cameras and phones are covered by our insurance, so please avoid dropping them over board.  Wet bags are provided on board the boats for protection. Simba will not reimburse passengers for any personal items lost or damaged.

Note that any action Simba may take with respect to (1) assisting with organization of medical assistance or (2) allowing claims to be made under Simba’s customer insurance policy, is conducted on a ‘no liability basis’.

Question 4

Are there English speaking tour guides?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Simba always has English speaking tour guides onboard.  On request, we have Mandarin speaking guides also, and this would need to be arranged well ahead of the tour (min. bookings apply).

Please note that in accordance with Thai Labour Law we only employee Thai Nationals as tour guides.

Question 5

Are the tours suitable for young children and infants?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our trips are suitable for children (4-12 years) and they will enjoy themselves throughout the day. However, if you have younger children, it can be a very long hot day for them. We also do not have a storage area for prams/strollers etc. Please note we can insure down to 3 months of age only.

Please note, each tour will involve a number of deep water swimming stops and accordingly it is very important that you commit to looking after your child whilst in the water, particularly if they are not confident swimmers. The crew and guide have a responsibility to monitoring all passengers whilst in the water and cannot devote themselves to any one group.

Question 6

If I can’t swim will I still enjoy the tour?

Accepted Answer

We often have non-swimmers onboard all the various trips we do. Phang Nga involves more sightseeing, cave exploring and canoeing so it holds much more interest for non-swimmers. Phi-Phi also involves sightseeing and stopping at magical islands so you can explore from the safety of solid ground! For those adventurous yet maybe weak swimmers, we can provide life jackets, floating noodles and even hold your hand through the whole experience. We also try to select snorkeling spots that are protected and don’t have strong currents.

Question 7

Are there any additional costs on your tour?

Accepted Answer

There are no additional costs on a Simba tour. However we do stop at some places where there will be a bar, so if you would like an alcoholic beverage you may purchase one yourself. Tipping is customary but not obligatory around Phuket, so if you would like to show your gratitude for our Thai staff there will be a tip box at the end of the day.

You will also notice at time of payment that we apply a 2% Booking Processing Fee.  This recovers only a portion of the fees we incur to process your order and payment.

Phang Nga Bay and Beyond

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