Sea Turtles and Rainbows
January 23, 2012
Woke up to a strange dream, where some of the members of "The Jersey Shore" were involved. Don't recall much else but I think we were in Thailand. Then my dream became a bit of a reality! To our surprise/dismay, when we were picked up in our van for an hour drive north to Khao Lak to start our Similan Island snorkel adventure, it was filled with 11 hung over (or still drunk?) Jersey Short lookalikes from France. Not the most enjoyable ride first thing in the morning, but we survived. And managed to get on a different boat from them thanks to Inna's quick thinking. We were worried that their hangover would turn to seasickness, ugh.
The Similan Islands Marine National Park is 70km off the coast in the Andaman Sea. There are nine islands in total, with two that are accessible and have ranger stations and accommodations. They all have individual names, but are more commonly referred to by their number. It's supposed to be one of the top diving locations in the world, and although we stayed relatively close to top of the water in our snorkel gear, they did not disappoint. The islands are edged with smooth granite boulders, with rainforest within, cove sand beaches and lots of coral reef.
The weather was perfect! Good visibility, lots of fish and a surprise visit from a sea turtle. The day-tour was really well organized, starting with hotel pickup, then a snorkel stop at the water around islands 5&6 (and turtle time) before continuing to island 4 where there is a ranger station, campground and huge Thai style lunch waiting for us... Green curry, chicken with cashew nuts, cabbage salad and fried fish. Then some sunbathing and on to snorkeling around island 9, and then a final stop and short hike/rock climb scramble to an overlook at island 8. On our way back to the marina, we were greeted by a rainbow. A full 12 hour day of adventure with transfers and all. Happily sun kissed and sleepy.
The Similan Islands Marine National Park is 70km off the coast in the Andaman Sea. There are nine islands in total, with two that are accessible and have ranger stations and accommodations. They all have individual names, but are more commonly referred to by their number. It's supposed to be one of the top diving locations in the world, and although we stayed relatively close to top of the water in our snorkel gear, they did not disappoint. The islands are edged with smooth granite boulders, with rainforest within, cove sand beaches and lots of coral reef.
The weather was perfect! Good visibility, lots of fish and a surprise visit from a sea turtle. The day-tour was really well organized, starting with hotel pickup, then a snorkel stop at the water around islands 5&6 (and turtle time) before continuing to island 4 where there is a ranger station, campground and huge Thai style lunch waiting for us... Green curry, chicken with cashew nuts, cabbage salad and fried fish. Then some sunbathing and on to snorkeling around island 9, and then a final stop and short hike/rock climb scramble to an overlook at island 8. On our way back to the marina, we were greeted by a rainbow. A full 12 hour day of adventure with transfers and all. Happily sun kissed and sleepy.