Snorkeling trip to Similan Islands

By the harbor, where we took the speedboat to the Similan Islands. There were many pretty fishing boats and fish being unloaded nearby.

On the speedboat (in the front) on our way out. When everything was still OK.

From the diary:

Sat. 14.12

We got up early to go on the snorkeling trip. The driver picked us up at 7.30 am and we were taken to the harbor in Khao Lak proper (20 min drive south of our place). We were gathered in a large group of tourists in a very well-organized area next to where they unload fish from the fishing boats. In the harbor we saw a lot of fishing boats. They were all nicely decorated. Many of them were quite tall with several stories above water.

At about 9 am our speed boat left for the Similan Islands. We were sitting in front and it was a rough ride as the water was quite choppy. The first place we stopped for snorkeling was crammed full of snorkeling tourists, more people than fish, as Hiroko put it. It detracted a lot from the overall experience. Yes, the water was clear. Yes, the fish were colorful. But what´s the point when you can´t go anywhere without bumping into someone? Give me Okinawa or Tottori any day.

The boat went on to a further island with a beach and a nice view point. We had a lunch on the island, which was quite good (buffet with a variety of hot dishes). We saw some giant lizards, looking like small Comodo Dragons, chasing after one another while we were eating.

After a couple of more stops with beaches and snorkeling, we set out for the home-bound journey. In the meantime the wind had increased a lot and the waves were now big - and growing. We started out sitting in front again, but as we were repeatedly thrown up in the air, we eventually had to crawl inside (yes, we literally crawled, and Hiroko couldn't actually even do that, she had to be hauled up from the floor by a friendly co-passenger). For about half an hour we were shaken, stirred, and drenched in salt water, even under the canopy, clinging on to our seats for dear life. People puked, screamed or laughed hysterically. When we got back safely to the harbor, people clapped...

Exhausted and wet we took a long warm shower when we got home and then a nap. Boy, did we need that. In the evening we went out and had some good food.

From a view point on one of the islands.