Phi Phi Snorkeling, Monkey Bay, Bamboo Beach, and Sunburn

We had to be ready at the meeting place at 6:20am which meant our alarm was set for 5:45. Arriving at the meeting point, we had tea and coffee and a Thai donut for breakfast. We boarded the boat and immediately got stuck into the complimentary soft drinks. The speedboat flew through the ways to our first stopping point of Maya Bay where the film The Beach was filmed. Due to the off season wave conditions, we could only stop for a picture rather than a swim. Not to worry as within 10 minutes we were on our way to a nearby lagoon for a swim.

Our guide introduced himself as Batman and periodically wore a mask and a cape. Not sure why. Thought it best not to ask.

The sun shine down on us as we dived and splashed around in a secluded lagoon. We participated in a small beach clean to ensure the survival of these locations. Within this bay were tiny fish which nibbled at your feet and legs as you walked through the shallow water. Not to be mean but to just let you know they are there and don’t want to be squished!

We sailed on to our first snorkeling spot and had a mask photo shoot. We plunged into crystal clear water and were greeted immediately with schools of tropical fish. Bright yellows and blues darted amongst coral and clam shells. The fish were cool but not our main target. Within 10 minutes we found it. A baby reef shark making the trip through the coral. Thankfully these sharks are very docile and did not mind us snorkelers circling around it. On our way back to the boat we spied a long black creature shimmying through the current. Our guide enlightened us saying ‘oh that is sea snake very dangerous very poisonous’. That got the whole group boarded rather quickly.

Next stop monkey island. Like the name suggests and island dominated by monkeys. We saw swimming monkeys, baby monkeys, swinging monkeys, and jumping monkeys- all the well known breeds. They indulged on cut pineapple sand behaved for photos.

After monkeys, we zoomed to our lunch spot, Bamboo Island. This sand spit is an idyllic post card photo. White sand, turquoise waters. We spent our time sun bathing, having lunch, swimming, and lizard avoiding. The trees were full of butterflies.

Final stop was another snorkeling area where we saw sea horses, Nemo and dory, angel fish, and more tropical fish. We even spotted an eel. It was during this snorkel we all picked up very burnt back and the midday sun beat down and reflected back on us through the blue water.

Despite the pain we are pleased with the trip and the day. Back to hostel for cold shower and a nap before dinner.

-M