Day 9 Snorkeling trip on Ko Phi Phi

You should start the day with a good breakfast...

I tried that out. My hotel booking didn't include breakfast, but on the way to the meeting point for my snorkeling trip today I saw a nice café offering breakfast.

Wowwww

The view was already great!

By the way, here too, take off your shoes before entering and go barefoot... I liked that, as I'm an absolute barefoot runner anyway! I think it gives you the feeling of being at home, it has such a feel-good character.

By the way, it was as delicious as it looked!

After breakfast, I made my way to the meeting point.

When I arrived there yesterday, I felt left behind. It was a hustle and bustle, you can hardly imagine it! It was like a bazaar. I'm sure boats were arriving or leaving and probably all the day-trippers were meeting here. I can only say that it was wild, but still very relaxed.

I registered with my “ticket” and was given a wristband, a VIP wristband (hahaaa). A young member of staff and some of the first excursionists headed towards the pier. There we were first supplied with water while the boats were still being loaded with our lunch packages. It was time to get to know each other a little and share our experiences so far. We were a diverse group from all kinds of countries, Brazil, Italy, France, USA... Couples, small groups and solo travelers.

We waded through the water to the boat. A small metal ladder with 3 or 4 steps and off into the longtail boat. There were a few wooden benches on which we sat down and then we actually set off.

The tour guide was from an old fishing family who live on Ko Phi Phi. They do these tours to earn some extra money. He spoke very broken English, his helmsman didn't understand a word. But what they both said about 5 thousand times that day was Happy New Year. It was a running joke.

Several boats were heading in the same direction. To avoid everyone being at the bays, some of which were very small, at the same time, many of them changed the order in which they arrived. That was a good thing, because it was really busy.

The weather was still slightly cloudy in the morning, which we were all grateful for. Although we were sitting under this roof, we would have been exposed to the sun a lot due to the many stations.

There was a swell. Some of us struggled with nausea, but after a while it subsided for everyone. It all took some getting used to. The boat is low in the water and the engine is very, very loud. People were talking very loudly with the others. Water was splashing in from all sides! I was really glad I had my Dry Bag!

I had all my things in the bag and everything stayed dry and was well stowed away. A small investment that really paid off!

On the trip, the Brazilian and American kept joking about who would see the first shark. What we would do if we came across one. It was a fun and cheerful atmosphere!

We drove along the coast of the main island of this archipelago, Ko Phi Phi Don. Here we stopped at the northernmost tip before continuing to a nearby group of islands.

Here we were provided with snorkels and, if we wanted, fins. The guide shouted, “go, go, go! Snorkeling! 15 minutes!”

Everyone quickly got ready and jumped into the water. It wasn't easy at all, snorkeling goggles, camera, the small, very wobbly metal ladder and then the boat that rocked so much! Only a few people got into the water elegantly, hahaaaaa!

We were close to rocks and because of the waves we had to be a bit careful not to get too close to the rocks. But it was great visibility underwater. We saw beautiful fish that seemed quite curious. I like the atmosphere underwater, it's calm and so peaceful. We all snorkeled around a bit and explored what there was to see. I struggled a bit with my camera. I had got myself a waterproof phone case, it was more of a box. I saw some tiktoks where many regretted only getting a pouch for their cell phone. You can also buy these bags everywhere in Thailand. I had therefore looked for a better alternative in advance. I definitely wanted to take nice photos and videos underwater. I decided on a waterproof Box.

I didn't regret it for a second. It was easy to use and worked like child's play. It was only the first photos and videos that weren't so great.

And so I took some photos and videos underwater and enjoyed my good investment.

Here's a little first glimpse into the underwater world... bear with my first shots, it wasn't that easy with the waves.

It was fantastic and so much fun. I love the sea and I love swimming, I was in my element.

The 15 minutes were over quickly and the guide was already whistling and shouting. Everyone swam quickly back to the boat. Yes, and then back into the boat. It was a bit of a challenge! The waves, the goggles, the camera... and the short ladder! But the two guides and everyone else helped each other, it was a great experience.

We went on to Bamboo Beach, the island of Ko Mai Phai was a good distance away and we got our packed lunch. Everyone got a portion of Pad Thai and another drink. The waves had subsided, the clouds had cleared and we enjoyed our food. There was a relaxed, gluttonous silence on board. Even our two guides were quiet for a moment.

Here the boat headed straight for the sandy beach. We all got off with our bags, as we had a stay of around an hour here. Time to find a nice spot on the beach and relax for a while. The many people spread out on the long sandy beach. The sea was crystal clear, the sand like white powdered sugar. It was beautiful!

Of course there were lots of tourists here, but I don't think you should forget that you are also here to see this beautiful place. So I can't complain that there are a lot of people here. They all just want to visit this beautiful beach and swim in this clear, warm sea.

I just enjoyed it... sitting on this paradisiacal beach, looking out to sea and feeling the warm sun on my skin.

Sitting in the warm sand, letting the sea wash over my legs. Honestly... what more could you want?

We headed back to Ko Phi Phi Don, but on the north side of the island. A secluded beach where there are monkeys, the Monkey Beach.

Many people were curious about these monkeys. We were warned not to go too close, to mind our belongings and not to touch or irritate the monkeys.

I enjoyed walking along the beach and left the monkeys to the curious people who had apparently never seen a monkey before. I wonder what the monkeys think about all the tourists coming to the beach?

You really don't have to come to this beach on your own. But if it's part of a day trip, you can spend a nice 20 minutes here. You won't spend much longer here anyway.

Our guide was calling again!

We then headed further south to a larger island, Ko Phi Phi Le. The next snorkeling trip was planned here. The sea had generally calmed down a lot and this time it was a bit more relaxed. The nearby rocks were not so dangerous and it was nice to snorkel along them.

We were all filming or at least exploring this beautiful spot until some of us almost lost our breath...

This shark wasn't interested in us, it swam around us but then made off. A shark! I couldn't believe it! That we were lucky enough to actually see one. I know it was a small shark, but a shark is a shark! I was absolutely thrilled. Back on board, the young men were of course thrilled to have seen a shark - but some of the girls were overjoyed not to have seen one!

But I thought it was great! How lucky we were. When do you ever swim with a shark?

A few minutes later we arrived at our next stop.

We drove to Pi Leh Bay, you know the pictures from countless videos. Unfortunately, the sea wasn't as beautiful turquoise here as it had been so wavy before. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic sight! We drove in, had enough time for photos and videos and then drove out again. A queue had already formed outside with the other boats. After all, we still had a few things on the agenda, as it was already late afternoon.

The next stop was Maya Bay. This bay was made famous by the world-famous movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio. Unfortunately, much of the island had already been cleared before filming began, so the resulting damage to the ecosystem was irreparable. However, the commercial success of the film attracted even more tourists. The bay was closed and a short time later the first reef sharks were spotted and the coral reefs grew back. But it will probably never be the same again. The bay is now open to tourists again, but under strict rules and that's a good thing!

The bay is now part of the Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Boats are therefore no longer allowed to enter the bay, but sail to the other side and tourists walk across wooden jetties towards the bay. The stay is limited to one hour, leaving the wooden jetties or swimming in the bay is strictly forbidden.

We were dismissed from the boat with a “go, go, go and Happy New Year” and told when we had to be back. We walked at a duck's pace along the wooden walkways towards the bay. It was only a few minutes' walk. It was a breathtaking view of the bay!

I sat down on the warm sand and watched the hustle and bustle of tourists. Security kept whistling people out of the water. It was allowed up to the knees, but no more. It doesn't have to be. The sight of this beautiful bay was enough to enjoy the beauty of nature.

In order to manage the crowds well, this wooden walkway is like a circuit in places so that everything runs smoothly. However, the masses gather at the entrance and exit at the latest. It is an incredible hustle and bustle of people there. Boats dock briefly, let the tourists onto the platform and drive off to wait on the sidelines. Other boats arrive, load their tourists and continue on to the next point of their excursion. I was fascinated by how relaxed it was, despite the many people. No hustle and bustle, no stressed or annoyed tourists.

It was a wild mess on this platform and yet everything ran smoothly.

Unfortunately, you can't quite see it on the video...

Our group slowly arrived on this platform. Now it was time to wait until our boat arrived with the guide. And then it all went very quickly. He moors briefly, holds the rope and with his other hand he helps us onto the boat in one big step. As soon as the last one is in, we have already cast off.

While waiting for us, the guide and his helmsman were busy cutting fresh fruit for us all. We were served sliced watermelon and fresh pineapple. Oooooh I can tell you, it was soooo delicious! Such a fresh pineapple, so fine that you can even eat the inner stalk, which we usually cut away because it's woody. And juicy, sweet and oh what can I say... my mouth is watering myself.

We made another stop for our penultimate dip in the water

Here we towed a boat that had anchored next to us. The engine seemed to be broken.

Without further ado, we simply tied it to the back and went back with the other boat. However, we then handed the boat over to someone else on the way who came by with a larger boat... Very uncomplicated and without a cell phone. Simply by shouting from one boat to the other... Happy New Year by the way... hahaaaa

Evening was slowly falling, dusk was setting in and we set off for our penultimate stop.

A sunset at sea with Maya Bay behind us...

I don't know how many photos I ended up taking, but there were some, some many!

Click through, I couldn't decide which were the best....

It became very quiet on the boat. Everyone enjoyed this incredible view and silently watched the sun as it slowly set on the horizon. And how the clouds and the rays of the setting sun were reflected in the sea every second.

A moment to pause, let your thoughts wander and reflect.

I always get sentimental when I see clouds and then the sunset. This image of the deceased being up there in the sky, looking down on us and somehow being with us in a special way. This image comes to my mind every time there are such beautiful cloud formations, illuminated by the sun. Or when the sun's rays push through the cloud cover.

Leon. Leon was so close to me at that moment. Sometimes this feeling wraps itself around you like a warming cloak. You want to snuggle up to it and just hold on to this moment forever and ever. Memories of him and shared experiences flash through your mind and, above all, through your heart. The one moment when it makes you feel good that he seems to be there right now and then a blink of an eye later, there is this pain that you feel. The pain that he is no longer there, that he will never be there again. Simply not coming back. The moment when it seems so unreal again. The moment when you clearly realize that it really is.

But I didn't want to give this moment to grief. I wanted to keep it for myself. A warm moment of inner peace. The happiness of experiencing and enjoying this beautiful moment. I'm sure he was smiling at that moment.

The sun went down and we set off again. Snorkeling in the dark with plankton was still on the agenda. On the way back, the wind picked up again and the waves increased significantly. It was a wild ride over the waves...

We drove to just before the island, where we waited a while until it was completely dark. The guide tried to clarify in his English whether anyone else wanted to snorkel in the dark. You may or may not be able to see the plankton. We were allowed to decide. The French group of girls was definitely in favor of it. So we let ourselves drift on the waves for a while until it was completely dark.

We sent a girl with a camera into the water to see if you could see any plankton in the photos. The answer was a resounding yes! Everyone undressed and got ready for the last snorkeling session. Well, I don't know what she saw, but my camera (the newest one at the time, by the way) captured this...

Maybe you've seen more than I have, hahaaaaaaa... until I surfaced again, of course.

It was a bit scary in the dark on the open sea with the waves. That's why I always had a good view of the boat...

Dry off one last time, hand in my snorkeling goggles and put my clothes back on. My microfiber towel paid off! Everyone was sitting there with their soaking wet terrycloth towel, which was not only really wet from swimming but also from the waves splashing in. And mine was just damp after all the drying off today.

The trip came to an end. It was a great trip with wonderful experiences and pictures for memories. Another day on which I really experienced a lot and which I will remember for a long time and with great pleasure!

We docked and left the boat with a “Happy New Year”... with what else!

The nice thing here on the island was that some people are out and about during the day and at night in swimwear and the like. Some dressed up, some just back from a snorkeling trip. How great... because I could just walk through the alleyways to my cookshop from yesterday! I didn't have to go back to the hotel and then go again.

I was really looking forward to the food here! And an ice-cold beer! I, who usually drink wine, was looking forward to a cold beer!

I really enjoyed myself that evening. After a super tasty meal and a video call with Elias, I went to the bar from yesterday on my way back to the hotel. There was still room on a beanbag and I relaxed and let the evening draw to a close.

But then it was time for the hotel, the day was really long and all the snorkeling was exhausting. I was pleasantly tired and finally just let myself fall into bed.

I just looked at what I wanted to see tomorrow on my last day here on the island and fell asleep.

Conclusion of the day:

I saw sooooo many beautiful things today. Beaches, bays, fish and a fantastic sunset at sea. I only saw all this because a heavy blow of fate drove me here... what a contrast!