Private boat tour--beaches, sand, and sun

The plan for the day was exploring the area around the resort and the beaches, sand, lagoons of the karsts on the Andaman coast. A private boat was hired, and a plan was made: visit Monkey Island, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island and have lunch at Phi Phi don. The many karsts we saw jutting out of the water like fingers or fists are made of limestone.

As usual, the day was hot and sunny. We all met on the dock at 7:45 (after another great breakfast) and departed at 8. The boat provided a cooler, water and soft drinks. We supplied the alcohol--a great treasure trove of beer brands cooled among the ice cubes.

The cooler in the middle, we were all set

These karsts appear everywhere in the Andaman Sea--at least near Krabi

Long boats, even out in the middle of the sea

We zoomed across the water to the first beach, Monkey Island. Enclosed within the protection of the karst, the water was beautiful and warm. We snorkeled, swam, enjoyed. On the the next beach.

Second stop, Maya Bay--eventually got pretty busy

This beach in Maya Bay is in a national park and was very popular--so much so that the swimming was confined to one a small area, whereas the boats ferrying people to and from the island took up residence on the rest of the beach or simply anchored in the bay. Too busy.

Janet checking out the pandanaceae (screw pine) .  This island is part of a national park — Janet checking out the pandanaceae (screw pine) . This island is part of a national park

My favorite place to play was the lagoon--an area around 3-4 meters deep. We snorkeled and saw zebra fish, iridescent blue/green fish, coral...those of you who snorkel know what I’m talking about. Lovely.

Viking Cave where swallows (using their saliva)  build nests.  These nests are harvested for "bird's nest soup" in high-end restaurants (all sanctioned by the government). — Viking Cave where swallows (using their saliva) build nests. These nests are harvested for "bird's nest soup" in high-end restaurants (all sanctioned by the government).

Lunch in Phi Phi Don was delicious--pineapple fried rice with shrimp in curry sauce. I have a new favorite dish!

Tour boats lined up at Phi Phi Don--we had lunch here

My luscious lunch.  Curried pineapple fried rice, shrimp, with cashews. — My luscious lunch. Curried pineapple fried rice, shrimp, with cashews.

Our last stop of the day wasn’t on the schedule, but it was less crowded than Bamboo Island, so we opted for it, Bath-water warm, the water was silky, and we could feel the tide coming in, with the strong push/pull of the water.

Final beach.  Celebrating the wedding, our visit, our friendships. — Final beach. Celebrating the wedding, our visit, our friendships.

It was here that Lee taught us all about the “diaper” method of enjoying the water, cocktail in hand: You take a lifejacket, snap it together, turn it upside down, climb into it, putting your legs through the arm holes and pulling the rest of the jacket up around you. Then you sit in the water and your “diaper” keeps you afloat, thus freeing your hands for important work--like holding onto your beer or a cocktail glass. Very fun.

Floating with our life-jacket "diapers."  New form of swimnastics class? — Floating with our life-jacket "diapers." New form of swimnastics class?

We zoomed home, arriving about 4:15. All were tired. I showered, tried (and failed) to download photos (limited bandwidth?). I succeeded in avoiding any sunburn, save for my chest. Hoping that burn vanishes soon. Off to the resort’s Japanese restaurant for a delicious meal, before falling into bed.

Dinner at the Japanese place here at the hotel