7 days John Gray Sea Canoe Experience
A fantastic experience for the true adventurer; 7 days of exploring the amazing water world of Southern Thailand
Spend three days exploring Phang Nga Bay, overnight near the Peninsula's summit at a waterfall/wildlife sanctuary with a 2k high mountain cave and jungle stream, then finish with three nights and days at Tarutao in the Far South. Follow White Belly sea eagles, Bramany kites, and Brown Fish owls to their secret spots in hongs, mangrove estuaries, and colorful limestone cliffs. Many birds know us by sight and some may be our rehab projects. Explore the summit of the Isthmus of Kra (Malay Peninsula) with an overnight stop at a wildlife sanctuary including a limestone waterfall. Small groups go in cabined longtail boats - fast, traditional, close to the water. Large groups go in cabined escort boat w/ dining deck, galley, showers, and toilets.
Bramany kites are everywhere. White Belly Sea Eagles are territorial and found in specific locations. Both species frequently approach our boat. Brown Fish Owls are less obvious, with occasional sightings. Play with a school of free jumping sailfish. Water monitors, Dusky Langurs, and Crab-eating macaque are common. Remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
The Tarutao region includes excellent rock gardens, a triple-entry hong, excellent wildlife and world class snorkeling. Phang Nga's world-class reputation is well established, and the transition day in the highlands is dazzling. Many clients tell us South Thailand is the only spot they know that equals Alaska's sea kayaking. We wouldn't know - Alaska is to cold for us!
We play the Nature Game throughout your trip. First, we explain why we paddle each particular site- it's much more than just looking at the pretty places. Of course, we focus on the the tidal zone, "that magic energy where land, sea and air intertwine", as Caveman says. "It's where our ancestors climbed from sea to land." As we paddle, we look for everything we explained in advance. Dialogue with your guides focuses on the sighting rather than the background, which you already learned. At paddle's end, you fill in your log, play the game and hopefully win your prize. On the Wings trip, Caveman especially enjoys Mark O'Shea's tree toads. Mark found them on Tarutao, Caveman found them at the Peninsula's summit. Wings makes it obvious how they got both places.
We include an Introduction to Tropical Kayaking on each Wings and Mini-Expedition trip. Equivalent to the American Canoe Assn. or British Canoe Union 2-day intro credentials, our program concentrates on warm water. It's much better than the standard two-day course - your classroom is your escort boat in transit, and your in-water training is accomplished during your guided paddles. If you live in those chilly climates Caveman left behind, we provide references to decked kayak paddling schools near your home.
Depending upon the tides, this 7-day trip runs either Phang Nga-Tarutao or Tarutao-Phang Nga. The Southern terminus is Pak Bara, easily accessible by ground from Had Yai International Airport. Our convenient Hat Yai Taxi schedule saves costs, adds an extra day, and allows Phuket arrivals and departures for only B1,500, meals included.
