This is a holiday just as you know it from a postcard. At 7 am we got picked up by a minibus at our hotel and drove to a small private harbor for about 20 minutes. Very relaxed, we had the possibility to enjoy a coffee while the tour guide explained to us how to behave on the boat and in the national park. He informed us about ever necessary security details that were important for the day. From the harbor we got on the speedboat which took us through the mangroves right into the Andaman Sea.
With two engines of 450PS the drive itself was worth getting up early in the morning already. The boat jumped the waves while in front we were able to enjoy the first early sunbeams. However what was coming up was not to expect. Even our tour guide said that we were extremely lucky that day. Right next to our boat, two dolphins were suddenly jumping out of the water. First we saw only those two but after a while of observing the water we realized that there were 6 all together. They followed us for a while and we were able to take great pictures. 
Little by little the main land disappeared behind us and all around the boat was simply water. At the horizon the first island was vaguely recognizable but still mystically hidden in fog. As we came closer, the unexpected beauty of this impressive landscape became more visible to us. Right in front of the first amazing granite cliff we made our fist snorkel stop. The minute we stopped the engine a turtle came very close to our boat. After we all got into the water, the turtle followed us and it seemed like she told another turtle to welcome us, too. After a short time in the water we had two turtles that were sniffing us, which were just as curious about us as we were about them. For half an hour we were able to explore the fish world at this spot. 
After the first impression we drove into the Donald Duck Bay, which got its name for the cliff formation right at the front, which looks like a duck head. The beach here was unbelievable. Well, if you imagine soft sand and add some white paint to it, you will probably come close to what the sand at this bay is like. The crystal-clear water that runs over the stunning sand adds up to its beauty. However there is not just sand but also granite cliffs. Huge rocks that look like they are put on each other with great care. Exactly this cliff we started to climb. On top of the rocks we had a stunning view across the bay and over the national park with its other islands. From the top it got even more obvious how crystal-clear the water is. 
After a very relaxing stay at the beach we went back to the speedboat. We drove to the next island where we had lunch at the honeymoon bay. For lunch we had rice with three different dishes of fish and meat as well as one vegetable and watermelon for dessert. For lunch we sat at wooden tables, under large trees and were therefore well protected from the sun. After lunch we took a walk through the jungle towards the other side of the island. From huge holes at the tree roots we were able to see that the Chicken Crab lives here. Sadly we did not see any however the sizes of the holes were already enough for me.
At the other side of the island we found another beautiful beach. It is no surprise that the Thai princess owns a summer cottage over here. That is also the reason why this beach is called the Princess Bay. In slightly orange colored trees, flying foxes where hanging and protecting themselves from the sun. It was cute to look at, how they were hanging there upside down, stretching themselves once in a while.
After this stay, we continued our tour with the speed boat towards our next snorkel stop. A great amount of different corrals and even more different types of fish species that could not have been any more colorful, were present at this bay. Here again we had the chance to observe another turtle. It is very interesting so see how other fish embrace the turtle and look for its protection. Other guests even saw a moray, a water snake and squid. After that, we stop for another time. Here were many impressive fish species for us to be seen as well. Furthermore I now know who we have to thank for the amazing sand. I was able to observe the parrot fish while he was using the toilet so to say. This fish eats mainly seaweed and corrals and the leftovers are then the impressive sand. Not such a nice thought but even more interesting to observe.
On our way back, the water was very calm and the drive therefore very relaxed. At 5pm we reached back at Khao Lak. It surely was a great day.
Want to experience the same great trip? For more information on the Similan islands tour, click here.
Charlotte Franke
