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Thailand and the Andaman Sea |
Thailand and the Andaman Sea
Thailand's Cruising Grounds cater to all tastes. To the SW of our base Phuket you find open water with a few dotted islands such as Koh Racha and Koh Rok Nok. In the SW monsoon sailing can be quite exhilarating here, In the NE monsoon there is usually a steady moderate breeze.
To the South of Phuket there is a 100 nautical mile string of inshore islands, stretching from Koh Phi Phi to the Malaysian border. They offer tranquility and many opportunities for exploring. East and South East of Phuket Island, the fabulous Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and Phi Phi, together form an area of about 500 square miles. Her you will find sheltered sailing in all seasons. The entire area is dotted with impressive lime stone formations, honeycombed with caves and fringed by mangroves. Three major rivers plus a couple of smaller ones flow in the Phang Nga Bay.
| South West - Krabi and Phi Phi Islands
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To the SW of our base Phuket you find open water with a few dotted islands such as Ko Racha and Ko Rok Nok. In the SW monsoon (May - October) sailing can be quite exhilarating here, In the NE monsoon (November - April) there is usually a steady moderate breeze.
 more about sailing Phi Phi
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| East and S.East of Phuket Island - Phang Nga
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One could cruise here for many months exploring the creeks, going up the rivers and drying out in the mangrove swamps. A typical feature are the hongs, high limestone islands which have collapsed in the middle leaving a landlocked lagoon. Several of these lagoons are accessible by dinghy or kayak at low tide via a cave.
cruising in Phang Nga
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North and North West of Phuket one finds the Similan Island Group- and Surin Islands, the latter close to the Burmese border. They offer the best diving and snorkeling in Thailand.
For sailing the Mergui Archipelago, please consider our crewed yacht charters Burma
We also offer Yacht charters Andaman Islands |
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Enjoy a trip you to The Mergui Archipelago (Myanmar), a unique area both above water as well as below. There are over nine hundred islands , all but two of them uninhabited, scattered over an area of some 12000 square miles. You will never forget the breathtaking scenery,virgin rainforests and diving on reefs that have never been explored before.
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| The Archipelago was strictly closed to all foreigners until in 1997. We were among the first yachts which were granted permission to undertake diving charters in Burma / Myanmar. Since then we have built up a wealth of knowledge about the area which is rivaled by very few others. Because of it's isolation, this place is only superficially charted, the interior of many of the islands has never been surveyed at all. Wildlife is abundant, as is the vegetation on the rain forest -clad islands. Beaches are clean and stretch for miles. Pure nature! |
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Our diving and sailing charters in Myanmar take you to remote areas where you will rarely see any other yacht.
The only humans you are likely to encounter are the friendly Moken Sea Gypsies who roam the area in their small boats, like their ancestors have done for centuries.
Underwater there is world class diving to be found. |
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Reefs, drop- offs, sea mounts, caves and tunnels, which sometimes cut right trough an island with exits on both sides. Enough to keep every diver very happy.
Fish life is abundant. Scuba diving in the Mergui Archipelago usually means frequent encounters with sharks, manta rays, large swarms of eagle rays, and occasionally, whale sharks. The reefs are in excellent condition . All of yachts like exploring and, if guests want to, new sites which have never been dived before are tried out. We have 3 sailing yachts as well as 4 Motor yachts fully equipped for diving charters in Burma.
In case of private charter the duration of the trip is of course determined by our guests.
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Similan Islands - Koh Bon - Richelieu Rock - Koh Tachai - Surin Islands
• 16 National Marine Park islands
• Thailand’s premier scuba diving destination
• crystal clear waters
• great snorkelling on colourful coral reefs, abundance of fish life
• white sandy tropical beaches under rugged boulder rock formations
• turtle sanctuary and hatchery
• open in high season from Dec to April
The Similan Islands, located about 80 nautical miles north west of Phuket, are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world’s finest beaches.
Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group of nine islands. In 1982, this 128 square kilometres area was declared a marine national park, and in recent years this group of nine small islands has become one of the leading attractions for visitors to Southern Thailand.
With the establishment of stations by the Royal Forestry Department on Koh Miang and Koh Similan, fishing within the national park boundaries was banned and the unwanted visitors were substituted by tourists, especially after 1987, when leisure boats and dive operators started coming out on a regular basis.
Today Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park and all its reefs have recovered from earlier disturbances. Boats entering the Similan Islands National Park have to follow strict rules imposed and controlled by the national park officials, have to use the moorings prepared by the national park and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.
The nine Similan Islands are named from South to North.
The Southernmost island - Ko Huyong is also known as Similan Island #1
Koh Payang also known as Similan Island #2
Koh Payan also known as Similan Island #3
Koh Miang also known as Similan Island #4
Koh Ha also known as Similan Island #5
Koh Payu also known as Similan Island #6
Koh Hin Pousar also known as Similan Island #7
Koh Similan also known as Similan Island #8
Koh Bangu also known as Similan Island #9 is the Northernmost of the islands.
Part of the park, but geologically and physically quite separate are Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.
Koh Bon (Bon Island) - with no beach and no accommodation this is still an island to visit. A portion of the islands coral was destroyed by dynamite fishing before it became part of the National Park. It still holds some stunning scenery. This is also the most common site for sightings of Manta Rays.
Koh Tachai (Tachai Island) Tachai Island is located at the northern most tip of the park. There is a beautiful white powdered beach on the island. There are several sites suitable for diving. In addition there are several reefs suitable for snorkeling. Whale sharks and Manta rays are often found here during their seasons. Facilities incloud a freshwater source, campsites, a restaurant and small boats for snorkeling.
The National Park Authority maintains a residential center for Park Rangers and support staff on two of the islands: Ko Similan (Island #8) which is the largest Island and Ko Miang (Island #4), which lies mid-way through the chain. These are the only residents allowed on the islands, excepting the overnight guests.
The Similan Islands are famous for hosting some of the most beautiful beaches, snorkeling and dive sites in Thailand and are one of the better areas for diving in the entire world. One of the most fantastic characteristics of the islands is that we have two entirely different types of environments in one destination.
The rocky slopes of the Western Islands are barren and feature massive boulders and wind swept trees. The Eastern Side features the famous white sand beaches and coral reefs.
Close to the border of Myanmar lie the Surin Islands, an unspoiled group of 5 islands that acts as a refuge for fishing boats during storms and host to two small communities of Chao Lay. The Surin Islands are situated a few miles south from the Myanmar border and 55 miles north of the Similan islands.
The islands have largely retained their beauty and pristine condition. The rainforest is abundant with wildlife, and small patches of mangrove forests and seagrass beds are present. This biodiversity makes the Surin Islands an important ecological site. Recognizing the unique tourism and research potential of these islands, as well as their natural beauty, the Royal Forest Department designated the Surin Islands a national park in 1981.
The coastline of the Surin Islands is very indented with wide sandy bays protected by rocky headlands. Due to the islands’ distance from the mainland and the presence of adjacent deep waters and strong ocean currents, the waters of the Surin Islands are very clear, fostering healthy coral growth. Marine life is bountiful with numerous types of coral and fish species present on the reef. Occasional visitors include whales and whale sharks. Three species of sea turtle use the islands’ beaches as nesting sites.
The islands provide a unique habitat, both on land as well as in the surrounding water, for a variety of species. The two larger islands with their summits extending several hundred metres above the sea are covered in thick forests, ranging from tropical evergreen forests along their flanks, to beach forest and several patches of mangrove forest along the bays. Dipterocarp trees rise above the dense forests often interspersed with Pandanus palms. No less than 80 species of animals inhabit these islands, including egrets, terns, Brahminy kite, the rare Nicobar pigeon, the lesser mousedeer, monitor lizards, reticulated pythons, crab-eating macaques, lemurs, flying foxes and a number of bats and squirrels. Wild yams and other edible plant species are also found on the islands.
| All Phuket Sailng itineraries are custom made in consultation with our indivitual guests. Below you find some itineraries showing you a sample cruise around the highlights of the area. Depending on your time available and your preferences for activities, these sailing voyages can be either shortened or extended and can include more or less activities like sailing, snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. You can be as lazy or as active as you like. |
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Sample itinerary 1
7 Days/7 Nights sail, snorkel & kayak cruise Phuket - Similans - Koh Tachai - Surin - Phuket
Day 1 Leave Phuket sail to Similans, arrive Island nr 5.
Day 2 Snorkelling on Anita's Reef , lunch at Honeymoon bay and island visit.
Day 3 A relaxing sail around the stunning islands, we stop at a white unspoiled beach, lots of snorkelling opportunities, we anchor in Donald Duck Bay for the night.
Day 3 Sail to Koh Tachai, snorkelling, lounge and laze at the beautiful beach or anchor off at rugged boulder inlet.
Day 4 Sail to the Surin Islands for a 2-day visit to explore the islands, snorkel, kayak or a visit to the Sea Gypsie village.
Day 5 Relax, swim, snorkel and explore Surin islands.
Day 6 Sail to Similan islands, snorkelling, and kayak, visit turtle hatchery (if open).
Day 7 Sailback to Phuket overnight in one of Phuket's West-coast bays, visit shore.
Day 8 Sail to disembarkation point in Phuket.
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Sample itinerary 2
8 Days/8 Nights sail & dive cruise Phuket - Similans - Koh Bon - Koh Tachai - Richelieu - Surin
Day 1 Leave Phuket sail to Similans, arrive Island nr 5.
Day 2 Check-dive Anita's Reef , lunch and dive in Honeymoon bay and island visit
Day 3 Morning dive Elephant Head, lunch, afternoon dive Christmas Point, anchor in Donald Duck Bay, walk to the viewpoint.
Day 4 Early sail to Koh Bon, 1 dive, sail to Koh Tachai for afternoon dive on Koh Tachai Pinnacle.
Day 5 Early sail to Richelieu Rock, 3 dives, and sail to Surin Islands
Day 6 Stay in Surin islands for diving, snorkelling or kayaking
Day 7 Sail to Similans, aftnernoon dive on Christmas Point
Day 8 Sail back to one of Phuket's West Coast beaches and visit to shore.
Day 9 Sail to disembarkation point in Phuket
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Thailand
Phuket - Phang Nga Bay - Koh Phanak - Koh Hong -James Bond Island - Krabi - Phi Phi Island - Koh Lanta ... Atemnehmende Landschaft, bestückt mit Kalksteinformationen
Stille, Private Ankerplätze an primären Orten Fantastisches Kayaken um Inseln und Höhlen Tauchen an Wänden und, fantastischen Riffen
Probier Klettern in Railey (Krabi), versteckt zwischen Felswänden Phi Phi Inseln mit wunderschöner Natur, Nachtleben und grossartiger Maya Bucht Wandern and den legendären Stränden von Koh Lanta
Burma / Myanmar
Sie haben jetzt die Möglickeit, mit uns eine Segeltour in eines,unseres Erachtens nach, der schönsten Gebiete dieser Welt zu unternehmen. Das Mergui Archipel wurde von der burmesischen Regierung erst 1997 für einige wenige ausländische Yachten geöffnet. Das Segeln in Burma kann Ihnen den Urlaub Ihres Lebens garantieren.
Sie werden niemals die atemberaubende Landschaft vergessen. Sie werden unberührte Regenwälder und seltene Tiere sehen, und Sie werden die Möglichkeit haben, an bisher unentdeckten Riffen zu Schnorcheln und zu Tauchen
Für uns stand immer im Vordergrund, das Gebiet weiter zu erkunden, und so haben wir solch ausserordentliche Orte entdeckt, dass wir sie hier besser nicht ausführlich beschreiben wollen. Während der gesamten Tour werden Sie mit grosser Wahrscheinlichkeit keine anderen Yachten sehen. Die einzigen Menschen, denen Sie begegnen werden, sind die Moken Seezigeuner, die, wie es seit Urzeiten Ihre Vorfahren getan haben, das Gebiet in ihren kleinen Booten bereisen. Sie sind sehr freundlich und kommen gern für ein kurzes Gespräch, oder auch um Fisch zu verkaufen vorbei.
India Die Andamanen
420 Seemeilen NW von Phuket Ein grosser Archipel, Indisches Hoheitsgebiet. Von der westlichen Zivilisation fast unbrührt, zumindest ausserhalb der Hauptstadt Port Blair. Die über 500 Inseln sind alle in einem hervorragendem Zustand und bieten somit unendlich viele Möglichkeiten, sie zu erforschen. Die Gewässer wimmeln von Fischen, und das Schnorcheln und Tauchen in dieser Gegend ist hervorragend. Einige der Eingeborenenstämme, die fast die gesamte Population ausmachen, meiden den Kontact zur Aussenwelt vollkommen und leben weiterhin so, wie es ihre Vorfahren seit Jahrhunderten getan haben. Es ist möglich, einige der Eingeborenendörfer mit einem Führer zu besuchen. Die Indische Regierung und die Gemeinden geben sich lobenswerter Weise Mühe, dieses Natur- und Kulturerbe nicht an den Massentourismus zu verlieren und versuchen somit die Inseln und ihre Kultur in ihrem jetzigen Zustand zu erhalten. Bedauerlicher Weise bedeutet das auch, dass grosse Gebiete der Andamanen und der Nicobaren für alle ausländischen Besucher nicht geöffnet sind. Nichtsdestotrotz sind diejenigen Bereiche, die zugänglich sind, keineswegs weniger interessant und auch bei weitem nicht von Touristen überschwemmt.
Falls Sie vorhaben, Gebiete wie die Andamanen zu bereisen, dann werden sie bemerken, dass dieTouren einen expeditionsähnlichen Charakter aufweisen. Die relativ grossen Entfernungen, das wechselnde Wetter und, darüber hinaus, die haarsträubende indische Bürokratie machen eine lückenlose Reiseplanung fast unmöglich. Eine offene Einstellung und etwas Geduld sind hierbei hilfreich. Die Belohnung hierfür ist der unvergessliche Einblick in eine Welt, die sich kaum mehr von unserer unterscheiden könnte.
Malaysien
Die Insel Langkawi und Umgebung Diese Insel ist Teil eines Archipels von 99 anderen Inseln und zollfreie Zone. Sie ist zum Teil mit Hotels, Restaurants, Resorts etc. bebaut, jedoch hat sie mehr zu bieten als es zuerst erscheint: hier warten verlassene Ankerplätze, Höhlen die erkundet werden wollen und Wanderwege, die in den dichten Regenwald, sowie zu Bächen und Wasserfällen führen. Die touristischen Angebote sind alle in der Umgebung von der Hauptstadt Kuah angesiedelt, jedoch auch der Rest der Insel und das Archipel sind lohnende Ausflugsziele. Insel Penang Ein sehr interessanter Ort, nicht so sehr wegen seiner schönen Landschaft, sondern wegen der historisch interessanten Hauptstadt Georgetown. Im Gegensatz zu vielen süd-ostasiatischen Städten, wo viele historische Gebäude den Wolkenkratzern und Autobahnen zum Opfer fielen, ist diese Stadt mit ihren 400.000 Einwohnern noch das Chinatown, welches Singapur einst gewesen ist; die Zeit scheint vor 50 Jahren stehengeblieben zu sein. Georgetown ist bekannt für seine herrvorragenden chinesischen und indischen Restaurants. Der öffentlicheVerkehr erfolgt grösstenteils mit der Rickscha. |
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