Snorkelling in the Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are rated as on of the top ten diving and snorkelling destinations in the world and this was one of the main reasons for beginning our trip in Khao Lak.

Slightly concerned when we saw how many people were delivered to the pier at Thap Lamu but figured that 6 boats with 25-30 people each wouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, when we got to the islands, we discovered that there another 25 boats and that they all followed a similar programme.

Luckily, we were one of the first to arrive and did get some great snorkelling – a huge variety of reef fish – in every colour you could imagine – and Hawksbill Turtle which seemed to swim amongst us without any concern. When we got back on the boat, we discovered that the turtles had been attracted by the slivers of watermelon which the guides were dropping off the boats. Guess the Turtles know that they will get some free food every day.

 Later in the day it got very crowded and our final stop on the beach at Ko Miang was a little like Piccadilly Circus

Mostly German and Russian tourists with a few French and other Europeans thrown in – only heard one other English voice.

I reckon my old friend Bruce – after whom we name one of our pigs each year – would have been in his element – lots of Russian babes in minuscule bikinis cavorting in the tide, posing for the cameras of their somewhat muscle-bound, tattooed partners.