November 30: Phi Phi Island Hopping Tour

We headed out at 5:45 am to ensure arrival at our meeting point for our full day island hopping tour. We had some coffee as we waited to board the speed boat along with 38 more of our new friends.  

We left right on time as we pulled out of port at exactly 6:30 am.  Our first stop, which ultimately would be our best, was Maya Bay. The white baby powder-like sand was so soft on our feet — it reminded us of Bar El Hickman in Oman.  Besides the beautiful beach, the high cliffs provided a spectacular backdrop for this remote spot.  The cherry on top was the sand sharks that patrolled the waters right off the shore.  

Next, we snorkeled about colorful fish and more sharks.  The water was crystal clear and bath water warm — the perfect combination for swimming and snorkeling. 

Our last stop before lunch was Monkey Island and like the name implies, we got to frolic with monkeys.  I even had one standing on my shoulder while he ate pineapple.

We had lunch at Bamboo Island, which reminded me of Paradise Island in Egypt and Pass Island in the Philippines.  After lunch, I swam in the turquoise waters for almost an hour.

After lunch, we had two more stops — one snorkeling and one for swimming.  This snorkeling spot had clown fish, which were made famous in the movie Finding Nemo.