Sea kayaking holidays in Thailand

You can't find a better seven days in Thailand.

Spend three days exploring Phang Nga Bay, overnight near the Peninsula's summit at a waterfall/wildlife sanctuary with a 2k high mountain wet 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. Most birds know us by sight and some may be our rehab projects.
 
Also explore the summit of the Isthmus of Kra (Malay Peninsula) with an overnight stop at a wildlife sanctuary including a limestone waterfall, 2k high mountain cave and jungle stream paddle. Small groups go in cabined longtail - 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 snorkelling. 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 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 this trip, Caveman especially enjoys Mark O'Shea's tree toads. Mark found them on Tarutao, Caveman found them at the Peninsula's summit. This trip makes it obvious how they got both places.

We now offer an Introduction to Tropical Kayaking on each 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.

Thanks to opportunistic tour operators with no real interest in nature or sea kayaking entering our overnight market, we no longer name our locations to protect them from environmental damage and to retain their uncrowded tranquillity. Our apologies. N.B. Each trip is tailored to the tides.