Embark on a seven-day sailing adventure along Thailand’s uncharted Andaman Coast, exploring hidden gems and discovering the region’s wild beauty. From the tranquil waters of Maya Bay to the towering karst formations, experience the majesty of this stunning coastline.
As I find myself surrounded by dozens of jellyfish in the serene waters of the Andaman Sea, I’m reminded that even the most tranquil environments can be unpredictable. The gentle undulations of these pastel-pink creatures send my limbs into a panic, but as I emerge above water, everything becomes more sedate. Towering karst formations rise from the sea, their tree-clothed peaks softened by pink and purple clouds.
Discovering the Hidden Gems of Maya Bay
It’s currently just before six in the morning, and we’re docked in the northern part of Maya Bay, a protected area belonging to the small island of Phi Phi Leh. Along with 10 other guests, I’m on a seven-day sailing trip with Intrepid Travel aboard the catamaran Cataleya. This is our fourth day on board, but I’ve already had the chance to explore the stalactites of Ko Phanak Island’s Ice Cream Cave and kayak through pristine waters.
Located on the island of Koh Phi Phi Leh in Thailand, Maya Bay is a stunning tropical paradise made famous by the movie 'The Beach' starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The bay's crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches create a picturesque setting.
With its rich marine life and diverse coral reefs, Maya Bay is an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming.
However, due to over-tourism concerns, the Thai government has implemented measures to protect the area, limiting tourist numbers and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Maya Bay, made famous by Danny Boyle’s film adaptation of Alex Garland‘s novel The Beach, has a complex history. Prior to 2000, it was a tranquil spot, but after the film’s release, it became overrun with tourists. Up to 4,000 visitors would arrive daily, causing damage to the fragile sea floor. In 2018, the Thai government closed the bay for two years to facilitate marine regeneration.
Regeneration and Restoration
Since its reopening in 2022, Maya Bay has undergone significant restoration efforts. University students, volunteers, and organizations like Ocean Quest Global and Reef Guardian Thailand have planted over 20,000 coral fragments to rebuild the damaged reefs. The regrowth of coral has enticed marine life to return, resulting in a healthier ecosystem.
To avoid history repeating itself, visitor numbers are now limited, swimmers and boats prohibited from getting too close to shore, and travelers can only enter via a new pier built behind the bay. Our captain, Rob Williams, emphasizes the importance of being sustainable visitors: ‘Remember! Love and observe, leave only footprints, take only pictures.’
Life at Sea
As we set sail towards Koh Yao Yai, I’m struck by the tranquility of this region. The landscape has remained largely unchanged since we left Phuket four days ago. Rob Williams explains that the topography was caused by a geographical explosion ‘from here all the way to Myanmar’ millions of years ago.
We spend the morning snorkeling in Ao Son Bay, where we spot an array of marine life, including sea cucumbers and blue parrotfish. As we sail on towards Phuket, I take some time to relax on the trampoline net hooked to the front of the boat. The peaceful atmosphere is shattered when Ice darts out of the kitchen screaming, a knife in one hand and a bowl of homemade mango ice cream in the other – she’s spotted a Bryde’s whale breaching in the distance.
Marine life encompasses a vast array of ecosystems, including coral reefs, kelp forests, and deep-sea trenches.
These environments support an incredible variety of species, with estimates suggesting over 200,000 identified species in the ocean.
Coral reefs alone are home to 25% of all marine species, despite occupying only a tiny fraction of the ocean's surface.
The diversity of marine life is further complicated by factors such as ocean currents, salinity, and temperature.
Bryde's whales are a species of baleen whale that can be found in temperate and tropical waters worldwide.
They are known for their distinctive rounded head and prominent forehead.
Bryde's whales feed on small fish, krill, and plankton, using their baleen plates to filter the water.
They are relatively large, reaching lengths of up to 13 meters (43 feet) and weighing up to 20 tons.
Bryde's whales are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat degradation and entanglement in fishing nets.
A Night at Koh Mai Thon
As we drop anchor at Koh Mai Thon’s eponymous beach for some paddleboarding, I’m struck by its idyllic charms. This privately owned island was once home to American businessman Clinton Washburn and is still known today as ‘Honeymoon Island.’
A Sunset to Remember
After dinner, back on the boat, the sun sets over the limestone rocks surrounding us. The soft, powdery amalgamation of yellows, oranges, and reds creates a mesmerizing sight – soundtracked only by the calming chirrups of birds nesting among the rocks. As I gaze out at this breathtaking view, Rob Williams turns to me and says, ‘Now do you see why I love my job so much? What a sight!’
