Day 1: Kuraburi Pier – Koh Ra
Meet your guide upon arrival to Kuraburi Pier, and then transfer by long-tailed boat (30 min.) to Koh Ra Ecolodge. Orientation of the facilities and introduction to the eco-friendly and sustainable elements here including organic garden, composting system, solar power, and the trail system. Relax at leisure or stroll on the beach to see Crab-eating macaque monkeys out hunting. Overnight sleep to the soothing sounds of beach and jungle.
Day 2: Snorkel Trip in Surin National Park
Speedboat to Koh Surin National Park, for the best snorkeling in Thailand. Koh Ra is the closest landfall to these Islands, so we maximize our time at this jewel of the Andaman. Healthy reefs are vibrant like this. Our specially trained guides work with Reef Check Thailand (local NGO), and can answer questions about coral reef ecology. First visit the National Park HQ before snorkeling at least two sites. Thai lunch onboard the boat will be served before returning to the lodge by 4:30pm. Diving is also an option for certified divers at an additional cost.
Day 3: Guided Jungle Walk & Wildlife Watching
Easy walks on well-maintained trails in primary jungle, open savannah forest, mangroves and freshwater streams. Many species of wild orchids and butterflies and most hornbills will be visable, as they live all around the area. See flying lizards, leopard cats, and many other species of wildlife in this protected area.
Day 4: Guided Sea Kayaking + Snorkeling
Join specially trained guides for a sea kayak exploration of the long string of deserted bays and beaches with secret lagoons around the island. After variable paddling, take a nature walk in the jungle. Returning, stop by our local coral reef to see lionfish, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures. We will tell you about our coral reef monitoring program in collaboration with Reef Check Thailand and how the tsunami affected the area’s reefs. Return back to the Ecolodge mid-afternoon for a rest and drink before dinner.
Day 5: ‘A Day in the Life’ of the Moken Sea Gypsies – Kuraburi Pier
Walk pleasant evergreen forests, open savannah forest, past streams and mangroves to visit the local Sea Gypsy (Moken) village. We enjoy a friendly relationship with the village, who are pleased to let us experience, and learn about their lifestyle. We hope to help them preserve their native wisdom, including knowledge of medicinal plants in the jungle. Your trip contributes to a find for guides and a fund for projects such as drinking water wells, herb gardens, and a chicken run we help complete with Volunteer labour & funding. After checkout, transfer back to the mainland, and to your next destination.