Setting Sail to Surin Islands

The day began with a gentle breeze and the promise of adventure. After a short drive from my hotel, I arrived at Nam Khem Pier, where the SeaStar Andaman crew welcomed us with warm smiles and a light breakfast. The pier was bustling with excitement, and the wristband system made it easy to identify our group, the blue team. As a former surfer, I appreciated the attention to detail, like the option for prescription goggles and the free sea sickness pills—an essential for the bumpy speedboat ride ahead.

The safety briefing was both informative and entertaining, setting the tone for a day of exploration. With flippers in hand and a wet bag packed with essentials, I was ready to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Surin Islands. The anticipation of snorkeling in such pristine conditions was palpable, and I couldn’t wait to see what lay beneath the surface.

Discovering the Moken Way of Life

Our first stop was the Moken village on Koh Surin Tai, where we were introduced to the fascinating culture of the sea gypsies. The Moken people, known as “The Sea People,” live a nomadic lifestyle, relying on the ocean for sustenance. As we wandered through the village, I was struck by their deep connection to the sea—a sentiment I share as a lover of all things oceanic.

The opportunity to purchase handmade trinkets and souvenirs from the Moken was a highlight, and I was glad I brought some small baht notes. After exploring the village, we enjoyed a delicious vegetarian lunch of egg fried rice, salad, and tofu at the park ranger station. The meal was a perfect blend of flavors, fueling us for the snorkeling adventures to come.

Snorkeling in a Tropical Paradise

The snorkeling experience was nothing short of extraordinary. We made three stops, each offering a unique glimpse into the vibrant underwater world. The water was so clear that it felt like swimming in a giant aquarium. I was mesmerized by the sheer number of fish—clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and even a massive moray eel made an appearance.

At one point, a turtle surfaced near our boat, a gentle reminder of the thriving marine life surrounding us. The coral reefs were teeming with life, and I was in awe of the thousands of fish darting around me. It was a surreal experience, one that reminded me of why I fell in love with the ocean in the first place.

As the day came to a close, we reluctantly left the Surin Islands, our hearts full of memories and stories to share. The journey back to the pier was filled with laughter and camaraderie, a testament to the incredible day we had experienced. This adventure was a true celebration of the ocean’s beauty, and I can’t wait to return for another Surin Islands Adventure.