Short report of 6 dives in Thailand
When arriving in Thailand, heavy showers and terrible gales had been blowing the past three weeks. This is not unusual in the rainy season, however, for such a long time on end is rare.
My first dive is at Phi Phi Island. A famous dive site with much to be seen. After a three hour boattrip from Phuket Marina, Hilde, Sylvain and our guide plunged hopefully into the water. Due to bad weather circumstances, the visibility is only 3-4 metres, which is a real disappointment. Moreover, the current is strong and slugging through the water is hard. Nevertheless, the beauty down deep is overwhelming, schools of fish swim by and are alternated with colourful corals. Although the visibility was disappointing, we are content when we surface.
The second dive is at Turtle Rock. Sometimes turtles can be spotted here. Hopefully the visibility is better here. Unfortunately this is not the case, it is even worse. No turtles were spotted, just a speckled sea snake that was willing to be photographed and videoed. A fine experience, that’s for sure. Here the current was also strong and I was cast against the rocks with my camera, which unfortunately results in a scratch on my lens. I was scared out of my wits, but there is no damage: the camera is still complete and waterproof.
The third dive is on our way back at Anemone Reef. A pinnacle in the middle of the sea. The current would be only 0.1, so a relaxed dive was ensured. We descended at the anchor chain. Sea horses should be present here. When I plunge into the water I get caught by the strong current and I barely manage to attach to the anchor chain. I hold on to the chain with both hands and I descend, cast to and fro by the high tides and the strong current. At the sea bottom the visibility is just 1-2 metres, which is bad. My camera is well attached to my vest; my lamp, however, is knocked loose and I need to secure it first. The descent cost 50 bar and was exhausting. Down under we swim to the pinnacle, which is hard as we have to swim against the current. Then all of a sudden we see a yellow sea horse. I quickly take a few shots just before I am taken away by the current. I photographed my first sea horse! Only after 20 minutes I already used 100 bar. After 40 minutes the dive has come to an end. I am completely exhausted because of the current which appeared to have been 0.7. I am happy because of the sea horse I spotted.
Looking back at today’s dive trip it can be summarized as three dives with reasonable to bad visibility, strong current, but with some beautiful sights. I am wondering if and where the crystal clear blue Thai water can be found.
When arriving in Thailand, heavy showers and terrible gales had been blowing the past three weeks. This is not unusual in the rainy season, however, for such a long time on end is rare.
My first dive is at Phi Phi Island. A famous dive site with much to be seen. After a three hour boattrip from Phuket Marina, Hilde, Sylvain and our guide plunged hopefully into the water. Due to bad weather circumstances, the visibility is only 3-4 metres, which is a real disappointment. Moreover, the current is strong and slugging through the water is hard. Nevertheless, the beauty down deep is overwhelming, schools of fish swim by and are alternated with colourful corals. Although the visibility was disappointing, we are content when we surface.
The second dive is at Turtle Rock. Sometimes turtles can be spotted here. Hopefully the visibility is better here. Unfortunately this is not the case, it is even worse. No turtles were spotted, just a speckled sea snake that was willing to be photographed and videoed. A fine experience, that’s for sure. Here the current was also strong and I was cast against the rocks with my camera, which unfortunately results in a scratch on my lens. I was scared out of my wits, but there is no damage: the camera is still complete and waterproof.
The third dive is on our way back at Anemone Reef. A pinnacle in the middle of the sea. The current would be only 0.1, so a relaxed dive was ensured. We descended at the anchor chain. Sea horses should be present here. When I plunge into the water I get caught by the strong current and I barely manage to attach to the anchor chain. I hold on to the chain with both hands and I descend, cast to and fro by the high tides and the strong current. At the sea bottom the visibility is just 1-2 metres, which is bad. My camera is well attached to my vest; my lamp, however, is knocked loose and I need to secure it first. The descent cost 50 bar and was exhausting. Down under we swim to the pinnacle, which is hard as we have to swim against the current. Then all of a sudden we see a yellow sea horse. I quickly take a few shots just before I am taken away by the current. I photographed my first sea horse! Only after 20 minutes I already used 100 bar. After 40 minutes the dive has come to an end. I am completely exhausted because of the current which appeared to have been 0.7. I am happy because of the sea horse I spotted.
Looking back at today’s dive trip it can be summarized as three dives with reasonable to bad visibility, strong current, but with some beautiful sights. I am wondering if and where the crystal clear blue Thai water can be found.