Ok so organising a trip for 3 generations can be a little complex but our mission is to go on a boat trip.

Luckily we are trough the baby, toddler and little child stages, and all the boys are confident swimmers! The boys and PomPom wanted to snorkel, hubby and I would have loved to dive and we all wanted a beach stop and lunch. In the end we decided to pay a little more for a private snorkelling trip (diving would have to wait). The hope was going private would allow us to take the day as needed.

After an early breakfast we were picked up. On the way to the port we drove up the old abandoned airport runway, which is now used as a market square. Our guide explained that when the airport was in operation, people were hired to shoo cows off the runway before planes landed. Fortunately they moved out of the way for us without assistance.

We arrived at a bustling port with boats of all shapes and sizes and people everywhere. The usual hawkers descended as soon as we opened the vans doors. Selling waterproof bags, phone cases and plastic toy monstrosities drawing boy blues eyes. We politely declined all but boy blue who was bare foot, soon had a trail of people trying to sell him flip flops as we walked up the pier.

Our boat was a simple affair but obviously set up for larger groups, so we had plenty of space. Another advantage our tour guide mentioned as we set off is that we are leaving a little earlier than the main tours so it should be quieter at the first snorkel spot.

It was overcast and a little windy when we set off, the sea was choppy. Which is great for avoiding more sun burn but didn’t look good for snorkelling. However it did mean a rather fun game of seat roulette, in which all of took a turn getting a good face full of water as the waves splashed about.

Thankfully our first stop was in a sheltered bay and on arrival we had the place to ourselves. Now getting 7 people into swim suits, fins, snorkels and life jackets takes time, especially on a rocking boat. After only a few mins of confusion and swapping of equipment we did all in the water with the fish.

The visibility wasn’t great, maybe 2m, there was a lot of silt floating around but the soft coral and fish were abundant. After only a few mins Boy Blue and middle man wanted to get out again. They were struggling with their over sized life jackets.

This is a real pet hate of mine (and the reason we usually travel with kids flotation jackets). Honestly it’s so dangerous to put someone who can swim in an oversized life jacket! Please do read up on how life jackets should fit. Ok rant over!)

Both the younger boys got out and didn’t want to get back in, whereas Basketball Boy had zoomed off (unencumbered by a ill fitting life jacket) on the horizon. Husband and I split up… he chased down BB Boy where as I went to sort out the other two.

After a little persuasion (I am a swimming teacher might have been said 🤦‍♀️) that the boys were capable swimmers they were allowed to get in without jackets. We also swapped the to large masks for there own goggles.

However to enjoy snorkelling and to avoid damaging the coral swimmers should be calm and horizontal … so both boys took a life jacket and used it more like a surfboard.

Eventually we were all throughly enjoying the experience! Even my mum got in! Having the extra grandparent also helped us not be out numbered as we divided and conquered the children. The soft coral was amazing and the shoals of fish were exciting to watch as they swam around us. Boy blue was so excited when he saw Nemo I think is underwater shout could have been heard by sea creatures 100km away. We also saw puffer fish, parrot fish, trigger fish, urchins, crabs and many more species I could name.

Unfortunately there was obvious damage to some parts of the reef. And after a little while it became clear why. A couple of boats joined us and off loaded groups of snorkelers in more ill fitting life jackets, and even worst most could not swim. This lead to on group literally standing on the coral! Horrible to see. My cries of get off the coral were met with confused looks.

Why it is not a rule that you must pass a snorkel test (like scuba diving) before you are allowed to visit these very delicate and de pleating eco systems I don’t know. I totally understand why countries have banned visits to parts of their reefs. As much as I enjoy snorkelling, this blatant disrespect of the environment makes me question the ethics of the industry.

Our boat guide was just as horrified as we were and started shouting at both the snorkelers and the other boats crew. He later informed us that this part of the reef is struggling from bleaching and that the other boat said it won’t take those tourists to the better preserved parts. Again mixed feelings on this… I guess for those operators it’s a balance between income and wanting to protect the reefs. Still their must be a better solution.

We all climbed back on the boat and set off for our next spot. The crew having to navigate through snorkelers who could not control their direction of movement. Seriously not good for the reef and not safe for the participants. (Ok sorry, second rant over, no more in this blog I promise).

Our second stop we were much more organised and it was a peaceful entry into the water. We were rewarded with even more stunning soft coral and even bigger shoals of fish. When I said I love snorkelling earlier, that was probably an understatement, I feel alive and free, ultimate peace as I glided through the water. I had boy blues hand on one side and middle man’s on the other. Being able to share this space with my boys is truly special.

Next stop lunch. again we were spoilt with another beautiful beach. The beach side amenities clearly set up for larger tours but as it is low season we got to enjoy the place in relative peace. Lunch it’s self was a selection of fresh seafood prepared in traditional Asian methods, hotpot, soups, stirfrys and salads. The flavours were varied and tasty. My boys hungrily dived straight in, completely unfazed by the unfamiliar.

After lunch was time to chill and enjoy the setting before a final snorkel of the day, it turned out to be the best yet. Quite a current but the condition of the coral was spectacular…. During this snorkel I knew I had to go diving again asap. All to soon it was time to return to the boat because a rain storm had blown in. The storm also made for a very wet ride home.