I visited the Similan Islands again with the Treasure Island company. Our guide today was Andrey, a true professional. Everything was organized at the highest level – clearly, competently, and to the point. Before heading to the islands, he held a briefing and explained in detail all the stops along the route. On Island N4, he even led us on a short walking tour to meet the "locals" – monitor lizards and flying foxes. The Similans themselves are, as always, magnificent; I've been here four times already and can't get enough of them. Departing early for the tour was a huge advantage – our group was the first to set foot on the pristine sandy beach of Island N8, home to the famous Sail Rock. The view from above of the pristine, deserted, white beach, illuminated by the rising sun, is an unforgettable sight. I'd also like to highlight the excellent teamwork of the Thai team, and especially our guide, Tatyana (that's how she introduced herself to us 😄). Tanya is an excellent photographer and was very helpful with my photos against the backdrop of the fabulously beautiful landscapes of Island 8. Next, we went snorkeling and encountered a local resident – a huge sea turtle. We swam around the boat for about 30 minutes, waiting to see this marine visitor. Just as we were about to head to the next snorkeling stop, the turtle finally arrived. Gracefully flapping its enormous flippers, it made a couple of turns around the boat, and then just as unexpectedly disappeared, disappearing into the water from the dozens of curious tourists. The next snorkeling spot was just a 7-minute ride away. Here, I was once again impressed by the rich underwater world of the Similan Islands. I saw a rhinoceros fish for the first time, admired a clownfish living under the protection of an anemone, and even swam with a huge school of pale blue fish. I was so excited I stopped moving my arms and legs; the current simply carried me forward. The fish swam closer and closer to me, curiously examining my mask and completely unafraid. At one point, I felt like part of a huge school of fish – to the right, to the left, in front and behind – the fish swam around me, actively flapping their fins. It's incredible, but with each visit to the Similans, I discover something new. The final stop on our adventure today was Island N4. Here, we were treated to a Thai-style lunch and given about two hours of free time to relax. This island has two accessible beaches: one is docked by a boat, and the other is a five-minute walk through the island's tropical jungle along a well-maintained trail. If you're lucky, you'll encounter a local resident – a monitor lizard – along the way. The second (secret) beach is a beautiful and romantic spot. It features white sand, the azure Andaman Sea, and green trees leaning right down to the water. And even here there is the opportunity for snorkeling... But I'll tell you about that next time, when I decide to visit the Similans again, and definitely only with the Treasure Island company!
