Spend the morning or afternoon paddling in the cool shade of the Ao Thalane canyons in the north of Krabi. Explore the diverse ecosystem on a sit-on top kayak manoeuvring through caves and channels surrounded by towering cast formations whilst observing the diverse wildlife, including crab-eating macaques, gibbons, the occasional cicada, otters and your ever present monkey trying to hitch a ride.
Get picked up by our friendly driver and take a 20 minute scenic drive through rural villages to the incredible, karst-dotted Thalane Bay, located in the north of Krabi. After arriving at the kayaking center with a private pier, enjoy a coffee while your guide will prepare the equipment and study the tide tables. Get a short briefing on how to use the paddles before boarding the open kayaks.
Start paddling a short distance through open water from the launching point to the mangroves forest of Ao Thalane. The guide will lead you through shallow channels, over submerged roots and even paddle right next to almost vertical limestone cliffs, towering above you. Spot cliffs with supposedly thousand year old historical paintings done by sea gypsies who once lived in these area.
At times, stop paddling and just listen. Silence, except for occasional sound of cicadas and rustling of leaves overhead. The aerial roots of the mangroves at Ao Thalane are home to many crustaceans which attract many game fish like snappers in these waters.
Some parts of the journey requires you to negotiate sharp turns in tight spaces as you wave your way through the forest. Therefore, this tour is specially designed making it semi-private, a maximum of 10 people to one guide. Enjoy the undeveloped environment without unpleasant crowds.
Enter a large cave with stalagmites and stalactites which was named the Crocodile Cave, probably because some of the hanging stalactites may look like a crocodile to those with a bit of imagination. You can spot several species of birds and monkeys, in particular the crab-eating macaque monkey, and if you are lucky large water monitors (a lizard that looked like the Komodo Dragon).
Leave the cave, and continue through a lagoon on your way out from the forest. Surrounded by the limestone karsts, this spectacular seascape at this part of Ao Thalane is the filming location for many movies. The total paddle time is around 2 hours, not including breaks.
A set menu lunch is available if you have booked the lunch option, for those who prefer to strengthen themselves for the kayaking session.
