The Phi Phi Islands archipelago, is a world-famous tourist destination. The scenery is spectacular. You can do an organised tour with 40 or 50 of your new best friends from all over the world or you can charter your own private boat and crew. The latter option gives you a lot more flexibility, privacy and is (in my opinion) the best option. It costs a bit more, but well worth the extra money.
Swimming in the Andaman Sea, surrounded by jungle and cliffs, with curious tropical fish peering into your goggles, is a very special experience.
Maya Bay gained international fame after it was featured in the 2000 movie “The Beach,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters portrayed in the movie captured the imagination of movie goers worldwide, and it became a “must-go” selfie location with up to 5,000 tourists per day!
Sadly, the excessive influx of tourists to Maya Bay, led to significant environmental degradation, threatening the very beauty that made it famous. With hundreds of boats anchoring and destroying the delicate coral reefs found in the bay, the destruction to the ecosystem was devastating.
In response to this environmental impact, the Thai government took measures to preserve the delicate ecosystem and temporarily closed Maya Bay to visitors in mid-2018. The closure aimed to allow the damaged coral reefs and marine life to recover. At the time of closure, the seafloor was devoid of any life.
Incredibly, within a year of the closure and restrictions, marine life started to return at a rapid rate. The highest profile species that has returned to Maya Bay, is more than 100 Blacktip reef sharks that have made the bay a nursery ground.
COVID forced the total closure of the entire Thai tourist industry for 2 years.
Tourism is vital for the Thai economy. After 4 years of closure, and due to pressure from tour operators, Maya Bay reopened in January 2022, but with regulations in place, designed to protect its natural resources.
Tour boats must dock on the other side of the island, and visitors must now walk to the beach via a newly erected boardwalk. The total number of visitors allowed per hour is capped at 375 and you are no longer permitted to swim in Maya Bay. The Thai government totally closes the beach of Maya Bay annually for 2 months (normally August to October) to assist with the ongoing and positive environmental rejuvenation.
The Keeler's 