We’re still in Koh Phi Phi, we’re both certified as Open Water Divers (18 meters), and tomorrow I’m diving to 30 meters to get a Deep Dive certificate, so I’ll be certified to dive anywhere in the world down to 30 meters, or about 99 foots. Sweet eh? During the dives today, I kept thinking, “I wonder what’s down a little further?” Back at Barakuda Dive Shop after the two 18 meter dives we did today, I was thinking maybe I’d go fun diving tomorrow. But with a little discussion I found I could do a 30 meter dive for an extra 10 bucks and get a Deep Dive certificate.
Today we went to the west side of Phi Phi Ley, Maya Bay, which is the exact location used in The Beach. It would be spectacular without the tourist boats lining the beach. Apparently we were really lucky today though because during monsoon the water is only calm enough to dive in that location three or four times, so this time was one of those few! During lunch, we anchored inside Maya Bay and I snorkeled over to another beach within the “lagoon” that was deserted. It’s smaller than “the beach” but more protected and, uh, cozier? The beach itself was stunning but the water right inside the cove is absolutely littered with floating debris from tourists. Quite gross really. The problem with the cove and “the beach” is that the debris gets stuck in there because water doesn’t flow out very well due to the shape of the island. But beautifully colored fish swim about on the bottom anyway and I searched for a shark someone had spotted a bit earlier while doing the same snorkel route but I didn’t see him.
However, we did see him on our second dive. Shortly into it a swift menacing shape appeared on our left and flitted past in front of us. It was quick so I didn’t get a real great look at him and I kept looking to our right to see if he was still around but I never saw him again. Hopefully I’ve frightened you with my shark story but now I’ll say that yes we saw a shark but it’s a harmless blacktip reef shark. It’s a decent size and has a menacing look but they are totally shy and scared of divers so there’s no worries. Later in the dive we also came across a big Hawksbill sea turtle. He was sitting on the coral happily munching away. Big, maybe a foot in diameter? And of course we saw lots of purty coral and colorful fishies.
Only a few days left now, time’s running out. Due to rain and time considerations, we decided to stay in Phi Phi instead of trucking for Hat Rei Ley near Krabi, which is a big climbers area. We would have wasted time traveling, may not have been able to catch a longtail to Rai Ley which is the only way, and may not have been able to climb anyway because of rain. So I’m finishing out my time by diving and enjoying the slow island life. Oh, and I got a shave again today plus a new hairdo…