Day trip to Phi Phi Island

Our day trip started with a speed boat ride for an hour out to Phi Phi Island. (This is pronounced "Pee Pee") :) There were probably about 25 people on the tour with us, I think we were the only Americans, as it would be a long time getting to Thailand from America. As it was, it took us basically two days of travel to arrive in Phuket. It was the most exciting boat ride we've ever experienced! I think the only time he dropped below 100mph was when he stopped altogether! We were traveling at top speed bouncing across the waves of the Andaman Sea, some of which had to be at least five feet high! We were all holding on for dear life, not wanting to fly from the boat. Eric had to hold onto Shannon as several times she came flying off the seat as the boat flew from crest to crest. From the pictures, you can see we sat in the bow of the boat, this was infinitely better than the back because there were many people losing their breakfasts and lunches throughout the whole day! We had no problems until he stopped and the boat was rolling on the waves. We traveled around the area and saw really breathtakingly beautiful sights. The Viking caves were impressive, although we weren't allowed to go into them, they aren't safe anymore, Monkey Beach was fun, we threw bananas out to them and I have never seen bananas peeled and swallowed so fast! We stopped at a couple beaches to swim and snorkel on the reefs, just incredible to be surrounded by such bright, colorful fish. The sand on one particular beach was whiter and softer than I've ever encountered before, the water so crystal clear and blue, just beautiful! They dropped us on Phi Phi Island for an hour to eat and shop. This was one of the places most affected by the tsunami of 2004. We purchased a memorial pamphlet that showed the devastation the tsunami wreaked on the island, definitely sobering. We finished our day with more snorkeling on another beach and then were beaten again by the waves and the captain's sense of urgency in getting us back to port! The next morning my muscles were so sore I couldn't sit up in bed, I had to roll out! Just so we're clear, it wasn't the snorkeling that beat us, it was the constant bouncing in the boat that did it! All in all it was a great day, sore muscles and all!