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Aqua Action - Seacanoe in Phuket
ARTICLES, SPEECHES AND OTHER READING
WHAT OTHER'S SAY
AQUA ACTION - SEACANOE IN PHUKET
Benjarong, August 1999
It's difficult to imagine that it was only ten years ago
that John Gray was the first man to explore the limestone caves in Phang Nga
Bay by an ocean kayak which he called a sea canoe.
Today, hundreds of visitors head off each day for these caves or "hongs" to
explore these quiet cavern sculpted by centuries of erosion from the sea.
The first visitors to these caves were probably Chinese fishermen who many
centuries ago found valuable swallow nests worth a fortune in China for
their medicinal value. The business of harvesting these same nests continues
to this day along side a sea kayaking industry which brings hundreds of
tourists into these pristine caves each day.
John Gray established his Sea Canoe company while living and exploring the
waters around the Hawaiian Islands in 1983. By 1989, he was traveling in
Southeast Asia and his instincts directed him to the forgotten caves around
Phang Nga Bay. He first entered these dark holes with trepidation but soon
discovered light at the other end.
He then moved his operation to Phuket leaving his life in Hawaii far behind.
"I've always been an environmentalist since traveling with my parents in
Mexico as a child. I've seen what poor tourism management can do to a
beautiful natural environment. At Sea Canoe we offer eco-tours, experiences
which excite but also inform our clients on the importance of caring for
these delicate ecosystems," explained John.
Sea Canoe is only one of many companies which offer sea kayak trips to Phang
Nga Bay. But this company stresses staff training and water safety that far
exceed the competition. John has structured Sea Canoe to pursue community
involvement, environmental education, enlightened human resources and social
responsibility, all principles of eco-tourism.
Sea Canoe offers day trips to the caves in Phang Nga, two day, one night
adventure trips to remote areas near Phuket and a package of Millennium
kayak trips around the Andaman region scheduled for the end of 1999. |
