Best Snorkelling in the World

Q: I am a snorkelling enthusiast, but not a diver, and I believe that the Surin Islands Thailand and Myanmar offer some of the best snorkelling in the world. Could you please find out how to reach these islands and where one can stay? - Mark Snyder

A: The Surin Islands are most easily accessed from either Kuraburi or Khao Lak on the Thai mainland. There are five islands, but only one has facilities for visitors. Run by the Thai parks department, you can book a bungalow or a tent for an overnight stay. Facilities are very limited. Most visitors to the islands are on daytrips, which include lunch. Please note that all the islands (including the nearby Similan Islands ) are closed to the public from May 15 to November 1 every year. All trips, include sightseeing and day trips, are banned during this low-season period. You can book your boat trip and accommodation with most tour operators in Phuket and Khao Lak and prices vary substantially. Before you buy a bargain trip, however, you should check that the operator uses a high-speed boat and that there are no more than six snorkellers to every instructor. Check out www.khaolaktravelcenter.com or get a list of operators from Thailand Tourism (www.thailandtourism.gov). (4 July 2010)