Back On Koh Lanta: Wonderful Surprises

Koh Haa Lagoon in November 2007, as seen from the back of the Go Dive boat

Rob: What great feelings I have when I return home to Koh Lanta. This is my fifth year working here I really like to call it home. Between seasons I was away for 6 months in England day dreaming about paradise. Luckily though the time passed quickly and on arrival all the familiarity comes flooding back: amazing food, spectacular views, sunsets, beach life, a stress free environment and not forgetting the main reason I’m here: amazing diving.

This week the Koh Lanta dive season starts officially, and as normal it is a slow start for customers but not so slow for marine life. If you’re looking to have the place almost to yourself, the beginning of November is the time to come. The first week has been full of wonderful surprises. Calm flat seas and sunshine, with a balmy water temperature of 28 degrees and 30 / 40 metre Visibility on all dive sites. I’ve been out on the Go Dive Daytrip boat doing some scuba instructing and guiding. It’s been great to start working with divers again, showing them what Koh Lanta has to offer underwater.

Whilst diving I have been surprised so far at how many juveniles I have been spotting. The two best things for me this week was more than 150 baby barracudas maybe a foot long 12 metres deep in Koh Ha Lagoon. Also another highlight was a Helgarda Nudibranch still producing its eggs - what a rare surprise. A Whale Shark has been spotted in the area too by another dive boat - lLucky buggers!!! But unless I see it for myself I don’t believe them (yes I am jealous ). Now the hunt is on to see who can find the first Ghost pipefish of the season around Koh Lanta.