Tourists flock to Similan Islands following Bryde's whale sighting

[Thaivisa News]

Phang Nga: Both Thai and foreign tourists have been flocking to the Similan Islands in Phang Nga following the sighting large Bryde's whales, a park chief and tour boat staff said.

Pongsathorn Chuayphet, a staff of the Love Andaman boat, said both Thais and foreign tourists have been visiting the Similan National Park since late last month – especially during weekends.

He said the Andaman Sea is now enjoying sunny days that enhance the blue sea, and thus making it enjoyable for tourists to dive and snorkeling. Moreover, tourists have recently been treated with sighting of Bryde’s whales swimming about 15 nautical miles from the Similan Islands. Sometimes, the whales swam alongside tourist boats, he said.

Pongsathorn said tourists took video clips and photos of the whales and shared them on social networks, and thus prompting more tourists to visit the islands.

Nat Kong-aksorn, chief of the Similan Islands park, said tourists were also treated with sightings of dolphins while their boats were travelling to the islands.

This year, several tourist boats reported sighting of several Bryde’s whales and dolphins, Nat added.

He said the sighting of the whales in the area was a proof that the Andaman Sea is still clean and environmentally friendly and it is full with plankton.

The sightings of whales and dolphins will bode well for Phang Nga’s tourism, he added.

Last month, a 10-meter-long Bryde’s whale was also spotted swimming near a tourist boat just about 300 meters away from the Surin Islands Park also in Phang Nga, causing a lot of excitement among Thais and foreign tourists.

[rasmus5150]

At least this whale is too heavy for the Asian tourist too pick up from the ocean, so they can get clearer pictures. I just worry that all the boats are gonna chase the whales for the perfect photo opportunity and thus scare them away.

[csabo]

Whale yang on sale at your neighborhood roadside grill this week only

[Lupatria]

foreign tourists have been flocking to the Similan Islands

I hope both of them have a whale of a time.

[emilymat]

I know I'm thick, but what's a Bryde's whale as opposed to other whales?. This is nota Valentine Day story is it?

[A1Str8]

Flock to see a whale. Nothing else to do really?

[wabothai]

I am sure is a TAT release.

Flock?

I believe when I see, I say on a daily basis.

[ratcatcher]

I know I'm thick, but what's a Bryde's whale as opposed to other whales?. This is nota Valentine Day story is it?

You aren't thick, but Google can expand your knowledge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryde%27s_whale

Prints of whales. Prince of Wales

As to the story, eventually the huge influx of curiousts will probably scare them off.

Edited February 15, 2015 by ratcatcher