Sea Kayaking
Although the scenery isn’t in the same awe inspiring league as the limestone karsts on Phang-Nga Bay in Krabi, there is some decent sea kayaking to be had around Koh Chang.
Most resorts have sit-on-top Feelfree kayaks for rent. Usually for around 300 baht/half day or 500 baht for a full day. if you are staying in the Klong Prao or Kai Bae areas then you have six small islands offshore which can easily be visted by canoe. The three islands closest to the shore are pretty sheltered but if you dedie to head out to the furthest island – Koh Yuak, which also has the best snorkelling, be prepared for the sea to get a bit bumpy.
If you plan on heading around the island to either Salakkok or Salakphet Bays then you’ll find places to rent a kayak there too, in Salakkok bay look for ‘Salakkok Kayak Station’ from where you can rent a kayak and paddle through the canals in the mangroves and out into the beautiful Salakkok Bay. You will see very few signs of tourism here as you paddle past ramshackle houses where local fishermen still live.
In Salakphet village, Chang Spirit Club rents out kayaks and it is easy to follow the canals past boats moored alongside waterfront houses and out into the mangrove lined bay. In the centre of the bay are two islands, the southernmost of which has a nice little sandy beach where you can stop for a swim and to enjoy the views. If you head further out of the bay you’ll get to the private island of Koh Laoya.
For anyone staying in Bangbao it is relatively easy to explore Bangbao Bay and also get to the remote Wai Chek beach, midway along the remote south coast of Koh Chang. Paddling out to Koh Klum, the large island at the mouth of the bay is also not too strenuous as it is only a kilometre or so across the open water. Some small beaches can be found on the south east of the island and pretty good snorkelling of the northeast shore. the western side of Bangbao peninsula is also home to a troop of monkeys that, regular as clockwork, come down onto the rocks by the sea around 4 or 5pm to wait for the fruit that is thrown to them from tour boats heading back up the west coast of Koh Chang. The boats will pull in and stop close to the rocks. You can do the same in your kayak.
Kayak Chang
If the thought of heading off into the unknown in a sea kayak is a little off-putting then it’s well worth considering the guided kayak trips offered by the one professional sea kayaking company on Koh Chang.
Kayak Chang is a British run business that employs experienced English kayakers as guides and uses new sit inside sea kayaks and equipment all imported from the UK. Safety is the main concern and everything is done to the same standard as it would be in the UK.
At present they offer everything from beginners sessions to 8 day expeditions to the islands south of Koh Chang.
Introductory Sessions
This two hour session takes place just off the beach front in relatively shallow water. Emphasis will be having as much fun as possible whilst acquiring the skills necessary to take you onto longer trips. We have a brand new range of boats specifically designed for beginners. They are shorter, making them easier to turn and wider, making them more stable.
When: Daily
Start times: 10am, 1pm & 4pm
Approximately 1 hour of this will be spent on the water.
Price includes guided instruction, all technical equipment, insurance, on island transfers and water. Pickup times will be confirmed upon booking.
Price: 900 THB
Breakfast & Sunset Cruise
Designed for people with little previous experience; this trip is relatively short in distance. It offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful coastline of the island in a unique way, whilst under the guidance of experienced coaches.
This trip also involves specific training on the equipment, the environment and the skills needed to successfully participate in a sea kayaking journey of this nature.
When: Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays
Start times: 9am (Breakfast) & 1:30pm (Sunset)
Approximately 2 1/2 hour of this will be spent on the water.
Price includes guided instruction, all technical equipment, insurance, on island transfers and refreshments. Pickup times will be confirmed upon booking.
Price: 1,800 THB
Island expedition
This journey is aimed at the more adventurous clients, offering the chance to paddle five islands just off the west coast of Koh Chang.
Participation requires previous kayaking experience or a good level of fitness for this trip.
The immediate focus of this trip will be safety; using the nearby beach and short journey South to Kai Bae as a means to improve the confidence and skill level of the participants.
This trip also involves specific training on the equipment, the environment and the skills needed to successfully participate in a sea kayaking journey of this nature.
When: Wednesdays, Sundays
Start times: 9:30am
Approximately 3 1/2 hour of this will be spent on the water.
Price includes guided instruction, all technical equipment, insurance, on island transfers and lunch. Pickup times will be confirmed upon booking
Price: 2,700 THB
Overnight on Koh Yuak
Fancy spending a night on your very own tropical island? This expedition kayaks out to the island of Koh Yuak, where hammocks are strung up for the night and food is cooked on an open fire.
Previous kayaking experience or a strong level of fitness is essential for this expedition.
This trip involves specific training on the equipment, the environment and the skills needed to successfully participate in a sea kayaking journey of this nature.
When: Mondays & Thursday
Start times: 12pm (returning apprx.12pm the next day)
Price includes guided instruction, all technical equipment, insurance, on island transfers and food. Pickup times will be confirmed upon booking.
Price: 2,200 THB
Southern Islands Expedition
The ultimate expedition…
How about spending 8 days journeying around some of the most stunning scenery in the world, stopping every night on your own secluded beach, cooking fish you caught along the way and baking your own bread in the morning? It doesn’t get much better than this!
Previous kayaking experience and a strong level of fitness is essential for this expedition.
This trip involves specific training on the equipment, the environment and the skills needed to successfully participate in a sea kayaking journey of this nature.
When: One expedition per month
Price includes guided instruction, all technical equipment, insurance, on island transfers and food. Pickup times will be confirmed upon booking.
Price: 25,000 THB
