John Gray Starlight Trip

Have been reading posts on this tour which sounds great but

is it suitable for a retired couple. Although we are both fit and active, We don%26#39;t snorkel and wife not a great swimmer but we would enjoy a sail with a difference.

Happy New Year.

Dave %26amp; Jan

John Gray Starlight Trip

Hi folks,

When we were on this trip there were a number of retired couples, as well as people our age (mid 30%26#39;s).

Lifejackets etc were available if required and a few people did take them.

I would suggest you go for it, the boat is a good size and all your food and drink is included in the price so when folks are off the boat swimming or snorkelling you could sit back and relax.

It is an amazing trip, and is not overly active as your guide will do all all of the hard work for you.

Hope that helps.

-James.

John Gray Starlight Trip

Hi James,

Your reply is much appreciated and helps put our mind at rest about the trip. Was a wee bit scared in case there was any danger of us falling out of the boat!!

This is our first to Phuket arriving on 5th February for 3 weeks staying at Merlin Beach Resort and counting the days!

BTW have been in touch with Richard re elephant rehab centre - he is very busy just now but will arrange trip and get back to us when things quieten down.

Hope you had a great Hogmonay - despite the weather!

All the best.

Dave %26amp; Jan

hi dave and jan,

my hubby and i visited phuket in december and did the john gray starlight trip it was fabulous and a must do. i like your wife am not a good swimmer,more of a screamer with any thing to do with water.honestly it was magical and i never felt nervous at all. The only part of me that got wet was my bottom from sitting in the canoe where a little water remains all the time.

have a great trip

marie

This may sound silly but I%26#39;m going to post anyway...when you actually go inside the caves do you not get a feeling of clastrophobia? I have visited the website and looked through photo galleries and whilst usually small/low spaces do not bother me in the slightest I wondered if anyone else had the same anxiety and could now maybe put my mind at rest once and for all. Would be such a shame to miss a truly incredible opportunity based on what if scenarios!!

Thanks, we visit in April...and counting!!

Dajan - when we did our trip we had a lady who was 83. She had a ball. When she was being transferred from the boat to the long tail at the end of the trip the crew were absolutley marvellous and getting off the longtail onto the jetty.

I watched the guys with particular attention and at no time was this frail lady in any danger even in the gloom. They are magnificent.

Claustrophobia - It is bloody dark in parts of the caves just like closing your eyes. When the crew say lie back and relax - do that lie back and relax and do not try sitting up until told to. It is an awesome experience and not claustrophobic at all.

Thanks to all for your kind support.

Beanb41 - Haven%26#39;t quite met the age of that wonderful lady of 83 -what an inspiration! Will let you know how we get on when we come back in our jbr.

Cheers

Dave %26amp; Jan

You absolutely HAVE to go on the John Gray Hong by Starlight! It is a magical trip and the only exertion you will use is getting in %26amp; out of the canoes and eating the lovely lunch %26amp; dinner they provide.

Ensure you take a change of clothes to put on after the canoeing has finished otherwise you will have to endure a wet bum for some time!

They go so slowly through the caves and as the guide sits at the back of the two of you in the canoe he allows plenty of time for you to duck down and can, if really necessary, grab the rock to go even slower (although we never saw that needed). You just lie real flat and it lasts for such a short time there is no need to feel claustrophobic.

All the guides are great - just don%26#39;t forget to tip yours at the end - they all line up to say goodbye to the guests they have looked after.

Have a great trip.

How much do people tip there guide? with 5 of us we%26#39;ll be tipping 3 guides all up so I want to budget for it.

We did 200 baht between the 2 of us (hope that wasn%26#39;t too mean, as I have no idea what you should tip!).

AKelly1712

Many thaks for your post - it certainly helped to reassure us that there was no casue for concern.

Have booked trip for 19th Feb and counting the days!

Dave%26amp; Jan