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Sea canoeing is the eco-tourist activity par excellence, and proves the benefit of the natural approach. The quiet of this mode of tourism heightens your sense of awareness, and wildlife is not scared by your silent approach. It is also an exciting physical challenge providing an aerobic workout and tones and develops your arms, shoulders and chest.    Some of the most spectacular sites for sea canoeing are around Krabi and the island of Phuket and Phang-nga Bay. Sea Canoe Thailand, based in Phuket, was the pioneering eco-tour company that launched thousands of travellers on their sea adventures.

     Sea canoeing adventures from Phuket take small groups of two passenger on  inflatable kayaks, accompanied by a support boat carrying food and equipment.  Three-day excursions include instruction in kayak management, camping and  barbecue dinners and the exploration of eight islands, including Ko Chong Lat and  its Blue Room, a three chamber stalacite grotto,

On the southeastern seaboard near the Cambodian border, Ko  Chang National  Park in Trat Province has more than 50 pristine  islands ready to be explored by sea  canoe. Ko Kra has some of  the best coral in Thailand, but no less spectacular are  the golden  sands of Ko Mak and the bays of Ko Ngarm.

     Although sea canoes are easy to handle and all safety equipment is provided, it  is best to get instruction first. Don't venture out on a long adventure without a guide.  Sea canoe expeditions are running all year round, although the rains from June to  October can inhibit operations. There is no age limit for participation, but travellers  should be able to swim.

Day 1: Pick up from your hotel. Arrive at Ao Po pier and depart. Motor to the islands. Arrive first island - explore caves and lagoons. Lunch on the escort boat. Arrive second island for more cave exploration and circumnavigation of islands. Traverse 300-metre cave into giant lagoon. Arrive and make camp on island beach - basic kayak training. Thai seafood BBQ dinner. Starlight paddle back to previously entered hong. Hong by Starlight (tides dependant) or sunset paddle. Return to camping beach.

      Day 2 : Depart for North Ko Yai Noi on escort boat. Breakfast on board. Paddle  North Ko Yao Noi and Big Tree Bay. Hike to the giant Ficus. Lunch on board.  Paddle 1 km crossing to Lagoon Island. Circumnavigate Lagoon Island. This island  is home to many crab eating monkeys and giant fruit bats. Board escort boat and  depart for Ko Chong Lat in Krabi Province. Arrive Ko Chong Lat and make camp.  Sunset paddle. BBQ dinner.

      Day 3 : Breakfast on board. Paddle around Ko Chong Lat. This 1,500 foot island  has stunning cliffs, the Blue Room and an unusually beautiful channel on the way  back to camp. Lunch on board. Motor to Ko Khlui. Circumnavigate Ko Khlui. Board  escort boat and depart for Ao Po pier. Hotel drop off.Useful websites
          Sea Canoe International www.seacanoe.com
          Paddle Asia www.paddleasia.com
          Safarine www.safarine.com

Windsurfing has become one of Thailand's most popular water sports in the last two decades, and it is practised all over Thailand's beaches. Windsurfing is not only exhilarating and an excellent way to get fit, it is also quiet, non-polluting and environmentally friendly. It is a sport that equires dexterity and coordination and also strength.

     You can learn to windsurf on all major beaches in Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and  Krabi, as well as on islands of Ko Tao and Ko Chang. Once you have mastered the  basics, you'll find boards and sails available everywhere.

      While you need wind to windsurf, you can get too much of a good thing. Don't  go out to sea if the weather is threatening to turn stormy. You shouLd wear a life  jacket at all times. Beware of boats and swimmers on crowded stretches of water,  especially when you are still learning how to handle your board and sail. It is easy to  forget about the sun with the wind on your face, but it is especially strong when  reflecting off the water all around you.

Windsurf classes   Aloha Surf Sports Company   124/10-14 Thaweewong Road,   Patong Beach, Phuket 83150   Tel/Fax: 0 7634 4504   Club Loong Chat   444/775 Moo 12 Nong   Prue, Chon Buri 20260   Tel: 0 1340 2180. Fax: 0 3823 2932   pop@clubloongchat.com   www.clubloongchat.com/   Phuket Surf Co Ltd   120/28 Moo 4, Patak Road,   Karon Beach, Phuket, 83150   Tel/Fax: 0 7628 6071   info@phuketsurf.com phuketsurf.com/   Useful websites   www.surfasia.com   www.surfasia.com/thailandprotective sunblock