River Rovers Eco Cruises:
Here at River Rovers Eco Cruises we are able to offer special services for those who book a full boat online. If you give us enough notice and you wish to change the date of your booking, you can providing we have another day available, and if two people book a join in trip online we guarantee the trip even if the boat is not full. Please feel free to contact Gordon thr
ough Skype ( riverroversgordon ) where he’ll be happy to answer all your questions and concerns regarding the trips that we offer. You will find more information on each of our cruises here: www.riverrovers.com
We have no set pricing as each of our tours are unique and fully customisable to fit with your schedule and group requirements. Our Pricing Policy:
We do not offer set prices for each of our tours. We give excellent value for money and believe and trust in our guests to offer us what they consider each tour is worth. River Rover’s Eco Tours provides services that no other tours in Phuket can offer; we are truly one of a kind. You may have experienced on holidays, where the tour schedule is so rigid and over-planned that at the end you walk away feeling dissatisfied and overcharged. Even though River Rover’s Eco Tours does not provide discounted tours... we do provide our guests the opportunity to plan:
• Where you want to go- no more sitting around waiting at boring places or places you don’t wish to see.
• How long you want your tours to last for - if you book in advance you will be able to choose from 1 day to even week long tours as the boat is amazingly comfortable and our staff are friendly without being overbearing- you will surely have a chance to relax and take control of your holiday as you wish... imagine going to sleep with the sound of water as the boat gently rocks you to sleep...in paradise.
• What you want to pay- River Rovers has a charity focus and it is our way in supporting the healthy growth of Phuket, so that we are not over-reliant on tourism alone. We offer you complete flexibility and the ability for our guests to plan their tours. In return we expect that our guests will understand that no other tours in Phuket offer the chance for their guests to negotiate what they want to pay. We have selected a variety of local charities for you to choose from and 5% of your total tour cost will go to the charity of your choosing. Please remember this when deciding on your tour quote and we ask you to understand that even though most people provide a satisfactory quote, in other circumstances one of the River Rovers team may need to contact you to negotiate a price that matches your chosen tour itinerary.
• River Rovers over delivers –We will live up to our reputation of over-delivering for the price you offer - just have a look at trip advisor and you’ll see all the people who have taken the time to congratulate River Rovers on such a memorable one of a kind experience.
• River Rover Charities –We are not just in it for ourselves. In fact we realise that Thailand is a country that can be corrupted by unethical tour companies. That is why River Rovers is Eco-friendly and give 5% of our tours to charity. Please keep this in mind when calculating your trip costs and sending us your quote- because River Rovers is proud to set the example for the future of travel. Send your quote to one of our consultant’s today- before the boat gets booked out! http://www.riverrovers.com/contact-us.html
River Rovers Eco Tours gives you ‘off the beaten track cruises’ to allow our guests an opportunity to see and experience the real Phuket and Phang Nga Bay. Every trip is designed to avoid all other tourist traps and expose the real wonders that Phuket has to offer. Our boat was purposefully built to handle these types of out of the way charters, with it’s very shallow draft of just 8 inches we can go just about anywhere. There is no climbing into dinghies and clambering up the side of the boat to get on or off. We can back onto most beaches and it’s just a hop onto the sand, great for the elderly, the very young or disabled people. The cockpit is huge and comfortable with soft cushions if you feel like lying down and it can seat 10 people. The "Pitta" also has an upper deck for sightseeing or just lounging around. We also have a great sound system so if you wish to bring your own CD’s feel free, or just listen to ours. The boat has seven feet headroom throughout, it has a proper household toilet and a nice size shower so you can wash off after swimming, and not many boats can offer this. See all our reviews on Tripadvisor.com http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293920-d1016945-Reviews-River_Rovers-Phuket.html
" The Monkey Jungle Cruise"
Leaving from Chalong Bay at 9am we head out to see the authentic floating fish farms where you will have the opportunity to meet our local sea gypsies. This is a real working fish farm which has been owned and run for generations by traditional Thai Sea Gypsies, you will see where they live and how they work, the kids love this place as they get to feed the fish by hand and even hold a box fish or a lobster. During this trip we will also travel through Thai Villages were you can interact with the locals, you will also get to see the damage and rebuilding from the result of the Tsunami in 2004, you will also see The Kings project of rebuilding the mangroves in Thailand, over 40% of mangroves were slashed for burning to manufacture charcoal, but that is now banned. Then we’ll head off to the mangrove forest to see the monkeys. This offers a rare opportunity to see wild monkey’s in their natural habitat where they are free to swing from tree to tree and are always pleased when Gordon arrives with his boat. From here you can paddle your own kayak or you can have one of the crew to paddle for you and explore further into the mangrove forest where the boat is unable to go. We then leave the Khlong to explore the beautiful Phuket coastline; you will get to see Eagles and many sea birds on our way to Ao Yon Bay which is also home to Phuket’s largest pearl farm. Here you will have the chance to do some swimming, kayaking and boat jumping if you wish. When everybody is ready and depending on the weather we have the opportunity to explore some of the many smaller deserted islands with beautiful sandy beaches and a back drop of natural gardens that are dotted around the south eastern Phuket coastline. Here you can swim in the warm calm waters, kayak, snorkel or explore the beach, before heading back to Chalong Bay at 5pm. This trip can be aborted at any time if the weather becomes extreme, a taxi will be called from our boat and you can get off anywhere along the route. See all our reviews on Tripadvisor.com http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293920-d1016945-Reviews-River_Rovers-Phuket.html
Day Trips to Koh Sirae and Timeless Koh Maphrao
Our fabulous luxury cruiser the “Pitta” is suitable for all visitors to Phuket Island. The object of our cruise is to move quietly through an area that enjoys a lifestyle unchanged in decades and longer, while enjoying our very special pampering aboard the luxury cruiser the “Pitta”
Our groups are very small, maximum of 10 passengers to ensure our passing will have minimal effect on the villages and local ecosystems as we explore the hidden treasures of Maphrao bay with its tropical lagoons, magical mangrove rivers and their amazing forests. You may be lucky to see troops of wild monkeys and dazzling colorful birds including sea eagles, hornbills and kingfishers. Cruising quietly through traditional Thai fishing villages and watch the fishermen at work using centuries old techniques and equipment to land their catch. Visit a traditional village and experience the hospitality that is second nature to these wonderful folk and view the village scene. Paddle our kayaks into the far reaches of the Mangrove Rivers, you can swim or relax on pristine deserted island beaches. Lunch on the bounty of the seas at an incredible floating seafood restaurant then relax, sunbathe or fish in the comfortable cockpit or the huge sundeck on the “Pitta” as she cruises onwards in paradise. "The Hidden Treasures of Maphrao Bay". Max 6 guests, 2 days one night or 3 days 2 nights. This is truly a wonderful experience; our first stop will be at Thapao Island for a nature walk up to the very old light house with it’s spectacular views over Phuket, this island has an old small naval base on it, they are there to look after the light house and to feed the many families of Horn bills that reside on this island. A great place to observe these wonderful birds, this is such a quiet island with very old trees and lush jungle with lots of butterflies and birds. Then it’s a trip down a forgotten water way the Thi Chin Canal, through the main fishing port of Phuket under the bridge and out into the Thai villages and mangroves never seen by tourists. The next bay is Maphrao which is very shallow but our boat can transit it with no problem and into a narrow strait between Maphrao Island and Phuket, here there are floating restaurants. We will spend the night tied up to one of them, enjoy a great seafood supper and after you can visit the other restaurants by kayak, which is a whole lot of fun! The next morning we’ll wake up to the call of the sea birds and the glassy conditions which is normal in these protected waters. Coffee, eggs and bacon for breakfast, in the open air, what a treat! Then off to Rang Island where you can witness a pearl demonstration, go for a walk on the lovely clean beach and through the coconut trees to see the other side of this beautiful Island, you can swim, kayak and generally have fun. We’ll then cruise back to Chalong Bay stopping at interesting places along the way. Please go to our website for more information: www.riverrovers.com
"In The Steps of Lord Buddha Cruise"
They say that there are foot prints of Lord Buddha in the temple on Bu Bu Island, that’s according to the myth. But it is certainly worth exploring this beautiful little island, which is not exactly remote. Not many people go to this island, as there are no organized tours going there, but it has wonderful sandy beaches and great snorkeling and it’s only about a mile offshore. Have a look at the pictures above, wonderful don’t you think? We could spend a couple of hours here before moving onto Bon Island, with it’s swaying palm trees and white soft beaches. This is a private island with a Resort, using it as a day stop for their guests, but it is very laid back and quiet. They have a small bar and restaurant for their guests with a few tables and chairs set up under the palm trees, they don’t seem to mind us stopping off and welcome us with open arms. Then we’ll take a short hop to Nui Beach and Nai Hairn passing under the majestic Prom Thep View Point, before heading home. Delicious food cooked by master cook Khun Luck on the boat, snacks and refreshments all day. This trip can be done as a day trip or an overnight trip. " Phang Nga Bay Through The Back Door", 3 days two nights minimum. We know there are plenty of tour operators offering one day trips to Phang Nga Bay, but they cannot begin to think that they are showing their guests the true Phang Nga Bay.It is such a huge area they will only take you on the main tourist route, which is in the deep water channel. We at River Rovers pride our selves in showing our guests a lot more of Phang Nga over several days, getting away from the deep water channel and into the shallow rivers where the views are truly amazing; rivers that go through mountains, not many boats can go through there, certainly not yachts or big boats. There will be virtually no other tour boats in sight; we take our guests far away from the main tourist areas were they are hounded by touts and rushed from one spot to another as fast as possible. We just poodle along in the calm waters of Phang Nga Bay, this is a very restful trip and a great way to unwind from your busy lives. Please go to our website for further details: www.riverrovers.com
"Special Occasion Cruises"
Any of the trips mentioned can be turned into special occasions. Here are some samples of our special occasion cruises, a couple of birthday trips where we decorated the boat, bought birthday cakes and played Happy Birthday music, we anchored the boat in the mangroves so the monkeys could join in as well, the kids thought it was great! We have created many special cruises for adults as well, Birthdays, Anniversaries and Honey Moons. If you let us know in advance, we will dress the boat up appropriately for your special occasion. "Mix and Match Tour"
You can make up your own cruise from the trips above, here is an example of what you can do; half day Monkey Jungle Cruise with lunch on the boat, then a road tour, ride the elephants, visit Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, this would be a one day tour. River Rovers Eco Tours have added an extra service to their already popular Romantic cruise. "River Rovers Romantic Cruise"
If you want to create an experience for that very special person in your life, we can now take you on a cruise to a secluded beach where we will have a table set for two with flowers and candles and provide authentic Thai food cooked and served by our staff or just leave you to the seclusion of your own private beach. This is truly bliss, enjoy maybe a barbecue or food of your choice to eat at your leisure while you watch the beautiful sunset together... we can provide wine or champagne if required, as well as beers, soft drinks and water. You can relax and enjoy just being together in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. We will return to collect you at an agreed time and complete your romantic trip cruising slowly back to harbor in the sunset, making this one of the most memorable times of your holiday! River Rovers Eco Tours can create wonderful memories that will stay with you forever! " Captain Gordon Williams at your service." Hello, I would like to introduce myself, I am Captain Gordon Williams, Born in London, lived in South Africa and now in Phuket having sailed my yacht from Cape Town over a period of four years, spending many months at various destinations along the way, including Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, Chagos, the Maldives and Phuket. Having survived a pirate attack in Madagascar and been at the helm of racing yachts for more than fifty years, I think I am well experienced to take you on a gentle Eco Cruise through the mangroves, local Thai villages, fish farms and deserted islands of Phuket. Our trips are designed to be fun and educational and away from mainstream tourism. These trips will not be found at tour desks or at many of the Resorts, as we operate by word of mouth, which keeps our tours more exclusive and unique.
‘We Do It Slowly’
http://www.riverrovers.com/contact-us.html
See all our reviews on Tripadvisor.com http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293920-d1016945-Reviews-River_Rovers-Phuket.html
