Aside from the comforts, escort boats allow your efficient experience of the remote geology and untouched culture harbored within Ha Long's scattered limestone islands. With tranquil on-the-water sunsets and sunrises, you chances of wildlife sightings are good, and the eerie romance of the islands is unforgettable. The first day takes you to our overnighter site - a long narrow bay with several se
a caves and rock gardens - where you adjust to the Bay's drama and ambiance. The next morning you motor further into the endless islands and spend the next few days exploring different points on the compass. We design each itinerary around the tides, and with so many islands, there are virtually unlimited options with many exceptional "Phong's". Throughout your trip, you explore complicated rock gardens; paddle long dark sea caves and visit cliff-lined inland lagoons. ("Phong's" in Vietnam, "Hong's" in Thailand.) You learn about stalactites and stalagmites, coral gardens, wildlife and Ha Long's exceptional geology with English-speaking guides trained in cave kayaking and Ha Long's Natural History. In tight caves, staff do the paddling. However, some caves are large enough that cave self-paddling is an option on certain tides. SeaCanoe's self-designed ultra-tough SOTAR inflatable kayaks allow you to explore deep into small caves, and make excellent photo and video platforms. Silent and smooth, you won't disturb bat colonies, and if you are lucky, you might see birds, primates, reptiles, fish, and coral closer than you ever dreamed possible. We occasionally see species considered rare or extinct in this habitat. (See the juvenile white belly sea eagle in the slide show.) We never guarantee wildlife sightings, but sunrise and sunset are the best times.
