About John Gray's Sea Canoe
John Gray's Sea Canoe is a pioneering eco-tourism operator that has been leading kayaking and canoeing adventures through the stunning limestone karsts and hidden lagoons of Phang Nga Bay since 1983. Founded by American ocean kayaker John Gray, the company introduced the concept of sea cave exploration to Thailand and has since become the most recognised name in Phuket kayaking. Their signature experience takes guests paddling through tidal sea caves — known locally as "hongs" — into secret lagoons surrounded by towering cliffs draped in tropical vegetation.
The company operates several tour formats, including the legendary "Hong by Starlight" evening trip, where guests paddle into bioluminescent waters under the stars, and the "Day in the Islands" full-day itinerary covering multiple cave systems and lagoons. All trips use inflatable sit-on-top canoes piloted by experienced local guides, and group sizes are kept small to minimise environmental impact. Lunch, snacks, and hotel transfers from anywhere in Phuket are included in every tour package.
What sets John Gray's Sea Canoe apart is its unwavering commitment to responsible tourism. The company was among the first in Thailand to adopt leave-no-trace principles, and John Gray himself has been a vocal advocate for preserving the fragile ecosystems of Phang Nga Bay. With over four decades of operation and consistently top-rated reviews on TripAdvisor, this is the gold standard for sea kayaking in southern Thailand.
