North Andaman Liveaboard: From the Surin Islands to Richelieu Rock
Our latest North Andaman diving safari was an incredible journey, welcoming a diverse group of guests from Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, the UK, and Switzerland aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse. It was the perfect opportunity for our divers to explore some of Thailand’s most famous dive sites, from the Surin Islands and Koh Tachai to Koh Bon and the spectacular Richelieu Rock.
We set sail from Ranong on 6 November, eager to discover the underwater wonders of the northern Andaman Sea. Over the following days, the group enjoyed colourful reefs, schooling fish, sharks, giant groupers, blackwater diving, and a particularly memorable encounter with a tiny seahorse at Richelieu Rock.
Day 1: Surin Islands National Park – A Thrilling Start
The adventure began in the Surin Islands, one of the Andaman Sea’s most cherished diving destinations. Our first dive was at Koh Chi, an ideal check dive and a gentle introduction to the local marine life and underwater landscape.
We then moved on to Aow Pragaad and Yellow Rock, exploring the reefs and enjoying the diversity of life that makes the Surin Islands such a rewarding destination for divers and underwater photographers. The day ended back at Aow Pragaad with a night dive that was truly unforgettable.
For Jeanne and Jeoren, it was their first-ever night dive, and the experience of watching the underwater world transform after dark was magical. Moray eels emerged to hunt, gliding skilfully through rocky crevices, while parrotfish settled into the corals for a safe night’s sleep. One of the highlights was the sight of millions of tiny shrimp eyes reflecting our dive lights, creating a glittering spectacle that mesmerised everyone.
The mystery and excitement of night diving set the perfect tone for the days ahead.
Day 2: Koh Tachai and Koh Bon – Encounters with Sharks and Giant Groupers
Our second day brought us to Koh Tachai, home to an incredible underwater pinnacle renowned for its variety of marine life. The granite boulders provide shelter for an impressive range of species, from surgeonfish and schools of batfish to yellowtail and chevron barracudas.
Divers were thrilled to discover a colony of lobsters tucked between the rocks, while the sighting of a blacktip reef shark was an unexpected treat. The combination of dramatic granite formations, schooling fish and colourful reef life made Koh Tachai a perfect setting for underwater photography.
Later, at Koh Bon, we focused on the cleaning station near the North Ridge. Batfish gathered to be cleaned, and our underwater photographers seized the opportunity to capture this fascinating behaviour up close.
A few brave divers ventured to the deep pinnacle at Koh Bon, where they were rewarded with visibility of around 40 metres and a stunning view of a massive school of batfish cruising above the sandy bottom.
A First Blackwater Dive
The day ended with a blackwater dive, a unique experience for many of our guests. Suspended over the open ocean in complete darkness, they marvelled at the bioluminescent plankton and the parade of unusual deep-sea creatures drifting upwards from the depths. It was a truly surreal experience and an entirely different way of exploring the Andaman Sea.
Days 3 and 4: The Iconic Richelieu Rock – A Diver’s Paradise
Richelieu Rock was the highlight of our journey and one of the most famous dive sites in Thailand. Over two days, we made multiple dives at Richelieu, with each descent revealing another part of this extraordinary submerged pinnacle.
The resident “gang” of Richelieu Rock, made up of longnose emperors, jackfish and rainbow runners, created thrilling underwater encounters as they darted around the rock in synchronised hunting displays. Divers could find themselves completely surrounded by the activity as the schools swept past from every direction.
On the east side, we encountered the area’s famous great barracudas and batfish, pausing by the reef for cleaning. Meanwhile, the western side of Richelieu held its own surprises, from groupers stationed atop deep pinnacles covered with shimmering glassfish to countless reef species such as parrotfish, angelfish and clownfish hiding within anemones.
Our divers couldn’t get enough of the lively interactions between the many shrimp and crabs and the resident moray eels tucked into the rocky crevices. Richelieu Rock’s mixture of large schooling fish, tiny reef creatures and dramatic underwater topography makes every dive feel different.
The standout moment came during our final dive at Richelieu Rock. A tiny seahorse clung to a piece of rope at a depth of 29 metres, its delicate frame and vibrant colours creating a moment of awe. It was our first seahorse sighting of the season and the perfect way to finish our exploration of Richelieu Rock.
Certifications Earned and Celebrations
A big congratulations to everyone who completed a course with us this week: Jeanne, Jeoren, Jose, Christoph and Daniella!
From adventure dives to Advanced Open Water certifications, deep and night specialties, you all made fantastic progress. The varied conditions at each dive site offered plenty of opportunities to build experience and hone your skills, making this North Andaman liveaboard experience even more memorable.
Fantastic work, everyone!
Reflections and Farewells
We concluded our North Andaman diving safari filled with memories of vibrant marine life, scenic underwater landscapes and unique experiences shared with a passionate and adventurous group of divers.
From the first night dive at the Surin Islands to the granite pinnacles of Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, the exhilarating blackwater dive and the extraordinary marine life of Richelieu Rock, every day brought something new to discover.
The camaraderie and laughter on board were a perfect reminder of what makes liveaboard diving so special: sharing incredible underwater experiences, learning from one another and building connections with fellow divers who share the same passion for the ocean.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on this unforgettable North Andaman journey.
Until next time, happy bubbles!
