22nd to 29th of October 2022: Second trip of the season | north Andaman liveaboard

Blackwater Diving, Frogfish, and a Fantastic French Group in the Andaman Sea

What an amazing trip with this group of 16 French divers from Subaqua Chartres Club — all super fun to have around!

Sixteen French divers from Subaqua Chartres Club onboard MV The Smiling Seahorse — Divers from Subaqua Chartres Club

After the rainy week we had on our previous trip, it was amazing to enjoy perfect conditions, both below and above the water. The sea was flat, the water was warm, visibility was excellent and we had almost no rain — exactly the kind of conditions that make an Andaman Sea liveaboard cruise such a pleasure.

Beautiful sea fan surrounded by reef life in the Surin Islands — Beautiful sea fan from the Surin Islands

Surin Islands: Thousands of Fish and a Pikachu Nudibranch

We started this trip from Ranong and spent our first day diving around the Surin Islands. There was some current, allowing us to drift gently along the reef while surrounded by thousands of fish. And for the macro lovers in the group, some divers even managed to find the wonderfully colourful Pikachu nudibranch!

Pikachu nudibranch underwater in the Andaman Sea — Pikachu Nudibranchia

Koh Tachai, Koh Bon and the Similan Islands

The second day was around Koh Tachai and Koh Bon. We love both pinnacles, and on this trip they were absolutely full of life.

We then continued south for the third day around the Similan Islands and their beautiful granite boulder formations. The star of the day was a Yellow Warty Frogfish, quite a rare sight around here, but the magnificent ribbon eels at Elephant Head Rock were a very close second!

Because of the rough conditions during the previous week, this trip also saw the very first Blackwater Dive of the season — and it was a first for all our dear guests.

Lionfish hovering above a coral reef in the Andaman Sea — Lionfish hovering over the coral reef

Blackwater Diving in the Andaman Sea

After exploring the Similans, it was time to cruise back north, with morning dives in the northern part of the Similan Islands, followed by two more dives at Koh Bon.

Not far from Koh Bon, our guests asked for a second Blackwater Dive. Your wish is my command 🙂 We just love making you happy!

Pearlfish larva photographed during a Blackwater Dive — Pearlfish Blackwater dive

Unidentified shrimp photographed during a Blackwater Dive — Unidentified Shrimp Blackwater dive

Pelagic snail photographed during a Blackwater Dive — Pelagic snail Blackwater dive

Flounder larva photographed during a Blackwater Dive — Flounder larva Blackwater dive

Blackwater diving gives divers the chance to encounter a completely different side of the ocean. After sunset, our lights attract tiny pelagic creatures that spend their early life stages far from the reef. From unusual larvae and tiny crustaceans to animals that look almost unrecognisable compared with their adult forms, every Blackwater Dive can reveal something completely unexpected.

Koh Tachai: Barracuda, Turtle and Blacktip Reef Shark

At Koh Tachai Pinnacle, we swam in the middle of a huge school of barracuda, then encountered an enormous green turtle, followed by a blacktip reef shark.

Large school of barracuda at Koh Tachai Pinnacle — School of Barracuda at Koh Tachai Pinnacle

Yellow Warty Frogfish underwater in the Andaman Sea — Yellow Warty Frogfish

Richelieu Rock: Glassfish, Seahorses and Ribbon Eels

Our last dive site, but certainly not the least, was the famous Richelieu Rock, dressed in its spectacular purple soft coral costume. Thousands of jackfish hunted around the pinnacle, feeding on clouds of glassfish that filled the water.

We were happy to find the usual suspects: a seahorse, ghost pipefish and another ribbon eel hidden beneath the blanket made from millions of glassfish.

Tiny pygmy squid photographed during an Andaman Sea liveaboard dive — Pygmy Squid

Richelieu Rock is one of those dive sites where there always seems to be something new to discover. From colourful soft corals and schooling fish to tiny macro creatures tucked into the reef, it is a fitting finale to a North Andaman liveaboard adventure.

Welcome Back, Julien!

We also welcomed back a dear friend and fantastic dive guide: Julien, who was finally back after two years of adventurous sailing trips on the Atlantic Ocean. He was just as delighted to be back with The Smiling Seahorse family!

Octopus photographed at Richelieu Rock — Octopus at Richelieu Rock

Ribbon eel photographed at Richelieu Rock — Ribbon Eel at Richelieu Rock

Celebrating Big Dives and Great Memories

Congratulations to Roro and David for your 100′ dives, and Stephanie for your 300′!

Thanks again to Subaqua Chartres Club for joining us on this amazing trip. We are looking forward to diving with you again very soon!

Moray eel photographed at Richelieu Rock — Moray Eel at Richelieu Rock

Ornate ghost pipefish photographed at Richelieu Rock — Ornate Ghostpipe fish at Richelieu Rock

Beautiful soft coral growing on an Andaman Sea reef — Beautiful soft coral

Seahorse photographed at Richelieu Rock — Seahorse at Richelieu Rock

Happy divers onboard MV The Smiling Seahorse — “Love is in the air”

Subaqua Chartres divers onboard MV The Smiling Seahorse — Subaqua Chartres divers

Mantis shrimp photographed underwater — Mantis Shrimp

Sunset onboard MV The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard — Sunset onboard MV The Smiling Seahorse

A Little Khao Sok Adventure

Part of the group decided to continue their trip in Khao Sok National Park, so we organised a little adventure for them! They even spent a night in a hammock with an integrated mosquito net on a remote island of the lake, from where they could spot interesting wildlife.

Thanks for sharing these lovely photos!