The Final North Andaman Cruise of the 2022–2023 Season
As the North Andaman cruise season drew to a close, with Surin and Similan National Parks closing on May 15th, we embarked on our final voyage from May 10th to May 14th, 2023.
Welcoming back a group of cherished return guests from Hong Kong filled our hearts with joy and gratitude. Beginning at Tap Lamu Pier and concluding in Ranong, our long-established home port, this itinerary offered a fitting end to a remarkable season. Soon, The Smiling Seahorse would enjoy a well-deserved rest, preparing to return in October, ready to welcome adventurers with renewed energy.
A Final Journey Through the North Andaman Sea
Throughout this memorable cruise, the wonders of the Andaman Sea continued to amaze us. Our underwater explorations introduced us to a diverse array of marine creatures, delighting both new and seasoned divers alike.
From the tigertail seahorse, gracefully hiding among the corals, to impressive schools of batfish and emperors, the marine life surrounding us painted a vivid tapestry of colours and movement. Even after a full season of diving in these waters, the reefs still had plenty of surprises waiting for us.
We were fortunate to encounter a majestic hawksbill turtle, gliding through the water with elegance and grace. Yellow goatfish and giant moray eels added to the ever-changing tableau, while giant lobsters peeked out from their hidden crevices, offering us a glimpse into their secret world.
Pipefish, Triggerfish and Remarkable Crustaceans
Our journey brought us face-to-face with fascinating creatures such as the bent stick pipefish and the elusive ghost pipefish. Their intricate forms and ability to blend seamlessly with their surroundings left us in awe of nature’s ingenuity. Finding these masters of camouflage is always rewarding, particularly when they seem determined to disappear among the reef just as you are trying to photograph them!
The vibrant yellow margin triggerfish and the charming pufferfish added bursts of colour to our underwater encounters. Not to be forgotten, the peacock mantis shrimp and the orangutan crab showcased the fascinating diversity of crustaceans that call the Andaman Sea home.
Blackwater Diving: An Alien World After Dark
A highlight of our adventure was the blackwater dive, where we delved into an otherworldly realm. Amidst the darkness, we were captivated by the graceful movements of pretty squids and a multitude of mysterious crustaceans.
Blackwater diving offers a completely different perspective on the Andaman Sea. Away from the familiar reef landscape, we were suspended in open water, watching tiny and often bizarre creatures pass through the darkness. Some were delicate, some almost alien-looking, and all were a reminder of just how much life exists beyond the reefs we normally explore during daylight dives.
This alien world reminded us of the boundless wonders that lie beneath the surface, awaiting discovery. Even on our final cruise of the season, the Andaman Sea still had something completely unexpected to show us.
The Final Cruise of the Season
The camaraderie and shared experiences on this final cruise of the season created an atmosphere of both sadness and happiness. We bid farewell to the wonders of the underwater world with mixed emotions, grateful for the memories we had created together. The smiles, laughter and sense of awe will forever be etched in our hearts.
To our beloved return guests from Hong Kong, we express our deepest gratitude for choosing to journey with us once again. Your enthusiasm, camaraderie and love for the underwater world added immeasurable joy to our final cruise of the season.
Until the Next Season
As The Smiling Seahorse found some well-deserved time to rest, our crew would diligently prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring that the vessel was ready and even more inviting for the adventures that lay ahead. After months of diving, it was time to take a breath, carry out the necessary preparations and look forward to welcoming divers back on board in October.
For us, the end of the season is always a little bittersweet. There is the satisfaction of looking back at months of memorable dives and encounters, but also the feeling that we have to wait before returning to the reefs. The Andaman Sea never really stops being fascinating, and there is always another creature, another reef and another unexpected encounter waiting beneath the surface.
Our final dives of the season gave us plenty to remember: seahorses hiding in the reef, turtles gliding past, colourful reef fish, fascinating crustaceans and the strange inhabitants of the blackwater at night. It was a fitting way to close another season of exploration.
Until then, we bid farewell to the diving season, cherishing the memories and counting down the days until we can embark on new journeys, surrounded once again by the wonder of the underwater world.
Thank you to all our guests who shared this season with us, and especially to our returning friends from Hong Kong who joined us for this final voyage. We look forward to seeing you again beneath the surface.
