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Making Waves for Marine Conservation: A Reef Clean Up Success Story

29/11/2023

'Sustain Responsible Operations,' our team embarked on a mission to tackle the pressing issue of ocean pollution.

The focus of our efforts was to remove discarded fishing nets and trash from the ocean's embrace, which pose a severe threat to marine life and delicate ecosystems.

The smiling seahorse, in collaboration with Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Seabeesdiving, Atlantis Divers, Phuket Veterans SAR Team, and DMCR, has made a significant splash with our latest Reef Clean Up event!

In line with Marriott's Serve 360 commitment to 'Nurture Our World' and 'Sustain Responsible Operations,' our team embarked on a mission to tackle the pressing issue of ocean pollution. The focus of our efforts was to remove discarded fishing nets and trash from the ocean's embrace, which pose a severe threat to marine life and delicate ecosystems.

With dedication and determination, we successfully extracted nearly 30 kg of waste from the ocean depths. Each net and piece of trash removed is a step towards preserving our seas as a sanctuary for underwater life. The impact of our collective action cannot be overstated, as every item removed represents a potential life saved and a healthier marine environment restored.

With dedication and "with determination, we successfully extracted nearly 30 kg of waste from the ocean depths". Camille Fogarolo

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who joined us in today’s reef clean up. Your enthusiasm and support are invaluable in our mission to protect our oceans. Together, we are making a tangible difference and demonstrating the power of community action in environmental conservation.

As stewards of the sea, it is our responsibility to continue these efforts beyond today's clean-up. Let us remain committed to reducing our environmental footprint, advocating for sustainable practices, and safeguarding the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans for generations to come.

Thank you once again to everyone involved for your dedication to this cause. Let's keep the momentum going and make waves for marine conservation! 🪸🐟

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Trip Report: North to South Andaman from 11th - 18th November 2023

28/11/2023

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Embarking on a Spectacular Underwater Journey Across Thailand's Pristine Waters...
Gathered from distant corners of the globe, a diverse band of adventurers—hailing from England, the USA, Switzerland, France, and Germany—joined us aboard for an expedition that promised not just a multinational escapade but a passage through time itself, courtesy of a vintage PADI Advanced Open Water certification from the enchanting year of 1985, graciously provided by the remarkable American guest, Craig.

a multinational and multi age crowd this week :)

Our underwater odyssey commenced with a lovely dive into the depths of Surin National Park, unveiling a canvas teeming with vibrant marine life. The check dive served as a tantalizing precursor to the grandeur awaiting us at Richelieu Rock. The iconic rock, a tapestry of vibrant soft coral in all colors and life, offered a dazzling showcase of aquatic wonders—seahorses, harlequin shrimp, and an array of captivating fish species turned the dive into an exhilarating spectacle.

rainbow runners in North andaman thailand

Journeying to Similan National Park: Encounters with Sharks and Barracudas...
Our vessel cruised towards the illustrious Similan National Park, where the ocean revealed its secrets in subtle yet profound ways. The sight of reef sharks, guitarfish, nurse sharks, and the majestic school of barracudas added a thrilling dimension to our underwater exploration, casting a spell of awe over our diverse band of intrepid voyagers.

Beautiful coral reef in Koh Lanta National Park

Wonderful moray eel and vibrant coral reef in Tarutao National Park

Exploring Koh Lanta National Park's Hidden Treasures...
Venturing further, we navigated towards the Koh Lanta National Park, a realm brimming with unexpected encounters. Some among us were graced by the presence of manta rays at Hin Meaung, while others delved into the mystique of ghost-pipefish sightings at Hin Deang. The expedition continued its southern trajectory, leading us to Tarutao National Park, where the depths unraveled an assortment of wonders.

Tarutao National Park's Kaleidoscope of Marine Marvels...
In Tarutao's embrace, our diving escapades transcended the ordinary. The ocean floor was an exhibition of rare and captivating marine life—a symphony of ghost-pipefish, seahorses, colossal pipefishes adorning the sandy bed, a juvenile cuttlefish, vibrant nudibranchs, and the charming sea moth delighted our senses, painting an unforgettable underwater tableau during the day and we could do a blackwater dive that night with many more creatures to discover.

Rediscovering Manta Rays and Final Encounters...
Returning to Hin Deang - Hin Meaung, we sought out the elusive manta rays once more. Some among our cohort were fortunate enough to witness their ethereal presence, marking a poignant highlight in our aquatic sojourn. As our expedition drew to a close, the pristine waters around PP Island and the final dive near Phuket revealed a parting gift—encounters with the elegant leopard shark, seahorses, and a myriad of colourful nudibranchs.

Gratitude and Farewells...
The Smiling Seahorse team extends heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed guests. Your trust in us to curate a memorable diving experience and enrich your holiday with unparalleled underwater adventures is deeply appreciated. We hope this journey has not only deepened your scuba diving prowess but has also etched indelible memories, infusing your vacation with unparalleled joy and wonder.

Your presence onboard has illuminated our expedition, transforming it into an unforgettable passage through Thailand's mesmerizing aquatic realms. As you continue your ventures beyond these azure depths, may the memories of this odyssey linger as cherished souvenirs, beckoning you to explore the uncharted depths of the ocean once more. Until we meet again, dive deep and savor the beauty of our world's hidden treasures.

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Reviving local Reefs: 3D Printing for Marine Conservation efforts!

23/11/2023

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In the depths of Siam Bay, a groundbreaking collaboration has set its roots, aiming to rejuvenate and protect the delicate coral ecosystems. The Smiling Seahorse, in partnership with Team Buffalo and the Thai Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), embarked on an innovative venture using 3D printed concrete 'coral substrate' forms to restore the vibrant marine life in Racha Yai, Phuket.

The recent deployment of approximately 180 of these intricate structures marks a milestone in marine conservation. The vision? To bridge the gaps between coral bommies and provide a haven for broken yet living corals. As these structures are strategically positioned and covered with these fragments, they offer a promising environment for coral growth and development.
What's truly exciting is the immediate response witnessed during the deployment. Even before the completion of the setup, small fishes have begun seeking shelter within these novel formations. Their presence serves as a testament to the potential of these structures to not only rehabilitate coral life but also to foster a thriving habitat for an array of marine creatures.
It's a sight that sparks hope. The promise of these artificial reefs providing a safe haven for marine life, with each fragment of coral finding a new home, brings anticipation for the future. As these structures settle into the ocean floor, they stand as beacons of regeneration, inviting life back into these waters.

Reviving Reefs: 3D Printing for Marine Conservation

BEFORE: Full barge coming on site

AFTER: the barge is empty! job well done!

AFTER: the barge is empty all 180 coral structures have been lowered to the seabed

The team eagerly awaits the upcoming weeks, poised to witness the progress and transformation that these efforts will catalyze. The early signs of marine life finding sanctuary in these structures already hint at a brighter future for Siam Bay.
Beyond the immediate impact on coral restoration, the potential ripple effect is vast. With thriving reefs, the entire marine ecosystem stands to benefit. The influx of life attracted by these structures will likely contribute to the biodiversity of the area, paving the way for a richer and more balanced marine environment in the future.

working underwater to detach the structures

many different shapes to create a nice reef in the future

structures have varied shapes and sizes to create an harmonious reef in the future

In the quest to safeguard our oceans, this collaboration stands as a testament to human innovation and dedication to environmental conservation. It's a reminder that even in the face of ecological challenges, creative solutions can emerge, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of our oceans.
As we eagerly anticipate the evolution of these artificial reefs, it's with optimism and excitement that we look forward to a time when these underwater structures will teem with life, contributing to the resurgence of marine ecosystems in Siam Bay and beyond.

Well done team Buffalow and Thank you DMCR for letting us be a part of this great project!

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Trip Report: photo & video expedition from 5th to 9th November 2023

21/11/2023

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Welcome on board for this special photo and video expedition. The guests are coming from America, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Brazil. We are honored to have Mr. Walter Marti (a very talented underwater videographer) with us on board. During this trip, Walter and Franck shared their knowledge with our guests to improve underwater video and photos.
Here are a few photos from our guests. We are super proud of their results! Well done everyone!

Credit picture by Robert Vogt
A massive blotched stingray was encountered in Similan National Park. The reef was full of life in Richelieu Rock, with schooling barracudas, harlequin shrimps, and super fishy all around.

Credit picture by Merry-Jane Wolborsky
From left to right: A clark anemone fish portrait, white eye moray eel sharing home with a Fibrillated moray and a clown fish home!

Longfin batfish in Similan national park. Credit picture by Linda Blanchard

Small tooth emperor hunting with Bluefin trevally, two batfishes, school of chevron barracuda, huge school of trevally with curtain of glass fish, colourful reef with Redcoat squirrel fish at Richelieu Rock and our dear friend Julien enjoy sidemount diving!

Some nice nudibranches, tiger egg cowry, harlequin shrimps in Richelieu Rock and giant seafan in Koh Bon pinacle.

Longnosed emperor passing by a school of chevron barracuda.

Blackwater diving was epic with a curious flying fish coming into our lights. You can also see above a pelagic anemone, a larval moray eel (pretty hard shot to get sharp!), se butterfly and triggerfish...

A big thank you to our guest that make this amazing trip possible

A big thank you to all our guests for making this trip amazing.
Congratulation to Aline for her Advanced Open Wate and Nitrox certifications and to Corrine her Nitrox certification!
And a big thank you goes out to Walter for coming over, we look forward to the next photo and Video expedition with you next season!

Walter Marty's video of the cruise

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Trip report : Back to Burma from 28th of October to 3rd of November 2023

9/11/2023

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back in Myanmar, post covid trip report!

Second trip of this season saw us back (finally) in Myanmar! In a triumphant return after more than three years, we were thrilled to dive again the mystical waters of Mergui Archipelago.

A diverse assemblage of thrilled guests, journeying from Singapore, Malaysia, Switzerland, Germany, India, and two local diving enthusiasts from Myanmar, graced our vessel.

Our cruise started in the early afternoon in Ranong and after crossing the Kraburi River, we met with Myanmar officials in Kawthoung who were nearly as excited as we were to see a boat heading back this side of the border after such a long break!

The Smiling Seahorse has been diving Mergui Archipelago since 2012 and while we now offer cruises all over Thai waters, this adventurous destination remained our flagship.

All paperwork was in order and we were soon free to cruise towards a wonderful sunset!

The Voyage Commenced at South Twin!
The inaugural day commenced with our eager group diving around South Twin. Blessed with exceptional visibility, the ocean offered a display of thriving marine life. The fortuitous encounters with a majestic turtle, the elusive octopus, a vibrant mantis shrimp, and an array of reef fish adorning the vibrant reefs set an exhilarating tone for the expedition.

schooling bannerfish myanmar expedition 2023

seahorse portrait

Venturing North: Kyun Phi Lar and the Enigmatic Shark Cave
Our northbound journey led us to Kyun Phi Lar, where the allure of Shark Cave beckoned. The healthy reef teemed with life—marbled rays, barracuda, the exquisite seahorse (was it smiling to see us?), a myriad of colourful nudibranchs, and the mesmerising Spanish dancer were just a few of the underwater treasures that graced our explorations.

Exploration at Black Rock: Unveiling Underwater Grandeur
We spent the following day at the infamous Black Rock, captivating us beyond measure. The site lived up to its prestigious reputation, hosting an astounding spectacle of marine life. Schools of jackfish, the impressive dogtooth tuna, the enigmatic spearer mantis shrimp, and the resplendent sea anemones, engulfing one side of the rock, left us spellbound.

Southbound Bound for North Twin: A Pinnacle of Aquatic Grandiosity
Our journey southward led us back to the Twin islands but this time we dived around the majestic North Twin and its awe-inspiring pinnacle. The sheer abundance of aquatic life surrounding this challenging pinnacle was a sight to behold. Schools of big-eye jacks, barracudas, rainbow runners, surgeon fish, and tunas orchestrated an underwater ballet. Delving deeper into the reef revealed a microcosm of macro creatures—cowries, shrimps, and nudibranchs, adding an extra layer of marvel to our diving experience.

For the night dive, we throw our bright pumpkin in the water and got ready for the first ever Myanmar Blackwater Dive!!!

Unveiling the Sea Fan Forest: Encounters with the Majestic Birostris Mobula
Our anticipation peaked as we revisited the remarkable Seafan Forest. The highlight of our journey unfurled as we were graced by the presence of the majestic Birostris Mobula, commonly known as the Giant Oceanic Manta Ray. The forest of sea fan is still intact and what an amazing place to explore!

manta ray in Mergui archipelago November 2023

Later that day, Western rocky was also up to our expectations, on the reef, in the blue, inside and outside the cave. Our sunset dive on Eagle Rock was like diving inside a dense school of fish.

Gratitude and Celebrations
As the voyage drew to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this extraordinary trip. Special congratulations to Elaine for achieving her AOW and Nitrox certifications, Jessica for her AOW, and Martin and Navya for earning their Nitrox certifications. A heartfelt thanks to Franck for capturing the magic through his wonderful pictures.
This seven-day journey was not just an exploration but a collective immersion into the mesmerizing depths of Myanmar's aquatic wonders. It was so wonderful to be the first back in this amazing place and we sure look forward for more!

Each dive, encounter, and shared experience further strengthened the bond between our diverse group of adventurers, leaving an indelible mark on our souls and kindling an insatiable desire for future expeditions. As we bid good bye to these mystical waters, we carry with us a trove of memories and a pledge to return, lured by the unexplored mysteries of the ocean.

group picture on the Smiling Seahorse first Myanmar trip

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October 22nd-26th 2023 trip report: Unforgettable Adventure in the Mystical Waters of Thailand's North Andaman sea

6/11/2023

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trip report Thailand liveaboard october 2023

Cobias school! Who are they coming with?

Embarking on an expedition through the enchanting North Andaman waters was a voyage that transcended borders, uniting nine avid ocean lovers from the far reaches of America, France, Germany, Holland, and China. Their journey unfurled a tapestry of experiences that melded cultural diversity with the unifying language of underwater marvels.

The odyssey commenced with a thrilling dive into the depths of the Surin National Park, a trove of marine splendor. The check dive, revealed an expanse brimming with vibrant corals and teeming reef inhabitants. The mesmerizing underwater landscape was a sight to behold, a kaleidoscope of colours painted by nature's brush.

back to the vibrant colors of the Similan national park!

A swift transition to the renowned Richelieu Rock escalated the expedition to an exhilarating crescendo.

This dive site, a perpetual marvel, was a cornucopia of visual wonders. The explorers were enveloped in a paradise of soft corals, cascading curtains of glass fish, and a bustling metropolis of barracuda and long-nosed emperor fish, escorted by the regal blue-fin trevally. The symphony of marine life danced before their wide-eyed wonder, etching an indelible memory in their hearts.

The journey then led the intrepid voyagers to the captivating haven of the Similan National Park. Here, an immaculate aquatic sanctuary awaited, adorned with an array of marine treasures.

The keen-eyed adventurers were treated to a visual feast - encountering the whimsical nudibranches, elusive lobsters, and a breathtaking array of fishes that painted the waters with their vibrant hues.

Each dive was a chapter in an unfolding saga of underwater opulence, a communion with nature's raw magnificence. The diverse group of thrill-seekers shared not only the joys of discovery but also a bond forged through the shared awe of the ocean's secrets.

nudi party for the macro lovers

Night dives were also really interesting and the cruise was the occasion for most of our guests to try Blackwater diving for the very first time!

As the sun set on their final day, the memories of this transcendent expedition lingered, etched into the very fabric of their beings.

lucky divers onboard the smiling seahorse

This escapade into the depths of North Andaman's aquatic realm not only kindled a passion for adventure but also fostered a profound respect for the uncharted mysteries concealed beneath the ocean's surface.

The voyage was not merely an excursion; it was an immersive journey that sparked a collective thirst for further exploration and a testament to the captivating allure of our planet's underwater wonders.

The nine intrepid souls departed, carrying within them not just stories, but an insatiable appetite for future escapades and a shared camaraderie forged by the breathtaking marvels of the North Andaman waters. As they bid adieu to this aquatic paradise, they left with a promise to return, drawn by the siren call of the unexplored depths.

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Mergui Archipelago from the sky

6/11/2023

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Myanmar has finally reopened to tourism, and we thought that was the perfect time to offer you a little scenic flight over some of our favorite islands of the Mergui Archipelago in Burma…

The Myanmar's borders have finally reopen!
SEE OUR SCHEDULE & NEW ITINERARIES: Schedule

The Mergui archipelago, which has remained inaccessible for half a century before it was opened to boutique tourism from 1997 to 2019 and closed again with the international Covid crisis. Still quite undiscovered, it is the cradle of an extraordinary diversity of species of corals and marine creatures.

Over more than 400 kilometers from North to South, a set of primary forests bordered by coves of immaculate sand dotted with limestone or granite rocks sometimes held in precarious balance – results of landslides following distant geological phenomena – forms one of the last marine paradises throughout the Indian Ocean.

The local population is made up of the Moken, who are nicknamed “nomads of the sea” (an expression which designates various groups in South-East Asia …

Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago has more than 800 islands spread across 12,000 square kilometers of crystal-clear waters just waiting to be discovered. Since the Burmese seas were opened to tourism, only a few boats have started to appear there, but the islands remain almost entirely uninhabited except for a few the local moken villages…

Burmese sea gypsies, the Moken

Burmese sea gypsies boats

These "sea gypsies," display remarkable prowess in harpoon fishing and breath holding freediving, conscientiously harvesting from the sea only what is essential for sustenance and trade. Residing within the archipelago, a few thousand of these individuals—thought to have originated from southern China over 4000 years ago—have steadfastly preserved their distinct identity, resisting assimilation into the broader population. Traditionally dwelling on kabangs, their traditional boats crafted from large tree trunks, the Moken have evolved to include modest village settlements where they cultivate basic crops to supplement their fish-centric diet.

Divers are spoiled for choice in the pristine waters of Burma

Scattered like pearls on a blue velvet bedsheet, Mergui archipelago is a tropical paradise stretching between Kawthoung in the South and Mergui in the North only accessible by boat from the Ranong/ Kawntaung southern Border.
Myanmar's waters remained relatively unexplored but offer unique topography for experienced divers: with numerous caves, thousands of pinnacles covered in soft corals, incredibly rich Marine life and exclusive dive sites, this is diving like you've never experienced before!
Diving in Burma gives you the opportunity to meet giant Manta Rays, schools of Barracudas, weird Frogfish, crabs of all types (spider crabs, decorator crabs, sponge crabs ...), Seahorses and pipefish, and varied crustaceans including the "photographer- pleaser: the colourful Harlequin Shrimp.
Different types of sharks also inhabit the area and often swim alongside divers and you are sure to be wowed by the size of the coral bummies if you ever got to the Burma banks!