Diving liveaboard in Thailand and Myanmar
  • When & Where
    • Schedule and Prices
    • Destinations >
      • North Andaman Thailand >
        • Similan Islands
        • Surin Islands >
          • Richelieu Rock
        • The essential Underwater photo Guide to diving Thailand
      • South Andaman Thailand >
        • Phuket & Koh Phi Phi National Parks
        • Koh Lanta National Park
        • Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park
      • Mergui Archipelago >
        • Liveaboard diving holiday in Myanmar
        • Burma's best dive sites
        • The Ultimate Underwater photo Guide to diving Burma
  • ABOUT
    • Our Boat >
      • DELICIOUS FOOD
    • Diving in Thailand in 2024-2025
    • Diving in Myanmar/Burma in 2024-2025
    • Blackwater diving in Thailand and Myannmar
    • Marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea
    • Marine life in Mergui Archipelago
    • Dive Courses >
      • Learn to Dive
      • Continue diving education
      • Rescue diver
      • Professional Dive Courses
      • Hone your dive skills with a specialty course
      • Photo coaching in Thailand on the Smiling Seahorse
    • Guest Book
    • FAQ
  • Plan your trip
    • Our hotels recommendations
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Taxi services >
      • Taxi services to and from Ranong
      • Taxi services to and from Phuket
      • Taxi services to Tap Lamu and Khao Lak
    • 10 things to do around Ranong
  • PROMO
    • HOT DEALS
    • Special Expeditions >
      • 8D Special Marine Bio with Gavin Miller - 10 Nov 2025
      • 8D Whale shark expedition - 20 March 2026 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts

Happy new year divers!

31/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
2018 has been a fantastic year with a new boat and some fantastic diving!
Bring it on 2019!
The whole team at  Smiling Seahorse wishes you a fantastic new year!
0 Comments

Merry Xmas! Thank you Santa for being so generous !!!

26/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

Incredible trip in Burma for Christmas! We must have been very good guys during the whole year ;)
The lucky ones were having a lot of fun under water as you can see on the picture above.
Welcome to: Aapo and Kaisa from Finland; Rainer from Germany; Ed from Netherlands; Yiwen and Hao from China; Jeff and Jordin from USA, and Phanom from Thailand.

​Starting with the big, we had mantas ...
Picture

And as if was not enough, we had an amazing surprise during a safety stop, looking below us and witnessing this huge one swimming peacefully, surrounded by his rainbow runner friends.

​The visibility was great and the currents brought huge schools of fishes everywhere.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

From the first night dive, we had the pleasure to meet these cuties ...
Picture

​Spanish dancers had invaded the reefs ...
Picture

Among the beautiful surprises of this trip were the frogfishes!
​A giant one ...
Picture

​And a smally one ...
Picture

Plenty of ghost pipefishes trying to camouflage :)
Picture
Picture
Picture

All kind of nudis with unbelievable colors ...
Picture

Cowries ...

​It was also crabs fiesta down there!
Picture

Seahorses where there too, how can you not fall in love with this baby one!
Picture
Picture

And so many more amazing stuff have been found!
​
Marbled ray ...
Picture

​Spearing manti shrimp ...
Picture

​Turtle ...
Picture

Zanzibar shrimp, can you see it?
Picture

​Fimbriated moray eel ...
Picture

Spotted boxfish ... and so much more!
Picture

​The flora was astonishing too!
Picture
Picture

​On board, it was kind of a Christmassy atmosphere :)
Picture
Picture

​Smiles everywhere!

Delicious barbecue night for Christmas dinner ;)
Picture
Picture

The sunsets were splendid ...
Picture
Picture

​And the outdoors scenes always interesting ;)
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Reviews update...

21/12/2018

0 Comments

 
"Where to start? Top team! Top organization! Top boat! Top food! And of course top dives!"
Picture

"Thank you  for two fantastic and fun trips. Taking my whale shark, eagle ray, manta ray and harlequin shrimp virginity was nice ;)"
Picture
0 Comments

Amazing Thailand... a trip to remember!

17/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

Yes i know, you're gonna tell me that I should be more original but what a TRIP!
We have been literally spoiled from the Surin Islands to Richelieu Rock, via Koh Bon and Koh Tachai :)
There was no nice dives, only awesome ones!
Don't know where to start actually!

Let's introduce the people on board ... we were happy to welcome Jeppe and Will that were already with us on the previous Burmese cruise; Aurélie, Aurélien, Alena, Richard, Robert, Cameron, Yuki and Sophia.

The first day in the Surin Islands was peaceful and away from the crowds! A great visibility, flat water and funny currents. Lots of fishes, black and white tip sharks, an eagle ray, beautiful corals and nice drift dives. Ending a nice day with a quiet night dive in South Surin bay.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Second day, starting with a beautiful dive in Koh Bon Pinnacle. Full of fishes ;)
And then, in the middle, a huge eagle ray appears from the deep and plays around getting closer and closer.
It was already something ...

Second dive on the north ridge ... Mantas day!
Picture
Picture
Picture

​Not to forget, an enormous marbled ray on the ground!
Picture

What could be better after this ...
Maybe dolphins joining us for the ride :)
Picture
Picture

We headed to Koh Tachai and the best news is that we were alone and that's luxury!
​Koh Tachai being one the most fantastic dive sites around the Similan Islands.
Fishes everywhere and astonishing corals ...
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Last day and what a day ... It started not so well as we were not sure to be able to join the dive site due the weather conditions ...
But with our fantastic captain, no problem!
It was challenging at the surface and breathtaking underwater :)
The best way to describe it: a wonderful aquarium, alive and free!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Very interesting encounters there!
​Harlequin shrimps ...
Picture
Picture

​And ghost pipefishes !!!
Picture

Other nice ones along the way!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Special congratulations to Sophia with her thirteen years old, who dived like a pro!
Picture

​​And thanks to this great group for such a nice trip!
Picture
0 Comments

International last reviews...

16/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Still not fluent in German but I think that the hearts and smiles speak for themselves!
Picture

​" The professionalism, the sympathy, the proximity, the happiness, the craziness, the kindness, the willing to help, etc ... from all the crew, made me feel super comfortable, confident, safe and very very very happy!!"
Picture

​"I really appreciated how much effort everyone put into ensuring we'd have a great time - which I certainly did!"
Picture

​"... loved the experience. Awesome food and company ... BBQ night was out of this world."
Picture
0 Comments

First whale shark of the season in Burma!

14/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture

How lucky we were on this cruise! Our first whale shark of the season spent a whole dive with us ...
You can imagine that we were all in heaven ;) As part of the group this time: Jeppe from Denmark; Inès from Austria; Irune from Spain; Stefan and Jannik from Germany; William and Amanda from the US; Keri from UK and Dirk from Belgium.

The weather was nice and the challenging currents brought a lot of life.
Over the surface, the landscapes were as breathtaking as always.
Picture

From the first day, we have been lucky with sharks encountering a huge nurse one in our secret spot! Here are some amazing close shots of the beast :)
Picture

On top of our small and beloved bamboo sharks, we finally met the biggest and most peaceful one ...
Picture
Picture
Picture

We have also been spoiled with the spanish dancers on several night dives!
Picture

Another very good news, the harlequin shrimps are back !!!
Picture
Picture

​Ghost pipefishes starting to appear at every corner ;)
Picture
Picture

​The nudis were in the place too ...

As well was the extra small, so cute!
Picture
Picture

​More usual but still as beautiful!
Picture

Our favorite grumpy one ...
Picture

Cuttlefishes, turtle ...

Our mascots were also present ;)
Picture
Picture

One of the best things about diving in Burma is that underwater creatures aside, you already have a blast just with the incredible surroundings ... Astonishing corals ...
Picture
Picture

​Extraordinary patterns and colors ... Try to guess what it is ;)
Picture

With us, it's not only underwater, the fun is everywhere !!!
As you can see with these smiling faces!
Picture

​Fun outdoor activities!
Picture

Delicious food ... yummy !!!
Picture
Picture

And a funny barbecue night! Dancing party!
Picture
Picture

A nice picture that reflects perfectly the cruise atmosphere ;)
Picture
0 Comments

When Spain meets Burma!

5/12/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
This week was a special week for the Smiling Seahorse. We welcomed our first group of the season! 
Directly arrived from Barcelona we were happy to have the Xaloc dive Centre on board for an awesome trip in Burma.

They spent 7 days with us all around the Mergui archipelago and we had a blast ! 

A usual day is always starting with an early morning dive. Our Spanish team met some beautiful creatures like those cute cuttlefishes. 
After a breakfast of champion and a small nap, let's get ready for the second dive of the day. All the groups were working together to find the small colourful worm called nudibranch. We always love to spot them !!
It's now time to have the lunch together. Our chef, Chewy is taking care of us with this fried rice, a Thai speciality. Even Sharky, our mascot love that.
Picture
Diving is exhausting and our spanish guest were enjoying their nap on the sundeck. The sofa looks confortable too ;)
Have a look on what we can find on the third dive !! These Ghost pipefish and Seahorses were hidden pretty well but our team have eagle eyes !
It's now time for our spanish team to enjoy the burmese sunset and ending the day with a beautiful night dive. Those spanish divers met the spanish dancer swimming around, What a show !! 
Picture
Picture
Finally after a good day of diving it's always time for drink with everybody. This night was our famous BBQ night and all our guest enjoyed it. Sharks was invited too !! ;)
Thank you to all the divers from the Xaloc Dive centre and we hope to see you again soon. 
​Hasta Pronto !
0 Comments
<<Previous

    The Smiling Seahorse Diving Blog

    A blog about our diving adventures in Burma and Thailand. Diving trip reports, guest reviews, fishy stories, wildlife fun facts and much more...
    Search on this blog:

    Picture

    Authors

    ​The Smiling Seahorse has been running dive cruises from Ranong since 2012.
    Our team of instructors are reporting with a short blogpost after every trip.
    Camille, Franck and some guest writers also contribute during the off season writing on various topics.
    Keep tuned for more fishy stories :)
    Picture
    Want to receive the next articles via email?
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Burma Banks
    Diving Burma/Myanmar
    Diving In Thailand
    Diving News
    Environment Protection
    Fun Facts
    In The Press
    Marine Life Fish ID
    Mergui Archipelago
    Most Popular
    North Andaman
    Reviews
    Richelieu Rock
    Scuba Diving Tips
    Similan Islands
    South Andaman
    Surin Islands
    Trip Reports
    Underwater Photography

    Archives

    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    March 2014
    September 2013
    May 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    July 2012
    April 2012

    RSS Feed

    See also...

    - About Myanmar liveaboards
    ​- Best Burma dive sites
    ​- Marine life in Andaman Sea
    ​- The Mergui Archipelago
    ​
    - Best dive site in Thailand

The Smiling Seahorse

Our dive cruises

170 Ruangrat Rd, Tambon khao nivet, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong 85000​
Phone: +66860110614​
​Mail: [email protected]

www.thesmilingseahorse.com
Contact us on WhatsApp
Our schedule and prices
​Dive in Thailand
​Dive in Myanmar
​Discover our boat
Our blog
​
GCS

More information

Our guest book
​Our pictures
Our videos
​
In the press
Privacy policies
​Partners

  • TripAdvisor
Picture
Picture
TAT Licence number : 31/00935
© COPYRIGHT 2012-2024. 
​
The Smiling Seahorse ​
Responsible Manta Tourism Operator
Picture
  • When & Where
    • Schedule and Prices
    • Destinations >
      • North Andaman Thailand >
        • Similan Islands
        • Surin Islands >
          • Richelieu Rock
        • The essential Underwater photo Guide to diving Thailand
      • South Andaman Thailand >
        • Phuket & Koh Phi Phi National Parks
        • Koh Lanta National Park
        • Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park
      • Mergui Archipelago >
        • Liveaboard diving holiday in Myanmar
        • Burma's best dive sites
        • The Ultimate Underwater photo Guide to diving Burma
  • ABOUT
    • Our Boat >
      • DELICIOUS FOOD
    • Diving in Thailand in 2024-2025
    • Diving in Myanmar/Burma in 2024-2025
    • Blackwater diving in Thailand and Myannmar
    • Marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea
    • Marine life in Mergui Archipelago
    • Dive Courses >
      • Learn to Dive
      • Continue diving education
      • Rescue diver
      • Professional Dive Courses
      • Hone your dive skills with a specialty course
      • Photo coaching in Thailand on the Smiling Seahorse
    • Guest Book
    • FAQ
  • Plan your trip
    • Our hotels recommendations
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Taxi services >
      • Taxi services to and from Ranong
      • Taxi services to and from Phuket
      • Taxi services to Tap Lamu and Khao Lak
    • 10 things to do around Ranong
  • PROMO
    • HOT DEALS
    • Special Expeditions >
      • 8D Special Marine Bio with Gavin Miller - 10 Nov 2025
      • 8D Whale shark expedition - 20 March 2026 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts