Category: North Andaman

Trip Report | North Andaman | 7th to 14th April, 2026

24/4/2026

The MV Smiling Seahorse liveaboard boat cruising through the blue waters of the North Andaman Sea, Thailand, during a dive expedition.

The ocean doesn’t follow a plan — it sets the pace.

Over the course of this North Andaman expedition, each dive unfolded with its own rhythm, from granite boulder fields to fish-packed pinnacles, where currents, schools and encounters constantly reshaped the experience.

Day 1 – Departure from Khao Lak to the Similan Islands

We departed from Tap Lamu Pier in Khao Lak with our guests from France, heading north toward the Similan Islands. Calm seas and a soft golden light set the tone as we settled into life on board, preparing for the days of diving ahead.

A crew member named Boom driving a blue and white inflatable dinghy on calm waters in Similan National Park.

Boom Driving the Dinghy | Denis Cadon

Divers gathered around a table on a liveaboard deck for a sunset dive briefing in Thailand.

Guests and staff go over the dive plan for the next site in Similan National Park.

Day 2 – Similan National Park

At Shark Fin Reef, the first dive was the perfect warm up with a classic Similan landscape of submerged granite formations. Two-tone dartfish hovered above the sand while a hawksbill turtle cruised by. Clown triggerfish and a whitetip reef shark added movement, while dogtooth tuna patrolled the blue. On the reef, Gymnodoris (lemon gymnodoris), Caloria indica, six-striped soapfish, andaman sweetlips and juvenile chiseltooth wrasse appeared among schools of blue-and-gold fusiliers and surgeonfish. Our divers were also able to recover a knot of abandoned fishing gear that was floating at the surface- we always give back to the ocean when we can.

A Hawksbill sea turtle swimming through deep blue water in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

A graceful Hawksbill sea turtle captured mid-glide through the pristine blue waters of the Similans. | Denis Cadon

A Giant Moray Eel peering out from a colorful coral reef structure in the North Andaman Sea.

This Giant Moray Eel found a perfect hiding spot among the colorful corals and granite boulders of North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

A colorful Caloria indica nudibranch with orange, blue, and white cerata crawling on a red sponge in the North Andaman Sea.

The vibrant colors of a Caloria indica nudibranch stand out against the red reef sponges during a macro dive in the North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

At Boulder City, the energy picked up. The “gang” of bluefin trevallies and longnose emperors hunted through a dense school of batfish and barracuda. Around the reef, bignose unicornfish, humpback unicornfish and bluespine unicornfish cruised effortlessly, some stopping to show off their colours to a potential mate. Macro life revealed long-snouted crinoid shrimp, commensal crinoid shrimp, false cleaner wrasse, Midas blenny, Smith’s fang blenny and both adult and juvenile blue-lined angelfish.

A tiny Long-Snouted Crinoid Shrimp (Allogalathea elegans) perfectly camouflaged within the feathered arms of a crinoid.

Hidden in plain sight: The intricate patterns of a Long-Snouted Crinoid Shrimp help it blend seamlessly with its host in the North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

A large coral head decorated with colorful, spiraling Christmas Tree Worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) on a reef in the Similan Islands.

A large brain coral head decorated with colorful, spiraling Christmas Tree Worms (Spirobranchus giganteus) on a reef in the Similan Islands.

At Hideaway, the dive slowed down with octopus, Glossodoris cincta, garden eels and squat shrimps tucked into the reef. A psychedelic batwing slug stood out among the colours, while fusiliers, butterflyfish and surgeonfish filled the water column.

The day ended with a sunset dive at Honeymoon Bay, where we found a brave longfin comet fish hiding inside the reef, a Jenkins whipray rested on the sand, and dragonets darted between coral heads. Marbled grouper, bluefin trevally, octopus, moray eels and another psychedelic batwing slug completed a calm and atmospheric dive, with brown tangs grazing quietly in the fading light.

A wide-angle view of a diverse coral reef featuring table corals, soft corals, and a diver in the background in the North Andaman Sea.

A thriving underwater garden: Table corals and vibrant soft corals create a stunning backdrop for divers exploring the healthy reefs of the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

A tiny Psychedelic Batwing Sea Slug (Sagaminopteron psychedelicum) with intricate white and green patterns on a reef in Thailand.

A true macro treasure: The rare and stunning Psychedelic Batwing Sea Slug is a bucket-list find for many divers in the North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

A close-up of an octopus peeking out from a small crevice within a hard coral reef structure.

Keeping a watchful eye: An octopus masterfully blends into the coral crags of the Similan Islands, waiting for the perfect moment to move. | Denis Cadon

A bright yellow Longnose Butterflyfish swimming past pink soft coral trees on a reef in Similan National Park.

A splash of color: This Longnose Butterflyfish stands out beautifully against the lush soft coral gardens of the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

A dark Comet Fish with white spots tucked into a rocky crevice on a coral reef in the North Andaman Sea.

Finding the shy ones: A stunning Comet Fish displays its starry patterns while hiding among the reef crags of North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

Day 3 – Similan National Park

At Deep Six, strong currents brought action. A whitetip reef shark passed by, alongside a green turtle and bluefin trevallies. Macro highlights included Glossodoris cincta, baby Moridilla brocki, clown triggerfish and a striking blue dragon.

A colorful Glossodoris cincta nudibranch with a distinctive dark border crawling across a sandy seabed in Thailand.

A macro highlight: This Glossodoris cincta nudibranch showcases its intricate patterns while traversing the white sands of the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

Two bright orange anemonefish peeking out from the protective tentacles of their host sea anemone in the North Andaman Sea.

A classic reef scene: Curious anemonefish dart between the swaying tentacles of their home in Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A Spearing Mantis Shrimp peeking out from its burrow in the reef floor, showing its large, complex eyes.

Peer into the burrow: The incredible eyes of a Spearing Mantis Shrimp watch carefully as we explore the reef floor in North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

At West of Eden, the reef was alive with detail. Spearing mantis shrimps and squat shrimps occupied the substrate, while McCosker’s flasher wrasse flickered in the water column. Schools of emperors, hawksbill and green turtles, batwing psychedelic seaslugs, multibar pipefish and Andaman jawfish created a rich and varied dive. Fusiliers, snappers and parrotfish filled every layer.

At Elephant Head Rock, dramatic swim-throughs revealed ribbon eels, Andaman jawfish, Glossodoris cincta and bluestreak gobies. Schools of trevallies, sweetlips and fusiliers added movement to the rugged topography.

Massive orange and yellow gorgonian sea fans clinging to a rocky reef wall in the North Andaman Sea.

A wall of life: Stunningly large gorgonian sea fans stretch out into the current along the granite walls of the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

Three Moorish Idols with their distinctive yellow, black, and white bands swimming vertically against a deep blue reef backdrop.

Elegance in motion: A trio of Moorish Idols showcases their long dorsal filaments while cruising the healthy reefs of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A massive, shimmering school of transparent Glassfish swarming around a colorful coral reef wall in the North Andaman Sea.

Underwater fireworks: A dense school of Glassfish shimmers like silver as they flow over the vibrant soft corals and sea fans of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

Later, we stepped ashore at Island Number 8, where a short climb led us to the iconic viewpoint overlooking Donald Duck Bay — a sweeping panorama of turquoise water framed by granite boulders, offering a rare moment to take in the Similan Islands from above.

Four smiling guests standing on a large granite boulder overlooking the turquoise bay and white sand beach of Similan Island No. 8.

Making memories at the top: Our guests enjoying the panoramic views from the famous Donald Duck Rock viewpoint. | Denis Cadon

High-angle scenic view of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush tropical greenery of Donald Duck Bay in the Similan Islands.

Perfection in blue: The iconic view of Donald Duck Bay, where white sands meet the vibrant reefs of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

The night dive at Turtle Rock brought intense activity. Snappers hunted in the beams of our lights while skeleton shrimps, decorator crabs, ornate sapsucking slugs, tiger cowries, whip coral shrimps and anemone hermit crabs covered the reef. A spearing mantis shrimp enjoyed an all you can eat shrimp buffet in our torchlight while soft coral ghost gobies, clearfin lionfish, feather duster worms, Gosliner flatworms, Harpiliopsis shrimp, Hyman’s flatworm, bicolor flabellina and Glossodoris cincta completed the scene.

A large Map Pufferfish swimming over a dark reef alongside a school of small silver fish during a night dive in the Similan Islands.

A large pufferfish glides through the darkness, surrounded by shimmering baitfish on a healthy reef in Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A close-up of diverse hard and soft corals illuminated during a night dive in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

The reef transforms after dark, revealing the intricate textures and deep colors of the hard corals in Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A detailed macro shot of a Glossodoris cincta nudibranch with its signature dark, ruffled border on a rocky reef.

Macro perfection: This Glossodoris cincta nudibranch stands out against the rugged reef floor of the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

Day 4 – Similan National Park

At North Point, the dive opened with a balanced mix of pelagic movement and reef life. Dogtooth tuna cruised past in the blue while a turtle moved calmly along the reef. Schools of barracuda held their position in the current, creating a steady backdrop of motion.

Closer to the reef, the scene became more detailed: fringelip blenny peeked from small crevices, juvenile lionfish drifted cautiously between coral heads, and sand lizardfish rested motionless on the bottom. Schools of lunar fusiliers and neon fusiliers streamed across the reef, joined by striped surgeonfish grazing steadily, while butterflyfish and damselfish filled the shallower sections.

A scuba diver named Pascal exploring the deep blue waters of Similan National Park, Thailand.

Into the abyss: Pascal takes in the incredible visibility and deep blue hues that make diving in the Similans world-famous. | Denis Cadon

A wide-angle view of diverse corals and tropical fish, including a Monocle Bream, on a sunlit reef in the North Andaman Sea.

Life on the reef: A Monocle Bream swims past a fan-shaped coral structure during a sun-drenched afternoon dive in North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

At Christmas Point, the energy shifted into a true hunting scene. Bluefin trevallies and longnose emperors formed the core of the action, working together with rainbow runners in tight formations — a classic “Christmas tree” moment as they moved across the reef in coordinated bursts. Around them, schools of fusiliers and snappers reacted instantly, compressing and expanding in response to the pressure, constantly reshaping the water column. Wrasses and parrotfish pecked at the reef, weaving through the chaos.

A vibrant Checkerboard Wrasse showing its neon green, pink, and blue patterns while swimming over a rocky reef in the Similan Islands.

A kaleidoscope of color: This Checkerboard Wrasse puts on a brilliant display as it patrols the sunlit reefs of the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

At Three Trees, the landscape opened into sandy patches and coral bommies, creating a more spacious and atmospheric dive. A Kuhl’s stingray rested half-buried while the glassfish filled every crevice of the reef and nearby bommies.

In the blue, a tornado of barracuda briefly formed, tightening into a spinning column before slowly dispersing again — a fleeting but striking moment. Oriental sweetlips hovered near coral heads, while yellowfin emperor and brown-marbled grouper stayed close to structure.

Large barrel sponges hosted sea fans growing along their sides, with spotted garden eels scattered across the sand. Yellowmargin triggerfish guarded their nests, adding bursts of territorial energy, while bignose unicornfish cruised above.

Barrel Sponge Denis Cadon Andaman Scuba Diving Liveaboard Thailand

A titan of the reef: This ancient Giant Barrel Sponge adds a dramatic splash of red to the underwater landscapes of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

The final dive at Koh Bon brought us fully back into the blue. A Napoleon wrasse appeared out of the current, followed by dogtooth tuna cutting across the reef. Schools of barracuda, batfish and rainbow runners moved constantly through the site, with bluefin trevallies weaving between them.

A scuba diver floating on the surface with an orange signaling buoy, waiting for a boat pickup in the deep blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

Mission accomplished: A diver signals the boat after an incredible drift dive through the crystal-clear waters of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A large Map Pufferfish (Arothron mappa) swimming over a rocky reef next to a pale pink soft coral tree in Thailand.

Reef residents: A distinctive Map Pufferfish glides past vibrant soft corals during a dive in the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

Day 5 – Koh Bon & Koh Tachai

At Koh Bon Pinnacle, the dive delivered one of the highlights of the trip: a bull shark appearing briefly in the blue, powerful and unmistakable. A hawksbill turtle hid under an overhang, while yellowback fusiliers filled the water column. Bluefin trevallies hunted actively, and a cluster of Spanish dancer eggs clung to the reef. Batfish hovered mid-water while a guitarfish rested on the sand, almost blending into the seabed. Brown-marbled groupers stayed close to the reef, completing the scene.

A tiny green Sap-Sucking Slug (Costasiella sp.) camouflaged against algae on a reef in Thailand.

Hidden beauty: A macro look at a Sap-Sucking Slug, a master of disguise in the lush underwater gardens of the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

A massive orange gorgonian sea fan standing prominently against the deep blue water of the North Andaman Sea.

Majestic structures: This expansive sea fan highlights the healthy, current-swept walls found throughout the Similans. | Denis Cadon

A vibrant school of yellow snappers swimming beneath bright pink soft coral trees on a rocky reef.

A riot of color: Yellow snappers create a stunning contrast against the pink soft corals in Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A large Spiny Lobster peeking out from its rocky shelter on a coral reef in the Andaman Sea.

Reef guardians: A Spiny Lobster keeps a watchful eye from the safety of its coral crevice in North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

At Koh Tachai Pinnacle, schools of batfish gathered in impressive numbers, mixing with giant trevallies, bluefin trevallies and bigeye trevallies. Brown-marbled groupers moved between boulders while schools of bluestreak fusiliers, neon fusiliers and yellowback fusiliers streamed across the pinnacle.
The following dive at Koh Tachai Pinnacle brought great barracudas patrolling the edges, alongside more bluefin trevallies and giant trevallies. We spotted some lobster hiding in the cracks as longnose emperors moved confidently around us. A Juvenile Spanish dancer and Hypselodoris maculosa added colour to the substrate as Boer's batfish and a group of teenage longfin batfish hovered in the current, creating a layered mid-water scene. Spotted hypselodoris appeared along the reef, reinforcing the macro diversity.

A large, silver Batfish swimming toward the camera, perfectly framed by the sun's rays in the deep blue waters of the Similan Islands.

A moment of grace: This curious Batfish drifts effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters of Similan National Park, illuminated by the midday sun. | Denis Cadon

A small, bright orange and red sea star resting on a rocky reef floor in the Similan Islands.

Spotted on the seafloor: A vibrant red sea star adds a pop of color to the granite underwater landscapes of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A powerful Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis) swimming through the deep blue water of the North Andaman Sea.

Power in the blue: A majestic Giant Trevally patrols the current-swept reefs, showcasing the impressive predator life of North Andaman. | Denis Cadon

The night dive at Koh Tachai Reef was intense from start to finish. Blacktip reef sharks were present from the first minute to the last, constantly cruising through the lights. Anemone hermit crabs, blunt decorator crabs and ornate sapsucking slugs dotted the reef, while an unidentified flatworm added another mysterious element to the dive.

Nighttime adrenaline: Encountering Blacktip Reef Sharks under the cover of darkness at Koh Tachai is a highlight of the Andaman experience. | Denis Cadon

Day 6 – Surin National Park

A snorkeler's head visible in the water nestled between large granite boulders at Surin National Park.

Hidden coves: Exploring the dramatic rocky coastlines and pristine waters of Surin National Park. | Denis Cadon

A snorkeler wearing a bright orange life vest and mask floating in clear turquoise water at the surface.

Surface wonders: The vibrant turquoise waters of the Surin Islands offer world-class snorkeling right from the boat. | Denis Cadon

At Hin Kong, macro life took center stage. Cadlinella ornatissima, Robastra gracilis, squat shrimps, porcelain crabs and Hyman’s flatworms were scattered across the reef, turning the dive into a slow and detailed exploration. During our surface intervals, we also had lovely snorkelling excursions to the coast of these stunning islands.

A dark Hyman's Flatworm with an orange-gold ruffled border crawling over a textured, sandy reef floor in the Similan Islands.

Elegance in miniature: The striking ruffled edges of a Hyman's Flatworm create a beautiful contrast against the rugged seabed of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

At Yellow Rock, we witnessed a full colour spectrum in our encounters. Spotted hypselodoris, Hypselodoris bullocki, allied cowrie and bicolor flabellina stood out against the reef. A juvenile shaded batfish tried to blend in nearby, while a pygmy seahorse remained perfectly camouflaged. Silver Andaman sweetlips added contrast, moving slowly along the reef.

A Juvenile Shaded Batfish with a tall, black body and vibrant orange trim swimming near a colorful reef crevice in the Similan Islands.

A rare find: The striking silhouette and bold orange highlights of a Juvenile Shaded Batfish stand out against the red sponges of Similan National Park.

At Torinla, two Napoleon wrasses stole the show — one large female and an impressive, massive male cruising slowly across the site, completely unbothered by divers. A hawksbill turtle munched away at the corals, equally unimbressed by the divers while a tiny juvenile pufferfish tried to hide in the sand on the reef’s edge.

A tiny, vibrant yellow Cadlinella ornatissima nudibranch with pink-tipped nodules crawling on a textured reef in Thailand.

Small wonders: This brightly colored Cadlinella ornatissima nudibranch is a prized find for macro photographers in Similan National Park.

A detailed shot of a Lionfish with its striped body and venomous fins displayed, swimming near red sponges on a rocky reef.

Elegant predator: A Lionfish displays its ornate fins as it patrols the healthy, sponge-covered reefs of the North Andaman Sea.

A Scribbled Filefish with neon blue patterns swimming over a colorful coral reef, with a school of fusiliers in the background.

Electric patterns: The Scribbled Filefish stands out with its intricate blue markings against the diverse reef life of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A macro shot of a spotted Porcelain Crab tucked safely among the stinging tentacles of a sea anemone.

Symbiotic safety: A tiny Porcelain Crab finds shelter within the protective tentacles of an anemone in the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

The night dive at Ao Pakkad delivered one of the strongest macro moments of the trip. Seven harlequin shrimps were found across the site, alongside Flabellina exoptata, Glossodoris atromarginata, complex marble shrimps, Conus geographus and blacktail Zanzibar urchin shrimp. Around them, file fish, crabs, shrimps and nocturnal reef life created a dense and vibrant night scene.

A pair of Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) with pink and blue spots feeding on a red sea star on a rocky reef.

A rare macro find: Harlequin Shrimp display their intricate patterns while perched on a sea star in the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

A vibrant purple and orange Flabelina exoptata nudibranch clinging to a delicate hydroid against a dark background.

Neon of the reef: The striking colors of a Flabelina exoptata nudibranch stand out in the crystal-clear waters of the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

Day 7 & 8 – Richelieu Rock

Six dives at Richelieu Rock brought a grand finale to the trip, combining dense fish life with outstanding macro diversity.
Nudibranchs were everywhere: Spotted hypselodoris, ornate sapsucking slug, Chromodoris geometrica, Chromodoris rufomarginata, Chromodoris annulata, Chromodoris reticulata, Risbecia pulchella, Glossodoris atromarginata, Halgerda tesselata mating, Cadlinella ornatissima, bicolor flabellina and ridged Dermatobranchus.

A bright yellow and black patterned Reticulidia suzanneae nudibranch crawling on a textured reef wall in Thailand.

Intricate patterns: The bold, geometric design of the Reticulidia suzanneae nudibranch is a stunning sight on the reefs of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A pair of Doriprismatica atromarginata nudibranchs with ruffled black and white borders resting next to a white egg ribbon on a reef.

The cycle of life: A Doriprismatica atromarginata nudibranch beside its delicate egg mass, captured in the rich waters of the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

A vibrant Tiger Egg Cowrie (Cuspivolva tigris) with bold orange and black stripes nestled among the branches of a pink soft coral in Thailand.

Hidden gems: The brilliant stripes of a Tiger Egg Cowrie create a stunning visual contrast against the delicate textures of the North Andaman reefs. | Denis Cadon

Two ornate ghostpipefish hovered delicately in the current, while a thorny seahorse remained anchored to the reef. Harlequin shrimps added flashes of colour, and a juvenile yellow boxfish drifted nearby.

A yellow Ornate Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) camouflaged against a colorful reef wall in the Similan Islands.

Masters of disguise: The intricate details of an Ornate Ghost Pipefish make it one of the most sought-after sightings for divers in Similan National Park.

A pair of Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) with their distinctive blue and pink spots tucked into a rocky crevice on a Thailand reef.

Vibrant reef residents: A beautiful pair of Harlequin Shrimp, known for their striking patterns and unique diet, found during a dive in the North Andaman Sea.

A large, dark Giant Moray Eel resting its head near a vibrant coral outcrop featuring pink and orange sponges.

Reef sentinels: A massive Moray Eel peers out from a colorful coral head in the pristine waters of Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

In the blue, the full “gang” was present: bluefin trevallies, giant trevallies, rainbow runners, amber jacks and longnose emperors hunting continuously. They even teamed up with a giant moray eel near the bottom of the pinnacle for a hunt on our last dive. Schools of barracudas circled the pinnacle, while longfin batfish hovered elegantly in mid-water.

A group of large Emperor fish, including a Longnose Emperor, swimming through dark, shaded reef areas in the Similan Islands.

"The Gang": A group of formidable Longnose Emperors patrol the deep recesses of the reef in Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

Four White Eyed Moray Eels (Gymnothorax thyrsoideus) sharing a single rocky crevice on a vibrant reef in Thailand.

Crowded quarters: A group of White Eyed Moray Eels peeking out from their rocky home in Similan National Park. | Denis Cadon

A Zebra Moray Eel (Gymnomuraena zebra) displaying its distinctive dark and light striped pattern as it emerges from a reef.

Striking patterns: The unique, banded appearance of a Zebra Moray Eel captured in the rich waters of the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

Moray eels were well represented with zebra morays and white-eye morays moving between crevices, completing a site that once again delivered both scale and detail in perfect balance.

A scuba diver, Dive Guide Julien, swimming through a massive, swirling bait ball of small silver fish in the deep blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

Surrounded by life: Dive Guide Julien is engulfed by a spectacular swirling bait ball, a common and breathtaking sight in the vibrant waters of the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

A bright orange Tomato Anemonefish (Amphiprion frenatus) with a signature black spot swimming beside its host anemone.

Bold and beautiful: The striking orange and black of a Tomato Anemonefish stands out among the swaying tentacles of a healthy reef in the Similan Islands. | Denis Cadon

A colorful Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) peering out from its sandy burrow under a reef ledge.

Master of the reef: Known for its incredible eyes and powerful punch, the Peacock Mantis Shrimp is a colorful wonder of the North Andaman Sea. | Denis Cadon

The final evening brought everyone together on the upper deck for our traditional BBQ, a well-earned moment after days of diving. The air was warm, the sea calm, and the boat gently rocking under a sky full of stars. Between grilled food, shared stories and laughter, the atmosphere slowly shifted from relaxed to festive, and before long, the music took over and the deck turned into a dance floor. A perfect way to close the trip — somewhere between celebration and that quiet feeling of not quite wanting it to end.

Day 8 - Return to Ranong

After these final dives, we made our way back toward Ranong, closing another North Andaman expedition filled with contrasts — from fast-paced pelagic encounters to intricate macro discoveries — exactly the kind of balance that makes this region so unique.
Some trips are measured in sightings. Others in the rhythm they leave behind.
This one offered both — from powerful encounters in the blue to the smallest details hidden in the reef.
Until the next tide brings us together again — see you soon, fellow divers.

Four scuba divers--Dive Guide Julien, Dive Guide Joy, Denis, and Pascal--posing in full gear on the deck of a dive boat at sunset.

The dream team: Ending an incredible journey in the Andaman Sea with Dive Guides Julien and Joy, alongside Denis and Pascal.

A close-up underwater selfie of Pascal and Denis wearing scuba masks and regulators during a dive.

Deep blue memories: Pascal and Denis sharing one last look at the stunning reefs of Similan National Park.

Photos Taken by Denis Cadon

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Trip report | Marine Biology cruise with Whale Shark specialist | 20th - 27th March 2026

31/3/2026

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An aerial drone view of a lush limestone island in Thailand with a secluded turquoise lagoon, featuring a dive boat anchored in the crystal-clear water.

Meet the expert: Rinda "Mony," the "Whaleshark Guru" from the Thailand Whale Shark Project, who joined our March 2026 cruise to share her deep knowledge of these majestic ocean giants.

A wide shot of a vibrant orange sun setting over the dark blue horizon of the Andaman Sea, with soft purple and gold clouds above.

Golden horizon: A breathtaking sunset at sea provides a moment of reflection between our underwater adventures in Thailand's national parks.

Some expeditions are defined by what you see. Others by what you come to understand.

We departed from Ranong, welcoming our international group of guests from Italy, France, the UK and the US, and set course for a Marine biology expedition with a Whale Shark Specialist, Mony to learn more about the biggest fish in the seas!

While the ocean chose not to reveal them this time, the experience took on a different depth. Throughout the week, Rinda, also known as Mony, from the Thailand Whale shark project, delivered daily presentations exploring whale shark biology, behaviour, and conservation challenges in Thailand.

These sessions brought a meaningful layer to the expedition, connecting each dive to a broader ecological perspective — linking what we observed underwater to the larger story of marine life in the Andaman Sea. From North to South Andaman, the journey unfolded as a rich exploration of pelagic encounters, vibrant reefs, and intricate macro life — shaped as much by discovery as by understanding.

Day 2 – Surin National Park & Richelieu Rock

Our check dive in the Surin Islands at Koh Chi offered a gentle but vibrant start. Garden eels swayed over sandy patches while Halgerda tesselata, blue dragon and scorpionfish blended into the reef. Coral groupers hovered near bommies alongside Clark’s anemonefish and false anemonefish, while schools of yellowback fusiliers and neon fusiliers moved through the water column. Around them, Moorish idols, copperband butterflyfish, blue-barred parrotfish and bullethead parrotfish completed the reef scene.
Macro life was already hinting at what was to come — a richness that would only intensify as the expedition progressed.

A school of Raccoon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunula) showcasing their distinctive yellow and black mask patterns.

A striking group of Copperband Butterflyfish navigates the coral reef with precision. | Frederique Bechet

A white Halgerda Bacalusia nudibranch with orange ridges crawling over a bright red sponge.

The intricate orange-and-white patterns of this Halgerda Bacalusia nudibranch stand out against a vivid red sponge. | Renaud Liberge

A dense school of predatory fish at Richelieu Rock, often referred to as

Predatory patrol: Massive schools of fish congregate at Richelieu Rock, creating one of the most dynamic underwater scenes in the world.

Two Moorish Idols (Zanclus cornutus) swimming through a dramatic rock archway, silhouetted against the bright surface sun.

Into the light: Moorish Idols navigate the dramatic topography and sunbeams of the Surin Islands' reef systems.

At Richelieu Rock, visibility was excellent and the site delivered immediately. The gang — giant trevallies, bluefin trevallies, bigeye trevallies, longnose emperors and rainbow runners — hunted through dense clouds of glassfish. Barracudas patrolled the edges while batfish hovered calmly mid-water.

Closer to the reef, harlequin shrimps, thorny seahorse, cleaner pipefish and orange-spotted pipefish added intricate detail. Tomato anemonefish, white-eye moray eels, giant moray eels and zebra moray eels occupied every crack, while octopus shifted colours between rocks. Headshield slugs, reticulated sapsucking slugs, ornate sapsucking slugs and Moyer’s dragonet were all present, alongside schools of five-lined snappers, twinstripe fusiliers and lunar fusiliers.

A vibrant yellow Tigertail Seahorse (Hippocampus comes) using its prehensile tail to anchor itself to a branch of colorful soft coral.

A bright yellow Tigertail Seahorse clings perfectly to the vibrant soft corals of the reef. | Renaud Liberge

A massive Giant Moray Eel peeks out from its rocky crevice, showing off its impressive size and patterned skin. | Frederique Bechet

The night dive revealed blunt decorated spider crabs, orange-spotted pipefish, boxer banded shrimps, Durban dancing shrimps, cleaner shrimps and pencil sea urchins. Ridged egg cowries and sixline soapfish appeared, while sleeping parrotfish, triggerfish locked into the reef and hunting moray eels completed the nocturnal scene.

Day 3 – Similan National Park, Koh Tachai & Koh Bon

Koh Tachai delivered strong currents and action-packed dives. Blacktip reef sharks cruised the reef, a hawksbill turtle passed by, and large schools of barracudas, dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel moved through the blue. African pompano, adult black and white snappers, lobsters and glassfish filled every level of the dive.

A Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) swims gracefully over a rocky reef slope in clear blue water.

A beautiful Hawksbill turtle glides effortlessly over the rugged reef terrain. | Frederique Bechet

A dense cloud of translucent glassfish hovering above a vibrant field of pink and purple soft corals on a healthy reef.

Thousands of tiny glassfish form a shimmering cloud over a garden of vibrant soft corals.

A massive, swirling vortex of chevron barracuda schooling in the open ocean with sunbeams piercing through the water.

A shimmering silver tornado of barracuda creates a mesmerizing spectacle in the deep blue. | The Smiling Seahorse

A sleek Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) patrols a shallow reef plateau alongside a small school of yellow snappers.

A powerful Blacktip reef shark cruises past a colorful school of snappers along the reef edge. | Renaud Liberge

During the navigation to Koh Bon, dolphins came to greet the boat, riding the bow wave and adding a rare surface interval moment that stayed with everyone on board.

At Koh Bon Pinnacle, one group encountered a large shark in the deep, most likely a bull shark, while the pinnacle itself pulsed with schools of yellowback fusiliers and neon fusiliers. Coral groupers, peacock groupers, powder-blue surgeonfish and Indian sailfin tang added structure and colour to the reef.

On the North Ridge and West Ridge, reef life remained dense and dynamic, with anemone crabs, dogtooth tuna, rainbow runners and mackerels hunting through thick schools of glassfish, while wrasses, blennies and damsels filled every available space.

A Porcelain Anemone Crab (Neopetrolisthes maculatus) with its distinctive spotted pattern peeking out from the stinging tentacles of its host anemone.

A tiny Porcelain Anemone Crab finds safety and shelter among the protective tentacles of its host. | Frederique Bechet

A large school of yellowback fusiliers (Caesio teres) swimming in unison through the bright blue waters of a healthy coral reef.

A vibrant school of fusiliers creates a flash of yellow and silver as they sweep across the reef. | The Smiling Seahorse

The blackwater dive introduced squids, salps sheltering small fish and pyrosomes drifting through the dark.

A translucent squid with shimmering iridescent spots and large eyes suspended against the pitch-black background of the open ocean at night.

A translucent squid glows with iridescent light while navigating the deep blackwater during its nightly migration.

A tiny, larval juvenile fish with a transparent body and reflective metallic scales captured during a blackwater dive.

A fragile juvenile fish drifts through the dark, showcasing the incredible transparency common to larval marine life.

A glowing, cylindrical pyrosome colony floating in the dark, providing a safe shelter for a tiny juvenile fish nestled inside its opening.

A glowing pyrosome acts as a natural sanctuary for a tiny juvenile fish seeking protection in the vast open sea.

A silvery juvenile fish swimming alongside a large clump of organic detritus, known as marine snow, against the dark void of the ocean at night.

A tiny juvenile fish drifts through the darkness alongside nutrient-rich marine snow during its nightly journey.

A small, iridescent squid with shimmering colorful spots on its mantle navigating through the pitch-black water.

Shimmering in the dark, a small squid displays a brilliant array of iridescent colors while moving through the blackwater.

A front-facing macro shot of a juvenile fish with large, reflective eyes and translucent fins suspended in the blackwater.

Caught in the light, a juvenile fish reveals its delicate, translucent features and large reflective eyes.

Day 4 – Similan Islands & Crossing

At North Point, a Napoleon wrasse cruised past while squat shrimps, mantis shrimps and Durban dancing shrimps animated the reef. Anemone crabs, Clark’s anemonefish, moray eels and topsail drummers were joined by blueface angelfish, regal angelfish, butterflyfish and schools of fusiliers.

A Giant Moray Eel (Gymnothorax javanicus) shares a rocky crevice with several bright red Pinecone Soldierfish.

A Giant Moray Eel rests within a sheltered reef alcove alongside a group of vibrant Pinecone Soldierfish. | Renaud Liberge

A Spearing Mantis Shrimp (Lysiosquillina lisa) peering out from its circular burrow in the substrate, showcasing its large, complex eyes.

A formidable Spearing Mantis Shrimp keeps a watchful eye from the safety of its deep, sand-lined burrow. | Renaud Liberge

We then stopped at Island #8, also known as Donald Duck Bay, where white sand and granite boulders offered a striking contrast to the dives and a magnificent view from Sailrock offering sight on the blue and transparent water of the Similans.

A juvenile Blackspotted Boxfish (Ostracion meleagris) with its distinctive cuboid body and yellow-and-black spotted pattern swimming over a coral reef.

A juvenile blackspotted boxfish displays its striking geometric patterns while navigating the reef formations.

A tiny Squat Shrimp (Thor amboinensis), also known as a Sexy Shrimp, perched on the reef with its tail arched upward.

The charismatic squat shrimp, famously known as the "sexy shrimp," adds a splash of personality to the macro landscape.

A vibrant male Blue Ribbon Eel (Rhinomuraena quaesita) with its bright blue body and yellow dorsal fin extending from a burrow in the sandy reef floor.

A bright blue ribbon eel peeks out from its burrow, showcasing the dramatic colors found at Elephant Head Rock. | Renaud Liberge

Elephant Head Rock delivered dramatic topography with blue ribbon eels, adult yellow boxfish, juvenile blackspotted boxfish, red anthias, surgeonfish, blue dragon and giant trevallies weaving through the formations.

At West of Eden, two pipehorse fish hovered delicately while spearing mantis shrimps, squat shrimps, “sexy shrimps”, hawksbill turtle, blue dragon and a psychedelic batwing slug created a richly layered dive. Topsail drummers, fusiliers, snappers, angelfish, wrasses and parrotfish completed the reef.

We then crossed overnight toward Koh Lanta, leaving the granite islands behind.

Day 5 – Hin Daeng & Hin Mueang

Hin Mueang was full of life, with glassfish and juvenile fusiliers forming dense schools constantly targeted by hunting trevallies, African pompano and rainbow runners. Juvenile emperor angelfish, ghostpipefish, Bornella anguilla, Halgerda tesselata and phyllidia of various colours covered the reef.

Banded boxer shrimps, Durban dancing shrimps and cleaner shrimps filled every crevice, while titan triggerfish dug into the reef and redtooth triggerfish hovered above. Topsail drummers completed the scene.

A juvenile Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) with its striking pattern of concentric blue, white, and black circles swimming against a backdrop of pink soft corals.

A young Emperor Angelfish displays its hypnotic swirling patterns while navigating a garden of soft corals. | Renaud Liberge

Multiple Bornella Anguilla nudibranchs with their intricate, branching cerata crawling over red algae and reef substrate.

These fascinating Bornella Anguilla nudibranchs blend into the reef as they search for food among the red algae. | Renaud Liberge

A large Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) with its characteristic scales and powerful jaw swimming near a bright orange sea fan

: The imposing Titan Triggerfish patrols the reef edge near a vibrant orange gorgonian sea fan.

A red and white Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus) hovering near an orange sponge, perfectly mimicking its surroundings.

A master of disguise, this Ghost Pipefish hides in plain sight against the colorful reef backdrop. | Renaud Liberge

Hin Daeng delivered ghostpipefish, Glossodoris cincta and its eggs, ornate elysia, giant moray eels hunting in the shallows, Clark’s anemonefish, anemone crabs and tiger egg cowries. Batfish, fusiliers, snappers, surgeonfish, sweetlips and reef fish filled the water column.

A Glossodoris Cincta nudibranch crawling over a reef, displaying its mottled brown body and distinctive multi-colored frilled edge.

A Glossodoris Cincta nudibranch displays its beautifully ruffled and colorful mantle edge while exploring the reef. | Frederique Bechet

A tiny yellow and black striped Tiger Egg Cowrie perched on a branch of pale pink soft coral.

A vibrant Tiger Egg Cowrie stands out against the delicate branches of a soft coral host. | Frederique Bechet

The night dive intensified the atmosphere with multiple giant moray eels hunting, small octopus camouflaging along the wall, and a constant movement of crabs and shrimps across the reef.

Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park

At 8 Mile, excellent visibility revealed a very friendly marble grouper who looked like he was mixed with a barramoundi, great barracuda, schools of scribbled filefish, juvenile emperor angelfish, juvenile blue-ringed angelfish, stonefish, yellowtail barracuda and schools of giant trevallies, alongside fusiliers, snappers, surgeonfish and reef fish.

A large Marbled Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) displaying its intricate brown and white mottled pattern while swimming against a deep blue ocean backdrop.

A Marbled Grouper shows off its stunning natural camouflage while patrolling the reef. | Renaud Liberge

A Scribbled Filefish (Aluterus scriptus) with its distinctive elongated body and blue-spotted pattern swimming over a healthy coral reef.

The uniquely patterned Scribbled Filefish glides gracefully above a bustling reef community.

A well-camouflaged Scorpionfish resting on a rocky sea floor surrounded by vibrant purple soft corals.

Blending perfectly into its surroundings, this Scorpionfish waits patiently among the corals for passing prey. | Renaud Liberge

A juvenile Blue Ringed Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis) featuring brilliant blue and white concentric stripes on its deep blue body.

The electric blue patterns of a juvenile Blue Ringed Angelfish provide a striking pop of color against the reef. | Frederique Beche

Stonehenge offered three tigertail seahorses, including one black pregnant individual, surrounded by bird wrasse, moon wrasse and sixline wrasse, along with parrotfish, scorpionfish, butterflyfish and damsels.

A Tigertail Seahorse (Hippocampus comes) with a dark mottled pattern clings to a reef structure near vibrant red sea fans.

A master of camouflage, this Tigertail Seahorse blends seamlessly into the reef textures. | Frederique Bechet

Two slender Razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus) swimming in their characteristic vertical head-down position over a sandy seabed.

A pair of Razorfish navigate the currents in their unique vertical swimming style.

A close-up of a Peacock Flounder (Bothus mancus) showing its blue-ringed patterns and both eyes positioned on the top side of its flat body.

The intricate, flower-like patterns of a Peacock Flounder provide incredible camouflage against the sandy bottom.

At Steps, the sunset dive featured yellow-scribbled pipefish, Kuhl’s blue-spotted stingray, bamboo shark, flounder and razorfish, alongside fusiliers, goatfish, sweetlips, surgeonfish and reef fish settling into the evening light.

Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park

Hin Mueang again delivered intense action, with schools of dogtooth tuna, Spanish mackerel, rainbow runners and mackerels hunting through glassfish and juvenile fusiliers. Batfish hovered nearby, while two yellow ghostpipefish and topsail drummers added structure.
Hin Daeng revealed yellow and black ghostpipefish and a juvenile hawksbill turtle surfacing for air before resting. Clark’s anemonefish, anemone crabs, ornate sapsucking slugs and reef life filled the dive.

A close-up of a Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) showing its distinctively patterned
head and shell as it swims over a vibrant coral reef. | Renaud Liberge

A large, craggy limestone karst island rising sharply from a calm, deep blue sea under a clear sky.

The iconic limestone cliffs of Koh Haa tower over the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea. | Renaud Liberge

A large red hermit crab partially emerged from its protective seashell on a sandy and rocky seabed.

A resilient hermit crab carries its portable home across the sandy ocean floor in search of food. | Renaud Liberge

A vibrant underwater scene featuring several purple-based sea anemones surrounded by soft pink corals and dark sea urchins.

A colorful underwater garden thrives with purple anemones and delicate soft corals at the base of the reef.

A sleek, silver dogtooth tuna swimming through the dark, deep blue open water.

A powerful dogtooth tuna patrols the deep blue water near the island's steep drop-offs.

At Cathedral, massive Glossodoris hikuerensis, Halgerda stricklandi, Halgerda candy, verconia alboannulata (noumea alboannulata), Bornella anguilla, a juvenile hawksbill turtle with a damaged shell, titan triggerfish carrying shells, bannerfish, Moorish idols, giant moray eel, longfin batfish and pinnate batfish created a rich and layered scene.

At the Cheminee, ghostpipefish, Cuthona sibogae, tiger cowrie eggs, giant moray eels, cave fish, sweetlips, snappers, yellowback fusiliers, neon fusiliers, glassfish, ornate elysia, scorpionfish, parrotfish and anemonefish filled the tunnel.

The day ended with our traditional BBQ on board, under calm seas and a sky full of stars.

A macro shot of an Ornate Elysia nudibranch (Elysia ornata) featuring a translucent green body with a distinct black and gold frilled margin, crawling over a textured reef.

The Ornate Elysia nudibranch displays its stunning gold-rimmed parapodia while navigating the diverse reef systems of Koh Phi Phi. | Renaud Liberge

A translucent jellyfish with bright pink internal radial canals and long, flowing tentacles drifting through the dark blue water column.

A ghostly jellyfish pulses through the deep blue, its pink interior glowing against the shadows of the Andaman Sea. | Renaud Liberge

A vibrant Trinchesia sibogae nudibranch with a purple body and numerous pink, yellow-tipped cerata perched on a delicate hydroid branch.

dding a burst of color to the macro world, the Trinchesia sibogae nudibranch shows off its brilliant pink and yellow-tipped cerata. | Frederique Bechet

A bright yellow Tiger Tail Seahorse (Hippocampus comes) with dark banding on its tail, using its prehensile tail to anchor onto a red gorgonian sea fan.

A vivid yellow Tiger Tail Seahorse finds a perfect anchor point among the branches of a colorful gorgonian sea fan. | Renaud Liberge

Day 8 – Koh Phi Phi & Final Dive

Bida Nok offered blacktip reef sharks, tigertail seahorse, two ghostpipefish, schools of five-lined snappers, giant moray eels, batfish and schools of fusiliers moving across the reef alongside butterflyfish, surgeonfish and parrotfish.

At King Cruiser wreck, the sunken ferry now acts as a thriving artificial reef, covered in life. Schools of yellowback fusiliers, bigeye trevallies, school of jacks, snappers circled the structure, while lionfish and groupers, sweetlips and reef fish occupied every level of the wreck.
Closer to the structure, macro life revealed itself in layers: Hypselodoris infucata, Glossodoris atromarginata, Chromodoris aureopurpurea, Hypselodoris sp. 3 and Flabellina rubrolineata decorated the surfaces, turning the wreck into a vibrant underwater mosaic where small details were just as captivating as the schooling fish above.

A vibrant pink Verconia alboannulata nudibranch with a white border and bright orange rhinophores and gills, crawling over a textured, reddish-brown reef.

The striking pink hues of a Verconia alboannulata nudibranch stand out against the rocky substrate, showcasing the intricate detail of macro life. | Frederique Bechet

A detailed 3D illustrated map of the King Cruiser wreck, showing various sections like the wheelhouse, passenger deck, and car deck, with schools of fish depicted around the structure.

A comprehensive map of the King Cruiser wreck highlights key features and depths for divers exploring this massive artificial reef.

We ended the trip in Phuket Marin Charter Pier, saying goodbye after a week rich in encounters, diversity and unforgettable underwater moments.
From open-ocean encounters to the smallest hidden reef life, this journey captured the full spectrum of Andaman diving — shaped by rhythm, diversity, and the quiet magic of life below the surface.
See you soon, fellow divers.

Pictures from Renaud Liberge & Frederique Béchet (pictured below) present on this trip and others from Franck Fogarolo.

A portrait of scuba diver Frederique Bechet smiling warmly on a dive boat at night, wearing a black and purple wetsuit.

Frederique Bechet shares a joyful moment on deck after a successful night dive in the Andaman Sea.

Renaud Liberge prepares to submerge, equipped with professional Mares diving gear for an underwater photography session.

A large, diverse group of smiling people gathered together on the deck of a boat at night, many holding up drinks in a celebratory toast during a group BBQ event.

Divers and crew members come together for the traditional BBQ night group photo, celebrating a week of incredible underwater adventures.

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Trip report | 1st – 8th March 2026 | South & North Andaman Expedition

13/3/2026

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The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard boat at sunset in the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar, featuring a trip report from March 2026.

From rugged cliffs rising out of turquoise water to remote reefs pulsing with life, the Andaman Sea always rewards those who explore it patiently.
This week’s itinerary took us on a beautiful journey from the limestone islands of the South Andaman up to the vibrant reefs of the North Andaman. From Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta to the Similan and Surin National Parks, the route offered a wonderful contrast between dramatic pelagic encounters and intricate macro life hiding in the reefs.

A massive school of Chevron Barracuda swirling near Koh Bida Nok in Phi Phi National Park, Thailand.

Epic schooling action at Koh Bida Nok: Chevron Barracuda in Phi Phi National Park.

Lush pink soft corals and sea fans covering the limestone walls of Koh Bida Nai, Thailand.

Vibrant soft coral gardens: Diving the iconic walls of Phi Phi National Park | Itai Grisaru

Day 1 – From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi National Park

We departed from Charter Marine Pier in Phuket together with our Dive Buddy guests from Israel and began sailing toward the famous Phi Phi Islands. The Phi Phi National Park is known not only for its spectacular limestone cliffs rising straight out of pristine waters, but also for its vibrant coral reefs and sheltered bays that host a wide diversity of marine life. After a relaxed evening at anchor beneath towering cliffs, everyone was eager to begin diving the following morning.

Ready To Dive | Vélika Marquis

Day 2 – Koh Phi Phi National Park & Koh Lanta National Park

Our check dive at Koh Bida Nok immediately reminded us why this site is so popular. Blacktip reef sharks cruised calmly along the reef edge while a tigertail seahorse and a ghostpipefish provided the first macro highlights of the trip. Flounders rested on sandy patches while feather seastars walked slowly across the reef. Schools of snappers gathered around coral heads and several Phyllidia species appeared alongside Hypselodoris bullocki, Hypselodoris iacula and purple-spotted Hypselodoris.
Purple urchin shrimps hid among spines, while banded sea snakes moved gracefully between rocks. A snowflake moray eel peeked from its shelter and Goniobranchus fidelis, Flabellina rubrolineata and decorator crabs added colourful details to the reef. Around us swam coral groupers, peacock groupers, powder-blue surgeonfish, threadfin butterflyfish and schools of yellowback fusiliers moving through healthy coral gardens.

A Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina) hunting along the sandy bottom of a coral reef in Phi Phi National Park, Thailand.

arine life encounters in the Andaman Sea: The venomous yet docile Banded Sea Krait

A Ghost Pipefish perfectly camouflaged against colorful soft corals during a dive in the Phi Phi Islands, Thailand.

Rare macro finds in Thailand: The Ghost Pipefish | Ghost Pipefish | Itai Grisaru

The iconic limestone lagoons of Koh Haa in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Thailand, a premier destination for South Andaman liveaboards.

Sailing through the breathtaking lagoons of Koh Haa | South Andaman | Thailand

A vibrant purple Hypselodoris bullocki nudibranch on a reef at Koh Haa, Thailand, captured during a Smiling Seahorse dive cruise.

Stunning macro biodiversity: Hypselodoris Bullocki Nudibranch | Itai Grisaru

A Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) patrolling the rocky slopes of Koh Haa Yai in the South Andaman Sea.

Shark sightings in the South Andaman: Blacktip Reef Shark at Koh Haa

The second dive took place in the calm Koh Haa Lagoon. A giant moray eel rested beneath coral bommies while juvenile clown triggerfish hovered nearby. A passing blacktip reef shark cruised over the sand as blue dragons glided along the reef. Macro highlights included Glossodoris rufomarginata, Halgerda tesselata, Janolus sp., Andaman jawfish and cardinalfish carrying eggs in their mouths. Bluestreak cleaner wrasse performed their cleaning dances while bicolor blennies watched from coral holes. Squat shrimps and lobsters shared rocky crevices as razor wrasse flashed across the reef

The third dive brought us to the famous Koh Haa Cathedral, where shafts of sunlight illuminated the cavern. A juvenile hawksbill turtle glided slowly through the entrance while nudibranchs decorated the walls: Glossodoris hikuerensis, Bornella anguilla, Goniobranchus reticulata, Halgerda tesselata, Hypselodoris sp. and Glossodoris atromarginata. Skeleton shrimps clung to hydroids and a tiger cowrie rested beneath a coral ledge.

A pair of colorful Halgerda tesselata nudibranchs on a sponge-covered reef at Koh Haa, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Thailand.

Exquisite macro details of Koh Haa: Halgerda Tesselata Nudibranch | Itai Grisaru

A Hawksbill sea turtle swimming over a coral reef at Koh Haa, with a snorkeler silhouetted on the surface in the Andaman Sea.

Graceful reef residents: Hawksbill Turtle at Koh Haa | Mu Ko Lanta National Park

Aerial view of The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard boat anchored at Hin Daeng (Red Rock) during a golden sunset in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Thailand.

Sunset at the world-famous Hin Daeng dive site | Udi Nehab

Our night dive at Hin Daeng transformed the reef into a hunting ground. A giant moray eel prowled through the darkness while red reef crabs and ornamental spider crabs emerged from hiding. A red abalone rested on the rock and comb seastars stretched across the reef surface. Batfish and great barracuda passed slowly through the torchlight while Clark’s anemonefish guarded their eggs. Anemone hermit crabs and anemone crabs shared their hosts and a splendid red spooner crab waved its arms across the reef. Nearby, an ornate sap-sucking slug (Elysia) grazed along the coral.

Day 3 – Koh Lanta National Park

The morning began at Koh Rock, where colourful reefs hosted large schools of parrotfish and wrasses. A rare big feathertail stingray glided across the sandy bottom while a mimic phyllidia nudibranch rested beside Hypselodoris jacksoni. Stonefish blended perfectly into the reef and a banded sea snake moved slowly between coral heads. Clark’s anemonefish nurtured their eggs while anemone crabs guarded their homes.
Goniobranchus geminus, script flatworms, bluefin trevally and dragonets appeared across the reef. Lobsters hid beneath rocks while hairy shrimps, whip coral cowries, Flabellina rubrolineata, blue dragons and Ceratosoma tribolatum added a beautiful macro layer.

A colorful Goniobranchus geminus nudibranch crawling on a sponge-covered reef in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Thailand.

Gem Nudibranch macro details: Goniobranchus Geminus | Itai Grisaru

An incredibly small and rare Hairy Shrimp (Phycocaris simulans) camouflaged on a reef during a dive in the South Andaman Sea.

Rare macro treasures of Thailand: The elusive Hairy Shrimp | Itai Grisaru

Extreme close-up of a Clark's Anemonefish guarding a batch of orange eggs on a rock near its host anemone in Koh Lanta National Park.

Marine life behavior: Anemonefish tending to its eggs in the South Andaman Sea.

A Giant Moray Eel resting in a crevice under vibrant pink soft corals at Hin Muang in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Thailand.

Exploring the purple reefs of Hin Muang: Giant Moray Eel sheltered by soft corals

A colorful Flabellina rubrolineata nudibranch with bright purple and orange cerata crawling on hydroids in the South Andaman Sea.

Vibrant macro life: The stunning Flabellina Rubrolineata nudibranch | Itai Grisaru

At Hin Daeng, the reef exploded with life. Juvenile emperor angelfish shimmered in yellow and blue while tiger cowries rested beneath coral ledges. Barracudas circled above the reef while Goniobranchus reticulata, Goniobranchus geometrica and spotted Hypselodoris decorated the walls. Giant moray eels and bartail morays hid among cracks where masked porcupinefish shared shelters with banded boxer shrimps. Batfish cruised past while turtles, ghostpipefish, yellow-margin moray eels and mackerels passed through the blue.

The third dive at Koh Haa Neua – the Chimney delivered exceptional macro life. Glossodoris cincta, ghostpipefish, tiger egg cowries, Cuthona sibogae, Bornella anguilla, ornate sap-sucking slugs and Moridilla brocki decorated the walls. Hypselodoris maculosa, Hypselodoris whitei, Caloria indica and bicolor flabellina added vibrant colours while lobsters hid between rocks. Schools of yellowback fusiliers and lunar fusiliers swirled above the reef together with copperband butterflyfish, Indian sailfin tang, coral grouper and blue-striped snappers.
After the final dive, we began our northern crossing toward the Similan National Park.

A Juvenile Emperor Angelfish with its striking blue and white circular patterns swimming near a reef in the South Andaman Sea, Thailand.

The mesmerizing patterns of a Juvenile Emperor Angelfish

A vibrant school of yellowback fusiliers darting through the clear blue waters of Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

Non-stop fish action: Schooling Fusiliers in the South Andaman Sea.

A stunning wide-angle fisheye shot of a massive pink soft coral colony blooming at Hin Muang, Thailand.

Diving "Purple Rock": The lush soft coral reefs of Hin Muang | Itai Grisaru

Day 4 – Similan National Park

Our first dive took place in Honeymoon Bay, where a large Jenkins ray rested peacefully on the sandy bottom.
At Tuna Wreck and Hideaway Reef, excellent visibility revealed giant sweetlips, a curious Napoleon wrasse and a delicate pygmy pipehorse. The psychedelic batwing slug added colour to the reef while schools of yellowback fusiliers, twinstripe fusiliers and blue-striped snappers swirled above the wreck. Coral groupers, powder-blue surgeonfish, threadfin butterflyfish and oriental sweetlips patrolled the reef.

A large green Napoleon Wrasse (Humphead Wrasse) swimming past a reef pinnacle in the South Andaman Sea, Thailand.

Majestic reef giants: A Napoleon Wrasse encounter in the Andaman Sea

The stern of the Tuna Wreck, a popular sunken ship for scuba diving near the Similan Islands and Phi Phi, encrusted with marine life.

Wreck diving adventures in Thailand: Exploring the Tuna Wreck | Itai Grisaru

A rare Kyonemichthys rumengani pygmy pipehorse, also known as the Lembeh Pipehorse, camouflaged on a reef in the South Andaman Sea.

Rare macro discovery: The elusive Kyonemichthys rumengani pygmy pipehorse | Itai Grisaru

At West of Eden, the macro world shined once again. A psychedelic batwing slug and kissing pygmy pipehorses were highlights, while a mantis shrimp watched from its burrow. Squat shrimps, darkspotted flatworms and Xenia crabs decorated the reef and MacKosker’s flasher wrasse flashed bright colours. Pipefish hovered in the current and during our surface interval a giant green turtle swam right beside the boat to greet us.

Green Turtle Visits the Boat| Camille Rovillain

The night dive at Honeymoon Bay was full of activity. Trevallies hunted among schools of small reef fish while porcupinefish and pufferfish cruised slowly through the sand patches. Barracudas passed in the distance while red reef crabs carrying eggs moved across the reef. Moray eels hunted actively and sleeping parrotfish and wrasses rested beneath coral ledges.

A Psychedelic Batwing Sea Slug (Sagaminopteron psychedelicum) crawling on a purple sponge in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

Similan macro specialties: The vibrant Psychedelic Batwing Sea Slug | Itai Grisaru

A colorful Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) peering out from its burrow on a reef in Mu Ko Similan National Park.

Fierce reef predators: The colorful Peacock Mantis Shrimp in the Similans

Day 5 – Similan National Park

At Deep Six, a whitetip reef shark cruised the reef while a turtle swam past granite boulders. An octopus shifted colours across the rocks while blue dragons and psychedelic batwing slugs decorated the reef. Powder-blue surgeonfish, copperband butterflyfish, oriental sweetlips and schools of neon fusiliers filled the water column.
Elephant Head Rock delivered dramatic granite formations. A blue ribbon eel waved from its burrow while an octopus explored the reef. Bornella anguilla and blue dragons appeared on the rocks beside an adult yellow boxfish. Giant trevallies and bluefin trevallies cruised through the arches while surgeonfish and oriental sweetlips gathered around coral heads. A giant moray eel watched divers from its cave.

A unique Bornella anguilla nudibranch, known for its eel-like swimming motion, on a reef in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

Rare "Swimming Nudibranch" sightings: Bornella Anguilla in the Similans | Itai Grisaru

A dense school of Barracuda silhouetted against the bright surface of the Andaman Sea at a dive site in Mu Ko Similan National Park.

Thrilling fish schools: Barracuda action during our Similan Islands cruise

At Three Trees, a school of barracuda hovered in the blue above giant sweetlips and garden eels. Blue-spotted Kuhls rays rested on the sand and a giant barrel sponge dominated the reef structure. Schools of blue-lined snappers, yellowback fusiliers and scissortail fusiliers moved constantly across the reef.

That evening’s blackwater dive was spectacular: male and female paper nautilus drifting gracefully, juvenile porcupinefish, squirrelfish larvae, squids, flounders and even a flying gurnard drifting through the beam of our lights.

A rare tiny male Paper Nautilus (Argonauta) drifting in the open ocean during a blackwater dive in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

Rare blackwater treasures: A tiny male Paper Nautilus drifting in the Andaman Sea.

A translucent larval shrimp captured against a black background during a blackwater drift dive in Thailand with The Smiling Seahorse.

Alien-like larval forms: Discovering the "planktonic soup" on a blackwater drift | Itai Grisaru

A completely transparent juvenile Acanthuridae (Surgeonfish) in its larval stage, showing visible skeletal structure during a blackwater dive.

The transparent beauty of a larval Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) in blackwater | Itai Grisaru

A bioluminescent polychaete worm drifting in the dark open ocean during a blackwater diving session in Thailand.

The "night shift" of the Andaman Sea: Bioluminescent worms in blackwater | Itai Grisaru

A tiny, shimmering juvenile squid captured with macro photography against a black background during a night drift in the Similan Islands.

Incredible cephalopod macro details from our Similan blackwater dives | Itai Grisaru

A high-detail macro shot of a juvenile Flying Gurnard with its pectoral fins tucked in, found drifting in the Andaman Sea.

Unique blackwater encounters: Larval Flying Gurnard at night | Itai Grisaru

A rare larval Heteropod (sea snail) with a translucent shell drifting in the open ocean during a blackwater dive in the Similan Islands.

Pelagic mollusks of the Andaman Sea: The fascinating Larval Heteropod | Itai Grisaru

transparent larval Cusk Eel showing its delicate fins and internal structure against the black background of a night drift dive in Thailand.

Alien-like larval forms: Discovering the rare Cusk Eel in blackwater | Itai Grisaru

A tiny, round juvenile Porcupine Fish (Diodontidae) captured during a blackwater expedition in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

Adorable macro finds: A juvenile Porcupine Fish drifting in the deep blue | Itai Grisaru

Day 6 – Similan National Park

At Koh Bon Ridge, schools of barracuda circled above giant trevallies and bluefin trevallies. Damselfish, butterflyfish and two-tone dartfish hovered above the reef while Clark’s anemonefish guarded their homes. Titan triggerfish, redtooth triggerfish and the distinctive “WiFi triggerfish” moved across the reef alongside pajama surgeonfish. Nudibranchs such as Haminoea cymbalum and Chelidonura hirundinina and Chelidonura punctata decorated the sand while a banded sea snake slithered past. Andaman sweetlips hovered near coral ledges.

A tiny Haminoea cymbalum (Bubble Snail) with a mint-green body and bright orange spots on a reef in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

Vibrant macro treasures: The colorful Haminoea Cymbalum nudibranch in the Similans | Itai Grisaru

A Squat Shrimp (Thor amboinensis), also known as a Sexy Shrimp, performing its characteristic tail-bobbing on an anemone in Mu Ko Similan National Park.

Reef "dancers": The charismatic Squat Shrimp found on a Similan dive | Udi Nehab

Koh Tachai Plateau was spectacular. Blacktip sharks and Jenkins rays cruised across the plateau while a massive school of chevron barracuda filled the blue. Giant trevallies, bigeye trevallies, dogtooth tuna and rainbow runners hunted actively. Giant marble groupers rested near coral bommies while yellowback and neon fusiliers formed massive clouds above the reef. A juvenile hawksbill turtle swam past and clown triggerfish hovered near coral heads while whip coral gobies hid among gorgonians.

Three happy scuba divers relaxing on the deck of The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard during a North and South Andaman cruise in Thailand.

Good vibes only: Sharing dive stories with the dream team on board | Itai Grisaru

An underwater photographer using a professional camera rig to capture vibrant orange sea fans and pink soft corals in the Similan Islands.

Capturing the magic: An underwater photographer exploring the colorful reefs of Thailand | Itai Grisaru

On the third dive from the third pinnacle to the main plateau we encountered two more Jenkins rays, a curious Napoleon wrasse and two octopuses flirting among the rocks. Giant trevallies and bluefin trevallies cruised through dense schools of yellowback fusiliers while giant moray eels and batfish watched from the reef.

The night dive on Koh Tachai Reef revealed Glossodoris, Elysia species and Halgerda tesselata. A blacktip reef shark cruised through the darkness while a giant moray eel hunted along the reef.

A Doriprismatica atromarginata nudibranch laying a white spiral egg ribbon on a reef at Koh Tachai, Mu Ko Similan National Park, Thailand.

Fascinating marine life behavior: A Doriprismatica nudibranch laying eggs at Koh Tachai | Itai Grisaru

Spotted Garden Eels (Heteroconger hassi) swaying in the current above the sandy seabed at the Koh Tachai plateau, Thailand.

Swaying in the current: Spotted Garden Eels at Koh Tachai | Itai Grisaru

Day 7 – Surin National Park

We returned to Richelieu Rock for three spectacular dives. Purple soft corals covered the pinnacle while glassfish formed shimmering clouds around the rock. Harlequin shrimps, ghostpipefish and thorny seahorses delighted macro lovers while Durban dancing shrimps, orange-spotted pipefish and cleaner pipefish filled the reef with activity.

Giant trevallies and the famous Richelieu “gang” — rainbow runners, trevallies and longnose emperors — hunted through the schools of fish. Barracudas formed impressive formations including chevron, yellowtail and pickhandle barracuda. Peacock mantis shrimps, banded boxer shrimps and blue-legged boxer shrimps decorated the reef while giant moray eels and a zebra moray eel emerged from their holes. Scorpionfish and devil scorpionfish rested on the reef while batfish and juvenile emperor angelfish cruised nearby.

A yellow Tigertail Seahorse (Hippocampus comes) clinging to a purple sea fan at Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands, Thailand.

The golden residents of Richelieu Rock: A beautiful Tigertail Seahorse | Itai Grisaru

glassfish coral A massive cloud of translucent Glassfish swarming over a colorful coral pinnacle at Richelieu Rock in Mu Ko Surin National Park.reef itai grisaru Thailand Andaman Liveaboard Scuba Diving Cruise

Underwater blizzards: Shimmering Glassfish clouds at Richelieu Rock | Itai Grisaru

A wide-angle fisheye view of a giant orange sea fan surrounded by colorful soft corals and Anemonefish at Richelieu Rock, Thailand.

Vibrant reef architecture: The iconic giant sea fans of Richelieu Rock | Itai Grisaru

A tiny Whip Coral Shrimp (Pontonides ankeri) perfectly camouflaged on a wire coral during a dive in Mu Ko Surin National Park.

Hidden in plain sight: A Whip Coral Shrimp on its host | Itai Grisaru

A pair of ornate Harlequin Shrimp (Hymenocera picta) feeding on a sea star at Richelieu Rock, a top sighting for macro photographers in Thailand.

The ultimate macro find: Harlequin Shrimp at Richelieu Rock | Itai Grisaru

Our sunset dive at Ao Pakard (Cabbage Bay) revealed a vibrant coral reef. A hawksbill turtle swam slowly past while schools of juvenile barracuda hovered above the reef. Sailfin tang surgeonfish grazed alongside yellow saddle goatfish, angelfish and triggerfish. Kuhls blue-spotted stingrays rested on the sand while blue dragons, juvenile scorpionfish and juvenile mantis shrimps appeared among coral rubble.

Day 8 – Return to Ranong

The final morning began at Torinla Pinnacle, where Koran angelfish swam alongside surgeonfish, butterflyfish and giant moray eels. A whitetip shark slept beneath a rock while a school of bumphead parrotfish passed slowly through the reef. Kuhls blue-spotted rays glided across the sandy patches and a bright yellow “Pikachu” nudibranch delighted photographers.

The Richelieu Rock "Gang" | Udi Nehab

For the final dive at Richelieu Rock, the reef delivered a grand finale. The gang returned once more: trevallies, longnose emperors and a ball of jacks swirling through the water column. Barracudas formed impressive schools while juvenile clown triggerfish and juvenile emperor angelfish hovered over the reef. Thorny seahorses, ghostpipefish and tiger cowries with their eggs decorated the coral. Hypselodoris decorata, dark-margin glossodoris and blue dragons added colour while peacock mantis shrimps guarded their burrows. Schools of yellowback fusiliers, lunar fusiliers and manylined fusiliers filled the water column above coral groupers, copperband butterflyfish and powder-blue surgeonfish.

Soon after surfacing, we began sailing back toward Ranong — closing another unforgettable Andaman adventure aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse.
Until the next tide brings us together again — dive well, dive aware, and see you soon fellow divers.

A group of smiling scuba divers and crew enjoying drinks and fresh passion fruit on the deck of The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard in Thailand.

Post-dive celebrations: Relaxing with the best crew in the Andaman Sea | Happy Divers!

underwater photographer Itai Grisaru geared up and ready for a night dive on a Thailand liveaboard cruise.

Behind the lens: The talented Itai Grisaru ready for more underwater magic

Scuba divers Udi Nehab and Yiftah Shelef smiling in their dive gear before a sunset dive in the Similan Islands, Thailand.

Making lifelong connections: Photographer Udi Nehab and Dive Buddy Yiftah Shelef

Photography by Franck Fogarolo, Itai Grisaru, Udi Nehab and Vélika Marquis
Videography by Camille Rovillain and Vélika Marquis

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Trip report, 20th–27th February 2026, Thailand North and South Andaman Excursion

2/3/2026

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Batwing Sea Slug | Itai Grisaru

Some trips lean toward pelagic action. Others toward patient macro exploration. This North to South Andaman crossing gave us both.
This North-to-South Andaman expedition took us through four marine national parks — Surin, Similan, Koh Lanta and Tarutao — before finishing in Phuket. A true cross-section of Thailand’s Andaman Sea.

This trip became a beautiful contrast between “the big” and “the small” — manta encounters, shark sightings and hunting trevallies on one side… and delicate nudibranchs, shrimps and ghost pipefish on the other.

Bait Ball and Big Eye Trevally Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Big Eye Trevally Swimming Into a Bait Ball

Shore visit on the dinghy Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Shore Visits on the Dinghy

Surface view Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

A View From the Surface

Big Eye Trevally Hunting

Day 1 – From Ranong to Surin National Park

We welcomed our divers from Buddy Divers Israel in Ranong and began our journey southward. The route would take us through Surin National Park first, then down to the Similan Islands, further south to Koh Lanta and Tarutao, before heading back north toward Phuket.
A true Andaman traverse...

Day 2 – Surin National Park

Our check dive at Koh Chi Reef offered calm conditions and crystal-clear visibility. The Surin Islands, home to the Moken sea nomads, are known for their gentle sandy slopes and vibrant coral gardens.

False anemonefish and Clark’s anemonefish hovered over magnificent sea anemones while moray eels peered from coral heads. Schools of five-lined snappers moved in tight formation above the reef. Blue-barred parrotfish and bullethead parrotfish grazed over staghorn coral and honeycomb coral formations.

Cleaner wrasse, moon wrasse and sixline wrasse worked busily along the reef, while hawksbill turtles glided past. Slender Roboastra, orange-spotted Chelidonura, sea cucumbers, black diadema sea urchins and feather stars dotted the seabed.

Anemonefish

Turtle

Reef Fish | Itai Grisaru

Then came Richelieu Rock.

If there is a place where “big versus macro” truly coexist, it is here.

The “gang” was in full hunting mode: giant trevallies, bluefin trevallies, bigeye trevallies and massive schools of rainbow runners sweeping through clouds of glassfish. Yellowtail and chevron barracudas cruised the perimeter. A shy black manta passed in the blue for one lucky group.

Richelieu Rock Hunting Fish Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Feeding Frenzy at Richelieu Rock

"The Gang" Hunting at Richelieu Rock

Black Oceanic Manta Ray

White-eye, fimbriated and giant moray eels filled nearly every crack. Yellowback fusiliers and two-spot fusiliers swirled above schools of five-lined snappers.

Meanwhile, macro lovers were glued to the rock: Chromodoris annulata, Cuthona sibogae, Chromodoris geometrica, slender Roboastra, and delicate thorny seahorse and a couple of harlequin shrimps hiding into pink and purple soft corals covering the pinnacle.

Thorny Seahorse

Flabellina Nudibranch | Itai Grisaru

The night dive shifted the mood completely. Glossodoris atromarginata, orange-tip Flabellina, Moridilla brocki, Bicolor Flabellina, reef crabs, blunt decorated crabs, squat shrimps and banded boxer shrimps emerged. Morays hunted actively and cuttlefish drifted through the beam of torches.
Big by day. Intricate by night.

Harlequin Shrimp Pair | Itai Grisaru

Nudibranch with eggs Itai Grisaru Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Nudibranch Laying Eggs | Itai Grisaru

Day 3 – Similan National Park

Koh Tachai Pinnacle greeted us with explosive fish action. Yellowback, neon, manylined and blue-and-gold fusiliers streamed in the current.
Massive marble groupers and coral groupers rested along granite slopes. Peacock groupers, steephead parrotfish, blue-barred parrotfish and bullethead parrotfish grazed constantly.

Moon wrasse, bird wrasse and pastel green wrasse flashed between coral heads. Batfish hovered in the blue. Blueface angelfish and royal angelfish added vibrant colour.
Hard coral bommies, table corals and giant sea fans framed the scene.

Guest Photographer Itai Grisaru Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Guest Photographer Extraordinaire Itai Grisaru

Lionfish

At Koh Tachai Reef, blacktip reef sharks cruised the shallow reef edge while halgerda tesselata rested near sand patches. Common porcupinefish and yellowdot pufferfish hovered near cracks guarded by giant moray eels. Durban dancing shrimps decorated coral heads.

Koh Bon Ridge delivered octopus encounters, Haminoea cymbalum, batfish and oriental sweetlips over powder-blue surgeonfish and lined surgeonfish. Glassfish filled the bay in thick clouds.

Blackwater that night brought a completely different universe: purple back squid, lizardfish post-larvae, pyrosomes, tuna larvae, lionfish larvae, butterflyfish post-larvae, triggerfish larvae, coral eggs, female paper nautilus, veligers, crab zoea, tozuma shrimp and even an immortal jellyfish.

Squid Blackwater Diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Squid in Blackwater

larval triggerfish Blackwater Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Larval Triggerfish in Blackwater

female peper nautilus argonaut blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Female Paper Nautilus

Immortal jellyfish blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Immortal Jellyfish in Blackwater

larval lionfish blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Larval Lionfish in Blackwater

Day 4 – Similan Islands

Three Trees started with garden eels swaying in sandy flats and blue-spotted Kuhls rays feeding nearby. Massive barrel sponges crowned granite boulders.

One group spotted a guitar shark — a ray-like shark species combining traits of both families — gliding along the seabed.

Schools of yellowback fusiliers, neon fusiliers and scissortail fusiliers mixed with five-lined snappers and yellow saddle goatfish. Great barracuda and dogtooth tuna patrolled deeper edges.

Elephant Head Rock delivered blue ribbon eels, adult boxfish, giant trevallies and juvenile clown triggerfish among swim-throughs framed by antler coral and leather coral.

Juvenile Clown Triggerfish

ribbon eel itai grisaru Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Blue Ribbon Eel | Itai Grisaru

West of Eden gave us Thorunna chromodoris, psychedelic batwing seaslug, hairy shrimp and mating octopus pairs. Giant blue-lined pufferfish hovered above the reef alongside copperband butterflyfish and regal angelfish.

Batwing Sea Slug

Hairy Shrimp

Day 5 – Koh Lanta National Park

Hin Mueang opened with dramatic walls covered in red soft coral and sea fans. Glossodoris hikuerensis and its eggs decorated the slopes. Trevallies and rainbow runners swept through yellowback and neon fusilier schools.

Coral groupers, blacktip groupers and brown marble groupers hid among hard coral ridges. Powder-blue surgeonfish, velvet surgeonfish and Indian mimic surgeonfish crossed the current.

Hin Daeng amplified the “big” feeling: batfish, Napoleon wrasse, giant trevallies and dogtooth tuna patrolled the vertical reef. Ghost pipefish hovered delicately near soft corals.

Butterflyfish including threadfin butterflyfish, raccoon butterflyfish and Meyer’s butterflyfish added colour, while emperor angelfish and semicircle angelfish patrolled mid-water.

Macro remained strong with nudibranchs scattered across the slopes.

Blackwater that evening revealed comb jellies hosting isopods and pelagic gastropods drifting through the darkness.

larval crab blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Larval Crab in Blackwater

gastropod and amphipod blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Gastropod and Amphipod in Blackwater

Blackwater Diving Entry Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Ready for Blackwater Diving!

pelagic worm blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Pelagic Worm in Blackwater

amphipod comb jelly blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Amphipod on a Comb Jelly

Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park

Eight Mile, near the Malaysian border, offered a striking yellow and pink coral-covered pinnacle dotted with sea urchins. Schools of jacks and rainbow runners hovered above.

Juvenile semicircle angelfish, juvenile blue-ringed angelfish, juvenile emperor angelfish and regal angelfish contrasted beautifully with the darker reef backdrop.

soft coral Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Vibrant Soft Coral

Stonehenge showcased purple and pink soft corals clinging to sculpted rock formations. A thorny seahorse clung to gorgonians. Yellow-edge moray eels and giant moray eels guarded crevices while tomato anemonefish and masked porcupinefish completed the reef tableau.

Koh Sawang at sunset displayed titan triggerfish, giant blue-lined pufferfish, regal angelfish, coral groupers and schools of fusiliers under golden light.

Blackwater revealed larval tonguefish, gastropods mating, pelagic worms and drifting crustaceans.

Pelagic Worm in Blackwater

larval tonguefish blackwater diving itai grisaru Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Larval Tonguefish in Blackwater | Itai Grisaru

mating sea butterfly blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Mating Sea Butterflies in Blackwater

larval snail blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Larval Snail in Blackwater

larval shrimp blackwater diving Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Larval Shrimp in Blackwater

Day 7 – Koh Lanta

Hin Mueang again delivered ghost pipefish, juvenile emperor angelfish, halgerda tesselata and African wrasse.

Hin Daeng brought double-spotted queenfish, barracudas, needlefish and more dogtooth tuna, alongside orange-spotted pipefish and lobsters hiding under ledges.

Ghost Pipefish | Itai Grisaru

Halgerda Tessellata Nudibranch | Itai Grisaru

Koh Haa Cathedral provided classic cavern drama: whip coral shrimp, banded sea snake, cleaner pipefish, twin goniobranchus, Cuthona sibogae, Glossodoris hikuerensis, and dark-margin glossodoris with eggs.

At Koh Haa Chimney, a banded sea snake guarded the interior cave while Bornella anguilla waited at the exit. Skeleton shrimps and ornate sapsucking slugs clung to soft coral branches.

The day ended with our traditional BBQ under the stars.

Bornella Anguilla Nudibranch | Itai Grisaru

Sap Sucking Slug | Itai Grisaru

group photo Thailand Scuba Diving Liveaboard

Happy Group on BBQ Night!

Day 8 – Koh Phi Phi National Park

Koh Bida Nok welcomed us with blacktip reef sharks cruising the reef. Tiger-tail seahorses and ghost pipefish clung to soft corals. Schools of yellow-lined snappers and yellowback fusiliers swirled around healthy hard coral formations.

Eagle Ray at Shark Point | Video Taken by Dive Guide Vélika

At Shark Point, a not-so-shy eagle ray joined our final dive, swimming alongside schools of yellowback fusiliers, five-lined snappers, yellowtail and chevron barracudas. Cadlinella ornatissima rested quietly on the reef.

Happy Divers

Cadlinella Ornatissima Nudibranch | Itai Grisaru

From pelagic mantas and hunting trevallies to delicate nudibranchs and larval life, this trip perfectly balanced the immense and the microscopic.

Another North to South Andaman journey comes to an end — and once again, the Smiling Seahorse delivered both spectacle and subtlety in equal measure.

Until next time.

Photo by Franck Fogarolo & Itai Grisaru

A View of Koh Haa

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Trip Report: Thailand South to North Andaman Liveaboard, 15–22 January 2026

24/1/2026

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Turtle Koh Tachai Andaman Sea Thailand Liveaboard

This 8-day south-to-north Andaman liveaboard charter offered an exceptional cross-section of Thailand’s Andaman Sea diving. From calm lagoons and dramatic southern pinnacles to the fish-rich northern marine parks and legendary Richelieu Rock, the trip combined pelagic action, rare macro life, vibrant coral reefs and relaxed liveaboard living. Calm seas and good visibility throughout allowed us to fully enjoy each site with our private group of US guests.

Hard coral and butterflyfish

Barrel sponge and bannerfish

Day 1 – Phuket to Koh Haa Lagoon
We welcomed our guests aboard in Phuket before departing toward Koh Haa Lagoon. The afternoon was spent settling in, assembling dive gear, and enjoying the first sunset at sea as we cruised south. Anticipation built for the check dive scheduled for the following morning in the calm, protected lagoon.

Psychedelic batwing sea slug

Pygmy pipehorse, which is a type of small marine fish closely related to seahorses and pipefish.

Day 2 – Koh Haa, Hin Daeng & Hin Muang
Our check dive at Koh Haa Lagoon provided ideal conditions to ease into Andaman diving. A hawksbill turtle cruised past the reef while a blacktip reef shark patrolled the edge of the lagoon. Moray eels peered from coral heads, including a memorable sighting of a moray eel swimming freely across the sand. African pompano and longnose emperors passed through the blue, while oriental and harlequin sweetlips hovered near the reef. Macro highlights included a black cat headshield slug and a delicate Fabalina nudibranch. Wrasses, parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, surgeonfish and clouds of damselfish filled the shallow reef.
The second dive at Hin Daeng delivered immediate big-fish energy. Schools of batfish glided along the drop-off, surrounded by bluefin trevallies, giant trevallies, rainbow runners and barracuda. Potato groupers rested on ledges, while redtooth triggerfish, juvenile angelfish and schooling bannerfish animated the reef. Honeycomb and snowflake moray eels hid among soft corals, while ghost pipefish, spotted Hypselodoris, anemone clownfish and anemone crabs rewarded careful observation.
At Hin Muang, the third dive featured strong currents and excellent fish life. Dogtooth tuna and golden trevallies cruised past in the blue, joined by milkfish and schools of naked fusiliers. Batfish hovered near the pinnacle as glassfish swirled tightly around coral outcrops, constantly harassed by hunting jacks. Coral groupers, a shy lobster, multiple ghost pipefish and a striking juvenile emperor angelfish completed the scene.
Our night dive revealed a different side of the reef. Hunting moray eels, including bartail and snowflake morays, moved actively across the coral. A resting hawksbill turtle, yellow boxfish and a cruising barracuda were highlights, while the reef came alive with macro life such as tiger cowries, Mauritia arabica immanis, Willey’s Halgerda, bicolor Fabelina, Jebb’s flatworm and sapsucking slugs.

Tiger cowrie

Clownfish, anemon and soft coral, Thailand and Myanmar liveaboard

Clownfish in their anemone

Potato grouper in Hin Muang, Koh Lanta National park

Big eye trevally Richelieu Rock, Andaman Sea liveaboard

Big eye trevally schooling

Day 3 – 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge & Koh Sawang

Two morning dives at 8 Mile Rock delivered classic Andaman schooling action. Great barracudas cruised above the reef while schools of yellow snappers, bigeye trevallies and bluefin trevallies moved in unison. Red-bar anthias coloured the reef, joined by marbled groupers, fimbriated moray eels and ghost pipefish. Allied cowries and Chromodoris nudibranchs added macro interest among hard corals, sea fans and sponges.
The third dive at Stonehenge showcased its famous soft-coral formations in full colour. Layers of red, orange and purple soft corals covered the structures, sheltering flounders, tomato clownfish and a black-gill Phestilla nudibranch. A Kuhl’s stingray rested on the sand while a massive sea snake moved calmly through the reef. Schools of snappers, wrasses, parrotfish and fusiliers filled the water column.
Our final dive of the day at Koh Sawang focused on critter life. A huge spearer mantis shrimp was the standout, accompanied by yellow boxfish, porcupinefish, rabbitfish, whip coral shrimp and squat shrimp. Bluefin trevallies continued to patrol the deeper sections of the site.

Male Bartels' Dragonet (Synchiropus bartelsi).

Spearing mantis shrimp

Orangutang crab

Day 4 – Hin Muang, Hin Daeng & Koh Haa Cathedral
Returning south for one final day before heading north, Hin Muang once again delivered strong action with ghost pipefish, rainbow runners, batfish, tuna and great barracudas. A dramatic moment unfolded as predatory fish hunted inside a dense glassfish bowl. Spiny lobsters and redtooth triggerfish were common along the reef.
At Hin Daeng, ornate ghost pipefish were spotted among soft corals while yellowtail and dogtooth tuna hunted glassfish in the blue. Schools of batfish, oriental sweetlips, milkfish and juvenile emperor angelfish moved across the drop-off, accompanied by honeycomb morays and redtooth triggerfish.
The third dive at Koh Haa Cathedral featured impressive swim-throughs and beams of light cutting through the cave. Giant and snowflake moray eels hid among the rocks, while potato groupers rested near the entrance. Bluefin trevallies, schools of yellow snappers, a passing reef shark and Spanish mackerel cruised by. Macro highlights included Halgerda tessellata, baby boxfish and sea cucumbers scattered across the reef.
That evening, we began our transit north toward the Similan Marine Park.

Banded pipefish

Cute baby seahorse on the coral reef

Day 5 – Similan Islands & Koh Bon

At Sharkfin Reef, hawksbill turtles cruised along the granite boulders, accompanied by longnose emperors, bluefin trevallies and schools of neon and lunar fusiliers. Flatworms, wrasses, parrotfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish filled the reef.
West of Eden (Similan Island #7) offered a lush reefscape. Giant moray eels, peacock mantis shrimp, brown marbled groupers and baby honeycomb morays were spotted alongside red fire gobies, flasher wrasse, cornetfish, starry dragonets and African sand wrasse. Two turtles passed slowly through the reef while schools of fusiliers streamed overhead.
At Three Trees (Similan Island #9), bird wrasses, clown triggerfish, big jobfish and a Napoleon wrasse dominated the dive, joined by an eagle ray gliding through the blue and several cornetfish cruising between bommies.
Our sunset dive at Koh Bon Ridge and Reef brought giant trevallies hunting among glassfish, massive schools of emperors, fusiliers, Andaman sweetlips, angelfish and coral groupers as the light faded.

Juvenile clown triggerfish

spearing mantis shrimp, liveaboard Thailand and Myanmar

Day octopus

Harlequin shrimps

Day 6 – Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Night Dive
Morning dives at Koh Bon Pinnacle and West Ridge were packed with schooling fish. Batfish, barracudas, bluefin trevallies, giant trevallies, bannerfish and butterflyfish surrounded the pinnacle, joined by coral groupers, lionfish, emperors and double-spotted queenfish. Yellow goatfish hunted alongside trevallies, while moray eels and tuna patrolled the reef edges.
After cruising north, we reached Koh Tachai Plateau, where schools of barracuda, GTs, bluefin trevallies and dogtooth tuna dominated the dive. A hawksbill turtle passed by, followed by a large Jenkins whipray. Juvenile and adult clown triggerfish, royal angelfish, brown marbled groupers and batfish completed the scene.
The night dive at Koh Tachai Reef was a standout. Five blacktip reef sharks remained with the divers for 30–40 minutes, while checkered, mangrove and red snappers actively hunted. Fusiliers, barracuda, lionfish and another turtle encounter made for an unforgettable evening dive.

Blacktip reef sharks

5 blacktip stayed with us for the delight of all divers

We also went on a Blackwater dive that night and it didnt disappoint with its fair share of cephalopods, crustaceans and juvenile fish!

Get ready for blackwater diving

Hyperiid amphipod, liveaboard Thailand and Myanmar

Hyperiid amphipod hitching a ride

Baby squid on blackwater dive

Larval anemone on blackwater dive

Gastropod on blackwater dive

Baby lobster on blackwater dive

Mating sea angels

Days 7 & 8 – Richelieu Rock
A full two days of diving at Richelieu Rock delivered everything the site is famous for. The “gang” of giant trevallies, longnose emperors and rainbow runners hunted together through clouds of glassfish and fusiliers. Schools of barracuda, amberjacks and batfish circled the pinnacles, while coral groupers and sweetlips occupied the reef.
Macro life was exceptional: thorny seahorses, octopus, jawfish, harlequin shrimp, cleaner pipefish, orange-spotted pipefish, ornate sapsucking slugs, Dermatobranchus and Nendronotis species, tiger egg cowries, spearer mantis shrimp and juvenile clown triggerfish were all recorded. Additional sightings included juvenile blue triggerfish and ridged dermatobranchs.
The final two dives on Day 8 brought more jawfish, thorny seahorses, octopus, schools of barracuda and batfish, peacock-tail shrimp and mole cowries—an ideal conclusion to the trip.
After the last dive, we cruised north to Ranong, where guests disembarked, bringing this South-to-North Andaman journey to a close.

Happy team on the MV Smiling Seahorse

Guess what marine creature our guest saw...

A smile on all faces! That's our reward!!!!

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Trip Report: Thailand North & South Andaman Trip, 6 to 13 January 2026

22/1/2026

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A classic north-to-south Andaman crossing, mixing iconic pinnacles, colourful reefs and relaxed lagoon dives, with a great group of guests from Israel travelling accompanied by Ian, our partner at Dive Buddy Agency. Eight days of variety, big fish action, macro treasures and vibrant reefs, all stitched together by calm seas and excellent visibility.

Day 1 – From Ranong to the Surin National Park

We welcomed our guests in Ranong before the boat briefing and an early afternoon departure toward the Surin National Park. As the coastline faded behind us, anticipation grew for the first dives of the trip and the promise of healthy reefs and rich marine life ahead.

Happy diver with the boat, Andaman Sea Liveaboard

Day 2 – Surin National Park

Our check dive at Koh Chi gently introduced everyone to Andaman conditions. A shy hawksbill turtle cruised past the reef while false anemonefish hovered over their hosts. Batfish glided between bommies, giant moray eels peeked from crevices, and schools of bannerfish mixed with yellowback and naked fusiliers. Blue sea stars, sea urchins, leopard sea cucumbers and table corals carpeted the reef, joined by powder-blue angelfish, longnose butterflyfish and clouds of damselfish.

Dives two and three took place at Richelieu Rock, which was in full celebration mode. Three harlequin shrimps were busy with their sea star meals, while Chromodoris annulata, Cuthona sibogae and ghost pipefish added delicate details to the scene. Around them swirled the famous Richelieu gang: giant trevallies, bluefin trevallies, bigeye trevallies, rainbow runners, chevron barracudas and dense schools of yellowback and neon fusiliers. Glassfish shimmered around the pinnacles, constantly harassed by hunting jacks, while coral groupers, peacock groupers, batfish and sweetlips filled every layer of the reef. Soft corals, sea fans and hard coral bommies completed the festival atmosphere.

Our night dive at Bungalow, on the west side of Surin South, revealed a different mood. Giant lobsters roamed freely in the dark, black flatworms crept over the sand, brittle stars unfolded their arms and a small whitetip reef shark patrolled silently along the edge of the reef.

purple flabelina nudibranch - Cuthona sibogae

Harlequin shrimp in Thailand Andaman Liveaboard

purple flabelina nudibranch - Cuthona sibogae 2

Day 3 – Similan National Park

Two morning dives at Koh Tachai Pinnacle delivered excellent visibility and constant motion around the main, second and third pinnacles. Giant trevallies, bluefin and golden trevallies hunted alongside rainbow runners and dogtooth tuna. Schools of fusiliers, including yellowback, scissortail, neon and variable-lined fusiliers, streamed past in silver ribbons, mixed with five-lined snappers and goatfish. Marble groupers were joined by coral groupers and peacock groupers, while triggerfish, blennies, wrasses and parrotfish animated the reef. Sea stars, feather stars and soft corals clung to the granite slopes.

The third dive explored Koh Bon Pinnacle and North Ridge. Maldivian sponge snails decorated the rocks, surrounded by schools of fusiliers and sea chubs, humpnose big-eye bream and longnose emperors. Squat shrimps and anemone crabs hid among soft corals with Clark’s anemonefish, while sweetlips and multiple snapper species hovered above the reef.

At sunset, Koh Bon Ridge and Bay came alive with octopus activity and a colony of Haminoea cymbalum. Giant lobsters, moray eels, sweetlips, wrasses, parrotfish and triggerfish emerged as the light faded. During the crossing to the Similan Islands, a pod of dolphins escorted the boat, riding the bow wave almost the entire way.

White eyes moray eel, Andaman Sea liveaboard

Diver with maldive sponge snail, Andaman Sea liveaboard

Day 4 – Similan National Park and Crossing

The day began at Three Trees, where massive barrel sponges crowned deep boulders covered in pink and purple soft corals. Garden eels danced above the sand as dogtooth tuna patrolled the blue. Bluefin trevallies, Durban dancing shrimps, a young hawksbill turtle and blue-spotted stingrays rounded out the scene, joined by sweetlips, wrasses, parrotfish, fusiliers, snappers, basslets, groupers, butterflyfish, angelfish and surgeonfish.

At Elephant Head Rock, a young hawksbill turtle rested inside a swim-through while blue ribbon eels waved from the sand. Trevallies and emperors cruised past large granite formations dotted with hard corals and sea fans.
West of Eden offered a lush reefscape with banded sea snakes, blackspotted and oriental sweetlips, and Thuridilla undula. Wrasses, parrotfish, fusiliers, snappers, basslets, groupers, angelfish, triggerfish, rabbitfish and moray eels filled the coral gardens.

durban dancing shrimp in Thailand Andaman Sea

Juvenile wrass thailandf diving tropical fish

another cool nudi of thailand - Bornella anguilla

Day 5 – Koh Lanta National Park

Koh Haa Lagoon welcomed us with calm water and beautiful light. Tigertail cowries, a colony of Chelidonura on the sand, common porcupinefish and oriental sweetlips shared the lagoon with wrasses, parrotfish, fusiliers, snappers, basslets, small groupers, butterflyfish, angelfish and surgeonfish. Sea cucumbers and sea urchins dotted the sandy patches between coral heads.

At Koh Haa Yai, also known as Cathedral, Bornella anguilla hid deep inside the cave, while Phidiana militaris waited at the exit. Multiple Phyllidia species and Glossodoris cincta adorned the walls. Schools of checkered snappers, bluefin trevallies and batfish circled outside, while coral groupers and fusiliers moved through shafts of light. Jellyfish drifting nearby attracted filefish and naked fusiliers.

Hin Muang revealed juvenile ghost pipefish among soft corals, surrounded by sweetlips, wrasses, parrotfish, fusiliers, snappers, basslets, groupers, butterflyfish, angelfish, triggerfish and moray eels.

The sunset dive at Hin Daeng closed the day with schools of batfish, anemone crabs tending Clark’s anemonefish eggs, giant moray eels and golden trevallies, all set against a backdrop of red soft corals, sea fans and busy reef life.

koh lanta national park, Andaman Sea liveaboard

Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park

Our first dive at Hin Paad, also known as Eight Mile, revealed a unique reef coated in yellow and green hard corals, mainly lettuce coral and sheet coral. Curious great barracudas, schools of jacks, rainbow runners and giant trevallies cruised by, while ghost pipefish hovered near the reef. Fusiliers filled the water column, and white-eye and fimbriated moray eels patrolled the cracks, joined by angelfish, butterflyfish, scorpionfish and surgeonfish.

At Koh Adang Rock, the dive shifted between muck and boulders. Chromodoris risbecia pulchella, scorpionfish, elegant crinoid squat lobsters and translucent porcelain crabs nestled inside purple soft corals, with sea stars and feather stars scattered across the slope.

Stonehenge delivered its trademark colours, with layers of red, orange, yellow, purple, blue, green and white soft corals covering the structures. Tigertail seahorse clung to gorgonians, various damselfish defended their territories, and common porcupinefish hovered above the reef. Lionfish, sea urchins, wrasses, parrotfish and triggerfish completed the vibrant scene.

While one group enjoyed a sunset dive at Koh Taru with familiar reef residents and hunting moray eels, others opted for a blackwater dive off Koh Lipe. Remoras searched for hosts, tiny squids flashed and released ink, and larval fish, jelly creatures and drifting crustaceans floated through the darkness.

trumpetfish in koh lipe, Andaman Sea Thailand

out of a blackwater dive in thailand, andaman sea

Clownfish in purple anemone, Andaman Sea

diver looking at a jellyfish on a blackwater dive

Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park

At Koh Rock Reef, octopus explored the reef among giant barrel sponges. Schools of naked and yellowback fusiliers streamed past black surgeonfish, Durban dancing shrimps and giant moray eels. Juvenile lobsters hid in cracks alongside wrasses, parrotfish, butterflyfish and angelfish.

The second dive split between Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Bornella anguilla reappeared at Hin Muang, while both sites delivered schools of batfish, rainbow runners and giant trevallies against dramatic drop-offs covered in soft corals.

Our third dive at Koh Haa Yai, Cathedral, featured giant moray eels tucked inside barrel sponges, Chromodoris annulata and Risbecia pulchella decorating the walls, and steady schools of fusiliers and snappers circling the entrance.

Our final dive of the day took us back to Koh Haa Neua and its famous Chimney, a vertical swim-through packed with life from top to bottom. Along the walls, we spotted Cuthona siboage and doriprismatica atromarginata (glossodoris) while a juvenile two-color parrotfish hovered cautiously near the coral. Moray eels were hidden deep inside the chimney, accompanied by scorpionfish, blennies and curious wrasses peeking out from the cracks. Above the opening, schools of fusiliers and snappers cruised by, joined by sweetlips, angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, surgeonfish and groupers. Seastars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins dotted the reef, and the entire structure was coated in a beautiful mix of soft corals and hard corals, providing a colorful and serene end to the diving day.

Nudibranches matting behavior, Andaman Sea liveaboard

Orange spotted pipefish, Andaman Sea Thailand

Day 8 – Final Goodbye

One last dive at Shark Point rounded off the trip with blue-spotted stingrays, snowflake moray eel, schools of snappers, fusiliers, butterflyfish, angelfish and clouds of glassfish over healthy hard corals and sea fans. After surfacing, we headed to Chok Thaworn Pier in Phuket to say goodbye to our Dive Buddy group, closing a memorable North and South Andaman journey aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse.

nutella crepe on The MV Smiling Seahorse

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Trip report: Thailand North Andaman Xmas Trip 23–27 December 2025

5/1/2026

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Day 1 – From Ranong to the Surin National Park

We welcomed our divers and snorkellers from Belgium, Finland, Bulgaria, Germany, China and the US, then picked up our Norwegian family and a guest from Japan in Koh Payam before setting course north toward the Surin National Park. A relaxed crossing, salty air, and that familiar feeling that a good trip is about to unfold.

Day 2 – Surin National Park

Our check dive took place at Koh Chi Reef, part of the Surin Islands. These remote islands are home to the Moken people, sea nomads who have lived in harmony with the ocean for generations. Shallow reefs, sandy slopes and healthy coral gardens make this area ideal for a gentle start.
With crystal-clear visibility, we encountered an abundance of reef life: false anemonefish, Clark’s anemonefish, moray eels, damselfish, cleaning shrimps, garden eels dancing in the white sand, and schools of five-lined snappers. Parrotfish such as blue-barred parrotfish and bullethead parrotfish grazed the reef, while small groupers including coral groupers and peacock groupers hovered near coral heads. Wrasses were everywhere: cleaner wrasse, moon wrasse, and sixline wrasse flashing between rocks. Our snorkellers were rewarded with an exciting sight: three blacktip reef sharks hunting in the shallows.

We then headed to the legendary Richelieu Rock for dives 2, 3, and our night dive. This isolated limestone pinnacle rises from deep water and acts as a magnet for pelagic life and dense reef action.
The gang was fully assembled: giant trevallies, bluefin trevallies, bigeye trevallies, large schools of rainbow runners, batfish, and hunting yellowtail barracuda and chevron barracuda. Morays were everywhere, from white-eye moray eels to fimbriated moray eels and massive giant moray eels. We spotted juvenile clown triggerfish, schools of yellowback fusiliers and two-spot fusiliers, five-lined snappers, along with Chromodoris annulata and its eggs, Chromodoris geometrica, and Cuthona sibogae.

Night dive: a true nudibranch festival. Crabs and shrimps emerged, white-eye moray eels hunted actively, octopus roamed the reef, and Glossodoris atromarginata glided over sponges. Sleeping fish included parrotfish wrapped in mucus cocoons, squirrelfish, soldierfish, and sweetlips tucked under ledges, while Spanish dancers and hunting lionfish completed the nocturnal scene.

Wonderfull undewater scene in the Andaman Sea

Video | Hunting Trevallies swarm the reef

Day 3 – Similan National Park

Dive 1: Koh Bon Pinnacle
Massive schools of fusiliers surrounded the pinnacle: yellowback fusiliers, gold-striped fusiliers, neon fusiliers, manylined fusiliers, and blue and gold fusiliers. Dogtooth tuna patrolled the blue, joined by small mackerels and passing barracudas. On the reef we found peacock mantis shrimp, stunning yellow and pink soft corals, and excellent visibility. Groupers included coral groupers, peacock groupers, and yellow-edged groupers. Parrotfish such as steephead parrotfish, blue-barred parrotfish, and bullethead parrotfish grazed constantly, while wrasses like African coris, moon wrasse, and bird wrasse mixed with clouds of damselfish.

Dive 2: Koh Bon Ridge and Bay
A rare highlight: octopus mating. Giant moray eels hunted in open water, batfish cruised slowly, and inside the bay we found the beautiful sea slug Haminoea cymbalum. Common reef fish included powder-blue surgeonfish, lined surgeonfish, oriental sweetlips, copperband butterflyfish, and schools of glassfish.

Dive 3: Koh Tachai Pinnacle
A high-energy dive with huge schools of giant trevallies, bluefin trevallies, and bigeye trevallies, swirling alongside dense barracuda formations. A giant grouper dominated the scene, while the boulders hid numerous giant lobsters. We also spotted blueface angelfish and royal angelfish, surrounded by schools of yellowback, twinstripe, and neon fusiliers. Reef life included potato groupers, coral groupers, parrotfish, wrasses, and clouds of anthias.

Dive 4: Tachai Reef
A calmer end to the day with a blacktip reef shark, a baby hawksbill turtle, and classic reef fish: surgeonfish, butterflyfish, wrasses, triggerfish, and schools of fusiliers sweeping over the reef.

Video | A school of chevron barracuda happily cuise past

Day 4 – Richelieu Rock & Surin South

Back at Richelieu Rock, the gang returned in full force: trevallies, rainbow runners, barracudas, and hunting tuna. Nudibranch highlights included Chromodoris risbecia pulcella, Elysia ornata, Cuthona sibogae, and Chromodoris annulata. We saw cleaner pipefish, octopus, massive schools of yellowback fusiliers, naked fusiliers, rabbitfish, glassfish under constant attack from predators, blue ribbon eels, harlequin shrimps, and endless fish action.

Dive 4 – Sunset at Surin South (“Bungalow”)
A magical sunset dive featuring Cuthona sibogae, epaulette surgeonfish, lined surgeonfish, oriental sweetlips, massive painted spiny lobsters, orange-banded pipefish, Thuridilla undula, Halgerda tessellata, Flabellina sp., Chromodoris geminus. Pelagics included pompano, dogtooth tuna, and schools of yellowback, twinstripe, and neon fusiliers, along with ring angelfish, blueface angelfish, and a cruising Napoleon wrasse.
Other groups experienced a blackwater dive: salps, mantis shrimp larvae, juvenile squids, crab larvae, snapper larvae, cornetfish larvae, and drifting siphonophores. Pure plankton poetry.

Squid Blackwater Diving Thailand Liveaboard

Crab Blackwater Diving Thailand Liveaboard

Larval Mantis Shrimp Blackwater Dive Thailand Liveaboard

Blackwater alien... Diving Thailand Liveaboard

Day 5 – Final Dives

Dive 1: Torinla Pinnacle
An exceptional final morning: Andaman sweetlips, mating Kuhl’s blue-spotted stingrays, yellow-edged lyretail groupers, peacock groupers, coral groupers, black-saddle groupers, juvenile peacock mantis shrimp, anemone crabs, Clark’s anemonefish, titan triggerfish, and bluespine unicornfish.

Final dive: Richelieu Rock
A grand finale with everything Richelieu is famous for: massive schools of trevallies and rainbow runners, dense barracuda formations, naked, neon, yellow back yellow lined fusiliers in every direction, hunting tuna, batfish, morays, nudibranchs, glassfish clouds, and that unmistakable feeling of being inside one of the most alive dive sites in the Andaman Sea.

Christmas dinner Andaman Sea Thailand Liveaboard

Christmas on The MV Smiling Seahorse Thailand Liveaboard

Christmas ambiance, Andaman Sea Liveaboard

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Trip Report | North Andaman | 7th to 14th April, 2026

Day 1 – Departure from Khao Lak to the Similan Islands

Day 2 – Similan National Park

Day 3 – Similan National Park

Day 4 – Similan National Park

Day 5 – Koh Bon & Koh Tachai

Nighttime adrenaline: Encountering Blacktip Reef Sharks under the cover of darkness at Koh Tachai is a highlight of the Andaman experience. | Denis Cadon

Day 6 – Surin National Park

Day 7 & 8 – Richelieu Rock

Day 8 - Return to Ranong

Trip report | Marine Biology cruise with Whale Shark specialist | 20th - 27th March 2026

Some expeditions are defined by what you see. Others by what you come to understand.​

​Day 2 – Surin National Park & Richelieu Rock

​Day 3 – Similan National Park, Koh Tachai & Koh Bon

​Day 4 – Similan Islands & Crossing

​Day 5 – Hin Daeng & Hin Mueang

​Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park

​Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park

A close-up of a Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) showing its distinctively patterned ​head and shell as it swims over a vibrant coral reef. | Renaud Liberge

​Day 8 – Koh Phi Phi & Final Dive

Trip report | 1st – 8th March 2026 | South & North Andaman Expedition

Day 1 – From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi National Park​

Ready To Dive | Vélika Marquis

​Day 2 – Koh Phi Phi National Park & Koh Lanta National Park

Day 3 – Koh Lanta National Park​

Day 4 – Similan National Park​

Day 5 – Similan National Park​

Day 6 – Similan National Park​

Day 7 – Surin National Park​

Day 8 – Return to Ranong​

The Richelieu Rock "Gang" | Udi Nehab

Trip report, 20th–27th February 2026, Thailand North and South Andaman Excursion

Day 1 – From Ranong to Surin National Park

Day 2 – Surin National Park

Day 3 – Similan National Park

Day 4 – Similan Islands

Day 5 – Koh Lanta National Park

Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park

Day 7 – Koh Lanta

Day 8 – Koh Phi Phi National Park

Eagle Ray at Shark Point | Video Taken by Dive Guide Vélika

Trip Report: Thailand South to North Andaman Liveaboard, 15–22 January 2026

Trip Report: Thailand North & South Andaman Trip, 6 to 13 January 2026

Day 1 – From Ranong to the Surin National Park​

Day 2 – Surin National Park​

Day 3 – Similan National Park​

Day 4 – Similan National Park and Crossing​

Day 5 – Koh Lanta National Park​

Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park​

Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park​

Day 8 – Final Goodbye​

Trip report: Thailand North Andaman Xmas Trip 23–27 December 2025

Day 1 – From Ranong to the Surin National Park​

Day 2 – Surin National Park​

Day 3 – Similan National Park​

Day 4 – Richelieu Rock & Surin South​

Day 5 – Final Dives​

The Smiling Seahorse Diving Blog

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Some expeditions are defined by what you see. Others by what you come to understand.

Day 2 – Surin National Park & Richelieu Rock

Day 3 – Similan National Park, Koh Tachai & Koh Bon

Day 4 – Similan Islands & Crossing

Day 5 – Hin Daeng & Hin Mueang

Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park

Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park

A close-up of a Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) showing its distinctively patterned
head and shell as it swims over a vibrant coral reef. | Renaud Liberge

Day 8 – Koh Phi Phi & Final Dive

Day 1 – From Phuket to Koh Phi Phi National Park

Day 2 – Koh Phi Phi National Park & Koh Lanta National Park

Day 3 – Koh Lanta National Park

Day 4 – Similan National Park

Day 5 – Similan National Park

Day 6 – Similan National Park

Day 7 – Surin National Park

Day 8 – Return to Ranong

Day 1 – From Ranong to the Surin National Park

Day 2 – Surin National Park

Day 3 – Similan National Park

Day 4 – Similan National Park and Crossing

Day 5 – Koh Lanta National Park

Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park

Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park

Day 8 – Final Goodbye

Day 1 – From Ranong to the Surin National Park

Day 2 – Surin National Park

Day 3 – Similan National Park

Day 4 – Richelieu Rock & Surin South

Day 5 – Final Dives