Day 1:
Starting off with a check dive in the warm and inviting waters of Kho Chi was the perfect way to ease back into the underwater world. The reef nestled between coral formations and stretches of pristine white sand set the tone for what turned out to be an exhilarating day.
Our tree next dives, at Richelieu Rock was a spectacle beyond compare. The marine life seemed to dance before our eyes. Witnessing the grand parade of trevally, long-nosed emperor, rainbow runner, and the imposing pick handle barracuda was a true underwater symphony. It's heartwarming to hear that our Harlequin shrimp family, seahorses, and ghost pipefish are still thriving in their habitat.
Among the many highlights were the majestic appearances of the giant and white-eye moray eels. However, the cherry on top was undoubtedly the sunset encounter with the Jenkins stingray and the stunning Eagle ray. The sheer magnificence of these creatures against the backdrop of the setting sun was a moment frozen in time....

Day 2:
was a thrilling extension of our underwater odyssey! Our exploration led us to Tachai Pinnacle and Kho Bon, where nature continued to unveil its mysteries. The North Ridge treated us to the elegant spectacle of two guitar sharks gliding effortlessly through the waters, a sight that never fails to captivate.
Venturing further, the West Ridge unfolded a mesmerizing encounter with an octopus and a colossal marble ray, its sheer size and grace mesmerizing as it effortlessly navigated the currents. Each sighting added to the day's excitement, leaving us in constant wonder at the diversity and beauty of marine life.

The adventure continued as we explored Tachai Pinnacle and Kho Bon where nature continued to unveil its mysteries. The North Ridge treated us to the elegant spectacle of 2 guitar sharks gliding effortlessly through the waters, a sight that never fails to captivate. We also encountered octopus and a massive marble ray hovering in the current at the west ridge. 

Day 3:
The third day ushered us into the serene embrace of the Similan National Park where the underwater world revealed even more of its treasures. Diving into the depths of 3 Trees and Elephant Head, we were treated to sightings that delighted our senses. The presence of two white-tip sharks, a majestic leopard shark, and the grandeur of a big nurse shark gracing us with their presence was awe-inspiring.
The underwater landscape at West of Eden welcomed us in the afternoon with the playful antics of an intelligent octopus, showcasing its remarkable intelligence and inquisitive nature. 

Day 4:
Our fourth day was an absolute marvel that felt like a gift from the ocean itself! Our adventure began with a visit to Koh Haa, where the "Cathedral" site unfolded its wonders before our eyes. Delving into three captivating caves and emerging in the embrace of the Cathedral itself was nothing short of breathtaking. The sheer grandeur and beauty of this underwater marvel were awe-inspiring, leaving us in silent appreciation of nature's artistry.
Moving to the "Lagoon," we were greeted by the crystal-clear, warm waters that provided the perfect canvas for a mesmerizing dive. Against the backdrop of pristine white sand, the diversity of marine life danced before us, showcasing the vibrant tapestry thriving beneath the surface.
However, the highlight of the day unfolded in the afternoon at Hin Muang and Hin Dang, where the ocean gifted us an experience beyond compare - swimming alongside majestic Oceanic Manta Rays. Encounter after encounter, we were blessed to witness at least four of these magnificent creatures, each one a testament to the sheer grace and magnificence of the ocean's inhabitants. One of them graced us with an intimate 15-minute dance, spinning around us as if in a choreographed ballet, leaving us in a state of gratitude and sheer amazement.
This encounter with the Oceanic Manta Rays was more than just a dive; it was a soul-stirring experience that left us feeling deeply connected to the ocean and its magnificent inhabitants. Day 4 will forever remain etched in our hearts as a day of profound wonder and gratitude for the beauty that lies beneath the waves.

Day 5:
Christmas Day, was a celebration of wonder and underwater marvels in the Koh Lipe area. Our morning unfolded across Kho Yang East, Pattaya Corner treating us to a treasure trove of macro wonders.

The underwater world seemed to be adorned with a plethora of intricate life forms - nudibranches, ghost pipefish, pipefish, and the delightful presence of seahorses, each one a tiny marvel in its own right.
The afternoon dive at "8 Mile" brought us into the midst of a bustling underwater metropolis, surrounded by a bustling school of trevally. It was an immersive experience to hang around with the giant trevally, witnessing their majestic presence in their natural habitat. The sea seemed to come alive, each creature adding its unique charm to the Christmas festivities unfolding beneath the waves.
As the day drew to a close, the underwater adventures became cherished memories, and we gathered to celebrate Christmas Eve with hearts full of joy and gratitude. Each dive had gifted us moments of sheer amazement and a deeper connection to the underwater world. It was a day not just of diving but of embracing the enchantment that the ocean graciously bestowed upon us, leaving us with memories that will forever sparkle like treasures in our hearts.

Day 6:
Boxing day brought us back to the captivating Hin Muang/Hin Dang, and once again, the underwater world dazzled us with its diverse and vibrant marine life. The day was a kaleidoscope of mesmerizing encounters that left us in awe of nature's intricate tapestry thriving beneath the waves.Among the many highlights, the sighting of a stonefish served as a reminder of the ocean's hidden wonders, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. The friendly school of batfish accompanying us on our underwater journey added a delightful touch, their playful presence a testament to the curious nature of marine life.
The underwater landscape was further adorned by the presence of great barracuda, jackfish, African Pompano, and the imposing giant grouper, each one commanding attention with its unique allure. The bustling activity of tuna mackerel added to the dynamic energy of the dive, while the appearance of a honeycomb moray eel and the graceful movement of pipefish completed the day's vibrant encounters.

Day 7:
Our last day of diving, marked the culmination of our extraordinary Christmas trip around Koh Phiphi national park. Our exploration led us to two captivating dive sites: Bida Nok and the mesmerizing Shark Point. Little did we know that our luck would continue to grace us with incredible sightings, making this day a fitting conclusion to our underwater adventure.
At Shark Point's breathtaking pinnacle, nature unveiled its wonders yet again. Our dives were graced by the majestic presence of both a leopard shark and a guitar shark, their serene movements adding a touch of awe to the underwater landscape. The surroundings, adorned with giant barrel sponges and delicate sea fans, created a truly magical atmosphere, enhancing the beauty of the encounter.
Amidst these incredible sightings, the ocean seemed to put on a grand spectacle for our farewell, presenting us with a vibrant school of chevron barracuda, a mesmerizing sight of thousands of fusiliers, and the spirited presence of bluefin jackfish. 
As we surfaced from our final dive, our hearts were filled with a mix of emotions—a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the breathtaking experiences, yet a tinge of melancholy that our adventure had come to an end. It was an incredible way to conclude our fantastic Christmas trip, leaving us with memories that will be cherished and reminisced upon forever.
Day 7 was more than just a dive; it was a graceful finale to a journey that submerged us in the beauty, diversity, and magnificence of the underwater world.

Thanks to our amazing guests for choosing The Smiling Seahorse and a big hug to Jeff, who already came countless time with us onboard The Smiling Seahorse (and its predecessor, Thai Sea). Also a big thank you for the lovely photos you shared with us to illustrate this blogpost in Franck's Absence! We really enjoyed sharing these underwater adventures with you. Looking forward to more!!!

Exploring the underwater wonders of Thailand was an expedition that brought together a diverse group of adventurers hailing from Hungary, the USA, Malaysia, Romania, Switzerland, and France. Our journey was a kaleidoscope of breathtaking dives, vibrant marine life encounters, and awe-inspiring moments that stitched together unforgettable memories.
As we bid farewell to Phuket, our compass directed us towards Koh Haa fondly known  “The 5 Islands”, where our check dive unfolded in the serene embrace of the "Lagoon." Within a first five minutes underwater, our first Ghost Pipefish of the cruise made an entrance, a testament to the beauty awaiting us this week. Traversing through vibrant coral reefs, we found ourselves amid a pristine white sand expanse, a picturesque lagoon that set the tone for our extraordinary voyage.

​For our second day, after cruising during the night, we wake up at Hin Muang/Hin Daeng, the purple and the red rock, in the middle of the sea, no land at sight! In Thai Hin means Rock, Muang means purple and Daeng means red. These colossal underwater structures, are named after the prominent colors of the soft corals covering them (in shades of purple and red). They house a bustling community of red tooth triggerfish and a majestic Manta Ray passed us by bestowing their grace upon us.

Transitioning to Day 6 in the Similan National Park, we explored infamous dive sites like Elephant Head, a giant underwater playground amidst colossal granite boulders where we go from one swim-through to another inhabited by colourful nudibranchs, ribbon eels. The fortuitous sighting of the White tip reef Shark added an exhilarating dimension to our underwater escapade.
 
On day 7th, we explored Koh Bon and Koh Tachai were some of us spotted a giant guitarfish and plenty of fish action!

Once again, Richelieu Rock proved to be a breathtaking sight, living up to its reputation of astonishing beauty on the 8th and last day of our South + North Expedition. Richelieu Rock is rated as one of the top 10 best dive sites in the world but it is always mind blowing to witness its breathtaking beauty, thriving biodiversity, and vibrant activity. Seahorses, harlequin Shrimp, Candy Crabs, schools of Longnose Emperor, Rainbow Runners, Giant Trevallies embellished our dives. However, the highlight was the remarkable congregation of Jenkins Sting Rays, a sight to behold, embellishing the sandy bottoms all around Richelieu Rock!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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There are many species of trigger fish who belongs to the Balistidae family. They live in shallow water near coral reef except for the oceanic triggerfish (Canthidermis maculata) who's spend his life in the blue.

The most know, specially for his aggressive behavior against divers, is the Titan Triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens). They are in fact protecting their eggs.

​Female will lay their eggs few days before new and full moon after male and female will perform some prespawnings behavior like blowing and touching, to create their nest on sandy or rocky area. They will blow water to create a hole in the floor where the female will lays his eggs. The male will protect and defend the territory from any species swimming too close, and also from the other male triggerfish. Generally, a male will fecund the eggs of few females within his territory.

They are known to attack diver who are swimming too close to their nest, and a common diver mistake would be to escape them by shallowing up. Their territory is in a cone shape from the nest getting bigger while going up. So the good reaction would be to swim away horizontal to get out of their zone quickly, keeping our fins in the direction of the fish to avoid any harm.

Another good way to avoid any attack would be to observe their change of behavior.

​They would rise their dorsal fin first, then lean on one side as a last warning, then finally if we are getting even closer to them, they will swim towards us trying to bite whatever they can catch.
This generally happen only when they are keeping an eye on their eggs...

Another trigger fish we love is the clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) with its white dots on the lower part of the body and its yellow blotch on the back and the face.
​They are less common than the titan, the redtooth or the yellow margin, but still can be found in the archipelago.

The redtooth triggerfish (Odonus niger) live specially on our pinnacle and like when there is current.
​They will go and hide in cracks and little cavities to rest. They form school and eat mainly plankton.

The yellowmargin triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) is also very common in the archipelago. It lives in coral reefs and can grow up to 60 cm.

As the North Andaman cruise season drew to a close, with Surin and Similan national parks closing on May 15th, we embarked on our final voyage from May 10th to May 14th, 2023.
Welcoming back a group of cherished return guests from Hong Kong filled our hearts with joy and gratitude. Beginning at Tap Lamu pier and concluding in Ranong, our long-established home port, this itinerary offered a fitting end to a remarkable season. Soon, The Smiling Seahorse would enjoy a well-deserved rest, preparing to return in October, ready to welcome adventurers with renewed vigor.

Throughout this memorable cruise, the wonders of the Andaman Sea continued to amaze us. Our underwater explorations introduced us to a diverse array of marine creatures, delighting both new and seasoned divers alike. From the tigertail seahorse, gracefully hiding among the corals, to the impressive schools of batfish and emperors, the marine life surrounding us painted a vivid tapestry of colors and movement.
We were fortunate to encounter the majestic hawksbill turtle, gliding through the waters with elegance and grace. Yellow goatfish and giant moray eels added to the ever-changing tableau, while giant lobsters peeked out from their hidden crevices, offering us a glimpse into their secret world.

Our journey brought us face-to-face with fascinating creatures such as the bent stick pipefish and the elusive ghost pipefish. Their intricate forms and ability to blend seamlessly with their surroundings left us in awe of nature's ingenuity. The vibrant yellow margin triggerfish and the charming pufferfish added bursts of color to our underwater encounters. Not to be forgotten, the mantis shrimp and the orangutan crab showcased the fascinating diversity of crustaceans that call the Andaman Sea home.
A highlight of our adventure was the blackwater dive, where we delved into an otherworldly realm. Amidst the darkness, we were captivated by the graceful movements of pretty squids and a multitude of mysterious crustaceans. This alien world reminded us of the boundless wonders that lie beneath the surface, awaiting discovery.

The camaraderie and shared experiences on this final cruise of the season created an atmosphere of both sadness and happiness. We bid farewell to the wonders of the underwater world with mixed emotions, grateful for the memories we had created together. The smiles, laughter, and sense of awe will forever be etched in our hearts.
To our beloved return guests from Hong Kong, we express our deepest gratitude for choosing to journey with us once again. Your enthusiasm, camaraderie, and love for the underwater world added immeasurable joy to our final cruise of the season.

As The Smiling Seahorse finds solace in its well-deserved rest, our crew will diligently prepare for the upcoming season, ensuring that the vessel is ready and even more inviting for the adventures that lie ahead. We eagerly await the time when we can once again explore the remarkable underwater landscapes of the Andaman Sea together.
Until then, we bid farewell to the diving season, cherishing the memories and counting down the days until we can embark on new journeys, surrounded by the wonder of the underwater world.

Guests: America, China, Switzerland, Taiwan, Andorra, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Canada, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Germany.
Our North and South Andaman cruise embarked on a week-long journey filled with exploration, adventure, and a delightful mix of guests from around the globe. From April 25th to May 2nd, 2023, we set sail from Tap Lamu pier, eager to uncover the captivating underwater wonders that awaited us.
​
Surrounded by an international camaraderie, we began our expedition with a remarkable start. The first day brought us to the renowned Surin National Park, where the marine world welcomed us with open arms. Delving into the turquoise waters, we were greeted by the mesmerizing sight of Kulh's stingrays gliding gracefully across the sandy seabed. The garden eels and vibrant fish added to the vibrant tapestry of marine life. With exceptional visibility, the underwater realm unfolded before our eyes, revealing its true magnificence.

Next on our itinerary was the legendary Richelieu Rock, a destination that left us in awe. This submerged pinnacle proved to be a cornucopia of marine diversity. As we descended into its depths, we were surrounded by an abundance of life. Schools of fish in all shapes, sizes, and colors, ghost pipefishes hiding among the soft and hard corals, and the regal presence of Harlequin Shrimps captivated our senses. Everywhere we turned, glass fishes twinkled in the sunlight, creating an ethereal spectacle that will forever be etched in our memories.

To our esteemed guests, we hope you thoroughly enjoyed the trip and experienced unforgettable moments. Your presence and enthusiasm added an extra layer of joy to our adventure. We extend our sincere gratitude to each of you for choosing The Smiling Seahorse as your gateway to the wonders of the Andaman Sea.

Continuing our journey south through the archipelago, we arrived at the Similan National Park. The second day was spent exploring the vibrant dive sites of Koh Tachai and Koh Bon followed by the wonders of Three Trees, Elephant Head Rock, and West of Eden, treating us to four exhilarating dives, including an enchanting night dive.

​Our encounters with turtles, lobsters, barracudas, trevallies, fusiliers, and the delicate beauty of Spanish dancer eggs added to the tapestry of marine life we witnessed.
The blackwater dive that night added an extra touch of intrigue, revealing the mysterious creatures that inhabit the depths of the sea.

The following days we crossed over to the South Andaman Sea starting with Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. These dive sites in the Koh Lanta National Park offered a different perspective, emphasizing macro marvels and showcasing a plethora of nudibranchs and crustaceans as well as a cool albeit grumpy Stone fish. The rich biodiversity hidden within the coral reefs was a testament to the delicate balance of nature.

As we ventured further, the stunning coral reefs of Tarutao National Park near the pretty Koh Lipe island captivated our senses. The impressive underwater landscapes dazzled us, offering glimpses into a thriving marine ecosystem.
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Our journey culminated in the enchanting Phi Phi Islands and Shark Point. Here, we encountered the graceful blacktip reef sharks, alongside a multitude of beautiful nudibranchs and flatworms. The marine life surrounding us was a testament to the splendor and diversity that the Andaman Sea has to offer.

We split ways in Phuket with hearts full of gratitude, reminiscing about the extraordinary marine encounters and the shared moments of awe and wonder. To our esteemed guests, we express our deepest appreciation for joining us on this extraordinary adventure. The memories we have created together will forever be treasured.

We hope you all enjoyed the trip and had an amazing time with us.
Thank you for choosing The Smilling Seahorse! 

Ahoy! Me hearties! Get ready for a diving adventure reprot that will make your heart skip a beat!

The MV Smiling Seahorse has just taken off on an 8-day trip, cruising from the southern border with Malaysia to the northern border with Myanmar. We welcomed 14 guests from different corners of the world, all eager to explore the Andaman coast of Thailand with us. From Canada to Australia, everyone was thrilled to dive into the deep blue and witness the breathtaking marine life of Thailand.

Our first day kicked off in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, where we encountered an array of stunning sea creatures. We saw stonefish, mantis spearing fish, batfish, and even huge tuna swimming around the dive sites. As we explored the park, we learned that Ko Lanta was once known as "Pulao Satak," which means "Long Beach Island" in Malay. Later, many Thais, both Buddhist and Muslim, moved to the island making the island known as the island of "a million eyes" ("lan ta" in Thai).

Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะลันตา) is a national park in the southern part of Krabi Province, Thailand, consisting of several islands, beautiful beaches and diverse marine life, it's no wonder people from all over the world flock to this destination.

On the second day, we ventured to Tarutao National Park and 8 Miles Rock for the first 2 dives, where we witnessed schools of fish hanging in the split of the current and huge trevallis! The famous Stonehenge saw our divers in the afternoon. it is such a stunning site with soft and hard coral mixing perfectly with barrel sponges and all types of anemone and we got super lucky meeting this cool fish: bearded leatherjacket (photo top left). Truly one of the weirdest fish you can encounter on a dive. With its distinct, tough-looking appearance and rough skin, this fish is truly a sight to behold. The bearded leatherjacket (Anacanthus barbatus) is typically found in rocky reefs and kelp beds in the southern hemisphere, and can grow up to 60cm in length. Despite its tough apparence, it's actually quite friendly and curious, often swimming up to divers to check them out. So if you're lucky enough to spot a bearded leatherjacket on your next dive, take a moment to appreciate this amazing creature!

A lot of people know Koh Lipe but don't know it is part of the Tarutao National Park with hundreds of small islands scattered from 20 to 70 kilometres from the south-westernmost point of mainland Thailand. 

Another exciting experiences we had on the trip was to take two blackwater dives. Pelagic nudibranchs, flounders, and pelagic snake hanging out with a remora in the darkness were all part of the fun! 

After lipe we went back west passing a day through Lanta National park again to dive more amazing dive sites around Koh Haa and then crossed overnight to the Similan islands where we leisurely explored Southern islands for a day and the northern islands for the second day.

Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are two very popular dive sites in the North of the Similans and had us spellbound: The schools of glass fish were so dense that it was difficult to see through them and the hunting trevalli were coming from everywhere at the same time for the feast!

The next day we were thrilled to stay around the great pinnacle of Richelieu Rock in the Surin National Park for the whole day. The photographer among us had a hard time deciding between their macro or wide-angle lens due to the abundance of marine life big and small!