Category: Richelieu Rock

Thailand Liveaboard Adventure: Diving Richelieu Rock & Exploring the North Andaman Sea from 6th to 10th of November 2024

16/11/2024

Similan diving safari, cute seahorse at richelieu rock

Our latest North Andaman diving safari was an incredible journey, welcoming a diverse group of guests from Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, the UK, and Switzerland on the MV Smiling Seahorse liveaboard. This was a perfect opportunity for divers to immerse themselves in Thailand’s top dive sites, including the famous Richelieu Rock. We set sail from Ranong on November 6th, eager to explore the underwater wonders of the Surin Islands, Koh Tachai, Koh Bon, and Richelieu Rock.

Day 1: Surin Islands National Park - A Thrilling Start

The adventure began at the Surin Islands, one of the Andaman Sea’s most cherished dive destinations. Our first dive was at Koh Chi, ideal for a check dive and a gentle introduction to the marine life and underwater seascape. Moving forward, we explored Aow Pragaad and Yellow Rock. The day wrapped up back at Aow Pragaad with a night dive that was truly unforgettable!

For Jeanne and Jeoren, it was their first-ever night dive, and the thrill of witnessing the underwater world transform after dark was magical. Moray eels emerged to hunt, gliding skillfully through the rocky crevices, while parrotfish nestled into corals for a safe slumber. One of the highlights was the millions of tiny shrimp eyes reflecting the dive lights, creating a glittering spectacle that mesmerized everyone. The sense of mystery and excitement of night diving set a perfect tone for the days to come.

School of sweetlips in Surin islands national park

sweetlip are one of my favorite to photograph as they line up so well if you approach them carefully!

Stunning table coral set against the vibrant deep blue of the Andaman Sea.

Day 2: Koh Tachai and Koh Bon – Encounters with Sharks and Giant Groupers

Our second day brought us to Koh Tachai, home to an incredible underwater pinnacle renowned for its variety of marine life. The granite boulders here are habitat to diverse species, from surgeonfish and schools of batfish to the stunning yellowtail and chevron barracudas. Divers were thrilled to discover a colony of lobsters tucked within the rocks, while the sighting of a blacktip reef shark was an unexpected treat!

Playing with a new lens.... what do you think?

Diver with red whip coral and tomato grouper in the Andaman Sea, showcasing Thailand's vibrant marine life.

Diver exploring a vibrant red whip coral with a striking tomato grouper in the Andaman Sea.

Later, at Koh Bon, we focused on the cleaning station near the North Ridge. Batfish gathered to be “cleaned,” and our underwater photographers seized the moment to capture the unique behavior up close. A few brave divers ventured to the deep pinnacle at Koh Bon, rewarded with 40-meter visibility and a stunning view of a massive batfish school cruising over the sandy bottom.

Potato grouper (Epinephelus tukula) swimming near a colorful coral reef in the Andaman Sea, showcasing Thailand's rich marine biodiversity.

Majestic potato grouper gliding along a vibrant coral reef, a true highlight of Thailand’s underwater beauty.

School of bigeye trevally hovering over a large seafan in the Andaman Sea’s deep blue waters, highlighting Thailand's diverse marine life.

A school of bigeye trevally swirling above a giant seafan in the deep blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

The day ended with a blackwater dive, a unique experience for many of our guests. Suspended over the open ocean in the dark, they marveled at the bioluminescent plankton and the parade of unique deep-sea creatures drifting up from the depths—a truly surreal experience.

Our "Blackwater Boy," affectionately nicknamed "Bright Pumpkin," gearing up for an exciting blackwater dive.

Juvenile crab encountered on a blackwater dive, illustrating early developmental stages before maturing into an adult crab.

Tiny juvenile crab spotted on a blackwater dive, showcasing one of its fascinating developmental phases before reaching adulthood.

Days 3 & 4: The Iconic Richelieu Rock – A Diver’s Paradise

Richelieu Rock was the highlight of our journey, known worldwide as one of Thailand’s top dive sites. Over two days, we dove multiple times at Richelieu, each dive revealing more of its secrets. The resident “gang” of Richelieu Rock, consisting of long nose emperors, jackfish, and rainbow runners, created thrilling underwater encounters as they darted around in synchronized hunting displays. Divers felt enveloped by this lively school as they passed by from every direction.

Reef at Richelieu Rock covered in glassfish, set against clear blue waters with outstanding visibility, highlighting Thailand’s vibrant underwater scenery.

Richelieu Rock’s reef blanketed in shimmering glassfish, with crystal-clear blue waters and excellent visibility.

Tiger egg cowries spotted on Richelieu Rock, showcasing the diverse marine life found in Thailand's Andaman Sea.

Richelieu Rock is home to the beautiful tiger egg cowries, adding to its rich marine biodiversity.

Colorful fish of various shapes surrounding Richelieu Rock, capturing the lively marine life at this famous dive site in Thailand.

Richelieu Rock teeming with vibrant fish of all shapes and colors, swirling in from every direction.

Close-up of clownfish eggs with developing eyes, highlighting the vibrant marine life at Richelieu Rock in Surin National park.

Meet the new generation: Clownfish eggs, staring back at you with tiny eyes, ready to hatch.

On the east side, we encountered the area’s famous great barracudas and batfish, pausing by the reef for cleaning. Meanwhile, the western side of Richelieu held surprises, from groupers stationed atop deep pinnacles covered with shimmering glass fish to countless reef species like parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish hiding within anemones. Our divers couldn’t get enough of the lively interactions between various shrimp, crabs, and the resident moray eels tucked within the rocky crevices.

The standout moment came during our final dive at Richelieu Rock. A tiny seahorse clung to a piece of rope at a depth of 29 meters, its delicate frame and vibrant colors creating a moment of awe. Seeing such a rare and graceful creature was the perfect way to cap off our exploration of Richelieu Rock, and it was our first seahorse sighting of the season!

Trevally hunting glassfish in a dramatic underwater chase, capturing the intense predator-prey interaction at Richelieu Rock.

The hunt is on: Trevally and glassfish engage in their final, thrilling dance of survival.

Baby seahorse found at Richelieu Rock, marking a special discovery in Thailand’s rich marine ecosystem.

My highlight this week was discovering this adorable baby seahorse at Richelieu Rock! Born recently, we’re hoping to spot his brothers and sisters in the coming weeks!

School of trevally hunting glassfish, illustrating the abundance of marine life at Richelieu Rock, Thailand.

There must be plenty of new glassfish to satisfy the hunger of so many eager trevally!

School of batfish swimming in the vibrant blue waters of the Andaman Sea, showcasing Thailand’s diverse marine life.

A stunning school of batfish gliding through the crystal-clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

Certifications Earned and Celebrations

A big congratulations to everyone who completed a course with us this week: Jeanne, Jeoren, Jose, Christoph, and Daniella!
From adventure dives to full Advanced Open Water certifications, and even deep and night specialties, you all achieved incredible progress. The varied conditions at each site offered the perfect conditions for honing your skills, making this Thailand liveaboard experience even more memorable. Fantastic work, everyone!

Happy group of divers enjoying a shared experience exploring Surin and Similan’s vibrant marine life.

What a lovely group of divers to share these unforgettable underwater adventures with!

Divers celebrating their course achievements, with hopes to return for more adventures in the Andaman Sea.

Congratulations to those who took a class with us! We look forward to seeing you all again very soon!

Reflections and Farewells

We concluded our Similan diving safari filled with memories of vibrant marine life, scenic underwater landscapes, and unique experiences shared with a passionate and adventurous group of divers. The camaraderie and laughter on board were a testament to the spirit of liveaboard diving—building connections with fellow divers and sharing our passion for the underwater world.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on this unforgettable North Andaman journey.
Until next time, happy bubbles!

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Trip report: an incredible start to the season with a Whale Shark and 2 Mantas at Richelieu rock!

28/10/2024

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Here we are! The season has started again with an incredible start in the north Similan and Surin. First of all we were alone on Richelieu Rock for 7 consecutive dives due to bad weather conditions in Kao Lak and Phuket, forbidding other boats to leave the harbour.
- Truth is, up north it was fine and we didn't have to change our plans. We got 10 dives on RR!
Second, the highlight was not only 1 whale shark, that paid us a quick visit, but 2 different Mantas over 2 days!
Only 1 word comes to me... "WOW!!!!!"

For this first trip of the season we were pleased to share some fantastic dives with a small group of divers from the USA, Israel, and Austria and excited to welcome back Walter Marti, a wonderful videographer for some interesting sessions on Underwater Videography and how to make a stunning movie out of your next diving vacations... (His Video of the trip is coming soon and I can't wait to share it with you!)

On Day 1, after bidding farewell to Ranong on the 21st of October, we embarked on a six-hour cruise that led us to our first dive site in the breathtaking Surin Islands National Park. Our journey began with a customary check dive at Koh Chi, where we submerged into crystal-clear, 29 degrees-warm waters in an array of tropical fishes in all shapes and colours: Butterfly fish, anglefish, groupers, damsels, parrrots, morays and the likes...

Our second dive took place at Torinla Rock, an awe-inspiring underwater boulder dome on its white-sand bed where some special Hydroids thrive, providing a habitat for the striking nudibranch known affectionately as Pikachu! Amidst the familiar sights of the coral reefs - parrotfish, Sweet Lips, Bannerfish, Lionfish, and more - we explored this magnificent underwater sanctuary.

Venturing to Yellow Rock for our third dive, we were astonished by the abundance of marine life all around us - from large schools of yellowtail Barracudas to an impressive array of potato Groupers. Some photographers even had the pleasure of capturing footage of the exquisite Robustra, a black, red, and white nudibranch.

Surin island is not only a paradise for divers, it is a well known destination for Photographers and we were delighted to bring two Cléa (8 years old) and her brother Luca (6 years old) on their first Snorkeling adventure! In Surin bay, they had an exhilarating first encounter with a Black Tip Reef Shark!

Table coral and underwater photographer in similan islands

This exhilarating day of diving adventures, ended with a Night Dive at Surin Bay, further delving into the mysterious nocturnal realm beneath the ocean's surface.

Fantastic school of barracudas

Two spots red snappers

Giant Trevally, snappers and rainbow runners

A scorpionfish perfectly camouflaged

On Day 2 and 3 of our diving expedition, we embarked on a thrilling journey between Koh Tachai and Koh Bon. Our first stop was the enchanting underwater pinnacle of Koh Tachai, a mesmerizing dive site teeming with diverse marine life nestled among an immense pile of granite boulders. Here, we encountered a myriad of fascinating creatures such as Surgeon Fish, schools of Batfish, chevron, and yellow tail barracudas, a big gang of lobsters, octopus, and giant groupers and another a majestic Black Tip Shark, came by a group of divers allowing us to marvel at this vibrant ecosystem in perfect conditions.

Upon reaching Koh Bon, we thoroughly explored the entire island, with one highlight being the bustling cleaning station near the North ridge where a school of Batfish gathered, providing a picturesque opportunity for our photographers to capture their captivating cleaning rituals.

Some of our boldest divers ventured towards the deep pinnacle of Koh Bon, their audacity rewarded by a breathtaking spectacle of 40 meters plus visibility unveiling the colossal pinnacle against a backdrop of white sand, with a magnificent school of Batfish gracefully gliding overhead.

Beautiful school of batfish

Surgeon fish

Lobster family!

As a grand finale to Day 3, we embarked on a thrilling Blackwater Dive in the vast open ocean, further enriching our unforgettable diving experience.

During Days 4, 5, and 6 of our expedition, we dedicated our time to exploring the world-renowned dive site known as Richelieu Rock. This marine paradise exceeded all our expectations with its abundant marine life and captivating surprises. With its colorful soft corals and seafans and abundant marine life, it is the perfect spot for wide angle photography.

Upon our descent, we were greeted by the familiar residents of Richelieu Rock. A bustling congregation of Longnose Emperors, Jackfish, and Rainbow Runners formed a dynamic community that encircled the rock, engaging in energetic hunts that mesmerized us throughout our dives. These majestic creatures effortlessly swam around us, showcasing their dominance in every direction we looked.

As we meandered through the hidden nooks of Richelieu Rock, we encountered the regal Great Barracudas and graceful Batfish gracefully navigating the waters. Their presence added an ethereal charm to the underwater landscape, whether they were on the move or pausing for a cleansing session near the reef.

Venturing to the east side of the rock revealed a realm ruled by groupers perched atop towering pillars, teeming with a myriad of glass fish. The vibrantly coloured Parrotfish, serene Angelfish, and playful Clownfish danced amidst millions of shrimps and crabs, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Furthermore, the cracks and crevices of the reef harboured various species of Moray Eels, peacefully resting and observing the bustling underwater world around them. Not to forget the rivers of yellow snappers covering the inside of this word famous horseshoe!

Our time at Richelieu Rock was an unforgettable immersion into a vibrant ecosystem where every corner revealed a new wonder, making it a truly remarkable diving experience.

Jackfish are never far away...

Glass fish and beautiful soft coral

Gorgeous anemone with her cute residents

Long nose emperor

That's what we call traffic :)

Orange coral grouper and glass fish school

Fantastic Andaman Sea life diversity!

Richelieu was just as stunning as when we left it 6 months ago at the end of the last season, what a pleasure to be back!!! These 3 days held breathtaking surprises in store for us:

Our luck seemed boundless on one of these dives that started with a magnificent Whale shark and ended with an oceanic manta to bid us farewell: an extra touch of magic!

We were further astonished when a second Oceanic Manta Rays elegantly swam near Franck and stayed with him all through his safety stop (which got extended by a good 10 minutes!).

While it is not uncommon to spot these creatures in the Andaman Sea, their appearance at Richelieu Rock is a very rare treat. James, with over two decades of experience in the area, had encountered Manta Rays at this spot only twice before today. We felt privileged to witness such a remarkable event.

A small group onboard our boutique liveaboard

A wonderful group to start the season with! Thank you!

Always pleased to meet this gentle giant!

Whale shark! Photo by Mike Bartick

A graceful giant oceanic Manta

The mafia over giant seafan

It was also great to welcome Mike Bartick onboard for the very first time! Who got more lucky than Franck capturing the graceful Whale Shark passing us by!

Mike is an award-winning photographer we've been following from afar since we discovered Blackwater diving. Based in Anilao, Philippines, he’s pioneered blackwater diving and leads many workshops each year around the globe. We’re thrilled to have him on board next week to lead our first underwater photography and blackwater Workshop in the Burma Banks!

With sharks by day and blackwater dives by night, we’re sure to capture some unforgettable moments.
Stay tuned for photos and trip updates!

Long nose school and beautiful giant seafan

Impressive giant moray eel...

Congratulation to Michael on completing his Nitrox course with us and big thank you to everyone on board who make this trip so special. We are very happy to have five of you back onboard tomorrow for the next trip in Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks can’t wait!

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Trip Report: Dive into Adventure in the Andaman Sea - 13th to 18th April 2024

12/5/2024

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Embarking on our last Thailand cruise of the season, we left Tap Lamu pier, near Khao Lak on the 21st of April, we were thrilled to welcome aboard a diverse group of passionate divers from across the globe. With adventurers from Australia, Hawaii, and a delightful group of 10 French divers, our journey promised to be an unforgettable exploration of the underwater wonders of the Andaman Sea. As Franck, our onboard photographer wasn't onboard on this trip, these photos are from the 7th to 12th of April.

Similan Islands: Unveiling Nature's Canvas

Our voyage commenced with two days of exploration in the Similan Islands National Park. As we delved into the depths of Shark Fin Reef, West Of Eden, Elephant Head Rock, Turtle Rock, Three Trees, and Christmas Point, we were greeted by a spectacular array of marine life.
First, a giant guitarfish made an appearance. This Rhynchobatus djiddensis, also known as the whitespotted wedgefish, is a large species of guitarfish that are actually rays, not sharks, despite their shark-like appearance. One of the most noticeable differences between sharks and rays is the location of their gills. Sharks have gill slits located on the sides of their bodies, allowing water to pass through and over their gills as they swim. In contrast, rays have their gill slits located on the underside of their bodies.

After it disappeared into the deep blue sea, an elusive Ribbon Eel was discovered by our eagle-eyed dive guides! Its long and brightly-colored ribbon-like body captivated our attention as it gracefully swayed amidst the coral reef.
Did you know that Ribbon Eels are protandric hermaphrodites, meaning they start as males and can change into females as they mature?

Anemonefish

Koh Bon and Koh Tachai: More Unforgettable Encounters

Continuing our journey, we ventured to Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, where we were treated to extraordinary encounters with marine marvels. At Koh Bon Pinnacle, the deep waters revealed three magnificent Marble Rays gracefully gliding through the depths, leaving our divers awe-inspired. Meanwhile, Koh Tachai's granite boulder pinnacle offered an abundance of marine diversity, from Surgeon Fish and Batfish to a mesmerizing school of Chevron Barracuda. The sighting of Black Tip Sharks added an exhilarating thrill to our underwater escapade, and no dive at Koh Tachai pinnacle would have been complete without visiting the lobster harem! So many of these spiny lobsters under the same roof!

It is also near the Similan islands that we took a Blackwater Dive to meet all the weird little critters living their best pelagic life :)

Richelieu Rock: A Symphony of Marine Life

As our expedition neared its conclusion, we spent the last 2 days of the cruise at Richelieu Rock, renowned as one of the world's premier dive sites. Situated in the Surin Islands Marine National Park, Richelieu Rock boasts a wealth of biodiversity and is celebrated for its stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life. Its strategic location in the open sea makes it a magnet for pelagic species, including Whale Sharks, Tunas, and Giant Trevally, offering divers a chance to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. With its kaleidoscope of colors and teeming marine ecosystem, it's no wonder Richelieu Rock consistently ranks among the top 10 dive sites in the world. The amount of life was absolutely stunning, with a massive school of Emperor, Big Eyes Trevally, and Rainbow Runner chasing all over the place. We also have schools of Batfish, Chevron Barracuda, and African Pompano. Some solitary massive groupers and Great Barracuda. And for the macro lovers like us, we have the beautiful ghost pipefish, Hairy Shrimp, Porcelain Crab, and Anemone Egg Fish.

Celebrating Milestones and Memories

As we bid farewell to the Andaman Sea, we extend heartfelt thanks to our guests whose camaraderie and enthusiasm enriched our journey. Special congratulations are in order for Dorota and Nicholas, who successfully completed the Nitrox course, and for Manu, whose 100th dive marked a significant milestone in his diving journey.

In retrospect, our seven-day odyssey through the Andaman Sea has left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. From the vibrant reefs of the Similan Islands to the majestic depths of Richelieu Rock, each dive unveiled a treasure trove of marine marvels, reaffirming the ocean's boundless beauty and our unwavering passion for exploration. As we reflect on our voyage, we are reminded that beneath the waves lies a world of wonders waiting to be discovered, beckoning us to dive deeper and embark on new adventures.

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Trip report: North and South Andaman cruise from the 29th March 2024

30/4/2024

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Hey there, fellow ocean enthusiasts! 🌊✨

Today, I’m beyond excited to share with you all the epic adventures from our recent dive trip. Buckle up, because it was a wild ride from start to finish!

Trevalies and rainbow runners

An impressive school of barracudas

Our journey kicked off at the stunning Koh Ha Lagoon, where we dipped our toes back into the underwater world with a refreshing check dive. The conditions were picture-perfect, with crystal-clear visibility and a gentle breeze.
And let me tell you, we were greeted by quite the welcoming committee – a squad of majestic marbled groupers!
Talk about making a splash right from the get-go.

School of snappers

Shiny trevallies and surgeonfish

But wait, it gets even better!

As we ventured deeper into the ocean's embrace at Hin Muang Hin Daeng, we were met by the real VIPs of the sea – four giant oceanic mantas, gliding gracefully through the water. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold, like something straight out of a marine fairytale.

And let's not forget about the vibrant marine life bustling around us – from big-eyed trevallies to clouds of red tooth triggerfish, every corner of the reef was teeming with activity. Oh, and those titan triggerfish giving us the side-eye? Classic!

As night fell, we plunged into the depths once more, this time accompanied by the mysterious creatures of the dark. Decorated crabs, elusive moray eels, and countless shrimps with eyes that seemed to sparkle in our torchlight – talk about a magical underwater spectacle!

A graceful Manta

Sexy shrimps, thor amboinensis

Beautiful and impressive yellow moray eel

Day two was no less thrilling as we ventured into the Tarutao National Park.

From the mesmerizing school of snappers to the adorable halgerda nudibranch flaunting their vibrant colors, every dive was a treasure trove of marine wonders.
Stonehenge and Steps dive sites treated us to a parade of unique sightings, from Indian Walkman to coral cat sharks peeking out from their hiding spots. And let's not forget about the breathtaking soft coral-covered domes and infamous stone pillars that gave Stonehenge its name – truly a diver's paradise!

Colorful coral reef

Indian Walkman

Mysid Shrimps | Idiomysis

Coral reef beauty and diversity

Watching an Indian Walkman

Flounder

But the real stars of the show?

You guessed it – back to Hin Daeng Hin Muang for another round with our beloved manta friends. Two dives in manta soup?
Sign us up any day!
Cathedral in Koh Ha and the Similan Islands greeted us with open arms, offering up close encounters with everything from majestic rays to curious white-tip sharks. And that bull shark sighting at Koh Bon Pinnacle? Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime moment!

Ghost pipefish

Marvelous spotted marble rays

Little shy pipefish in the blue

We also did a Blackwater dives offshore the Similan islands
And like every time we do these offshore night dives, what cool encounters we had!!! From juvenile flounders with one eye on each side of their head, halfbeak (the first photo of this article) to squirelfish or other lizard fish, all these babies are so Unique!!!

Flounder - Juvenile

Big eyes little baby fish, blackwater dive

Squirelfish - Juvenile

Lizard fish larva stage, blackwater dive

Lizard fish - Juvenile

As the days went by, each dive seemed to outdo the last...

From Koh Tachai's vibrant pinnacle to the awe-inspiring Richelieu Rock. Ghost pipefish, Seahorse, Harlequin Shrimps, and schools of bludger trevallies – it was like diving into a living kaleidoscope of colors and marine life.

Harlequin shrimps

Giant moray eel

Tigertail Seahorse

Scorpionfish

Ghost pipefish

And let's not forget about the amazing folks who joined us on this underwater adventure

From the adventurous French diving club Pataplouf to the lovely Korean family and our French-American duo, it was an absolute pleasure sharing these unforgettable moments with such incredible company.
So there you have it, folks – a dive trip for the books! Until next time, keep exploring, keep diving, and never stop chasing those underwater dreams.

See you beneath the waves! 🐠🌴✨

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Trip Report: A short cruise around Richelieu Rock: 14th to 17th March 2024.

1/4/2024

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Our journey started in Ranong and we embarked upon the azure waters of the North Andaman Sea, promising a remarkable adventure for diving enthusiasts hailing from various corners of the globe. With passionate scuba divers from France, the USA, Thailand, England, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Uruguay, our diverse group united in pursuit of underwater marvels and unforgettable experiences.
This cruise was short, only 3 nights onboard, yet exhilarating!

diving liveaboard trip report north andaman Thailand surin and similan march 2024

Our destination for the first day? The famed Richelieu Rock, a gem nestled in the ocean, renowned as one of the top ten dive sites in the world and it sure delivered! As we approached, excitement rippled through the group, eager to explore the underwater wonders that awaited.

Richelieu Rock was on fire this week! From the moment we descended, it was evident that this submerged horseshoe-shaped rock was teeming with marine life. Schools of Longnosed Emperor, Bluefin Trevally, Bigeye Trevally, and Rainbow Runner gracefully danced around the pinnacle, hunting Glassfishes in a mesmerizing display of natural harmony. Big schools of Chevron Barracuda and Batfish captivated our attention on the north side, adding to the spectacle.
Macro enthusiasts were not disappointed either as Richelieu Rock presented a treasure trove of delights. Harlequin Shrimp, Ghost Pipefish, and Anemone Fish delighted sharp eyes and camera lenses! A delightful surprise awaited us as we stumbled upon a tiny baby seahorse nestled within a sea fan. They sure are hard to spot when they are that young!
Fun fact: Did you know that baby Tigertail Seahorses, like the one we spotted, are incredibly tiny at birth, measuring only about 1.5 centimeters (0.6 inches) in length? Despite their small size, these miniature marvels possess all the distinctive features of their adult counterparts, including their signature striped appearance and prehensile tails.

school of snappers in richelieu rock thailand 2024

clark anemone fish tending to its eggs in thailand

tigertail seahorse juvenile richelieu rock march 2024

The following day found us at Koh Tachai, eagerly exploring its underwater pinnacle. Diving here felt akin to strolling through a botanical wonderland, with vibrant Hard Coral and Giant Gorgonians serving as the backdrop for a myriad of marine life. From Groupers of all hues to the colorful array of Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, and Butterflyfish, every corner revealed a new spectacle. Outside the reef, a massive school of Barracuda mesmerized us, while the discovery of Lobster nests added an extra layer of excitement to our dives.

diving with a moray eel in Similan islands

But our adventures didn't end after our exhilarating reef dives as some of us decided to embark on a unique and mysterious experience for most, a Blackwater dive! Steering the boat westward until we had 100 meters of water beneath us, we prepared ourselves for extraordinary underwater encounters. As we descended into the dark offshore waters of the Indian ocean, we were greeted by a surreal world teeming with life. Squids, turnicates, and an array of juvenile fishes, including pufferfish, goatfish, flounders and trevalli adorned in shimmering costumes got us mesmerized and our strobe firing in the dark abyss. It was a truly enchanting and unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the lesser-known wonders of the ocean's wilderness.

blackwater diving liveaboard in thailand

diving the andaman sea offshore at night

As our expedition drew to a close, we ventured to Koh Bon for our final dives. What awaited us was nothing short of breathtaking. Descending to around 30 meters, we found ourselves amidst a mesmerizing scene—a colossal Marble Ray surrounded by a swirling vortex of Bigeye Trevally, with a Leopard Shark gracefully gliding by. It was a moment of pure awe, a reminder of why we pursue the depths—to witness nature's magnificence in its purest form.

Throughout our dives at Koh Bon, encounters with Requiem Sharks (still unsure about exact identification), alongside the ever-present Barracuda, Batfish, and Trevally, provided a thrilling conclusion to our expedition. Sightings of Banded Sea Snakes on the reef added to the list of wonders that permeated each dive.

fun group photo on a thai liveaboard in similan islands

Special congratulations are in order to Joom and Caroline for completing their Advanced Diver course, and to Antoine for achieving his Nitrox certification. Their dedication and passion for diving were truly commendable.
As we bid farewell to the Surin and Similan national parks, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our fellow adventurers whose camaraderie and spirit made this journey an unforgettable odyssey. Until our next underwater escapade, may the ocean continue to beckon, promising endless wonders for those willing to explore its depths.

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Short North Andaman liveaboard from the 28th February to the 3rd March 2024

18/3/2024

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trip report 28th february 2024 north andaman liveaboard in surin and similan islands

This week we had a short trip in the North Andaman Sea, and it was a pleasure to welcoming onboard an old friend from the UAE, Chris, who used to own a dive center where Franck and I (Camille) did our very first dives as a buddy pair!
It was also a pleasure welcoming back onboard Marshal and Noi on their 9th cruise with us (a big thank you for your continuous support throughout the years). And it was also time to make new friends from the UAE, Brazil, USA, Taiwan, France and Ireland.
Thanks to all of you for trusting us for your holidays :)

Beginning at Tap Lamu pier and concluding in Ranong, our long-established home port, this itinerary offered a great snapshot of What thailand has to offer, culminating with the infamous Richelieu Rock.

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 psychedelic Batwing sea slug, gracefully hiding among purple sponges, to the impressive schools of trevallies and emperors, the marine life surrounding us painted a vivid tapestry of colors and movement. A family of Clark clownfish is getting ready to welcome new member and their mum was seen gently blowing on her eggs.
We were fortunate to yellow goatfish and giant moray eels on the reef, while giant lobsters peeked out from their hidden crevices, offering us a glimpse into their secret world.

diving surin and similan islands liveaoard

A Clark anemone fish with her eggs

Our journey brought us face-to-face with fascinating creatures such as a ghost pipefish carrying eggs and the brightly colored yet elusive Pikachu nudibranch. 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 porcelain crab (in its anemone) 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 and worms. This alien world reminded us of the boundless wonders that lie beneath the surface, awaiting discovery.

The camaraderie and shared experiences made the trip even more special. 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, 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 week at sea with you!

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Trip Report: Thailand Andaman Photo Clinic From 31st January to 7th February 2024

20/2/2024

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For this trip we are pleased to welcome on board divers from France, Wales, Bangladesh and Romania...
As the sun rose on the horizon, our group of divers from around the world gathered in anticipation of an unforgettable adventure exploring the underwater gems of Thailand's Andaman Sea. From January 31st to February 7th, 2024, we embarked on a photo clinic expedition led by the skilled photographer and Blackwater specialist, Alex Tyrrell.

Setting sail from Khao Lak, we cruised towards Surin's Island National Park, our first destination on this thrilling 8-day journey. The ocean sparkled under the morning light as we prepared for our check dive at Ao Pragaad. With eager hearts and cameras in hand, we dove into the turquoise waters, encountering our first glimpses of the captivating underwater world beneath.

Surin's Island National Park

Wonderful giant seafan

Dives 2 and 3 transported us to macrophotography paradise in Torinla and Yellow Rock. Here, the ocean revealed its hidden treasures, from the adorable Pikachu nudibranch to the rare sightings of Robust Ghost Pipefish in vibrant shades of green and orange. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we plunged into the darkness for a mesmerizing night dive in Ao Pragaad, marveling at the mystical marine life that thrived in the shadowy depths.
The highlight of our expedition awaited us on...

Orange ghost pipefish

Pikachu nudibranch

Harlequin white ghost pipefish

Squat shrimp are so sexy!

Day 2 as we arrived at the legendary Richelieu Rock. Like a cathedral rising from the seabed, this iconic formation served as our playground for the next four days, offering a kaleidoscope of marine marvels for our lenses to capture. Harlequin Shrimp danced in the currents, Ghost Pipefish swayed amidst the corals, and schools of Big Eyes Trevallies shimmered in the sunlight.

Under the expert guidance of Alex Tyrrell and Franck Fogarolo, our photographers honed their skills, immersing themselves in the art of underwater photography and emerging with stunning images that immortalized the beauty of this underwater realm.

Harlequin shrimp

Big Eyes Trevallies

Porcelain crab

Day 6 greeted us with crystal-clear waters and ideal diving conditions at Koh Tachai. The pinnacle dive unveiled a spectacle of marine life, from graceful Batfish to intricate coral formations that painted the underwater landscape in a riot of colors. As the day drew to a close, we embarked on a surreal Blackwater Dive, plunging into the abyss to witness the mysterious creatures that emerged from the depths. Larvae and post-larvae stages of familiar reef fish morphed into otherworldly forms, their delicate silhouettes illuminated by the gentle glow of our lights.
Our journey culminated on...

Pelagic sea snail

Baby shrimp, blackwater dive

Drift fish

Juvenile eel

Larval flat worm

Codlet

Squid, blackwater dive

Day 7 at Kho Bon, where we explored the North Ridge, Western Ridge, and the Pinnacle. The expansive visibility offered a breathtaking panorama of the underwater world, teeming with Marble Rays, Batfish, and the elusive Bull Sharks that patrolled the depths. As we bid farewell to these pristine waters, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the remarkable experiences and unforgettable moments shared in the embrace of the ocean.

Our photographic expedition through the Thailand Andaman Sea had not only enriched our portfolios but had also deepened our connection to the wonders of the underwater realm. Each click of the camera shutter captured a fragment of this mesmerizing world, a testament to the beauty that thrives beneath the waves. As we sailed back to shore, our hearts brimmed with memories that would forever linger in the depths of our souls, a memento of our remarkable journey into the heart of the ocean's embrace.