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

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

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

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

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

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

Longnosed emperor passing by a school of chevron barracuda.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Later that day, Western rocky was also up to our expectations, on the reef, in the blue, inside and outside the cave. Our sunset dive on Eagle Rock was like diving inside a dense school of fish.
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Gratitude and Celebrations
As the voyage drew to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this extraordinary trip. Special congratulations to Elaine for achieving her AOW and Nitrox certifications, Jessica for her AOW, and Martin and Navya for earning their Nitrox certifications. A heartfelt thanks to Franck for capturing the magic through his wonderful pictures.
This seven-day journey was not just an exploration but a collective immersion into the mesmerizing depths of Myanmar's aquatic wonders. It was so wonderful to be the first back in this amazing place and we sure look forward for more!

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

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.
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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!

Our diving adventure took us to Similan National park and Racha Noi next one our way back to Phuket and what a dream come true. We saw everything from Kuhl's stingray, big schools of barracuda, nudibranch, and even wipe coral shrimp. 

The Similan Islands have been made famous for the wealth of their coral reefs teeming with wildlife and usually great diving conditions it is rare to have bad visibility here and both divers and snorkelers can see a number of marine species and brids more diverse than anywhere else. The beach stop are not to shabby either!