South to North Andaman: A Week of Incredible Diving Aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse
Our latest journey aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse was a thrilling exploration of the Andaman Sea, moving from the vibrant reefs of the South to the world-renowned dive sites in the North. This special trip welcomed an energetic group of 16 Bulgarian divers from Go Live Bulgaria, departing from Phuket. With the golden hues of a blazing sunset over Phuket Island as our backdrop, we set off for a week of unforgettable underwater discoveries.
Day 1: Koh Lanta National Park – A Stunning Introduction
We began our adventure at Koh Haa with a relaxing check dive. The tranquil waters revealed schools of fusiliers and snappers, while a lionfish glided past and a beautiful sea slug rested on the white sandy bottom — a serene start to the trip.
At Hin Daeng, the underwater world came alive. We explored the vibrant red rock, surrounded by batfish, giant trevallies, and rainbow runners. The sight of a giant moray eel and a porcelain crab nestled in a white anemone brought smiles to everyone’s faces. Our dive at Hin Muang didn’t disappoint either, with a mix of bluefin trevallies, baby lobsters, and a boxing-arm shrimp adding to the excitement.
The night dive at Hin Daeng was a true spectacle. One group spotted a slipper lobster, while others were captivated by marbled shrimps, banded coral shrimps, and giant moray eels on the hunt. The reef was bustling with life, from decorator crabs to sleepy seal pufferfish, making for an unforgettable end to the first day.
Day 2: Mu Koh Tarutao National Park – Secrets of the Reef
Our first dives at 8 Mile Rock were nothing short of magical. A school of African pompano shimmered in the clear water, and a lucky few spotted a tiger tail seahorse hiding among the corals. The highlight was a giant grouper cruising in open water, followed closely by a curious great barracuda.
At Stonehenge, the reef burst into colour and life. From tiny scorpionfish blending into the rock to the ever-charming clownfish, every corner held a new surprise. A sighting of a blue dragon nudibranch and a playful group of saddleback clownfish rounded out a spectacular day.
Day 3: Koh Lanta National Park – Mystical Caverns and Swim-throughs
The towering pinnacles of Hin Muang welcomed us with schools of giant trevallies darting around the top. At Koh Haa Cathedral, we explored breathtaking caves adorned with banded pipefish and shimmering schools of fish. The Chimney at Koh Haa offered thrilling swim-throughs, where we encountered seal-faced pufferfish, moray eels, and elegant sea fans.
As we set sail toward the Similan Islands in the afternoon, the anticipation grew for what lay ahead.
Day 4: Similan National Park – Crystal Clear Paradise
The Similan Islands welcomed us with remarkable visibility and dramatic underwater topography, setting the stage for a day of incredible dives.
We kicked off with a dive at Shark Fin Reef, an underwater haven for large pelagic and reef life alike. The sight of a graceful marble ray gliding over the sandy bottom was a highlight, while a curious whitetip reef shark circled in the distance. Along the reef, a massive giant moray eel peeked out from its crevice, and colourful reef fish filled the scene. Schools of blue-dash fusiliers, yellowtail snapper, and Moorish idols darted between the coral formations. Closer to the reef, butterflyfish, triggerfish, and the ever-playful damselfish added a kaleidoscope of colour.
At Elephant Head Rock, we explored intricate swim-throughs teeming with life. Among the highlights were two ribbon eels, their vivid colours a stunning contrast to the rocky outcrops, and two imposing great barracudas patrolling the area.
Our third dive at Three Trees was an ethereal experience. The sandy bottom was a field of garden eels, and the massive barrel sponges and giant sea fans on the boulders added a dramatic backdrop.
The day ended with a sunset dive at Koh Bon West Ridge, where some divers opted to try their hand at a blackwater dive, venturing into the open ocean to marvel at bioluminescent plankton and the mysteries of the deep.
Day 5: Similan National Park – Thrills at Every Pinnacle
The day began with a dive at Koh Bon Pinnacle, where crystal-clear waters revealed schools of yellow snappers, cleaning shrimps, and Maldivian sponge snails. The afternoon brought us to Koh Tachai Pinnacle, alive with giant groupers, Spanish mackerels, and batfish.
The sunset dive at Koh Tachai was the perfect finale to the day, with encounters ranging from bannerfish to porcelain crabs. Some divers chose a blackwater dive instead, marvelling at the mysterious creatures that emerge from the depths.
Day 6: Surin National Park – Richelieu Rock’s Majestic Wonders
Richelieu Rock never fails to amaze, and our four dives here showcased its unmatched biodiversity. The site buzzed with marine life, starting with schools of giant trevally, rainbow runners, and yellowtail barracuda darting around the pinnacle. Closer to the reef, the vibrant colours of anemonefish, including tomato anemonefish and Clark’s anemonefish, were a delight to spot.
Our divers were captivated by the macro life hiding among the rocks. Peacock mantis shrimps scuttled across the sandy bottom, while Durban dancing shrimps and banded coral shrimps made their homes in crevices. A tiny white-eyed moray eel peeked out playfully, while larger giant moray eels lounged around their rocky dens.
The soft corals, swaying with the currents, provided shelter for a plethora of reef fish, including yellow boxfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and bluestreak cleaner wrasse busy at work. We also encountered devil scorpionfish, pipefish, and a few colourful nudibranchs. The highlight? Watching a school of batfish glide gracefully through the water, adding an elegant touch to the vibrant underwater scenery.
Day 7: Similan National Park – A Grand Finale
Our final dive at Koh Bon Pinnacle delivered an unforgettable end to the trip. Huge schools of batfish and yellow fusiliers danced in the sunlight, weaving around the pinnacle’s striking sea fans. A majestic green turtle made a surprise appearance, swimming calmly past the group, to everyone’s delight.
Closer to the reef, the bustling community of reef fish showcased the vibrant ecosystem. Bannerfish, emperor angelfish, sergeant majors, and spotted sweetlips mingled among the hard and soft corals. A small school of Indian mackerel dashed through, while scorpionfish lay camouflaged on the sandy patches. The giant barracuda lurking near the sea fans reminded us of the sheer diversity of life this pinnacle supports.
The crystal-clear visibility and abundance of marine life were the perfect farewell to a week filled with unforgettable underwater adventures. We surfaced with wide smiles and hearts full of gratitude for this magical experience.
Reflections and Farewell
As we returned to Khao Lak, we reminisced about the incredible week of diving. From the vibrant reefs of Koh Haa to the biodiversity of Richelieu Rock, every dive brought something extraordinary. A heartfelt thank-you to our Bulgarian guests, Team Go Live, for their enthusiasm and camaraderie — it was a joy to share this journey with you.
Until next time, happy bubbles! 🌊🐠
