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.
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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?
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?
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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!
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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 :)
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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.
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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.
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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