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

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! ​

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.
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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.