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!)
- 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!)
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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.
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! |  |
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.
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.
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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.
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 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!
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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