 Meet the expert: Rinda "Mony," the "Whaleshark Guru" from the Thailand Whale Shark Project, who joined our March 2026 cruise to share her deep knowledge of these majestic ocean giants. |  Golden horizon: A breathtaking sunset at sea provides a moment of reflection between our underwater adventures in Thailand's national parks. |
Some expeditions are defined by what you see. Others by what you come to understand.
We departed from Ranong, welcoming our international group of guests from Italy, France, the UK and the US, and set course for a Marine biology expedition with a Whale Shark Specialist, Mony to learn more about the biggest fish in the seas!
While the ocean chose not to reveal them this time, the experience took on a different depth. Throughout the week, Rinda, also known as Mony, from the Thailand Whale shark project, delivered daily presentations exploring whale shark biology, behaviour, and conservation challenges in Thailand.
These sessions brought a meaningful layer to the expedition, connecting each dive to a broader ecological perspective — linking what we observed underwater to the larger story of marine life in the Andaman Sea. From North to South Andaman, the journey unfolded as a rich exploration of pelagic encounters, vibrant reefs, and intricate macro life — shaped as much by discovery as by understanding.
While the ocean chose not to reveal them this time, the experience took on a different depth. Throughout the week, Rinda, also known as Mony, from the Thailand Whale shark project, delivered daily presentations exploring whale shark biology, behaviour, and conservation challenges in Thailand.
These sessions brought a meaningful layer to the expedition, connecting each dive to a broader ecological perspective — linking what we observed underwater to the larger story of marine life in the Andaman Sea. From North to South Andaman, the journey unfolded as a rich exploration of pelagic encounters, vibrant reefs, and intricate macro life — shaped as much by discovery as by understanding.
Day 2 – Surin National Park & Richelieu Rock
Our check dive in the Surin Islands at Koh Chi offered a gentle but vibrant start. Garden eels swayed over sandy patches while Halgerda tesselata, blue dragon and scorpionfish blended into the reef. Coral groupers hovered near bommies alongside Clark’s anemonefish and false anemonefish, while schools of yellowback fusiliers and neon fusiliers moved through the water column. Around them, Moorish idols, copperband butterflyfish, blue-barred parrotfish and bullethead parrotfish completed the reef scene.
Macro life was already hinting at what was to come — a richness that would only intensify as the expedition progressed.
Macro life was already hinting at what was to come — a richness that would only intensify as the expedition progressed.
 A striking group of Copperband Butterflyfish navigates the coral reef with precision. | Frederique Bechet |  The intricate orange-and-white patterns of this Halgerda Bacalusia nudibranch stand out against a vivid red sponge. | Renaud Liberge |
 Predatory patrol: Massive schools of fish congregate at Richelieu Rock, creating one of the most dynamic underwater scenes in the world. |  Into the light: Moorish Idols navigate the dramatic topography and sunbeams of the Surin Islands' reef systems. |
At Richelieu Rock, visibility was excellent and the site delivered immediately. The gang — giant trevallies, bluefin trevallies, bigeye trevallies, longnose emperors and rainbow runners — hunted through dense clouds of glassfish. Barracudas patrolled the edges while batfish hovered calmly mid-water.
Closer to the reef, harlequin shrimps, thorny seahorse, cleaner pipefish and orange-spotted pipefish added intricate detail. Tomato anemonefish, white-eye moray eels, giant moray eels and zebra moray eels occupied every crack, while octopus shifted colours between rocks. Headshield slugs, reticulated sapsucking slugs, ornate sapsucking slugs and Moyer’s dragonet were all present, alongside schools of five-lined snappers, twinstripe fusiliers and lunar fusiliers.
Closer to the reef, harlequin shrimps, thorny seahorse, cleaner pipefish and orange-spotted pipefish added intricate detail. Tomato anemonefish, white-eye moray eels, giant moray eels and zebra moray eels occupied every crack, while octopus shifted colours between rocks. Headshield slugs, reticulated sapsucking slugs, ornate sapsucking slugs and Moyer’s dragonet were all present, alongside schools of five-lined snappers, twinstripe fusiliers and lunar fusiliers.
 A bright yellow Tigertail Seahorse clings perfectly to the vibrant soft corals of the reef. | Renaud Liberge |  A massive Giant Moray Eel peeks out from its rocky crevice, showing off its impressive size and patterned skin. | Frederique Bechet |
The night dive revealed blunt decorated spider crabs, orange-spotted pipefish, boxer banded shrimps, Durban dancing shrimps, cleaner shrimps and pencil sea urchins. Ridged egg cowries and sixline soapfish appeared, while sleeping parrotfish, triggerfish locked into the reef and hunting moray eels completed the nocturnal scene.
Day 3 – Similan National Park, Koh Tachai & Koh Bon
Koh Tachai delivered strong currents and action-packed dives. Blacktip reef sharks cruised the reef, a hawksbill turtle passed by, and large schools of barracudas, dogtooth tuna and Spanish mackerel moved through the blue. African pompano, adult black and white snappers, lobsters and glassfish filled every level of the dive.
 A beautiful Hawksbill turtle glides effortlessly over the rugged reef terrain. | Frederique Bechet  Thousands of tiny glassfish form a shimmering cloud over a garden of vibrant soft corals. |  A shimmering silver tornado of barracuda creates a mesmerizing spectacle in the deep blue. | The Smiling Seahorse  A powerful Blacktip reef shark cruises past a colorful school of snappers along the reef edge. | Renaud Liberge |
During the navigation to Koh Bon, dolphins came to greet the boat, riding the bow wave and adding a rare surface interval moment that stayed with everyone on board.
At Koh Bon Pinnacle, one group encountered a large shark in the deep, most likely a bull shark, while the pinnacle itself pulsed with schools of yellowback fusiliers and neon fusiliers. Coral groupers, peacock groupers, powder-blue surgeonfish and Indian sailfin tang added structure and colour to the reef.
On the North Ridge and West Ridge, reef life remained dense and dynamic, with anemone crabs, dogtooth tuna, rainbow runners and mackerels hunting through thick schools of glassfish, while wrasses, blennies and damsels filled every available space.
At Koh Bon Pinnacle, one group encountered a large shark in the deep, most likely a bull shark, while the pinnacle itself pulsed with schools of yellowback fusiliers and neon fusiliers. Coral groupers, peacock groupers, powder-blue surgeonfish and Indian sailfin tang added structure and colour to the reef.
On the North Ridge and West Ridge, reef life remained dense and dynamic, with anemone crabs, dogtooth tuna, rainbow runners and mackerels hunting through thick schools of glassfish, while wrasses, blennies and damsels filled every available space.
 A tiny Porcelain Anemone Crab finds safety and shelter among the protective tentacles of its host. | Frederique Bechet |  A vibrant school of fusiliers creates a flash of yellow and silver as they sweep across the reef. | The Smiling Seahorse |
The blackwater dive introduced squids, salps sheltering small fish and pyrosomes drifting through the dark.
 A translucent squid glows with iridescent light while navigating the deep blackwater during its nightly migration. |  A fragile juvenile fish drifts through the dark, showcasing the incredible transparency common to larval marine life.  A glowing pyrosome acts as a natural sanctuary for a tiny juvenile fish seeking protection in the vast open sea. |
A tiny juvenile fish drifts through the darkness alongside nutrient-rich marine snow during its nightly journey.
 Shimmering in the dark, a small squid displays a brilliant array of iridescent colors while moving through the blackwater. |  Caught in the light, a juvenile fish reveals its delicate, translucent features and large reflective eyes. |
Day 4 – Similan Islands & Crossing
At North Point, a Napoleon wrasse cruised past while squat shrimps, mantis shrimps and Durban dancing shrimps animated the reef. Anemone crabs, Clark’s anemonefish, moray eels and topsail drummers were joined by blueface angelfish, regal angelfish, butterflyfish and schools of fusiliers.
 A Giant Moray Eel rests within a sheltered reef alcove alongside a group of vibrant Pinecone Soldierfish. | Renaud Liberge |  A formidable Spearing Mantis Shrimp keeps a watchful eye from the safety of its deep, sand-lined burrow. | Renaud Liberge |
We then stopped at Island #8, also known as Donald Duck Bay, where white sand and granite boulders offered a striking contrast to the dives and a magnificent view from Sailrock offering sight on the blue and transparent water of the Similans.
 A juvenile blackspotted boxfish displays its striking geometric patterns while navigating the reef formations. |  The charismatic squat shrimp, famously known as the "sexy shrimp," adds a splash of personality to the macro landscape. |
 A bright blue ribbon eel peeks out from its burrow, showcasing the dramatic colors found at Elephant Head Rock. | Renaud Liberge | Elephant Head Rock delivered dramatic topography with blue ribbon eels, adult yellow boxfish, juvenile blackspotted boxfish, red anthias, surgeonfish, blue dragon and giant trevallies weaving through the formations. At West of Eden, two pipehorse fish hovered delicately while spearing mantis shrimps, squat shrimps, “sexy shrimps”, hawksbill turtle, blue dragon and a psychedelic batwing slug created a richly layered dive. Topsail drummers, fusiliers, snappers, angelfish, wrasses and parrotfish completed the reef. We then crossed overnight toward Koh Lanta, leaving the granite islands behind. |
Day 5 – Hin Daeng & Hin Mueang
Hin Mueang was full of life, with glassfish and juvenile fusiliers forming dense schools constantly targeted by hunting trevallies, African pompano and rainbow runners. Juvenile emperor angelfish, ghostpipefish, Bornella anguilla, Halgerda tesselata and phyllidia of various colours covered the reef.
Banded boxer shrimps, Durban dancing shrimps and cleaner shrimps filled every crevice, while titan triggerfish dug into the reef and redtooth triggerfish hovered above. Topsail drummers completed the scene.
Banded boxer shrimps, Durban dancing shrimps and cleaner shrimps filled every crevice, while titan triggerfish dug into the reef and redtooth triggerfish hovered above. Topsail drummers completed the scene.
 A young Emperor Angelfish displays its hypnotic swirling patterns while navigating a garden of soft corals. | Renaud Liberge  These fascinating Bornella Anguilla nudibranchs blend into the reef as they search for food among the red algae. | Renaud Liberge |  : The imposing Titan Triggerfish patrols the reef edge near a vibrant orange gorgonian sea fan.  A master of disguise, this Ghost Pipefish hides in plain sight against the colorful reef backdrop. | Renaud Liberge |
Hin Daeng delivered ghostpipefish, Glossodoris cincta and its eggs, ornate elysia, giant moray eels hunting in the shallows, Clark’s anemonefish, anemone crabs and tiger egg cowries. Batfish, fusiliers, snappers, surgeonfish, sweetlips and reef fish filled the water column.
 A Glossodoris Cincta nudibranch displays its beautifully ruffled and colorful mantle edge while exploring the reef. | Frederique Bechet |  A vibrant Tiger Egg Cowrie stands out against the delicate branches of a soft coral host. | Frederique Bechet |
The night dive intensified the atmosphere with multiple giant moray eels hunting, small octopus camouflaging along the wall, and a constant movement of crabs and shrimps across the reef.
Day 6 – Koh Tarutao National Park
At 8 Mile, excellent visibility revealed a very friendly marble grouper who looked like he was mixed with a barramoundi, great barracuda, schools of scribbled filefish, juvenile emperor angelfish, juvenile blue-ringed angelfish, stonefish, yellowtail barracuda and schools of giant trevallies, alongside fusiliers, snappers, surgeonfish and reef fish.
 A Marbled Grouper shows off its stunning natural camouflage while patrolling the reef. | Renaud Liberge  The uniquely patterned Scribbled Filefish glides gracefully above a bustling reef community. |  Blending perfectly into its surroundings, this Scorpionfish waits patiently among the corals for passing prey. | Renaud Liberge  The electric blue patterns of a juvenile Blue Ringed Angelfish provide a striking pop of color against the reef. | Frederique Beche |
Stonehenge offered three tigertail seahorses, including one black pregnant individual, surrounded by bird wrasse, moon wrasse and sixline wrasse, along with parrotfish, scorpionfish, butterflyfish and damsels.
 A master of camouflage, this Tigertail Seahorse blends seamlessly into the reef textures. | Frederique Bechet |  A pair of Razorfish navigate the currents in their unique vertical swimming style. |
The intricate, flower-like patterns of a Peacock Flounder provide incredible camouflage against the sandy bottom.
At Steps, the sunset dive featured yellow-scribbled pipefish, Kuhl’s blue-spotted stingray, bamboo shark, flounder and razorfish, alongside fusiliers, goatfish, sweetlips, surgeonfish and reef fish settling into the evening light.
Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park
Hin Mueang again delivered intense action, with schools of dogtooth tuna, Spanish mackerel, rainbow runners and mackerels hunting through glassfish and juvenile fusiliers. Batfish hovered nearby, while two yellow ghostpipefish and topsail drummers added structure.
Hin Daeng revealed yellow and black ghostpipefish and a juvenile hawksbill turtle surfacing for air before resting. Clark’s anemonefish, anemone crabs, ornate sapsucking slugs and reef life filled the dive.
Hin Daeng revealed yellow and black ghostpipefish and a juvenile hawksbill turtle surfacing for air before resting. Clark’s anemonefish, anemone crabs, ornate sapsucking slugs and reef life filled the dive.
A close-up of a Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) showing its distinctively patterned
head and shell as it swims over a vibrant coral reef. | Renaud Liberge
 The iconic limestone cliffs of Koh Haa tower over the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea. | Renaud Liberge  A resilient hermit crab carries its portable home across the sandy ocean floor in search of food. | Renaud Liberge |  A colorful underwater garden thrives with purple anemones and delicate soft corals at the base of the reef.  A powerful dogtooth tuna patrols the deep blue water near the island's steep drop-offs. |
At Cathedral, massive Glossodoris hikuerensis, Halgerda stricklandi, Halgerda candy, verconia alboannulata (noumea alboannulata), Bornella anguilla, a juvenile hawksbill turtle with a damaged shell, titan triggerfish carrying shells, bannerfish, Moorish idols, giant moray eel, longfin batfish and pinnate batfish created a rich and layered scene.
At the Cheminee, ghostpipefish, Cuthona sibogae, tiger cowrie eggs, giant moray eels, cave fish, sweetlips, snappers, yellowback fusiliers, neon fusiliers, glassfish, ornate elysia, scorpionfish, parrotfish and anemonefish filled the tunnel.
The day ended with our traditional BBQ on board, under calm seas and a sky full of stars.
The day ended with our traditional BBQ on board, under calm seas and a sky full of stars.
 The Ornate Elysia nudibranch displays its stunning gold-rimmed parapodia while navigating the diverse reef systems of Koh Phi Phi. | Renaud Liberge  A ghostly jellyfish pulses through the deep blue, its pink interior glowing against the shadows of the Andaman Sea. | Renaud Liberge |  dding a burst of color to the macro world, the Trinchesia sibogae nudibranch shows off its brilliant pink and yellow-tipped cerata. | Frederique Bechet  A vivid yellow Tiger Tail Seahorse finds a perfect anchor point among the branches of a colorful gorgonian sea fan. | Renaud Liberge |
Day 8 – Koh Phi Phi & Final Dive
Bida Nok offered blacktip reef sharks, tigertail seahorse, two ghostpipefish, schools of five-lined snappers, giant moray eels, batfish and schools of fusiliers moving across the reef alongside butterflyfish, surgeonfish and parrotfish.
At King Cruiser wreck, the sunken ferry now acts as a thriving artificial reef, covered in life. Schools of yellowback fusiliers, bigeye trevallies, school of jacks, snappers circled the structure, while lionfish and groupers, sweetlips and reef fish occupied every level of the wreck.
Closer to the structure, macro life revealed itself in layers: Hypselodoris infucata, Glossodoris atromarginata, Chromodoris aureopurpurea, Hypselodoris sp. 3 and Flabellina rubrolineata decorated the surfaces, turning the wreck into a vibrant underwater mosaic where small details were just as captivating as the schooling fish above.
Closer to the structure, macro life revealed itself in layers: Hypselodoris infucata, Glossodoris atromarginata, Chromodoris aureopurpurea, Hypselodoris sp. 3 and Flabellina rubrolineata decorated the surfaces, turning the wreck into a vibrant underwater mosaic where small details were just as captivating as the schooling fish above.
 The striking pink hues of a Verconia alboannulata nudibranch stand out against the rocky substrate, showcasing the intricate detail of macro life. | Frederique Bechet |  A comprehensive map of the King Cruiser wreck highlights key features and depths for divers exploring this massive artificial reef. |
We ended the trip in Phuket Marin Charter Pier, saying goodbye after a week rich in encounters, diversity and unforgettable underwater moments.
From open-ocean encounters to the smallest hidden reef life, this journey captured the full spectrum of Andaman diving — shaped by rhythm, diversity, and the quiet magic of life below the surface.
See you soon, fellow divers.
Pictures from Renaud Liberge & Frederique Béchet (pictured below) present on this trip and others from Franck Fogarolo.
From open-ocean encounters to the smallest hidden reef life, this journey captured the full spectrum of Andaman diving — shaped by rhythm, diversity, and the quiet magic of life below the surface.
See you soon, fellow divers.
Pictures from Renaud Liberge & Frederique Béchet (pictured below) present on this trip and others from Franck Fogarolo.
 Frederique Bechet shares a joyful moment on deck after a successful night dive in the Andaman Sea. |  Renaud Liberge prepares to submerge, equipped with professional Mares diving gear for an underwater photography session. |
Divers and crew members come together for the traditional BBQ night group photo, celebrating a week of incredible underwater adventures.
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