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Blog about diving in Burma and Thailand

Trip report: North Andaman 6th to 12th  January 2024

26/1/2024

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This week we welcomed guests from Switzerland, France, Costa rica, America, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Philippines, and Swiss for 6 days in the North Andaman Sea, to explore and dive in Surin and Similan National parks and what amazing encounters we had this week!!!

First day
Our journey begins at the enchanting Surin National Park, where excitement fills the air. On our first day, we eagerly plunge into the crystal-clear waters, ready to be captivated by the wonders beneath. To our delight, a graceful marble ray glides gracefully past us, a reminder of the grace and beauty of marine life.
As we dive deeper, we are greeted by a vast school of sweet lips, their vibrant colours creating a stunning display against the backdrop of the reef. The sight fills our hearts with awe and reminds us of the interconnectedness of all beings in this underwater realm.

Moving along, we encounter a squadron of barracudas, their sleek bodies and menacing looks adding an exhilarating rush to our adventure. Nearby, a regal long-nose emperor fish swims gracefully, accompanied by a loyal entourage of trevallies. It's a sight straight out of a fairy tale, and we are filled with gratitude for being able to witness such natural beauty.
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Our exploration doesn't stop there as we discover the delicate and vibrant world of nudibranches, those charming creatures seemingly painted with colours straight from an artist's palette. Their unique patterns and hues add a touch of whimsy to our underwater escapade...
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​On the second day of our adventure, we set our sights on the most renowned dive site in the Andaman Sea - Richelieu Rock. Known for its breathtaking beauty and incredible biodiversity, we couldn't contain our excitement as we descended into this underwater paradise.

As we descended deeper into the blue, we were greeted by an astonishing array of marine life. Barracudas darted swiftly through the water, their sleek bodies illuminated by the rays of sunlight piercing through the depths. Long nose emperors and trevallies danced gracefully, showcasing their elegant movements. The vibrant colours of groupers and yellow snappers added a splash of brilliance to the underwater landscape.

Yet, the true marvels awaited us just beneath the surface. Against all odds, we were fortunate enough to spot the elusive harlequin shrimp diligently scouring the ocean floor. Its intricate patterns and vibrant hues made it seem like a living work of art, a truly rare and precious find.

But the surprises did not end there. Our keen eyes led us to discover the fascinating ghost pipefish, perfectly camouflaged among the swaying corals. Their ethereal appearance and graceful movements left us in awe, showcasing the wonders of nature's creativity.
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Ghost pipefish
Ghost pipefish
Harlequin shrimps
Harlequin shrimps
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Third day we move to Similan National Park where we see some big lobsters, octopi, and some tunas but the best surprise that day came at night on the blackwater dive and met the first every blanket octopus ever reported in Thai waters!!! We are the first boat to see that and we are really proud to see this creature.
Male blanket octopus in thailand
first blanket octopus ever reported in Thai Waters!!!
Male blanket octopus, thailand blackwater dive
Male blanket octopus, thailand blackwater dive
While being the highlight of the dive and the highlight of the cruise, this blanket octopus wasn't the only cool subject met that night!
phyrosome blackwater dive
phyrosome hosting a small fish
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Sea elephant
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so many cool crustaceans
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pelagic sea snake
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shrimp with eggs
comb jelley
​Similan dive sites are always beautiful and often have really good visibility. The water is getting warmer and that makes us feel so happy! West of Eden was amazing and we enjoyed a large array of macrolife hiding in the garden of hard corals. There is some batwings sea slugs that is cute and we see spearing mantis shrimp which is big in the hole on the sand.
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batwings sea slugs
batwings sea slugs
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Fourth and fifth day, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai...The dive sites around Koh Bon feature dramatic underwater pinnacles, colorful coral formations, and various marine species. Koh Bon is known for manta rays encounters but this week it was on fire with massive blotched sting rays and (7!!!) Bull sharks!!!
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Spotted marble ray
Spotted marble ray
Koh Tachai, offers a combination of shallow and deep dive sites. The island is known for its beautiful coral reefs, large granite boulders, and vibrant marine life. Divers can explore the underwater caves, reefs, and walls, while encountering species such as whale sharks, leopard sharks, and eagle rays. The visibility around Koh Tachai was excellent, which adds to the overall diving experience!
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On the sixth day in South Similan, we embark on an unforgettable adventure. As we glide through the waters, a dreamlike vision unfolds before us. Amongst the vibrant coral reefs, we are delighted to spot ethereal creatures - beautiful manta rays gracefully soaring through the depths. Mesmerized by their elegance, we find ourselves immersed in a surreal dreamscape, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy fade away (unfortunately no photos this time... can't get lucky every time...)
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​The last day of the trip
On our final day of the trip, our hearts are filled with joy and wonder. As we explore the breathtaking underwater world at Donald Duck Bay, Deep six, west of Eden, Rocky Point, and Anita's reef, pure bliss surrounds us. A wave of happiness washes over us as we encounter magnificent bull sharks and playful marble rays. A grand spectacle unfolds as a shimmering school of chevron barracuda creates a mesmerizing dance in the azure waters. Delightful moments follow as we stumble upon a camouflaged octopus, its tentacles gently waving in the current. Everywhere we look, vibrant and colorful fish decorate the pinnacle, painting a picture of pure happiness. With each encounter, our spirits soar, and our smiles grow wider, cherishing the memories of a truly magical experience. 

​Congratulations to Mary-Ann and Joram to finish the Advanced Open Water Course and Sabrina for finishing the Nitrox course. At last, we would like to say thank you for all the customers, without you all the trip cannot run. We hope you all have a wonderful trip with us on board and have a best holiday.
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Camille Fogarolo 

Camille has been traveling the world since her mid twenties and dived many seas before finally settling down in Thailand in 2012. With her husband Franck, they opened The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard to offer cruises in the most unexplored area of South East Asia and became quite the experts when it comes to diving in Myanmar! Proud mother of two she still travels as much as she can and usually joins a dive trip to Mergui Archipelago every month.

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  • When & Where
    • Schedule and Prices
    • Destinations >
      • North Andaman Thailand >
        • Similan Islands
        • Surin Islands >
          • Richelieu Rock
        • The essential Underwater photo Guide to diving Thailand
      • South Andaman Thailand >
        • Phuket & Koh Phi Phi National Parks
        • Koh Lanta National Park
        • Koh Lipe and Tarutao National Park
      • Mergui Archipelago >
        • Liveaboard diving holiday in Myanmar
        • Burma's best dive sites
        • The Ultimate Underwater photo Guide to diving Burma
  • ABOUT
    • Our Boat >
      • DELICIOUS FOOD
    • Diving in Thailand in 2024-2025
    • Diving in Myanmar/Burma in 2024-2025
    • Blackwater diving in Thailand and Myannmar
    • Marine life in Thailand's Andaman Sea
    • Marine life in Mergui Archipelago
    • Dive Courses >
      • Learn to Dive
      • Continue diving education
      • Rescue diver
      • Professional Dive Courses
      • Hone your dive skills with a specialty course
      • Photo coaching in Thailand on the Smiling Seahorse
    • Guest Book
    • FAQ
  • Plan your trip
    • Our hotels recommendations
    • Khao Sok National Park
    • Taxi services >
      • Taxi services to and from Ranong
      • Taxi services to and from Phuket
      • Taxi services to Tap Lamu and Khao Lak
    • 10 things to do around Ranong
  • PROMO
    • HOT DEALS
    • Special Expeditions >
      • 8D Special Marine Bio with Piers Baillie - 10 Nov 2025
      • 8D Whale shark expedition - 20 March 2026 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts