Embark on an extraordinary underwater adventure...
With the MV Smiling Seahorse, where divers explored Thailand’s most breathtaking marine parks during a week-long safari. From the vibrant reefs of Surin and Similan National Parks to the unspoiled beauty of Koh Lanta and Tarutao, this journey was a celebration of marine biodiversity and camaraderie among diving enthusiasts.
Here’s a detailed, day-by-day recount of this unforgettable diving safari.
Here’s a detailed, day-by-day recount of this unforgettable diving safari.
Day 1: Surin National Park – A Promising Start
 Baby eagle ray coming towards the lense | Our expedition began at Koh Chi, the perfect setting for a relaxed check dive. Highlights included spotting a giant pufferfish, a fleeting requiem shark, and the graceful gliding of an eagle ray. |
 Requiem shark |  Giant pufferfish in surin national park |
| The excitement continued with two dives at the iconic Richelieu Rock, despite slightly hazy visibility. The site was bustling with life: trevallies, rainbow runners, and longnose emperors darted among schools of fusiliers. A ghost pipefish and playful clusters of tomato anemone fish thrilled the group, making this a fantastic start to the trip. |  Blueline snappers |
 Tomato anemone fish |  Vibrant reef covered in fish such as trevali and emperors at richelieu rock |
We concluded the day with a magical night dive at Torinla West, exploring granite boulders that housed a variety of nocturnal critters, including shrimps and crabs.
 Pretty shrimp in north andaman thailand |  Crabs and shrimps come out on night dives |
Day 2: Similan National Park – Visibility and Vibrance
The crystal-clear waters of the Koh Tachai Plateau offered breathtaking encounters, from a swirling barracuda tornado to curious tunas and a playful octopus.
 Hard coral the perfect coral nursery |  Morish idol schooling on pretty reef |
 Lobster house in koh tachai north similan island |  Diving with the day octopus □ in thailand |
At Koh Bon Pinnacle, we marveled at batfish, barracudas, and vibrant peacock mantis shrimps. A night dive at Koh Bon Bay revealed hidden treasures like Maldivian sponge snails and lobsters, adding to the day’s thrill.
 Maldives sponge snail in Similan islands |  A lonely barracuda |
Day 3: Similan National Park – Iconic Dive Sites
Three Trees dazzled with its majestic Napoleon wrasse, garden eels, and another spectacular barracuda tornado. The white sandy bottoms and granite boulders created an enchanting underwater landscape, perfect for spotting blue-spotted rays and an octopus.
 Blue-spotted rays |  Wonderful giant seafan and pink soft corals |
At Elephant Head Rock, divers navigated swim-throughs adorned with sea fans, encountering blue ribbon eels, a hunting giant moray eel, and a juvenile white-tip shark.
 Yellow Snappers on the reef |  Giant moray get it teeth cleaned in South-Andaman Thailand Koh Lanta |
Our final dive at West of Eden revealed a thriving coral garden teeming with fusiliers, parrotfish, and an elusive blue dragon nudibranch.
Day 4: Koh Lanta National Park – Hin Muang and Hin Daeng
 Hawksbill turtle eating in Hin Muang | The legendary dive sites Hin Muang and Hin Daeng lived up to their reputations. At Hin Muang, a hawksbill turtle and rainbow runners stole the show. Meanwhile, Hin Daeng’s vibrant reef showcased porcelain crabs, clownfish, and swirling barracuda schools. |
 Boxfish are very popular amongst divers |  Fairy basset is such a pretty tropical reef fish |
The day ended with a blackwater dive, an ethereal experience where bioluminescent plankton and mysterious deep-sea creatures emerged under the starlit sky.
Day 5: Tarutao National Park – A Seahorse Surprise
At 8-Mile Rock, divers delighted in spotting a seahorse, along with a sleeping turtle and several moray eels. The adventure continued at Koh Yang Reef, where clownfish and hermit crabs charmed the group.
 Porcupine fish in Thailand  Pretty fish on the reef |  Crab hanging out in pretty reef  Pretty reef scene with clownfish |
Stonehenge proved unforgettable with mating cuttlefish, scorpionfish, and a baby frogfish. Another frogfish sighting at Koh Taru, along with devil scorpionfish and a rare sea urchin shrimp, wrapped up an exciting day.
Day 6: Koh Haa – Mystical Caves and Predator-Prey Drama
The drama unfolded at Hin Daeng/Muang, where divers witnessed a giant potato grouper devouring a moray eel—a rare and intense moment.
At Koh Haa Chimney, we explored colorful swim-throughs, while Koh Haa Cathedral revealed magical caves with cleaning shrimps, fusiliers, and resting pufferfish. A sunset dive brought the day to a dazzling close.
At Koh Haa Chimney, we explored colorful swim-throughs, while Koh Haa Cathedral revealed magical caves with cleaning shrimps, fusiliers, and resting pufferfish. A sunset dive brought the day to a dazzling close.
South andaman islands
Day 7: Koh Bida Nok and Shark Point – A Memorable Farewell
Our final day began at Koh Bida Nok, where blacktip reef sharks, a tiger tail seahorse, and a baby turtle made delightful appearances.
Tigertail seahorse is the most often countered in the Andaman Sea
The trip ended with a drift dive at Shark Point, where divers marveled at cuttlefish, barrel sponges, and bustling marine life—a perfect grand finale.
 Our beloved Captain |  The sea is ours, Captain!!! |  Left to right: Simon, James and Julien |
Reflections and Farewells
This North to South Andaman safari was a journey of discovery, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Thailand’s marine parks. From vibrant coral gardens to thrilling encounters with rare species, every dive was a testament to the beauty of the underwater world.
Thank you to everyone who joined this adventure aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse. Until our next exploration, happy bubbles! 🌊
Thank you to everyone who joined this adventure aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse. Until our next exploration, happy bubbles! 🌊
 Barbecue night's buffet: Yummm!!! |  Dive... Eat... Sleep... repeat! |  We loved sharing these adventures with you all! |
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