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Blog about diving in Burma and Thailand

Trip Report: Thailand Andaman Photo Clinic From 31st January to 7th February 2024

20/2/2024

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For this trip we are pleased to welcome on board divers from France, Wales, Bangladesh and Romania...
As the sun rose on the horizon, our group of divers from around the world gathered in anticipation of an unforgettable adventure exploring the underwater gems of Thailand's Andaman Sea. From January 31st to February 7th, 2024, we embarked on a photo clinic expedition led by the skilled photographer and Blackwater specialist, Alex Tyrrell.
​

Setting sail from Khao Lak, we cruised towards Surin's Island National Park, our first destination on this thrilling 8-day journey. The ocean sparkled under the morning light as we prepared for our check dive at Ao Pragaad. With eager hearts and cameras in hand, we dove into the turquoise waters, encountering our first glimpses of the captivating underwater world beneath.
Surin's Island National Park
Surin's Island National Park
Wonderful giant seafan
Wonderful giant seafan
Dives 2 and 3 transported us to macrophotography paradise in Torinla and Yellow Rock. Here, the ocean revealed its hidden treasures, from the adorable Pikachu nudibranch to the rare sightings of Robust Ghost Pipefish in vibrant shades of green and orange. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we plunged into the darkness for a mesmerizing night dive in Ao Pragaad, marveling at the mystical marine life that thrived in the shadowy depths.
The highlight of our expedition awaited us on... 
Orange ghost pipefish
Orange ghost pipefish
Pikachu nudibranch
Pikachu nudibranch
White and orange ghost pipefish
Harlequin white ghost pipefish
Harlequin marble shrimp
Squat shrimp are so sexy!
Day 2 as we arrived at the legendary Richelieu Rock. Like a cathedral rising from the seabed, this iconic formation served as our playground for the next four days, offering a kaleidoscope of marine marvels for our lenses to capture. Harlequin Shrimp danced in the currents, Ghost Pipefish swayed amidst the corals, and schools of Big Eyes Trevallies shimmered in the sunlight.

​Under the expert guidance of Alex Tyrrell and Franck Fogarolo, our photographers honed their skills, immersing themselves in the art of underwater photography and emerging with stunning images that immortalized the beauty of this underwater realm.
Harlequin shrimp
Harlequin shrimp
Big Eyes Trevallies
Big Eyes Trevallies
Porcelain crab
Porcelain crab
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Day 6 greeted us with crystal-clear waters and ideal diving conditions at Koh Tachai. The pinnacle dive unveiled a spectacle of marine life, from graceful Batfish to intricate coral formations that painted the underwater landscape in a riot of colors. As the day drew to a close, we embarked on a surreal Blackwater Dive, plunging into the abyss to witness the mysterious creatures that emerged from the depths. Larvae and post-larvae stages of familiar reef fish morphed into otherworldly forms, their delicate silhouettes illuminated by the gentle glow of our lights.
Our journey culminated on... 
Pelagic sea snail
Pelagic sea snail
Baby shrimp, blackwater dive
Baby shrimp, blackwater dive
Drift fish
Drift fish
Juvenile eel
Juvenile eel
Larval flat worm
Larval flat worm
Codlet
Codlet
Squid, blackwater dive
Squid, blackwater dive
Day 7 at Kho Bon, where we explored the North Ridge, Western Ridge, and the Pinnacle. The expansive visibility offered a breathtaking panorama of the underwater world, teeming with Marble Rays, Batfish, and the elusive Bull Sharks that patrolled the depths. As we bid farewell to these pristine waters, our hearts were filled with gratitude for the remarkable experiences and unforgettable moments shared in the embrace of the ocean.

Our photographic expedition through the Thailand Andaman Sea had not only enriched our portfolios but had also deepened our connection to the wonders of the underwater realm. Each click of the camera shutter captured a fragment of this mesmerizing world, a testament to the beauty that thrives beneath the waves. As we sailed back to shore, our hearts brimmed with memories that would forever linger in the depths of our souls, a memento of our remarkable journey into the heart of the ocean's embrace.
A cute clownfish
A cute clownfish
Batfish on patrol
Batfish on patrol
CHEERS!!!!!
CHEERS!!!!!
Nemo next generation...
Nemo next generation...
Clownfish eggs macro photo
Clownfish eggs macro photo
Longnose Emperors
Longnose Emperors
RELAX... HAPPY...
RELAX... HAPPY...

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Our underwater photographer’s essential guide to the Surin and Similans in Thailand



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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 Gavin Miller - 10 Nov 2025
      • 8D Whale shark expedition - 20 March 2026 - North and South
  • gallery
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • CONTACT
  • BLOG
    • Most popular posts