discover koh tachai

One of the smaller islands of the Smimilan Archipelago...but...

Koh Tachai Island is located at the northernmost tip of the Similan National Park. It is one of the latest additions to the National Park area, together with the island of Koh Bon.
The island measures 12 square kilometers…​

​On Koh Tachai you will find beautiful white beaches and azure crystal-clear waters all around it…

​This extravagant marine life led to the nomination of the National Geographic Society as one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world.

Swimming Hawksbill turtle Koh Bon
Swimming Hawksbill turtle Koh Bon

The only beach on Koh Tachai is about 800 meters long and faces east, like on most of the Similan Islands. The rainforest reaches out and gives shade if the sun is getting too hot to endure. When you walk all the way up north, you will be able to take a small jungle trail that takes you to the western side of the island. Within 10 minutes you are in a totally different world full of rocks and have a beautiful view over the island and the Andaman Sea.

Twin Peaks
In “Twin Peaks,” Koh Tachai’s southern pinnacle is marked by two mooring buoys; one mooring line goes down to around 15 m, the other to 33 m. It is advised to use one of these mooring lines for descent and keep close to the rocks since currents can be rather strong here. At a depth of 12 meters you will encounter the top of this pinnacle, which really looks like a wide, flat plain with bush and mountain coral encircled with boulders.

Southern Pinnacle
From the north side of the southern pinnacle, a sandy patch at 24 meters depth leads you to the northern pinnacle, roughly 50 meters away. The top of the northern pinnacle lies at a depth of 18 meters. This smaller pinnacle resembles its bigger southern twin. Koh Tachai Pinnacle offers everything, from stunning landscapes to macro life and big fish encounters.
And as always, keep your eyes open; if the manta rays or whale sharks are not at Richelieu Rock, they might be at Koh Tachai instead!

Dive Koh Tachai…
Koh Tachai dive site, also known as Twin Peaks, is, along with Koh Bon, one of the most famous spots of the Surin Island National Park.
Tachai Pinnacle is the most famous dive spot around—it became a must-stop place on the journey of scuba diving live-aboard boats heading to Richelieu Rock from the Similan Islands (Koh Tachai is situated right in the middle of these two world-famous dive spots).

Marine life on the pinnacle is exceptional. Divers come here because of the regular manta ray sightings. Whale sharks are also seen here. Leopard sharks are common, as are barracuda, trevally, and tuna. Hawksbill turtles can be seen, and Teira batfish are often hanging out near the mooring line. The place is also full of fan corals and majestic sea sponges!

Koh Tachai Pinnacle is a huge granite plateau covered in soft coral, sea fans, anemones, the strong current brings food from the depths and attracts a big school of fish…

Due to the exposed location of Koh Tachai Pinnacle, the current during full and new moons can be quite strong. If this is the case, our expert guides will instruct you on how to use the mooring line to help you descend correctly and enjoy this wonderful dive site. Keeping close to the rocks and following your guide’s example will keep you out of the worst of the current and ensure you use the least amount of energy and air.

Ready for your dream diving holiday? Check our availability and book your adventure today!

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Magda Kapusta profile picture
Magda Kapusta
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My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable. The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal. The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives. What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries. Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
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Laura Forsyth profile picture
Laura Forsyth
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Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - it's a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky. There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity. We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs. Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma. The cabins are simple and comfortable, although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good. Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
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Nadine Fischer profile picture
Nadine Fischer
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We had an amazing time on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard in Thailand. Everything was well organized, relaxed, and very professional. Our dive guide Julien was fantastic. He showed us beautiful dive sites and even pointed out tiny nudibranchs we would never have seen ourselves. His eye for detail made every dive special. The food was excellent, and the crew was incredibly friendly and helpful, especially when assisting with dive gear. Overall, a wonderful experience – It was our 2nd trip and we will definitely come again!
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Udi Nehab profile picture
Udi Nehab
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An Unforgettable Week Underwater! I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing. The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
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Tsachi Yeshurun
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I went for a 9 day dive safari in Myanmar, the mergui archipelago, with the smiling seahorse. One of the unique experiences I had. My first (and second and third) Blackwater dive, dives I will never forget. The staff are wonderful, the dive guides are amazing, they actually care and put in a lot of extra effort and the ship crew were helpful and nice. I dove with Julian, the dive master, who I would dive with anywhere anytime, and we enjoyed the presence of camille, the owner, who lit up the place with her positive energies. I've been on fancier boats, but I enjoyed this one much better.
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Lee Waggener profile picture
Lee Waggener
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Safe, clean, friendly staff always willing to help, easy on and off the boat, good dive sites. Guides are awesome. The dive crew very accommodating. Nice camera room. Keep the same tank entire trip. Some sites we went in small groups in a dingy. The return the dingy would slowly pull you back. Thankful we did nit have to struggle getting back in the dingy Some times we would just float back to the boat. We were divided into groups so everyone wasn’t getting ready at the same time. Plenty of food and snacks. Only complaint is the chairs and beds are hard as cement. Compared to the good stuff that was nothing. I would for sure go again.
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Ray Busard profile picture
Ray Busard
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We did seven days on the Smiling Seahorse level over. The crew the boat everything was amazing. The divers did 20+ dives and as a snooker we did four snorkels, which was totally unexpected and so delightful. Took us to some of the best Dive spots in the world and the pictures proved that’s true. The food on board was over the top!! I would recommend this trip to anybody around the world!
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ליאור ארד profile picture
ליאור ארד
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I just returned from a week-long liveaboard with the club, and the experience was simply outstanding. The entire team demonstrated high professionalism throughout, with in-depth safety briefings and modern, well-maintained equipment. A special thanks to our amazing dive guides: James, Velika, Katie, and Mint. Each of them brought great energy and uncompromising expertise. Thanks to them, we felt in safe hands during every dive, and they knew exactly how to lead us to the most beautiful spots in the pristine sites we visited. The boat was very comfortable, and the excellent food between dives rounded out the experience perfectly. This is without a doubt a top-tier diving club, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a week of peace and world-class diving!"
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Itai Stadler profile picture
Itai Stadler
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An outstanding liveaboard experience from start to finish. The hospitality on The Smiling Seahorse is truly exceptional — warm, attentive, and genuine, making you feel welcome and taken care of at every moment. The dive sites were beautiful and well chosen, offering a great variety and excellent conditions. Each dive felt thoughtfully planned to maximize both safety and enjoyment. What really sets this liveaboard apart is the extraordinary professionalism of the crew and dive instructors. Their experience, calm approach, and attention to detail were evident throughout the trip. Briefings were clear and thorough, underwater guidance was excellent, and safety was always the top priority — without ever taking away from the fun. Highly recommended for anyone looking for high-quality diving combined with top-level service and professionalism. I would gladly dive with them again.
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Yossie Bar profile picture
Yossie Bar
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It was amazing!!! Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way... The team is just extraordinary! Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive... The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.
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Magda K profile picture
Magda K
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fantastic ! My diving cruise with The Smiling Seahorse was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. Everything was extremely well organized and seamless, making the entire vacation completely stress-free and enjoyable. The crew was exceptional — professional, friendly, attentive, and always making sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. The food was amazing throughout the trip, with great variety and quality at every meal. The boat itself is excellent: very comfortable, well maintained, and thoughtfully designed for divers. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas are very well organized, giving everyone plenty of space to relax between dives. What truly made the experience unforgettable was the incredible selection of dive spots. Every dive offered something special, with beautiful marine life, stunning coral reefs, and perfectly planned itineraries. Overall, this was a full enjoyment vacation and one of the best liveaboard experiences I’ve had. I highly recommend The Smiling Seahorse to anyone looking for a perfectly organized diving adventure with a fantastic crew and unforgettable diving.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ScenicPath profile picture
ScenicPath
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A well-run boat with a fantastic crew and dive staff - highly recommended! Another vote for the Smiling Seahorse - a very good boat. Purpose built for serious diving, the thought and care put into it by its owner and crew really shows. Everything you need is available, easy to access, well maintained and functional, without anything extraneous or funky. There is a devotion to diving, to underwater photography, to the marine life, to the history and natural history of the Similan Islands and Burma, to the guest experience and developing our skills. Our group did the week-long South to North Andaman Sea trip in January 2026, and each day was better than the one before. The diving is exceptional, with healthy corals and masses and masses of fish, even before we got to the climax of Richelieu Rock. They include an black water dive on each trip, a truly unique opportunity. We received tremendous support from the dive guides and the crew alike, who gracefully and respectfully accommodated everyone's needs. Even the little things - one of the deck crew noticed that the little strap connecting the dust cap to my regulator was close to breaking off and offered to repair it. He did a beautiful job and I'll be reminded of his generosity and kindness each time I dive that reg. Our guide, James, has years of experience, like many masters, conveyed his knowledge with simplicity and clarity (and humor - whew!). I became a better diver following his example. I keep remembering the happy anticipation of standing at the stern, all kitted up, waiting for the captain's signal to jump. Next trip - Burma. The cabins are simple and comfortable, although you may want to bring a pad if you're not a fan of firm beds. A/C and hot water in each cabin - all good. Everyone in our group, from the experts with many thousands of dives to the recently certified, to a couple of non-diving spouses, loved the Smiling Seahorse!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
izacassia profile picture
izacassia
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Best scuba diving Safari in Thailand These guys are incredible! 7 days of diving from the south to the north of the Andaman Sea. The staff are incredibly helpful and the food and atmosphere was great. Special thanks to Velika, our guide, that showed us many sea creatures from the micro (picachu) to the large (white tip shark). It was an adventure! Highly recommended.
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yiftah s profile picture
yiftah s
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The smiling seahorse experience Amazing crew, beautiful dives and unbelievable atmosphere... Had the best two weeks of my life! ❤️❤️❤️
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Udi N profile picture
Udi N
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
An Unforgettable Week Underwater! ​I just wrapped up a phenomenal week-long liveaboard trip in the Similan Islands with The Smiling Seahorse team, and I cannot recommend them enough. The dives were absolutely gorgeous, but what really set the experience apart was Julian’s amazing spotting skills—he has an incredible eye and made sure we didn't miss a thing. ​The entire crew was attentive, professional, and always right there to assist with all of our needs, making the whole week completely seamless. On top of the world-class diving, the food was fantastic. Everything was incredibly tasty, and they offered a great variety of dishes that really hit the spot after a long day in the water. Five stars across the board—if you're looking for a top-tier liveaboard operation, this is the team to go with!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alon kedar profile picture
Alon kedar
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מעל ומבר צללתי אתם באירגון של buddy divers היה נפלא מעל ומעבר לציפיות. הארגון היה מעולה, הצוות מקצועי, תומך ועוזר כל הדרך מלבישת הסנפירים לפני ועד עזרה בכל צורך. תודה גדולה למדריכת צלילה בשם ג׳וי היה נהדר. אלון
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Oren K profile picture
Oren K
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Wonderful experience with the Smiling Seahorse After 9 wonderful days of a diving safari in Myanmar on the Smiling Seahorse liveaboard, I have to say that it’s been a long time since I’ve come across people who are so professional at what they do. The dive guide team is top notch! The crew that takes care of the boat and the diving equipment is extremely professional, always thinking about every single detail and showing endless care for the guests. The boat feels very homely and warm, and it’s especially well suited for underwater photographers. Simply pure pleasure incredible diving, warmth, and love for the guests both above and below the water. Oren Kidron
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עדי א profile picture
עדי א
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Don’t miss this liveaboard trip! The trip was amazing! I had so much fun and I really didn’t want it to end. Velica my guide was the nicest, so caring and professional and fun to dive with, and made me feel very safe. All the stuff was very friendly, professional and personal, and made the whole experience something I’ll never forget. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the overall vibe on board was relaxed and fun. Beautiful dive sites and amazing dives. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an unforgettable diving adventure. I would definitely dive with them again!
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Yossie Feldman profile picture
Yossie Feldman
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience, go!!! It was amazing!!! Katie the diving guide is absolutely magnificent, friendly, crazy in a good way... The team is just extraordinary! Humble, helping wherever they can, the food is delicious and also satisfying, the boys helps greatly every time you come up from a dive... The guides are funny and resourceful... It was really just a perfect time.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Are R profile picture
Are R
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Amazing company to go diving with. They picked us up at Koh Phayam even though they are based in Ranong, and helped us organize our transport onwards from Ranong after the trip. James organizes everything with a steady hand and a twinkle in the eye. You will not be bored during briefings on the smiling sea horse. Our guide, Veli Ka, was just amazing as well. So full of knowledge and safe and fun to dive with. All the crew were really nice - seems like a great work environment. The boat itself was really comfortable with a big lounge, sun deck, AC rooms with private bathrooms. Not crowded at all. The food was mouth watering as well. 5 stars!
SPECIAL OFFER · 10% OFF

8-Day Diving Cruise in the North Andaman Sea

Explore the Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock and the Similan Islands.

Thailand · North Andaman Sea 8 days / 7 nights 25 dives
Departure Ranong
Return Ranong

Prices per diver — after 10% discount

Standard Cabin

60,000 THB 54,000 THB Save 6,000 THB

Deluxe Cabin

79,200 THB 71,280 THB Save 7,920 THB

Master Cabin

82,500 THB 74,250 THB Save 8,250 THB

Prices in Thai baht (THB), per diver. The 10% discount is already applied.