Diving liveaboard in Thailand and Myanmar
  • 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
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Ultimate underwater photographer's expedition

2 weeks, 2 special cruises, 2 times more photo opportunities!

Join our 2 photo clinics, learn new skills from a world renown photographer and bring back the best memories from the Andaman sea.

2 weeks, 2 special cruises, 2 times more photo opportunities!
We offer this combo for the underwater photography's lovers, you will have plenty of time to perfect yourself and bring back even more wonderful images! And we offer you 2 nights in a hotel in Khao Lak to unwind and edit in between!
Alex Tyrrell
Alex Tyrrell

Both clinics will be animated by award winning Alex Tyrrell

Alex Tyrrell is a skilled underwater photographer with extensive experience in teaching and capturing breathtaking images of marine life. His proficiency in various techniques such as macro, wide-angle, snoots, sunbursts, silhouettes, and motion blur is evident from his impressive portfolio. His work has been featured in several dive magazines, including Sport Diver, Scuba Diving, and Dive Pacific, and on renowned underwater photography websites like DivePhotoGuide and Wetpixel.
In addition to capturing stunning images, Alex also shares his knowledge through underwater photography technique articles, and as a Photo Pro for DIVE Magazine and EZ Dive. His dedication to teaching and passion for underwater photography has made him a sought-after instructor, and his contributions to the industry have been recognized through various awards.

He will be coming onboard both these cruises and have a number of fun lectures to help you get the most out of your cameras!

Blackwater Expedition

+

Richelieu Rock intensive Photo Clinic

From the 23th Jan 2024 (5pm)
​to the 29th Jan 2024 (3-4pm)
From Phuket ​to Khao Lak
7 days/ 6 night, 22 Dives
blackwater_2023-2024.pdf
File Size: 2347 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

On this cruise we will talk a lot about blackwater diving and plan blackwater dives every night to practice what we learned.
What else are we gonna see beside Blackwater diving? There are also 3 fantastic day dives are also on schedule all over the Similan islands and Richelieu rock.

How will this cruise work?
​

We will plan 3 day dives and 1 Blackwater dives per day!
The days will be something like this:
7am, wake up, coffee, briefing
8am 1st day dive
09:00 substantial breakfast
12:00 2nd day dive 
13:00 lunch
16:00 3rd day dive 
17:00 Snack and watch the sun go down 
20:00 4th dive, Blackwater 
21pm Dinner.
Pelagic sea snake
Pelagic sea snake
Mantis on a blackwater dive
Mantis on a blackwater dive
Itinerary: 
​
23/1: Embark on The Smiling Seahorse at Between 2pm to 4pm.
Departure at 5pm and wake up on the dive site the next morning! 
​24th- to 28th: 3 day 
dives per day in the North Andaman best national parks: Surin, Similan + 1 blackwater dive every night
29th January: 2 dives and back in Khao Lak around 3-4pm.
The last dive ends no later than 1 p.m.

We'll drop you of in your hotel in Khao Lak for 2 nights and a day unwinding on the beach before heading for the second part! 

MORE DETAILS
From the 31st January (5pm)
to 7th of February 2024 (3-4pm)
​From Khao Lak to Khao Lak

8 days/ 7 night, 25 Dives
photo_clinic_2023-2024.pdf
File Size: 3431 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

On this one we will spend several days on Richelieu Rock, Thailand's best dive site offering the most productive settings for both macro photos and wide angle. This cruise will also take us to the surin islands and north Similan's best sites (Bon and Tachai) for a chance to spot pelagic mantas.

How will the cruise be organized?

The focus of this cruise will
be Richelieu Rock:
Thailand's #1 dive site where we can expect the most productive dives.
​Macro and wide angle...
... ​The Andaman Sea have it all! ​During the day, you will encounter plenty of beautiful subjects to photograph, whether you are a macro enthusiast or more into wide angle photography you will find what you’re looking for in Surin and Similan national parks.
​BLACK WATER DIVES...
Some days the 4th dive will be sunset, others we will do night dive on shallow reef and we will also offer you the chance to try out Blackwater diving for new, unique photo opportunities!
​(Optional: 500thb/diver)
Tiger tail seahorse
Tiger tail seahorse
Christmas tree worm
Christmas tree worm
Itinerary
​

31/1: Embark on The Smiling Seahorse at Between 2pm to 4pm in Tap Lamu
​Departure from Tap Lamu pier around 5pm, cruise by night to Surin islands
01/2: 4 day dives at Surin Islands (macro) + sunset dive or night dive
02/2: 4 day dives at Richelieu rock + 1 sunset or night dive
03/2: 4 day dives at Richelieu rock + 1 sunset or night dive
04/2: 4 dives at Richelieu Rock + 1 sunset dive and our barbecue
05/2: 3 dives at Richelieu Rock + 1 blackwater dive
06/2: 2 dives at Koh Tachai, 1 dive at Koh Bon + 1 sunset dive + ​1 Blackwater dive
​07/2: 1 dive at Koh Bon, 1 dive at Boonsoon wreck and back to Kkao Lak 3-4pm
The last dive ends no later than 1 p.m.

MORE DETAILS
Price per Diver in a shared cabin (2 per cabin)
THB 114,500 in Standard Cabin
THB 121,500 in Deluxe Cabin
THB 128,500 in Master Cabin

INCLUDED  
• Full accommodation and board 
(Breakfast, Lunch, afternoon bites, Dinner) 
• 2 nights in a hotel in Khao Lak in between the cruises

•  All soft drinks, drinking water, fresh coffee & tea
•  Fresh fruits, yogurt & snacks all-day
•  12 L scuba tank, Weights & Weight Belt 
•  PADI Professional Dive Guide (for up to 4 divers)
•  All the cruise's dives
•  Towels, reef-friendly amenities
•  Sea kayak and hammock
•  Blackwater dives are included on the 1st cruise, not on the 2nd ​
NOT INCLUDED
. Marine Park Fee * 6,400 THB / diver *subject to government's change​
. COMPULSORY IF YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR OWN:

- PERSONAL INSURANCE 
(General Travel insurance is highly recommended)
-  Computer rental 300 THB/day
​
​- Equipment rental 600 THB/ day​
. OPTIONS:
- 15L Tank 250 THB / day
-  Nitrox : 250 THB/tank or 4,500 + 4,800 THB for the whole cruise
-  Private guide 3,000 THB/day ​​
-  Optional Blackwater dive for the second cruise 500 THB/ dive
. COURSES:
-  
PADI Courses
-  Photographer private coaching

​
.
 Transfers to and from the boat on-demand (prices)
​. Alcoholic drinks and cigarettes 

. Gratuity/ tips (1000 THB / day /pers is common practice)

Khao Lak beautiful hotel
Where will you stay in between the cruises:

Khao Lak is a beautiful coastal town located in the southern province of Phang Nga in Thailand. It is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests.  You could relax on one of its beautiful beaches, visit its national parks for jungle trekking through rainforest, freshen up in a waterfall or learn to cook your favorite Thai dishes.
Overall, Khao Lak is a great destination to relax, explore the rainforest, and experience Thai culture and cuisine.
​

We are working with a selection of lovely hotels for you to stay on between the cruise with a budget of 1000thb/p/ night. So for example if you are two, that means a free room worth 4000thb :)
If you are a photographer, you will love our boat!
​

Designed by Camille and Franck Fogarolo (a seasoned underwater photographer) and built at the end of 2018, The MV Smiling Seahorse is perfectly fitted to match photographer's expectations.
Not only is it a very comfortable vessel to explore the Andaman Sea, but it is also the only liveaboard in Thailand with a camera room or offering photographer's coaching and blackwater diving!
MV Smiling Seahorse cabins
The MV Smiling Seahorse is perfectly fitted to match photographer's expectations.
MV Smiling Seahorse camera room
BOOK NOW ! CONTACT US

The latest review on our liveaboard

The Smiling Seahorse Andaman diving cruises
Review: 5, based on 176 reviews "Superb liveaboard diving with The Smiling Seahorse" by Andrew, written on April 10, 2023
I have recently returned from a North / South Andaman Sea Manta Ray Expedition with The Smiling Seahorse and I cannot praise the operation highly enough. Everything from the layout of the boat and it’s facilities, the way the dive groups were organised and managed, the attentiveness and professionalism of the crew, the accommodation, the food, the sites we visited …. All top notch! I have been on many day boats and liveaboards in Thailand over the last 10+yrs and The Smiling Seahorse is the best by far. Particular thanks to our dive guide James who’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the sites was fantastic, he always managed to get us into the best spots for fishy action and often away from other divers which was superb… really appreciated. Also thanks to Jamie who’s daily presentations on the the majestic Manta Rays were truly fascinating and added another dimension to the trip…. Best of luck with the Manta Ray Trust of Thailand! If I have any feedback to give would be about the food, it’s plentiful and delicious but a little more variety might be appreciated, it’s a very small improvement that would take my 10/10 to an 11/10! So, thank you Franck and the whole team… you have a very slick, professional, fun and great team around you… so much so, I’ve just booked to join you again next year on the Myanmar Manta trip! See you soon!!!
★★★★★ by Andrew April 10, 2023
Reviewed at Tripadvisor

The Smiling Seahorse

Our dive cruises

170 Ruangrat Rd, Tambon khao nivet, Mueang Ranong District, Ranong 85000​
Phone: +66860110614​
​Mail: [email protected]

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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