Open Water+
10+ Logged dives
Blackwater dive
Nitrox available
Our final dive will finish no later than 12:00 pm (midday). Don't forget to allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight!
Our itinerary takes us to some of the best dive sites in the North Andaman Sea. The exact route and number of dives at each site may vary depending on weather, sea conditions, and currents.
The Surin Islands are not visited by as many dive boats as some of Thailand’s other destinations, making them a fantastic place to enjoy a more peaceful diving experience.
The area is particularly rewarding for macro lovers, with excellent chances of finding ghost pipefish, frogfish, and nudibranchs among the reefs and soft corals.
The Surin Islands are also one of the first places on our itinerary where we may encounter whale sharks and manta rays.
We will start our day at Koh Chi, in the northern part of the Surin Islands, and gradually make our way towards the southern part of the archipelago.
There are plenty of opportunities to encounter Jenkins’ stingrays, Napoleon wrasse, sweetlips, barracudas, humphead parrotfish, manta rays, eagle rays, and zebra sharks, along with a huge variety of colourful tropical fish.
Richelieu Rock is regularly ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the world—and once you dive here, you will quickly understand why!
This spectacular pinnacle can be described as a giant underwater aquarium, with an incredible variety of marine life packed into a relatively small area.
From seahorses to schools of jacks and barracudas, there is always something happening around the rock. And if you are lucky, you may even encounter the star of the show: the whale shark!
Richelieu Rock is also a true paradise for underwater photographers, particularly those who love macro life.
Look carefully among the soft corals and sea fans for a spectacular variety of small creatures, including seahorses, pipefish, ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp, frogfish, and nudibranchs in all shapes and colours.
At Koh Tachai Pinnacle, we usually enjoy a very fishy dive, with large schools of barracuda, trevallies, sweetlips, and batfish filling the blue.
The pinnacle is also a great place to keep an eye out for larger marine life, including whale sharks, turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and Napoleon wrasse.
At Koh Bon, we will usually make 2 dives – one along the famous ridge and another around Koh Bon Pinnacle.
Koh Bon is one of Thailand’s best-known cleaning stations for manta rays, and it is one of the places where we have some of the best chances of encountering these magnificent animals.
There is also a good chance of spotting a zebra shark resting on the sandy areas around the pinnacle.
From the boat, you will also enjoy beautiful views of idyllic islands covered in lush green forests and surrounded by white sandy beaches.
Underwater, visibility is often excellent. Keep your eyes open for leopard sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, schools of snappers and fusiliers, emperor fish, clown triggerfish, and colourful tropical fish.
The rocky areas are also home to moray eels, turtles, and mantis shrimps.
And, of course, whale sharks can also be encountered in the area—so remember to look behind you from time to time for a gentle giant passing overhead!
We will continue heading south through the Similan Islands, exploring some of the area’s most famous dive sites, including Three Trees for 1 dive, Elephant Head Rock for 1 dive, and West of Eden for 2 dives.
We will also stop at Donald Duck Beach after the first dive at Elephant Head Rock.
These sites offer excellent opportunities to encounter whale sharks, turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and Napoleon wrasse, along with a huge variety of colourful reef life.
After our night dive, it’s time for our infamous BBQ night—a favourite onboard tradition!
With its white sand and blue water, it’s very graphic and easy to spot a guitar shark sleeping on the bottom. In the blue, a huge school of barracuda is a regular, but the true highlight here is a magnificent coral reef with its humongous barrel sponge and seafan surrounded by soft purple coral.
One of the most iconic dive sites of the Similan, with its massive granite boulder sticking out of the water that looks like an elephant skull. It’s a formation of several huge boulders stacked up on top of each other, offering several swim-throughs, making it unique. It’s a place for schooling fish and sharks in the blue but also home to a harem of McCosker flashing wrasse as well as ribbon eels. Moreover, the formation offers many small sheltered areas for cleaning stations.
True to the reputation of the Similan Islands, this dive site offers pristine blue water visibility, a large area made of dispersed granite boulders covered with mostly hard coral formation and few soft corals and seafans. It’s the place for macro enthusiasts; tiny nudibranchs, pipehorse, and hairy shrimps are on the list of critters to look for, as well as spearing mantis shrimp, frogfish, and dragonnets…
Racha Noi is a must-visit destination for divers looking for a unique and exhilarating experience. The dive sites offer a variety of underwater landscapes, including rock formations, coral gardens, and deep drop-offs. With its pristine waters and rich marine life, Racha Noi is the perfect location for all levels of divers.
For those seeking a thrilling adventure, the southern tip of Racha Noi is a great spot to encounter giant manta rays. However, due to the depth and strong currents, this area is only recommended for experienced divers.
One of the most exciting aspects of Racha Noi is the outstanding visibility, which can reach up to 30 meters. This makes it a perfect destination for underwater photography and videography enthusiasts.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Racha Noi offers a range of dive sites to suit all levels.
Koh Racha Yai, or “the chief”, is a beautiful island close to Phuket that offers good value for money to lovers of small fish to admire in snorkelling.
It is easily and quickly accessible from Chalong or Rawai, south of Phuket (as is Coral Island). It is located 30 minutes from Phuket, Chalong Bay, by boat. Racha Island also has five beaches.
Racha Yai is surrounded by a reef colonized by hard corals. The fishes are numerous: sergeant majors, rabbit fishes, fusiliers, lutjans, trumpet fishes, barracudas, box fishes, balloon fishes, and many others. There are also some more unusual species, such as syngnathus and mantis shrimps. The visibility is generally very good all year round with little current.
Koh Racha Yai has crystal-clear waters and small white sand beaches. The island is very popular with divers, with some sites for experienced divers and many others for beginners.
The east coast of Koh Racha Yai offers shallow bays that are well protected during the rainy season. Visibility sometimes reaches 25–30 meters and regularly averages 15–20 meters throughout the year.
Composed mainly of white sandy bottom and dotted with coral reefs, it slopes slightly, and the bays often protect divers from strong currents. This combination makes Racha Yai Island ideal for beginners and occasional divers. There are also deeper reefs and some wrecks that are suitable for more experienced divers
All cruises aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse, weather permitting, offer the opportunity to experience the incredible Blackwater Diving in the Andaman Sea.
If you’ve never experienced this unique style of offshore night diving, don’t worry! Before your first Blackwater dive, our team will give you a full presentation and safety briefing to explain what to expect and how to enjoy this unforgettable experience safely.
Surin Islands · Similan Islands · Richelieu Rock · Koh Racha Noi · Koh Racha Yai
7 Days / 6 Nights · 22 Dives
Departure
Ranong at 4:00 PM
Return
Phuket at approximately 4:00 PM
Explore the incredible dive sites of Thailand's North Andaman Sea aboard our purpose-built liveaboard.
Prices valid from January 2026
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Standard Cabin
Air-conditioned | Shared bathroom | Twin or double bed
Deluxe Cabin
Air-conditioned | Ensuite bathroom | Twin or double bed
Master Cabin
Air-conditioned | Ensuite bathroom | Double bed
* Prices are listed per diver based on double occupancy.
Payment
• 30% deposit at the time of booking
• Remaining 70% balance due two months prior to departure
If you do not have your own:
Personal Insurance
General travel insurance is highly recommended.
Dive computer rental: 300 THB/day
Equipment rental: 600 THB/day
Extra Blackwater dive: 1,000 THB/person
Nitrox: 250 THB/tank or 4,500 THB for the whole cruise
15L tank: 300 THB/day or 1,800 THB for the whole cruise
Private guide: 4,000 THB/day
Transfers: Transfers to and from the boat are available on demand.
Alcoholic drinks and cigarettes
Gratuities / tips: A tip of 1,000 THB/day/person is common practice.
✈️ 24-hour no-fly period
Please remember that you must allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight. Our final dive usually finishes around 12:00 pm.
For the latest domestic flight schedules from Phuket Airport, check AirAsia.
🚌 Transfer
We would be happy to assist with transfers before or after your cruise. Contact us!
Please note: This itinerary is provided as a sample and may be modified by The Smiling Seahorse depending on the weather forecast, sea and diving conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
EXCELLENT
Based on 93 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Magda KapustaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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 Google![]()
Laura ForsythTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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!Posted on Google![]()
Nadine FischerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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!Posted on Google![]()
Udi NehabTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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 Google![]()
Tsachi YeshurunTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.Posted on Google![]()
Lee WaggenerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.Posted on Google![]()
Ray BusardTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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!Posted on Google![]()
ליאור ארדTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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!"Posted on Google![]()
Itai StadlerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.Posted on Google![]()
Yossie BarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
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.
EXCELLENT
Based on 227 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Magda KVerified
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![]()
ScenicPathVerified
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![]()
izacassiaVerified
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.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
yiftah sVerified
The smiling seahorse experience Amazing crew, beautiful dives and unbelievable atmosphere... Had the best two weeks of my life! ❤️❤️❤️Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Udi NVerified
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![]()
Alon kedarVerified
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. אלוןPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
Oren KVerified
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 KidronPosted on Tripadvisor![]()
עדי אVerified
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!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Yossie FeldmanVerified
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![]()
Are RVerified
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!
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Meet at our dive center for check-in at 170 Ruangrat Road, Ranong.
A free shared transfer to the boat will be available from Ranong at around 4:00 pm.
It is also possible to be picked up on Koh Phayam at around 7:00 pm.
Shortly after sunset, we will hold a departure ceremony to officially launch our voyage.
Then it’s time to enjoy your first delicious meal on board before settling in for the night and being gently rocked to sleep by the waves.
Explore the beautiful Surin National Park, including the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock.
A second day exploring the Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock, with plenty of opportunities to discover the incredible marine life of this area.
We will head to the spectacular Similan National Park, with dives around Koh Tachai and Koh Bon.
We will explore the northern Similan Islands, discovering some of the region’s most impressive underwater landscapes and marine life.
We will continue our exploration with dives around the southern Similan Islands.
On our final diving day, we will explore the Phuket area before heading back.
We will make 2 dives on the final day, allowing plenty of time for our return journey.
We will generally make 4 dives per day, with a meal or snack served after every dive so you can refuel and relax between your underwater adventures.
On Day 7, we will make 2 dives before beginning our return journey.
Our final dive will finish no later than 12:00 pm (midday).
We expect to be back in Phuket around 4:00 pm.
✈️ Don’t forget to allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight!
Our first full day of diving will be focused around Surin Island.
We will start at Koh Chi, in the northern part of the Surin Islands, before heading south for two enjoyable drift dives along the island.
After the third dive, weather and sea conditions permitting, we may have the opportunity to visit the Sea Gypsies on Surin Island.
Our night dive will usually take place around 7:00 pm.
The area offers plenty of opportunities to encounter Jenkins’ stingrays, Napoleon wrasse, sweetlips, barracudas, humphead parrotfish, manta rays, eagle rays and reef sharks, among many other species.
After dinner on board, we will set course for Koh Bon.
Richelieu Rock is regularly ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the world – and once you dive here, you will quickly understand why!
This spectacular pinnacle can be described as a giant underwater aquarium, with an incredible variety of marine life packed into a relatively small area.
Richelieu Rock is one of the best places in Thailand to encounter whale sharks, but there is much more to discover, including seahorses, cuttlefish and an incredible variety of tropical fish and macro life.
At Koh Bon, we will make 2 dives – one along the famous ridge and another around Koh Bon Pinnacle.
The main attraction here is the manta rays, but even when they are not around, there is plenty of colourful tropical marine life to enjoy.
There are also good chances of encountering whale sharks and zebra sharks.
After our dives at Koh Bon, we will head south into Similan National Park.
Your cruise director will choose from a selection of dive sites in the northern Similan Islands, depending on the conditions.
You will love the view from the boat, with idyllic islands covered in lush green forests and surrounded by beautiful white sandy beaches.
Underwater, visibility is usually excellent, and we will keep an eye out for leopard sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, schools of snappers and fusiliers, emperor fish, clown triggerfish and other colourful tropical species.
The rocky areas are also home to moray eels, turtles and mantis shrimps.
At Koh Tachai Pinnacle, we usually enjoy a particularly fish-filled dive, with barracudas, trevallies, sweetlips and batfish often seen around the pinnacle.
This is also a good place to look out for whale sharks, so keep your eyes on the blue!
We will continue heading south through the Similan Islands, exploring some of the area’s most famous dive sites, including Elephant Head Rock, Donald Duck Bay, Deep Six, West of Eden, Rocky Point and Anita’s Reef.
These sites offer excellent opportunities to encounter whale sharks, turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and Napoleon wrasse, along with a huge variety of colourful reef life.
After our night dive, it’s time for our infamous BBQ night – a favourite onboard tradition!
Racha Yai, also known as Raya Yai or Raja Yai, is a popular diving destination located approximately 15 km south of Chalong Bay, Phuket.
With its sheltered bays, clear water and reefs reaching depths of around 25 metres, Racha Yai is suitable for divers of all experience levels.
The island is particularly popular for diver training, scuba reviews and easy recreational dives, offering generally calm and clear conditions.
Although relatively small, at around 3.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, Racha Yai provides good protection from the wind and can be dived throughout the year.
There are around 6 named dive sites around the island, mostly along the east coast, making Racha Yai an excellent option during the low season when winds generally come from the west.
We will make 2 morning dives at Racha Yai before heading back to Phuket at 4:00 pm.
All cruises aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse, weather permitting, offer the opportunity to experience the incredible Blackwater Diving in the Andaman Sea.
If you’ve never experienced this unique style of offshore night diving, don’t worry! Before your first Blackwater dive, our team will give you a full presentation and safety briefing to explain what to expect and how to enjoy this unforgettable experience safely.
✈️ 24-hour no-fly period
Please remember that you must allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight. Our final dive usually finishes around 10:00 am.
For the latest flight schedules, check AirAsia.
Please note: This itinerary is provided as a sample and may be modified by The Smiling Seahorse depending on the weather forecast, sea and diving conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Thailand North Andaman Sea
7 Days / 6 Nights · 22 Dives
Departure: Ranong at 4:00 PM
Return: Phuket at approximately 4:00 PM
Prices valid from January 2026
Standard Cabin: THB 69,300
Deluxe Cabin: THB 72,600
Master Cabin: THB 75,900
If you do not have your own:
Personal Insurance
General travel insurance is highly recommended.
Dive computer rental: 300 THB/day
Equipment rental: 600 THB/day
Extra Blackwater dive: 1,000 THB/person
Nitrox: 250 THB/tank or 4,500 THB for the whole cruise
15L tank: 300 THB/day or 1,800 THB for the whole cruise
Private guide: 4,000 THB/day
Transfers: Transfers to and from the boat are available on demand.
Alcoholic drinks and cigarettes: Not included.
Gratuities / tips: Not included. A tip of 1,000 THB/day/person is common practice.
Explore the Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock and the Similan Islands.
Prices in Thai baht (THB), per diver. The 10% discount is already applied.