DIVE
THAILAND

NORTH & SOUTH ANDAMAN

8 DAYS DIVING LIVEABOARD

AVAILABLE OCTOBER - MAY


Open Water+

10+ Logged dives

Blackwater dive

Nitrox available

8 days North & South Andaman from Ranong to Phuket

Dive into Thailand's TOP 5 Marine National Parks

Diving Itinerary Accordion
Day 1

Embarkation and Departure

  • 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.
Days 2 to 7

Exploration and Diving

  • Time to dive! We will do 4 dives per day around Richelieu Rock, Surin Islands, Similan Islands, Koh Lanta National Park, and Tarutao National Park.
  • After each dive, a meal or snack will be served to help you regain your energy before your next immersion.
Day8

Final Dives and Return to Phuket

  • On our final diving day, we will explore Koh Phi Phi National Park, including Koh Bida Nok and Phuket Shark Point.
  • We will make 2 dives before beginning our journey back to Phuket. Our final dive will finish no later than 12:00 pm (midday).
  • We expect to arrive in Phuket around 4:00 pm.

✈️ Important

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!

​What will you see on the dive sites we will visit...

Our itinerary takes us to some of the best dive sites in the North and South Andaman Sea. The exact route and number of dives at each site may vary depending on weather, sea conditions, and currents.

Surin Islands

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

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.

Koh Tachai Pinnacle

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.

We will do 1 dive during the day, followed by a night dive on the reef in the evening, with the possibility of seeing blacktip reef sharks.

Koh Bon

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 1 dive.

We will also stop at Donald Duck Beach after the first dive at Three Trees.

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.

Three Trees

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.

Elephant Head Rock

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.

West of Eden

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… 

Koh Lanta National Park

We will explore Koh Lanta National Park, with dives around some of the region’s most famous sites, including Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Hin Daeng & Hin Muang

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two spectacular pinnacles rising from the open ocean and surrounded by deep water.

Visibility at these sites is usually excellent, while the dramatic underwater landscape creates the perfect setting for the incredible marine life we come here to encounter.

The main attractions are the pelagic encounters, particularly manta rays and whale sharks.

But there is much more to discover besides these gentle giants, including large schools of barracudas, huge numbers of fusiliers, cuttlefish, bluefin trevallies, snappers, and many other species.

Tarutao National Marine Park

We will also spend some time exploring Tarutao National Marine Park, home to the beautiful island of Koh Lipe. We will dive at the famous 8 Mile Rock, Stonehenge, and Koh Sarang.

Koh Lipe is the only inhabited island in the area and is surrounded by white sandy beaches and beautiful dive sites, making it a wonderful destination both above and below the surface.

8 Mile Rock

8 Miles Rock is an awe-inspiring underwater pinnacle located over 8 nautical miles south of Koh Lipe. This dive site is a must-visit for any advanced open-water diver seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. The top of the pinnacle is at 16 meters, and you could find more than 40 meters, but there is plenty to see above 30 meters.

Famous for frequent whale shark and mobula sightings, 8 Miles Rock is also home to a diverse range of marine life that makes it an excellent dive site for all to enjoy. The site is situated in open water, which attracts pelagic fish such as huge schools of batfish, trevallies, mackerel, and barracuda, as well as some big tunas passing on top of the pinnacle. You can also expect to see a variety of reef fish like snappers, fusiliers, lionfish, and scorpionfish, and if your guide knows where they hide, you may see a frogfish or two.

Whale sharks are frequently seen at 8 Miles Rock, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a leopard shark or an enormous giant grouper emerging from the depth. If you’re really fortunate, you may even witness a school devil ray gathering in large numbers.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of Thailand’s most stunning coral gardens that is perfect for underwater photography, but the currents can get strong around here, so you better plan your dive time right. The current is also what gives the site such a stunning appearance, as it is covered in healthy soft coral that can only thrive in the current, and in the middle of it you will find a picture-perfect mix of barrel sponges and anemones with all types of clownfish hovering over them: tomato, clark, skunk, and more. They can all be seen here.

Don’t worry too much about the current thought, as there’s always a place to hide from the current, and take time to look for small things such as the little crabs and gobies on the whip corals and the ornate ghost pipefish. Stonehenge can also be a good drift dive, looking at the magnificent seafans and enjoying the colorful scenery.

Much of the reef consists of purple, white, and pink soft corals, and there are many bright blue tunicates. The site got its name after the prehistoric monument in England because of the striking resemblance between the two. Just like the original Stonehenge, the dive site has large rocks and boulders arranged in a circular formation, surrounded by sandy patches and soft coral gardens. The multicolour coral covering the rocks gives them a weathered and ancient appearance that further enhances the comparison to the real Stonehenge.

Koh Sarang

Koh Sarang is a popular dive site in the Tarutao National Park. This site offers diverse marine life, making it a must-visit for scuba diving enthusiasts. The maximum depth of the site is 30 meters, and Open Water Diver certification is required to dive here.

The shallow waters of Koh Sarang feature a pristine hard coral reef, while the deeper parts of the site boast huge gorgonian sea fans, as well as hard and soft corals. The pinnacles are famous for their beautiful soft coral covering in purple, orange, white, and pink hues. The most famous pinnacle, the Christmas tree pinnacle, is named after its unique shape.

During the dive, divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including big schools of trevallies, snappers, fusiliers, and damsels. The site is also home to lionfish, scorpionfish, clownfish, triggerfish, flute-mouth fish, trumpet fish, and many other reef fish. For those who prefer the smaller stuff, nudibranches and shrimps can be found in the area.

Koh Sarang is perfect for underwater photography enthusiasts, as well as divers looking to take specialty courses such as fish identification, deep diving, and advanced courses. Divers can also expect to encounter unique marine life, making it an ideal location for exploration and discovery.

We will return to Koh Lanta National Park for more diving, with 1 or 2 dives at Hin Daeng, followed by 1 dive at The Cathedral and 1 dive at The Chimney in Koh Haa.

In the evening, it will be time for our infamous BBQ night — a favourite onboard tradition!

Koh Haa

Koh Haa, meaning “five islands” in Thai, is a group of five islands located between Hin Daeng and Phi Phi and forms part of the Koh Lanta National Marine Park.

Depending on conditions, we may explore dive sites such as Koh Haa Lagoon, Koh Haa Neua, and Koh Haa Yai, where spectacular rock formations create numerous swim-throughs to explore.

The area is home to an incredible variety of marine life, from tiny macro creatures to larger animals.

Macro lovers will be delighted by seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish, while moray eels, octopuses, hawksbill turtles, and marble rays provide plenty to keep everyone entertained.

If we are lucky, we may even encounter a leopard shark or an oceanic manta ray!

On our final diving day, we will explore Koh Phi Phi National Park, including Koh Bida Nok for 1 dive and Phuket Shark Point for 1 dive, before beginning our journey back to Phuket.

Blackwater dive

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.

MV Smiling Seahorse

Thailand North & South Andaman Sea

Surin Islands · Richelieu Rock· Similan Islands ·Koh Lanta NP · Koh Tarutao NP · Koh Phi Phi & Phuket

8 Days / 7 Nights · 25 Dives

Departure

Ranong at 4:00 PM

Return

Phuket at approximately 4:00 PM

Price Per Diver

Prices valid from January 2026

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Bed

Standard Cabin

Air-conditioned | Shared bathroom | Twin or double bed

77,000 THB
Bed

Deluxe Cabin

Air-conditioned | Ensuite bathroom | Twin or double bed

79,200 THB
Bed

Master Cabin

Air-conditioned | Ensuite bathroom | Double bed

82,500 THB
  • Full accommodation and full board, including:
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Afternoon snacks
    • Dinner
  • All soft drinks, drinking water, fresh coffee, and tea
  • Fresh fruit, yogurt, and snacks available all day
  • 12L scuba tank, weights, and weight belt
  • Free 1 Blackwater dive
  • PADI Professional Dive Guide, with a maximum of 4 divers per guide
  • Up to 25 dives
  • Towels and reef-friendly amenities

Thailand National Parks Fees

  • * 4,400 THB / diver * subject to government’s change

Required

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

Optional Extras

  • Extra Blackwater dive: 1,000 THB/person

  • nitrox: 250 THB/tank or 4,800 THB for the whole cruise

  • 15L tank: 300 THB/day or 2,100 THB for the whole cruise

  • Private guide: 4,000 THB/day

  • PADI Courses

  • Photo Coaching

Other Costs

  • 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.

Logistics

✈️ 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.

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

Posted on Google Google
Magda Kapusta profile picture
Magda Kapusta
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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 Google
Laura Forsyth profile picture
Laura Forsyth
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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!
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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
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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.
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Yossie Bar profile picture
Yossie Bar
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex 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.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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!

We will start with the North of the Andaman Sea in Surin and Similan islands

Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock is regularly listed 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 a huge variety of colourful tropical and macro marine life.

Similan Islands

During our time in the Similan Islands, we may explore a selection of the region’s most famous dive sites, depending on weather, sea conditions and currents.

Koh Bon & Koh Tachai Pinnacle

The main attraction at Koh Bon is the manta rays, but even when they are not around, there is plenty of tropical marine life to enjoy.

There is also a very good chance of encountering whale sharks and zebra sharks in the area.

After our dives at Koh Bon, we will continue south into Similan National Park.

Your cruise director will choose from a variety of dive sites in the northern Similan Islands, depending on the conditions.

From the boat, you will enjoy beautiful views of idyllic islands covered in lush green forests and surrounded by white sandy beaches.

Underwater, visibility is usually excellent. Keep your eyes open for leopard sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, schools of snappers and fusiliers, emperor fish, clown triggerfish and other colourful tropical fish.

The rocky areas are also home to moray eels, turtles and mantis shrimps.

Southern Similan Islands

In the southern Similan Islands, we may explore famous sites such as 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!

Koh Tachai Pinnacle

At Koh Tachai Pinnacle, we usually enjoy a particularly fish-filled dive, with massive schools of barracudas, bluefin and giant trevallies, sweetlips and batfish filling the blue.

This is also a great place to look out for whale sharks, so keep your eyes peeled!

At Koh Tachai, you will have the choice between a sunset dive or a Blackwater dive, depending on the conditions and schedule.

The tigertail seahorse is the most often countered in the andaman sea
Tiger-tail seahorse
Poisson-scorpion feuillu Koh Tarue Tarutao Nation Park
Poisson-scorpion feuillu
Giant seafan Koh Bon
Giant seafan Koh Bon

We will continue in the South Andaman with Koh Lanta and Tarutao National parks

Koh Lanta National Park

We will explore Koh Lanta National Park, with dives around some of the region’s most famous sites, including Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Koh Haa

Koh Haa, meaning “five islands” in Thai, is a group of five islands located between Hin Daeng and Phi Phi, forming part of the Koh Lanta National Marine Park.

Depending on conditions, we may explore dive sites such as Koh Haa Lagoon, Koh Haa Neua and Koh Haa Yai, where spectacular rock formations create plenty of swim-throughs to discover.

The area is home to an incredible variety of marine life, from tiny macro creatures to larger animals.

Seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish will keep macro lovers happy, while moray eels, octopuses, hawksbill turtles and marble rays provide plenty to entertain everyone.

And if you are lucky, you might even encounter a leopard shark or an Oceanic Manta Ray!

Hin Daeng & Hin Muang

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two spectacular pinnacles rising from the open ocean and surrounded by deep water.

Visibility at these sites is usually excellent, while the dramatic underwater landscape creates the perfect setting for the incredible marine life we come here to encounter.

The main attractions are the pelagic encounters, particularly manta rays and whale sharks.

But there is much more to discover besides these gentle giants, including large schools of barracudas, huge numbers of fusiliers, cuttlefish, bluefin trevallies, snappers and many other species.

Tarutao National Marine Park

We will also spend a day exploring Tarutao National Marine Park, home to the beautiful island of Koh Lipe.

Koh Lipe is the only inhabited island in the park and is surrounded by white sandy beaches and beautiful dive sites, making it a fantastic destination both above and below the surface.

Underwater, the area offers plenty of opportunities to discover unusual marine life, including flounders, Indian walkmans, snake eels, frogfish and colourful nudibranchs.

Koh Haa, Koh Lanta National Park
Koh Haa Koh Lanta National Park

Blackwater Diving

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.

Logistics

✈️ 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.

Picture

Thailand North & South Andaman Sea

8 Days / 7 Nights · 25 Dives

Departure: Ranong at 4:00 PM
Return: Phuket at approximately 4:00 PM

Price per Diver

Prices valid from January 2026

  • Standard Cabin: THB 77,000

  • Deluxe Cabin: THB 79,200

  • Master Cabin: THB 82,500

  • Full accommodation and full board, including:
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Afternoon snacks
    • Dinner
  • All soft drinks, drinking water, fresh coffee, and tea
  • Fresh fruit, yogurt, and snacks available all day
  • 12L scuba tank, weights, and weight belt
  • Free 1 Blackwater dives
  • PADI Professional Dive Guide, with a maximum of 4 divers per guide
  • Up to 25 dives
  • Towels and reef-friendly amenities
  • Sunbeds and traditional Thai seats

Thailand National Parks Fees

  • * 4,400 THB / diver * subject to government’s change

Required

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

Optional Extras

Other Costs

  • 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.

8 days North and South Andaman from Ranong to Phuket

Dive into Thailand's TOP 5 Marine National Parks

Colorful Ornate ghost pipe fish
Ornate ghost pipefish
Majestic manta ray Koh Bon
Majestic manta ray

Itinerary of Our Dive Cruise

Day 1 – Check-in & Departure from Ranong

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.

Diving Days

Day 2 – Surin National Park

We will explore the spectacular Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock, enjoying some of the best diving in Thailand.

Day 3 – Similan National Park

We will head south to Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, with excellent opportunities to encounter manta rays, whale sharks and other pelagic marine life.

Day 4 – Similan National Park

We will continue exploring the spectacular Similan Islands.

3 dives will be made on this day, allowing us plenty of time to enjoy the sites and continue our journey south.

Day 5 – Koh Lanta National Park

We will explore Koh Lanta National Park, with dives around the famous Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.

Day 6 – Tarutao National Park

We will continue south to Tarutao National Park and explore the beautiful waters around Koh Lipe.

Day 7 – Koh Lanta National Park

We will return to Koh Lanta National Park for more diving around Hin Daeng, Hin Muang and Koh Ha.

Day 8 – Koh Phi Phi National Park & Phuket

On our final diving day, we will explore Koh Phi Phi National Park, including Koh Bida Nok and the Phuket area.

We will make 2 dives before beginning our journey back to Phuket.

Diving Schedule & Return to Phuket

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 4, we will make 3 dives, while on Day 8, we will make 2 dives.

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!

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.