Explorer · Thailand · 6D5N
This liveaboard safari explores the best of Thailand's Andaman Sea on a one-way route from north to south. The trip begins near the Burmese border, offering dives at the remote Surin Islands and the world-renowned Richelieu Rock, a hotspot for whale sharks and incredible macro life. Continuing south, you will explore the exhilarating currents of Koh Tachai and the manta ray cleaning stations of Koh Bon. The itinerary concludes in the famous Similan Islands, a stunning archipelago known for its giant granite boulders, vibrant coral gardens, and exciting swim-throughs. The diving conditions feature warm water and generally good visibility, with currents that can be strong, suiting divers comfortable with some drift.
Khuraburi Harbor, Phang-Nga
Guests board the vessel in the afternoon at Khuraburi Harbor. After settling into the cabins, there will be a comprehensive boat briefing and safety orientation. Dinner is served as the boat departs, cruising overnight towards the northernmost dive areas.
Good to know: Boarding and check-in | Welcome briefing and vessel orientation | Dinner served onboard
Mu Ko Surin National Park & Richelieu Rock
The first day of diving begins at the remote Surin Islands, which boast some of Thailand's healthiest and most extensive reef systems. The journey then continues to the legendary Richelieu Rock, a submerged pinnacle famous for its staggering biodiversity. The site is adorned with purple soft corals and hosts everything from tiny tigertail seahorses and harlequin shrimp to immense schools of barracuda and trevally, with whale sharks being frequent visitors in season.
Dive sites: Richelieu Rock
Andaman Sea
The day may start with another opportunity to explore the depths of Richelieu Rock before the vessel travels south to Koh Tachai. This site is known for its submerged granite pinnacle and is often subject to strong currents, which attract pelagic species. Divers can explore the boulder-strewn seascape, searching for leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom and observing majestic manta rays at the cleaning stations.
Dive sites: Richelieu Rock, Koh Tachai
Similan Islands National Park
The southward journey continues to Koh Bon, celebrated as one of Thailand’s most reliable locations for manta ray sightings. The main dive is along a rocky ridge extending from the island, a natural cleaning and feeding station for these gentle giants. Afterwards, the boat enters the Similan Islands National Park proper, beginning with the northern islands like Koh Payu and Koh Similan, famed for their dramatic underwater landscapes of huge granite boulders and swim-throughs.
Dive sites: Koh Bon, North Point, Batfish Bend
Similan Islands National Park
The final full day is dedicated to exploring the central Similan Islands. The area offers a contrast between the gentle, coral-rich slopes of the eastern sites and the dramatic boulder formations of the west. Divers navigate tunnels and canyons at sites like Elephant Head Rock and admire the vibrant sea fans at West of Eden. These sites are teeming with reef life, including turtles, various reef sharks, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. The last dives of the trip take place here before the boat begins its journey back to the mainland.
Dive sites: Elephant Head Rock, West of Eden, Anita's Reef, Sharkfin Reef
Good to know: Last dives of the trip | Overnight cruise towards the pier
TapLaMu Pier, Khao Lak
The vessel arrives at TapLaMu Pier in the morning. Guests will enjoy a final breakfast on board before disembarking. The crew will be available to assist with onward travel arrangements to local hotels or to Phuket International Airport.
Good to know: Final breakfast onboard | Disembarkation | Assistance with transfers