Explorer · Thailand · 9D8N
Embark on a comprehensive North-to-South journey through Thailand's premier dive destinations in the Andaman Sea. This itinerary begins at the legendary Richelieu Rock and the remote Surin Islands, offering world-class diving with chances for whale shark encounters and vibrant macro life. The voyage continues south to the famed cleaning stations of Koh Tachai and Koh Bon, which are magnets for majestic manta rays. The final days are spent exploring the iconic underwater landscapes of the Similan Islands, navigating through dramatic granite boulder formations, intricate swim-throughs, and lively coral reefs. With up to four dives scheduled on full days, this trip is a spectacular showcase of the region's immense biodiversity.
Khuraburi, Phang Nga
Guests board the vessel in the afternoon and are welcomed by the crew. After settling into the cabins, there will be a comprehensive boat briefing, safety procedures overview, and equipment setup. Dinner is served as the boat departs and sails overnight towards the northern islands.
Good to know: Boarding and check-in | Welcome briefing and dinner | Overnight cruise to Surin Islands
Mu Koh Surin National Park
The first full day is spent exploring the dive sites of the Surin Islands. Unlike the granite topography of the Similans, Surin features extensive and healthy hard coral reefs. The area is known for encounters with turtles and various reef sharks. Depending on the schedule, there may be an opportunity for a short visit to a Moken 'sea gypsy' village.
Dive sites: Turtle Ledges, Swift Passage, Koh Torinla
Andaman Sea
An entire day is dedicated to one of the world's premier dive sites, Richelieu Rock. This isolated, horseshoe-shaped pinnacle rises from the seafloor and acts as a magnet for marine life. The rock is adorned with vibrant purple soft corals and is a fantastic multi-level dive. It's a hotspot for pelagic action and also a famed macro-photography destination.
Dive sites: Richelieu Rock
Good to know: Early season (Oct/Nov) has fewer crowds but pelagic sightings are more common from Feb-Apr.
Andaman Sea
The journey continues south to Koh Tachai. The highlight is a submerged pinnacle known for thrilling drift dives in nutrient-rich currents. The site attracts large schools of fish and is another great place to look out for manta rays and whale sharks passing through. The rocky seascape is covered in sea fans and barrel sponges.
Dive sites: Koh Tachai Pinnacle
Good to know: Currents can be strong, making this a site for experienced divers.
Andaman Sea
Today's diving is focused around Koh Bon, an island famous for its manta ray cleaning station. Divers can explore the wall and a ridge that extends into the blue, often finding mantas gracefully gliding by. The area is also frequented by leopard sharks resting on the sandy bottom and schools of yellowfin tuna.
Dive sites: Koh Bon Ridge, Koh Bon Pinnacle
Mu Koh Similan National Park
The boat arrives at the world-renowned Similan Islands. The day is spent exploring the northernmost islands, such as Koh Ba Ngu (Island #9). The diving here is characterized by spectacular granite boulder formations that create dramatic swim-throughs, channels, and arches, all covered in corals and sea fans.
Dive sites: North Point, Batfish Bend, Christmas Point
Mu Koh Similan National Park
Dives today focus on the central Similan Islands, including the famous Elephant Head Rock. This maze of giant submerged boulders offers some of the most impressive swim-throughs in the archipelago. Other sites like West of Eden provide a mix of enormous granite blocks and pristine coral gardens teeming with reef fish.
Dive sites: Elephant Head Rock, West of Eden, Deep Six
Good to know: Possible beach excursion to Donald Duck Bay (Island #8).
Mu Koh Similan National Park
The final day of diving includes two morning dives in the southern part of the Similan Islands. This allows ample time for off-gassing before disembarkation. After the dives, the boat begins its cruise back towards the mainland, giving guests time to rinse equipment, pack, and relax.
Dive sites: Sharkfin Reef, Anita's Reef
Good to know: Two morning dives | Lunch and relaxation | Cruise back towards TapLaMu Pier
Khao Lak, Phang Nga
After breakfast on board, the vessel arrives at TapLaMu Pier. Guests will disembark in the afternoon, with transfer arrangements to local hotels or airports proceeding from there.
Good to know: Final breakfast on board | Arrival at the pier | Disembarkation and farewell