Smiling Seahorse · Thailand · 5D/4N
Explore the diverse northern Andaman Sea on this 5-day itinerary visiting marine parks near Ranong. Encounter healthy reefs, stunning hard and soft corals, and a rich variety of fish life in the protected waters of Surin and Similan National Parks. This trip focuses on sites celebrated for their larger pelagic encounters like manta rays and whale sharks, especially at renowned spots such as Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock, known for its vibrant anemone carpets and abundant schooling fish. Expect strong currents and drift diving opportunities at these more exposed sites, offering thrilling dives with prolific marine biodiversity.
The vessel departs from Ranong around 4pm. It is also possible to be picked up at Koh Phayam around 7pm.
The vessel conducts 2 dives and returns to Ranong around 8 p.m. Drop-off is possible at Koh Phayam around 6 p.m. The last dive concludes no later than 11:30. Divers observe the following marine life at the dive sites: Surin Island: Surin Island is not frequently dived by many other boats. It is a very good spot for macro life such as ghost pipefish, frogfish, and nudibranchs. It is the first place where Whale Sharks and Mantas may be seen. Many Jenkins Stingray, sweetlips, and Barracudas are present, with regular sightings of Humphead Parrotfish, Eagle Ray, and Reef Sharks. Diving commences at Koh Chi in the north of Surin Island and proceeds to the southern part of Surin Island. There is an opportunity to see Jenkins Stingray, Napoleon fish, many sweetlips, Barracudas, Humphead Parrotfish, Manta Ray, Eagle Ray, zebra sharks, etc. - Koh Bon & Koh Bon Pinnacle: The main attraction here is Manta Rays. When Manta Rays are not present, there is plenty of tropical fish to observe. There is also a very good chance for Whale Shark and Zebra Sharks. After observing Manta’s, the vessel proceeds south to another dive site in Similan National Park. Guests enjoy the view from the boat of idyllic islands with lush green forest surrounded by white sand beaches. Divers explore for usually great visibility and hope to spot leopard sharks, blue spotted stingray, schools of snappers and fusiliers, emperor fish, clown trigger fish, and more tropical colorful fish, as well as some Moray eels, turtles, and mantis shrimps living in the rocky areas. - At Koh Tachai Pinnacle, divers usually experience a very fishy dive: barracudas, trevalis, sweetlips, batfish, a very nice dive spot. Koh Tachai offers good chances to spot whale shark, turtles, Manta, reef sharks, Napoleons. - Richelieu Rock is always listed in the top 10 dive sites of the world. Divers quickly understand why. It can be described as a big aquarium with more or less everything. From seahorses to jack fish and plenty of kinky cuttlefish action. Richelieu Rock is one of the best places to see whale sharks, so divers keep their eyes open. Richelieu Rock is also a paradise for underwater photographers focusing on macro life; divers look well in the soft coral and sea fans for a spectacular array of small critters like seahorse, Pipefish, Ghost Pipefish, Harlequin Shrimp, Frog fish, and Nudibranch of all shapes and colours. A delicious and hearty barbecue is on the program around the Surin Islands, as well as an optional Blackwater dive (Free) around the Similan Islands. Return flights to Bangkok: AirAsia: 1:25 p.m. - 2:35 p.m. (first flight that can be safely taken) (Guests remember the 24 hours without flight time after the last dive.) Bus: Guests can also return to Bangkok by bus in one of the VIP buses with fully reclining seats for around 700 thb, arriving in Bangkok around 5am. Note: This itinerary is provided as a sample itinerary and can be modified by The Smiling Seahorse based on weather forecast or other unforeseen circumstances. Blackwater dives are unguided and only suitable for experienced divers.